The Anatolian is a powerful breed, capable of taking on most predators. However, the body is lean rather than bulky, with the thick coat making them look heavier than they actually are. The tail is long and when the dog is alert it curls up over the back. The coat is usually fawn, and the dog sports a black “face mask”.

An ancient dog breed, the Anatolian is revered as a national treasure and is considered the national dog of Turkey. They’ve been guarding sheep in the Sivas-Kangal region of Turkey for hundreds of years, but have also been used as hunting dogs, and as military dogs.

These dogs are afraid of nothing and will take on wolves, bears and other predators to protect their flock. The are particularly rugged and can live outdoors in any temperature.

To understand the Anatolian’s temperament you have to appreciate the job they were bred to do. They are guardians first and foremost and much of their behavior relates to this task. These are highly protective dogs who will lay down their lives to protect their flock, and that includes their human family.

If you understand these behaviors, then this can make a good pet. However, this is not the ideal dog for a first time owner, as they are strong-willed dogs, requiring consistent pack leadership. That said, they are excellent with children, tolerant of other pets that they’ve been socialized with, and outstanding guardians.

You should be aware though, that they are at their most vigilant at night, and tend to bark a lot. This behavior can be addressed with early socialization and obedience training.

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The Anatolian Shepherd is a healthy dog with an average lifespan of over 12 years. This is exceptionally long for a dog of this size. However, the breed is not without its health problems and may suffer from hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eyelid entropion.

The Anatolian has a particularly slow immune system, which means an anaesthesia can be dangerous. Be sure to inform your vet of this.

The Anatolian is quite an easy dog to maintain. They do shed heavily twice annually, and you’ll have to brush the coat every day during this period.

It goes without saying that this is not a dog to be kept in an apartment. The Anatolian needs a large secure garden and will also have to taken for long daily walks.

This ancient breed is thought to have originated in Mongolia round about 200BC. They were used in a number of roles including guarding, herding, hunting and pulling carts. They were also a source of food for the ancient people of this region.

The origin of the name is uncertain. A common theory is that it derives from the Mandarin word for “food”, by this is generally discredited. A more widely accepted idea is that it comes from the word used by English sailors to refer to cargo. The Chow Chow is believed to be the progenitor of several other dog breeds, including the Keeshond, Pomeranian and other Spitz type dogs.Chows are confident dogs who can be dominant if allowed to be. They do best with an assertive owner who has some experience handling dogs. They are sometimes unfairly labelled as an aggressive breed, but aggression is very rare and almost always down to poor breeding practices. In fact, Chows can be very affectionate, usually bonding with a single individual, and being indifferent to everyone else.

They are not a good choice for a family with very young kids, but do well with older children. They also do well with other pets,. as long as they’ve been properly socialized.

Training is an absolute must with this breed. However, you’ll need tons of patience to train a Chow, they are famously strong-willed and while they may sometimes be co=operative, at other times they’ll flatly ignore you. They are however very eager to please their bonded human, so training is not entirely a lost cause.

Although they are generally healthy dogs, Chows do suffer from a number of congenital diseases. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and entropion are all known to occur. Another common problem is gastric torsion, a serious condition, that requires immediate veterinary treatment. You can reduce the risk of bloat by feeding your dog small, regular meals, and avoiding exercise immediately before an after meals. Average lifespan for the Chow is 15 years.

As you might expect, the Chow Chow’s dense coat requires daily grooming. They are heavy shedders, and also blow their coat twice a year.

Chows are very independent dogs, so they have no problem living outdoors, provided they get attention from their favorite human. Their dense coat allows them to withstand cold weather conditions although they are less adapted to warm weather.

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These dogs are immensely strong with a solid build and a large head. The face is somewhat flattened with powerful jaws. Te coat is short, and mainly white in color, with patches of black, brindle, brown, fawn or red.

The progenitor of the breed is the Old English Bulldog, an athletic and agile dog which is not to be confused with modern Bulldogs. The dogs were brought to America by English immigrants and were put to work as general purpose farm dogs.

By the end of the Second World War the breed’s numbers has been severely depleted and they would have likely died out but for the work of two men. John D. Johnson, and Alan Scott began work on restoring the breed. Originally their dogs were bred to a similar breed standard, but later diverged. Scott started breeding sleeker, hunting dogs, while Johnson bred more heavily-muscled dogs, suitable for guarding. This divergence gives us the two breed variants of today.

The American Bulldog is recognized by several registries around the world, including the United Kennel Club (UKC). It is not recognised by the AKC.

Despite his intimidating looks the American Bulldog is actually a friendly dog. They are not aggressive by nature and make excellent family pets. They are good with children and get on well with other pets in the household, including cats. They are extremely devoted dogs and are fearless in protecting their family from any threat.

It goes without saying that a dog this powerful needs to be thoroughly trained and socialized. They respond well to positive training methods and have a natural intelligence that makes them easy to train. They can however be quite stubborn when the mood takes them. House training in particular can be a real challenge with this breed.

In addition to training, this dog will require a significant amount of exercise. Forget what you know about the lethargic English Bulldog, these are high-energy dogs. A long daily walk is definitely required, and the American Bulldog also loves to play.

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These dogs shed very little and are easy to groom. They require only a regular brushing to keep the coat in good order.

The American Bulldog is generally healthy and can live as long as 16 years. Health problems that do occur in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, entropion, and bone cancer.

The American Bulldog is not an ideal dog for apartment living, but will be able to cope as long as his considerable exercise needs are met. He’ll do much better though, in a house with a medium to large garden.

At 17 to 19 inches tall the American Staffordshire is taller than its close relative, the American Pit Bull Terrier. It gives the impression of immense power, with a huge head and incredibly powerful jaws. Cropping the ears make the dog look even more intimidating, although uncropped ears are more common. The coat is short and can be a variety of colors, either sold or cropped.

The Am Staff traces its history back to Staffordshire, England, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs had been created by crossing the Bulldog with various terrier breeds, but when they arrived in America, local breeders decided they wanted a larger dog, suitable for dog fighting.

When this cruel ‘sport’ was banned in the early 1900s, two variants of the breed emerged. The American Staffordshire Terrier was used for show purposes, while the American Pit Bull Terrier, continued to be used in illegal dog fighting contests.

Despite its imitating looks, the American Stafford Shire is actually an affectionate, happy and balanced dog. They are extremely loyal and bond strongly with family. They have a particular love of children, but are too strong and active to be handled by small kids.

The Am Staff is very protective of those it loves. Not that these dogs usually need to resort to aggression. Few would be stupid enough to challenge them.

Training, socialization and consistent pack leadership are essential with this breed. Not so much because of their, largely undeserved, reputation for aggression, but because an untrained dog this powerful in virtually impossible to control.

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The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally a sound breed, but like all purebred dogs, suffers from a number of inherited diseases. These include hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, tumors, cataracts, skin allergies, and thyroid problems. Average lifespan for the breed is 12 to 16 years.

Grooming an Am Staff is a simple matter of a weekly brush down, while you can also bathe the dog once a month or so.

The Am Staff requires a lot of exercise, but it will adapt quite well to apartment living provided these exercise needs are met. A house with a large garden would still be preferable, but whatever the living arrangement, a long walk on the leash is required every day.

These are indoor dogs. They dislike cold weather and anyway prefer to be close to their family.

The Bullmastiff was big enough, fast enough, and agile enough to excel at this job. And the dog seldom had to resort to force because even the bravest poacher was quickly frightened into submission.

And it’s easy to see why, because this is a very impressive dog. Standing 27 inches at the withers and weighing as much as 130 pounds, the Bullmastiff suggests both strength and quickness. It has a large head with and undershot jaw, and a dark face mask. The coat is short and can be tan, red or brindle.

Despite its size and fearsome looks the Bullmastiff is a true gentle giant. These dogs are affectionate, loyal and protective and form strong bonds with their family. They love human company and are particularly good with children, although they are not really suitable for very small children as they may accidentally knock them over.

Training, socialization and consistent leadership are an absolute must with this breed. By nature, they are obedient, but they also have a strong dominance drive which can make them a hard to handle if you have not established your dominant position. Male Bullmastiffs, in particular, can be a handful and may not tolerate another male dog.

Median life style for the breed is 10 years, which is in line with other dogs of this size. The Bullmastiff is unfortunately prone to a number or genetic disorders. As with most large dogs they can suffer from hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, while canine cancers, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy also occur.

Up to a quarter of Bullmastiffs develop hip dysplasia. Bloat, or gastric torsion, is also common and can be prevented by feeding the dog several small meals a day, rather than one large meal. If your dog does develop bloat, it is imperative that you get him to a vet immediately.

The Bullmastiff is easy to groom. The short coat requires only a good brush down a few times per week to keep it in top condition.

Despite its rugged looks and robust built, the Bullmastiff is not really suited to outdoor living. Mastiff breeds in general are sensitive to extremes of temperature, and in addition, these dogs absolutely love human companionship and don’t enjoy being kept apart from their family.

Fortunately, they are no problem indoors, and are so quiet, calm and well behaved that they are even suitable for apartment living. The proviso is that they will need to get out every day for a long walk.

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These dogs were invaluable to the Romans, who used them for all kinds of work. A well documented history tells us they were guard dogs, herders of sheep and cattle, and hunting dogs. They were also used by the Roman legions as dogs of war, as well as in the the Colosseum, to fight wild animals in gladiatorial battles.

Like many European breeds, the Cane Corso was driven to near extinction by World War II, and only survived due to the formation of the Societa Amatori Cane Corso (S.A.C.C.), an organization formed to save the breed.

The Cane Corso is an incredibly powerful dog that stands up to 27 inches at the shoulder and can weigh as much as 115 pounds. These dogs look extremely intimidating, but are not aggressive by nature, although they will most certainly respond if attacked.

These dogs bond closely with their human family and are highly protective, but also loyal and affectionate. The are gentle with children and also intelligent, making them easy to train.

The Corso has a very unique coat that is almost leathery to the touch. Coat colors include black, brindle, fawn, and gray. White patches on the chest, toes and nose are also permitted by the standard. The typical Cane Corso profile is athletic, rather than bulky, but the overall impression is still one of power. These dogs have incredibly powerful jaws, and an impressively muscled neck.

Training is a must with a Cane Corso, and even more important if your dog is a male, as they can be quite dominant. Your puppy will need to understand his place in the pack hierarchy to prevent this.

These dogs are not really suited to a first time dog owner, as they need someone who is able to show strong pack leadership, and keep an unruly puppy in check. You do not want the dog to think he’s in charge.

Socialization is also imperative because, as a breed with a strong protective nature, they are naturally suspicious of strangers.

The Cane Corso is an active dog who requires daily exercise. The ideal living situation for a Corso is with an active family that includes the dog in activities. Be careful though not to over-exert the dog (especially in hot weather) because they overheat quite easily, due to their shortened muzzle.

It goes without saying that this dog will not be happy cooped up in an apartment. A house with large garden is preferable, but the dog will still need a long daily walk on a leash.

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The most widely accepted theory about the breeds origin is that it descends from two Newfoundland pups, rescued from a shipwreck in 1807. These puppies were crossed with local dogs, including Otterhounds, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Curly-Coated Retrievers, and over time, this breeding resulted in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

These imposing dogs stand up to 24 inches at the shoulder and can weigh as much as 80 pounds. They are perfectly equipped for their primary job of retrieving game birds from the water, and are among the strongest of canine swimmers. The double coat is oily and dense, offering exceptional protection from the elements. Coat color is an attractive reddish brown.

As retrievers go, the Chesapeake is quite a serious dog. It lacks the playful nature of a Golden Retriever or Labrador for example. However, they are loyal and protective towards family, and generally wary of strangers.

These are confident, independent dogs who are not as keen to please their owners as, say, a Labrador would be. They are therefore not a good choice for someone who has limited experience with dogs. A Chesapeake will do better with a handler that is assertive, but even-handed.

They can do well as a family pet for an active family, but are better suited to older children, and will also have to be socialised with other pets.

Like most purebred dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not immune to inherited health problems. They suffer from hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and the haemophilia known as, Von Willebrand’s Disease.

They may also suffer from bloat, a dangerous condition that often results in death if not treated immediately. Feed your dog several small meals, instead of a single large meal, to reduce the risk. Median lifespan for the breed is 12 years.

Grooming is very easy. The coat has a unique oily texture and requires only a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. Despite the distinctive doggy odor the dog gives off it should not be bathed too often, as this strips protective oils from the coat.

These dogs can be quite a challenge to train. They are strong willed and independent by nature, and if you haven’t established dominance they are likely to ignore your commands. Strong leadership and positive, reward based training are a must if you want to succeed with training this breed.

If your thinking of adopting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever you’ll have to be prepared for lots of activity. These are high energy dogs, requiring a great deal of exercise. A long daily walk is an absolute must, while your Chessie will appreciate any opportunity for a good swim.

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These are very athletic dogs, with long legs, that cover the ground quickly. The head is long and slightly domed, with widely set eyes. The ears hang down and are set close to the head. The coat is short and harsh and comes in four variants, red, tri-color, black and tan, and blue.

The American Foxhound descends directly from its English cousin. They first came to America in 1650, and have been a popular hunting companion ever since. It is believed that the ‘legginess’ comes from cross breeding with French hounds. These dogs are renowned for their speed, their excellent scenting ability, and their unique bark when hunting.

The American Foxhound is still primarily a working dog, rather than a companion dog. They are not a good choice as a pet for most dog owners due to their high energy levels, although they can be a good companion for the right person.

The ideal owner for this dog would be someone with a love for the great outdoors. The dog will enjoy hiking and jogging, but will prefer to have a job to do. Someone with a job where they can involve the dog would be a good fit. If you cannot meet this dog’s exercise requirements, you should definitely look elsewhere.

Having said that, for the right owner, an American Foxhound will make an excellent pet. Like most hunting breeds they are very sociable and gets on particularly well with kids. They are accepting of other dogs, but less so of non-canine pets, so you’ll have to keep an eye on them. They also tend to be wary of strangers.

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This breed is all but free of genetic health problems, although they are prone to putting on weight, so you’ll have to control food quantities and ensure steer away from junk food and table scraps.

Grooming is easy as the American Foxhound coat is short, and requires only a weekly brush down to keep it in good condition. The breed does however shed heavily, and brushing more regularly may help to control this.

It should be pretty obvious that this dog will not do well in an apartment. If you have a house with a large garden, or better still if you live in the country, this may be the dog for you. But you will still need to be prepared to give the dog vigorous exercise every day.

The Cairn is a native of Scotland and has been around since the 1500’s. They were originally bred for fox hunting and rodent control. The name “Cairn” refers to narrow gaps between rocks, and the breed was particularly adept at squeezing through these gaps to kill rats. These days Cairns are more commonly seen as companion dogs.

These sturdy little terriers are typically 10-13 inches tall and can weigh up to 18 pounds. They are short-legged, with strong hindquarters. The face is fox-like and the ears are erect and pointed. The coat is rough and shaggy, and may be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindle in color.

These alert, clever and mischievous dogs have bags of character. They are confident, affectionate and friendly and ideally suited to the role of companion dog. They do well with children, although are not best suited to young kids. You’ll also have to supervise them around non-canine pets, particularly rodents, as they still possess a strong prey drive.

Cairns are incredibly smart little dogs who are easy to train and are particularly adept at learning and performing tricks. The can be quite sensitive though, so training needs to be positive and reward based. The females tend to be more independent and slightly more of a challenge to train than the males.

Quick, agile and intelligent, the Cairn is a star performer in many canine sports, including agility and flyball. They also perform exceptionally well in advanced obedience trials.

These are robust, healthy dogs, but they do suffer from a number of congenital diseases. Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and entropion are all known to occur, while the breed is also known to be particularly sensitive to flea bites. Median lifespan for Cairn terrier is between 12 and 15 years.

Grooming is a fairly easy job. The Cairn sheds very little, and only needs to be brushed a few times a week to keep the coat in good order. Brushing should be done gently as they have quite sensitive skin. The dog can be bathed if need be, but don’t do this too often – one a month is more than enough.

Because of their small size, Cairns can live most anywhere and do well in an apartment. They are however, highly active dogs requiring daily exercise. This should include a walk plus games, as Cairns love to play and are particularly fond of chasing a ball.

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The Akbash coat is smooth, short to medium in length and is always white, although there may be light biscuit coloration on the ears. The coat has a distinctive mane around the neck, to protect the dog from predators.

The Akbash breed is believed to be at least 3000 years old and may be much older than even that. In fact, archeological evidence suggests that similar dogs were used as sheep guardians by the ancient peoples of Turkey as long ago as 8000 BC.

Like the Kuvasz, the Kommondor and other giant livestock guardians from around the world, the Akbash is quite capable of carrying out its duties without human supervision. The are strongly protective with the natural intelligence and independence needed for this job.

The breed is accredited by the United Kennel Club (UKC), although, not currently by the AKC.

These are brave, loyal and intelligent dogs who bond closely with their family but are somewhat suspicious towards strangers. This of course makes them excellent guard dogs. They can also be excellent companion dogs if properly trained and socialized. They are naturally sweet-tempered and particularly good with children.

You will need a fair bit of patience to train an Akbash. Naturally assertive, they will not obey a command, just because you say so. They can be very strong willed and it will take assertive, positive training to get your message across. This is not the ideal dog for the first time owner.

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The Akbash coat is quite easy to maintain, although they do shed quite a bit, so regular brushing will be required. The coat has no “doggy odor”, so bathing is neither required, nor recommended.

This is a very healthy dog breed that suffers from few of the typical health problems found in purebred dogs. Like many large breeds however, they are affected by hip dyslasia. Median lifespan is 10 years to 11 years, which is typical for a dog of this size.

The Akbash is, first and foremost, a working dog, that is best suited to country living. They will adapt to a house with a large garden, but apartment living is definitely out. The dog will need a long daily walk on the leash, but would really prefer a job to do.

The Affen, as it is affectionately called, was originally a farm dog, bred to control rodents in barns, granaries and stables. With its speed, agility and terrier-like character, the breed was particularly good at this job.

Affenpinschers are seemingly oblivious to their small size and are brave enough to stand their ground against all-comers. But they are also affectionate and playful, making them excellent pets for older children. They are not, however, suited to young kids as they will not hesitate to bite if they are handled too roughly.

Despite their small size Affens can be quite a handful. They can be stubborn and willful at times and also tend towards dominance. Strong and consistent pack leadership will be required to ensure they don’t get out of hand. The Affen will happily live in a household with other dogs and even cats they’ve been socialized with. However, they should be kept well away from small animals like rodents and rabbits.

Training an Affen is sometimes easy, and at other times it can be a real grind. They are very intelligent dogs who generally learn quickly. Occasionally though, that famous stubborn streak kicks in and you may as well quit for the day. It won’t help to get angry either, as they are quite sensitive dogs who don’t respond well to harsh treatment. House training in particular can be a real chore.

If any of this is discouraging you from getting an Affenpinscher, it shouldn’t. These dogs make wonderful pets and have bags of character. They are affectionate and bond closely with their immediate family.

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Affenpinschers are healthy dogs, but like most purebreds, they are susceptible to congenital diseases. These include cataracts, slipped stifle collapsed trachea, and breathing difficulties in hot weather. The mean lifespan for the breed is about 12 years.

Grooming is a relatively simple business involving a brush down every other day. The coat sheds minimally an requires only an occasional trim. You will however have to take care to trim hair away from the eyes.

These are active, energetic dogs who need daily exercise including a walk and occasional games. Provided their exercise needs are met, Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment life.

But they are also charming, affectionate and intelligent dogs who make excellent pets and tend to bond strongly with one individual.

The exact origin of the Chihuahua is a matter for some speculation. A common theory is that they descended from a small Mexican dog named the Techichi and were refined and bred down to their current size by the Aztecs, and the Toltecs. Another hypothesis is that the Chihuahua originated in Malta, and was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. It was crossed with the Techichi to produce the breed we know today.

Any way you look at it, the Chihuahua is a tiny dog. These little guys are slim and fine boned, with large ears and eyes and a short muzzle. Adults can weigh as little as 2 pounds to 6 pounds and stand just 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

The coat comes in a number of colors including, sand, fawn, red, black, or black and tan. There are two coat types, smooth or long.

As distinctive as the Chihuahuas looks and size, is its temperament. They are generally cheerful, hyperactive dogs, but it has been noted that, more than most breeds, the Chihuahua’s temperament is inherited. Some lines are very affectionate, whereas others are naturally argumentative and aggressive.

Whatever the dog’s temperament though, a Chihuahua will not tolerate being manhandled. They are therefore not recommended as pets for young kids.

Although Chihuahuas are generally healthy dogs, they are not immune to congenital illnesses. Among the diseases found in the breed are, epilepsy, seizures, hydrocephalus, glaucoma, and low blood sugar. You should also be aware that puppies are born with a soft spot on the skull, called the molera. This closes as the dog matures, but puppies must be handled very carefully. Average lifespan for the breed is 15 years.

This is a relatively easy dog to maintain, although the long-haired variety requires slightly more work. A weekly brush down will be all that is required for a short-haired Chihuahua, while the long hair must be brushed daily. The dog can also be bathed one a month as required. Always use a mild dog shampoo, and remember to keep the dog warm.

The Chihuahua’s small size makes it ideally suited to apartment living. However, you will still have to take your dog for a walk every day. Chihuahuas prefer warm weather and you’ll have to take care to keep them warm in colder climes, especially when outdoors.

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Something else that may surprise you about the breed, is that they were originally bred for dog fighting – hard to believe given their famously placid nature. The Boston Terrier is a small, compact dog, ranging from about 10 to 25 pounds in weight, and 15 to 17 inches in height. They have small, erect ears, a shortened muzzle and large, slightly protruding eyes.

They are usually black and white in color, but may also be brindle or seal. The distinctive white markings are required in the breed standard. Bostons are not true terriers and are classified in the AKC’s non-sporting group, having been recognized as a breed in 1893.

Within the breed there are variances of temperament, some are extremely eager to please, while others may be stubborn and willful. Having said that, Boston’s tend to form strong bonds with their owners and have an uncanny knack of interpreting their moods. They are very sensitive to tone of voice and don’t appreciate harsh words or treatment.Despite their stature, they are not afraid to stand their ground, and will protect their family against any threat.

Grooming a Boston is easy. These dogs shed very little and the coat only needs to be brushed once or twice a week. In addition to brushing you will need to keep the eyes clean, by wiping them daily with a damp cloth.

Although they are not the most active of dogs, you will have to get your Boston Terrier out for a walk every day. Dogs that are insufficiently exercised and lacking in mental stimulation often develop behavioral problems, and in this breed it is likely to manifest as chewing and problem barking.

These dog are well suited to apartment life, as long as they are exercised every day. Exercise should be fairly low intensity, especially in hot weather as the dog can develop breathing problems.

Bostons have an above average lifespan, with many living 15 or longer. They do, however, have a number of health issues including, brachycephalic syndrome, skin and heart tumors, and cataracts.

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An the breed’s popularity with the aristocracy didn’t end there. Look at 16th to 18th century portraits of the well-to-do, and you’re likely to see a Cavalier featured.

Standing just 18 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 18 pounds, the Cavalier is an attractive dog. The coat is long and silky, and may be Blenheim, ruby, tri-color, or black and tan in color.

Adding to the effect is the feathering on legs, ears and tail, long hanging ears and large, liquid eyes giving the dog a look of innocence and vulnerability.Historically, the tail has been docked. But as this is now illegal in many countries, it is no longer required.

The King Charles Spaniel has a shorter muzzle than the Cavalier, as it was cross bred with the Pug back when this particular characteristic was in demand.

Despite its Spaniel credentials, the Cavalier King Charles has always been a companion dog, a role they fill to perfection. They are extremely affectionate and happy little dogs that just thrive on attention, and are eager to please.

These dogs have the ideal personality to be family pets. They love everyone , and are exceptionally good with children. They are healthy dogs, but not immune to the congenital problems typically found in purebred dogs. Serious diseases that occur in the breed include mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. Typical lifespan for a Cavalier is between 9 and 14 years.

They are also prone to luxating patella, cataracts, and retinal disorders. To guard against your dog developing these diseases it is advisable to only buy a dog from a reputable, registered breeder.

It should come a no surprise that the Cavalier is a high maintenance dog. That luxuriant coat requires a lot of brushing and trimming to keep it looking its best.

Special attention also needs to be paid to the ears and eyes. Both these areas are susceptible to infections and must be kept clean and, in the case of the ears, dry.

This is the ideal dog for apartment living, small of size and well behaved indoors. The Cavalier needs and craves human interaction and is most definitely not suited to living outdoors.

Despite their stature they will need a walk every day. They also love playing games and will happily chase a ball or play a game of tag, whether it is in the garden or the living room.

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There are several theories about the origins of the Corgi breed. Some believe they were brought to Britain by the Vikings, and are related to the Swedish Vallhund. Others suggest that it was the Celts that brought them to the British Isles around 1200 BC.

There may be some truth in either, or both, or these theories. The Corgi and Vallhund are similar in both look and temperament, while the Celtic word for dog, is corgi.

Corgis have been cattle herders in Britain for hundreds of years, and it is a job they excel at. Despite their small stature, they are tremendously brave and think nothing of standing their ground against a charging bull. Their method of herding is to nip at the heels, and their low profile and natural agility allows them to easily avoid flying hooves.

These days though Corgis are mainly companion dogs, a job for which they are well suited.They are affectionate, intelligent and gentle dogs with a genuine willingness to please. They enjoy human company and are an absolute pleasure to train.

These active, playful dogs are a joy to have around. They are very good with children, and get on with other dogs and non-canine pets. One small problem, is the tendency of some dogs to nip at the ankles, but this is easily corrected with training.

The Cardigan is very vigilant and is quick to bark if things don’t seem quite right. While this makes him a very good watch dog, barking can be a problem if allowed to go unchecked.

Cardigans are relatively easy to groom. They have a short coat, and although they are seasonal shedders a brush down every other day is all that is needed to keep the coat in good order.

This is a tough, robust breed that avoids many of the diseases that you typically find in purebred dogs. They are prone to picking up weight, and can become obese if overfed and not exercised enough. A Corgi can live up to 15 years or even longer.

Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living. However, as working dogs they require a fair bit of exercise. Daily walks are a must, and their playfulness means they also enjoy games. You should also consider enrolling your Corgi for canine sports like agility, flyball and herding trials as they do well at these.

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Much of this is down to selective breeding. For centuries humans have bred dogs for particular skills, behaviors and physical qualities, with the result that today, we have over 600 recognized dog breeds.

However, recent studies suggest that many of the physical changes in dogs may have occurred spontaneously. So as amazing as it is, it seems dogs have actually evolved along the lines they believe we expect of them. Now that’s what I call devotion!

Now, while all of this may be fascinating, this information also has a more practical purpose.

Let’s say you are interested in buying or adopting a purebred dog. I’m sure you’d want one that is a good fit for your life style. It would be foolish for example to adopt a Husky, if your idea of fun is flopping down in front of the TV with with a bowl of popcorn. Before you know it you’ll have an extremely frustrated dog, most likely with behavioral problems.

And if your an outdoor type who enjoys camping and hiking and wants a dog to share these activities, a Shih Tzu or Maltese will be a less than perfect choice.

And it doesn’t stop at activity level either, name any trait you find particularly desirable in a canine companion, and you’ll find a dog breed that meets your requirements. Some breeds are more affectionate, others more independent, some are protective, others timid, some are known to be yappers, others hardly bark at all.

And what about physical appearance, size for example? It’s hard to imagine two animals more different than a Saint Bernard and a Chinese Crested, yet both are unmistakably, dogs.

Something else you’ll want to think about is how much hair the dog sheds. Some dogs shed hair like an Alaskan blizzard while others shed hardly any hair at all. At the extreme, you’ll find the Mexican Hairless Dog, or Xoloitzcuintle, a perfect choice for the extremely house proud!

And what about training? You are going to train your dog aren’t you? Well then you should know that not all dogs are equally easy to train. With some it’s a piece of cake, with others more like talking to a brick wall.

So if trainability is an important factor you’ll want a dog that is a quick learner with an eagerness to please. Dogs that fall into this group include the Poodle, Papillon and Golden Retriever.

The breeds you’ll want to avoid are most of the Hound Group, including Bassets, Beagles, and Bloodhounds. Some breeds, like the Dachshund, are known for being particularly obstinate, while certain toy dogs will ignore you as a matter of principal.

And then there are the so-called designer dogs, as well as mixed breed dogs, which we haven’t even spoken about here.

But I’m sure you realize by now that there really is a dog to suit every person. So, what’s your dog type?

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As the name suggests, the breed originated in Brussels, Belgium, and was first shown at the Brussels exhibition of 1880. The were originally kept as rat catchers and were particularly popular with cab drivers, who used the Griffon to keep their stables free of rodents.

Later the intelligence and affectionate nature of the breed saw them gain popularity as companion dogs. The Brussels Griffon is a happy, high-spirited, and feisty little dog who loves human company and also gets on well with other dogs and non-canine pets.

These dogs will keep you amused for hours with their antics. The seem to have a knack for comedy, and love performing tricks. But they are also brave little dogs who are very protective, and make good watch dogs. A Griffon is not afraid to take on a much bigger adversary.

This unfortunately also makes them prone to dominance. You’ll need a firm, consistent hand with a Griffon, to make sure he understands his place in the pack hierarchy. If you fail to show leadership with this breed you’re likely to end up with dog who thinks he rules the roost and displays problem behaviors like barking, growling and snapping.This is easily avoided, and with enough physical and mental stimulation, plus obedience training and socialization, the Brussels makes an outstanding and loving pet.

The Brussels Griffon is a robust healthy dog that typically lives 12 to 15 years. The are not affected by any major illness, although eye and respiratory problems can occur. They are also quite sensitive to heat.

Grooming does take a bit of time, particularly in the rough coated variety. The dog will need to be brushed every day, to keep it in good condition. The upside is that these dogs shed very little.

These are energetic dogs who, despite their small size, need lots of exercise. The Griffon will need a walk every day and will also enjoy games like tag and fetch. They can live in an apartment provided their exercise needs are met.An unusual behavior associated with Griffons is that they love to climb. You’ll find them scaling cupboards and bookshelves indoors, and if there’s a tree in our back yard, they’ll climb that too. Be aware that this could present an escape risk if the tree happens to be close to a boundary fence.

Picking a name for your Brussels Griffon can be a challenge. The best advice is to visit some of the many dog names, sites online. My recommendation is puppy-names-hq.com, which has a huge database, including thousands of female dog names.

Boxers are impressive, powerful dogs with a characteristic droopy face and underbite that gives them a rather intimidating appearance. They are short-haired, faun or brindle in color, usually with white markings on the chests and feet.

Standing 25 inches at the withers and weighing as much as 70 pounds the Boxer, has a strong barrel chest and a very strong, squarish jaw. It looks very much like the middle-weight pugilist that its name suggests.Traditionally, the tail was docked, and the ears were sometimes cropped. However, these practices have been made illegal in many countries and have fallen out of favor in others.

But despite their intimidating looks, Boxer are actually friendly dogs. The form close bonds with their family and are particularly gentle and good-natured with children. They are however, fiercely protective of those close to them. This, coupled with their strength and courage. makes them excellent guard dogs.

Boxers are intelligent dogs, but not the easiest to train as they can be quite headstrong. They do not respond to harsh treatment, but are eager to please their owners, so if you want to train this breed then positive reinforcement training is the only way to go.

Unfortunately, Boxers can suffer from a number of inherited health problems including, skin tumors, heart murmurs, digestive problems, hypothyroidism, progressive axonopathy, hip dysplasia and cornea ulcers. The average lifespan for the breed is between 10 and 12 years.

Grooming a Boxer is an easy task. All it takes is a good brush down, once or twice per week to keep the coat in peak condition.

In addition you’ll want to brush and clean the teeth weekly with a special canine toothpaste. You will also want to keep the nails clipped. Many dog owners don’t like doing this, so you can ask your vet or a professional dog groomer to do it for you.

Boxers are large, active dog requiring daily exercise. This should include a long walk plus games like tag and tug-a-war. Boxers are playful dogs, so they really enjoy this.

These loyal, affectionate, energetic and protective dogs are excellent family pets, and it is no surprise that they are one of the most popular dog breeds, world-wide.

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For starters, these dogs are often used in search and rescue work, scenes of natural disasters, and even to find lost children. And, they are also also surprisingly good as pets.

Sometimes called the St. Hubert Hound, the Bloodhound is an ancient dog breed, which originated in Belgium and was brought to England by the Normans in 1066. The name of the breed derives from the fact that, even back then, great lengths that were taken to ensure that the breed strain remained clear. As a result they were referred to as “blooded” hounds.

The Bloodhound is a big, heavy dog. Males can stand as tall as 27 inches at the withers and weigh up to 110 pounds. The dog’s coat is smooth but loose fittings, with skin folds that are often seen in hounds. The ears are long, and hang down.

Another defining feature is the sad, droopy facial expression. Three coat colors are permitted by the breed standard, red, black and tan, and liver and tan.

These dignified dogs have wonderful personalities and bags of character. They bond closely with those close to them, and are known to mourn the passing of a companion, whether human, or canine.

Their gentle nature makes them excellent with children, and despite their serious demeanor they can be quite playful when the mood takes them. Bloodhounds just love attention and are sensitive souls who don’t respond well to harsh treatment.

In common with most other hounds, a Bloodhound can be a handful to train. It’s not that they lack intelligence, quite the opposite, but they are independent thinkers, and easily distracted by the goings on around them.

Bloodhounds are extremely persistent trackers and will follow any scent they encounter. Once they get a whiff of an interesting trail, they’re off, and for this reason it is important that they are kept in a well-secured yard or garden and are always walked on a leash.

If you’re thinking of adopting a Bloodhound, you’ll need to be prepared for to do quite a bit of mopping up. Bloodhounds are droolers, and they also have a habit of leaving puddles behind whenever they drink. They are also one of the loudest snorers of the dog world!

Grooming is quite easy, but needs to be done regularly. The dog will require a brush own a few times a week, and daily during the shedding season. You will also have to keep the ears clean and dry and wipe the skin folds with a damp cloth, as both of these areas are prone to bacterial and fungal infections.

This is a healthy, robust breed that suffers from few of the problems typically found in purebred dogs. Problems that do occur, include gastric torsion (bloat), hip and elbow dysplasia, and inverted eyelids. The Bloodhound typically lives 10-12 years.

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The breed was first shown at the Paris Dog Show in 1900, and was introduced to the United States in the 1920’s. AKC recognition followed in 1934.These are medium-sized dogs, with long legs and pendant ears. The tailed is sometimes naturally short, or may be docked (in countries where this is allowed). The coat can be orange and white coat, liver and white, orange roan, liver roan, or black and white. The AKC does not accept black and white coats, although all other registries do.

These are wonderfully balanced dogs, energetic, intelligent and affectionate. They bond closely with their human ‘pack’, and are know to get on with everyone, and to have a special affinity with children.Due to their intelligence, Brittanys are quick learners and easy to train. Training should be kept positive though as they are quite sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh treatment.

They love everyone, although they may build a special bond with one particular person. And their affection also extends to other pets, although given their history they may not do well with pet birds.

This is a healthy breed that suffers from few of the problems that typically affect purebred dogs, although epilepsy, hip dyslpasia and ear infections do occur. Median lifespan is between 12 and 14 years. Grooming and care is relatively easy, and all it takes is a good brush down every other day or so to keep the coat in good condition. For dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, regular trimming around the feet and hocks may be needed to clear grass seeds, burrs and other debris.

These dogs shed very minimally, and may be suitable for people with mild allergies.

These are active, energetic dogs who require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. With sufficient exercise, they can live in an apartment, although it is not really recommended. A much better living arrangement is a house with a large garden, or better still, the countryside. Dogs that lack physical and mental stimulation often develop behavioral problems, and the Brittany will be no different. However, for the right owner, this dog will be a wonderful pet.

Picking a name for your Brittany can be a challenge. The best advice is to visit some of the many puppy names, sites online. My recommendation is puppy-names-hq.com, which has a huge database, including thousands of boy dog names.