The Rottweiler is a large-breed dog with a heavy, muscular build and a black-and-tan coat. Due to their size and build, these dogs have a somewhat intimidating appearance. Though they have been used as police dogs and guard dogs, they were actually developed for herding. Rottweilers have excellent stamina but only moderate needs for exercise….
Many people are familiar with the Schnauzer breed, but they often do not realize that it comes in two sizes. The Miniature Schnauzer is the smaller version, standing 12 to 14 inches tall and weighing 11 to 20 pounds at maturity. The Miniature Schnauzer is easy to identify for his salt-and-pepper coat and his friendly…
Originally developed as a sporting breed, the Cocker Spaniel has come to be known as an excellent family companion. These happy little dogs make wonderful pets, particularly if you have kids. The Cocker Spaniel was developed for flushing and retrieving game, similar to the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. In fact, the Cocker Spaniel was…
Easily identified by his black spots and white body, the Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog with a great many talents. Once used as a circus performer, these dogs are full of energy and are easy to train. The Dalmatian is known for his spotted appearance, but what originally made him famous was his speed and…
Easily identified by his massive body and wrinkled skin, the Bulldog is a fun and goofy breed. The Bulldog was originally developed to help butchers by grabbing a bull by its nose and holding it in place. Over the years, they were bred for dog fighting and other blood sports. Once those sports were outlawed…
Also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Blue Heeler is a medium-sized breed developed for herding. As a herding breed, the Blue Heeler is a high-energy dog with significant exercise requirements. In addition to being highly active these dogs are also very intelligent and trainable – they were born to do a job and…
Known for his high energy levels and his friendly personality, the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-breed terrier originally developed for fox hunting. These dogs are easy to identify by their smooth white coats with brown or tan markings. They are a very high-energy breed with significant needs for exercise and a fondness for playtime….
The Pekingese is also known as the Lion Dog and, if you’ve ever seen one of these dogs, it isn’t difficult to tell how it got the name. Pekingese dogs are a toy breed that weighs less than 14 pounds at maturity but looks much larger due to their long, thick coats. These dogs were…
Lovingly nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a small-breed dog developed in the United States and they have remained popular since their creation. The Boston Terrier is known for his black-and-white coat as well as his big, pointed ears. These dogs are friendly and energetic, and they get along with just about everyone,…
The Pomeranian is the tiniest of the Spitz breeds, identifiable as such for his double coat, his foxlike face, and the fact that he carries his tail curled up over his back. Pomeranians are the epitome of the large dog personality in a small dog’s body. They are spunky and full of life, just as…
The Dachshund is a small-breed dog known for his long body and short legs as well as his friendly personality and floppy ears. Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that were originally bred for hunting, so they still exhibit behaviors related to that purpose. These dogs have a tendency to bark and to dig, though these behaviors…
Known for his long white coat and bubbly personality, the Maltese is the ultimate companion pet. This breed originated in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta over 2,000 years ago which makes it an ancient breed. The Maltese has been known by many names throughout its history, though it has always played the role of…
