Pomeranian

                                             Pomeranian

AKA:NA
Origin:Germany
Size:Small
Ease of training:Medium/High
Grooming:Low/Medium
Shedding:Medium/High
Exercise needed:Occasional walks
Energy level:High
Protection:Makes an effective watchdog
Good with children:Yes, but must be older, gentle children
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:14/155

Pomeranian Temperament

The Pomeranian is a small dog with an outgoing personality and plenty of character. These dogs are alert, energetic, and have lots of spirit. The Pomeranian is an intelligent dog and a quick learner, which makes training easy. The Pomeranian is a loving and affectionate breed, who thrives on the companionship and affections of his owners. He is well suited to those with little or no experience of dog ownership, as well as the more experienced. It is important to be confident and assertive with these dogs, as some can be bossy and a little big headed. However, they are also very amiable and friendly, making them ideal family pets. The Pomeranian will bark to raise the alarm if anything is amiss, and this makes him effective as a watchdog. He is a little on the small size to really have any impact as a guard dog, although his size may not deter him from giving chase to larger animals if necessary.

Bright and inquisitive, the Pomeranian enjoys playing with other animals. Their inquisitive streak means that they should have a safe, fenced area in which to play so that they do not escape. The Pomeranian's reaction to strangers can vary depending on the personality of the dog, and whereas some will be friendly and welcoming others may be standoffish. When it comes to children these dogs should not be considered for a home with younger, boisterous kids. He is a fragile and dainty creature, and should be around only gentle, older children for his own safety. Entertaining, plucky, and fun to be around, the Pomeranian can make a great pet for families with older children, as well as a great companion dog for those looking for a loving and very cute friend. These are dogs that enjoy being pampered as much as they love to play.

Pomeranian Appearance

The Pomeranian is a very cute, pretty, and dainty creature with a fragile build. He always has a bright, inquisitive expression, and looks alert and eager pretty much all of the time. He has a long, straight coat that is harsh in texture, and a dense, fluffy undercoat. The coloring of the coat can vary, and some of the colors include parti-color, cream and sable, cream, blue, red, orange, sable, and brindle. The height of the Pomeranian is around 7 inches, and he weighs in at 3-7 pounds.

Pomeranian Grooming

When it comes to grooming the coat of the Pomeranian requires brushing around twice a week, although this will need to be stepped up at times that he is shedding more heavily. You may also need to occasionally trim his coat. The Pomeranian is a medium shedder, and sheds more heavily during the spring and autumn months, so he is not ideal for allergy sufferers.

Pomeranian Health Problems and Life Expectancy

There are a number of health problems that are associated with this breed, and this includes: cataracts, PRA, low blood sugar, entropion, luxating patella, PDA, collapsing trachea, and allergies. The parents of the Pomeranian puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates. The life expectancy of these dogs is around 12-16 years.

Pomeranian History

The Pomeranian originates from Germany, and has a history that dates back to around the eighteenth century. Introduced in Britain in the nineteenth century, this breed used to be significantly larger, but its size was reduced through selective breeding. The Pomeranian was registered with the AKC in 1887.

Poodle

                                          Poodle

AKA:Barbone, Caniche
Origin:Germany
Size:Small/Medium/Large
Ease of training:High
Grooming:High
Shedding:Low
Exercise needed:Daily walks and runs
Energy level:Medium
Protection:High, barking alarm
Good with children:Yes, best with older children
Health clearances:OFA, CERF, vWD, SA skin test
Popularity:8/155

Poodle Temperament

The Poodle is a popular family pet with an impressive top ten ranking in the AKC popularity lists. The Poodle is one of the most intelligent and trainable of all breeds. This is a proud looking and intelligent dog, that is very quick to learn and is easy to train. The Poodle is a dog that will suit both inexperienced and experienced dog owners. He is a good natured, sociable dog, and although lively and energetic is also calm when indoors. The Poodle enjoys interaction and companionship from his owners, and is not suited to those with little time to dedicate to their pets. They are eager to please their owners, and make excellent family pets. The Poodle does have a fair amount of energy and does need regular exercise, so this is not the right choice for a couch potato - mental and physical stimulation are important to this intelligent breed.

The Poodle is loyal and protective of his loved ones, and makes a relatively effective watchdog. He gets along well with children, but his size means that he is best suited to older children. These dogs are normally welcoming and polite with strangers, and tend to get along well with other pets. The steady temperament coupled with his sociability makes him ideal for active families who will welcome him as a member of the family. You should socialize your Poodle early on to promote a steady temperament, as some can be timid or nervous. If you tend to be away a lot it is best not to consider this breed, as they do need plenty of attention.

Poodle Appearance

The poodle comes in three varieties, which are Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The standard Poodle is medium to large in size, and has a graceful yet sturdy build. He carries himself with elegance, and something of a regal look about him. These dogs are known for their abundant, tight curls, with a coat that is profuse and harsh in texture. The coloring of the Poodle can vary and includes brown, red, silver, cream, black, white, and apricot. They have long, tapering muzzles, and a wise, thoughtful expression. The ears are long and hang to the side of the face. The height of the standard Poodle is around 22-25 inches for females and around 24-27 inches for males. These dogs weigh in at 40-65 pounds for females, and around 55-80 pounds for males. Miniature Poodles are around 10-14 inches in height, and weigh in at around 15-20 pounds. The Toy Poodle is just 4-7 pounds in weight, and reaches around 5-10 inches in height.

Poodle Grooming

Pet Poodles can simply be clipped every 6 weeks or so. He will need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis. His ears should be checked for cleanliness and dryness regularly in order to reduce the chances of infection. His nails will need to be kept trimmed too, and every four to six weeks clipping and scissoring will be necessary. Professional grooming is a good idea for this breed if you can afford it. The good news is that the Poodle is ideal for allergy sufferers as he hardly sheds at all.

Poodle Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Poodle is around 10-13 years for Standard Poodles, 13-16 years for Miniature Poodles and up to 16 years for Toy Poodles. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes Addison's Disease, HD, PRA, bloat, SA, epilepsy, entropion, cataracts, renal disease, and allergies. The parents of the Poodle puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates, and you should also ask about clearance relating to vWD and SA (sebaceous adenitis).

Poodle History

The Poodle has a mixed history in terms of his origins, as he originated from Germany but was developed in France. He was once used to retrieve ducks from the water, which is reflected in his love for water. He was then used as a show dog in France, and went on to become a favorite with the wealth and the national dog of France. He was registered with the AKC in 1887.

Potuguese Water Dog

                                 Portuguese Water Dog
    

AKA:Cao de Agua
Origin:Portugal
Size:Medium
Ease of training:Medium
Grooming:High
Shedding:Low
Exercise needed:Daily walking and running
Energy level:High
Protection:Medium
Good with children:Yes
Health clearances:GM-1, OFA, CERF
Popularity:69/155

Portuguese Water Dog Temperament

Obedient and agile, yet lively and spirited, the Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that loves to work and play. This water loving dog is courageous and has plenty of stamina and enthusiasm for everything that he does. These dogs love to be in the thick of the action, whether it is work or play, and are not suited to those with little time for their pets. The Portuguese Water Dog needs plenty of exercise, as he is a very active and physically demanding dog. He also needs a lot of mental stimulation, and will not take kindly to being ignored or neglected. Loyal and loving, the Portuguese Water Dog will bark to raise an alarm, making him an effective protector - the good news is that he doesn't tend to bark unnecessarily. Destructive behavior can stem from boredom with the Portuguese Water Dog, and these dogs also love to chew, so keep plenty of appropriate toys to hand.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a friendly and confident dog, but can be willful, obstinate, and challenging, which makes him best suited to a confident owner with experience of dog ownership. He tends to get along well with children, who he will treat as friends, and with proper socialization also gets along with pets, although he can sometimes be jealous or territorial. He is usually polite - even friendly - with strangers when properly socialized. The Portuguese Water Dog is a good choice of family pet for active families with plenty of time to devote to a pet, but not the right choice for those with little time or energy.

Portuguese Water Dog Appearance

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium sized dog with a sturdy, robust build. He has a beautiful curly or wavy coat, which can be clipped and shaped for show dogs. The coat comes in various colors, including black, brown, and white. The Portuguese Water Dog has an intelligent expression, and ears that hang down to the side of his face. He also has distinctive webbed feet. The height of the Portuguese Water Dog is around 17-21 inches for females and 19-23 inches for males. These dogs weigh in at around 34-50 pounds for females and 53-60 pounds for males.

Portuguese Water Dog Grooming

You will need to dedicate a lot of time to grooming the Portuguese Water Dog, and he will need to be brushed twice weekly. You should also check his ears are clean and dry, particularly after he has been in water, in order to reduce the chance of infection. You may also want to consider clipping and scissoring for your Portuguese Water Dog. This breed is a minimal shedder when properly groomed, and is ideal for those that suffer from allergies.

Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Portuguese Water Dog is around 12-14 years, and this is a generally healthy breed. You should look out for some connected health issues, such as allergies, PRA, HD, and GM-1. The parents of the Portuguese Water Dog should have CERF and OFA certificates and you should also ask about clearance for glycogen storage disease (GM-1).

Portuguese Water Dog History

Originating from the Algarve in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog enjoys a long history. Used as a water retriever and to help fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog was registered with the AKC in 1983.

Pug

                                            Pug

AKA:Carlin, Mops
Origin:China
Size:Small
Ease of training:Medium
Grooming:Medium
Shedding:High
Exercise needed:Occasional walks
Energy level:Low
Protection:Low
Good with children:Yes
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:13/155

Pug Temperament

The Pug is a good natured, sociable creature that likes to play and have fun, but is not an overly active dog. These dogs are more inclined to snuggle up and have a nap than to frolic around, although some can be very entertaining to be around. A loving, affectionate, yet not overly demanding dog, the Pug is well suited to those with no experience of dog ownership as well as the more experienced. The Pug is not the ideal choice for a guard dog or watchdog, as he is small, a little too sociable to be daunting, and prefers to communicate through grunting rather than barking. His table temperament and friendly nature makes the Pug a good family pet, and he is also ideal as a companion dog for the elderly or anyone that just wants a peaceful friend.

These dogs get along well with children and other animals, although jealousy can strike if another pet gets more attention than them. They will also get along well with strangers. They are intelligent, and training should not prove too challenging, but housebreaking can be another matter. Some can be quite stubborn and strong minded, but most are sweet and sensitive. They love their creature comforts, and enjoy the affection and attention of their owners. These charming dogs do have a tendency to look grouchy because of their wrinkly faces and short snouts, but most are anything but.

Pug Appearance

The Pug is a small, compact, and sturdy dog with a muscular build. He has an expression that seems to combine grouchiness with sweetness and bewilderment. This short muzzled dog has facial wrinkles, small folded ears, and a curled tail. The coat of the Pug is short, close fitting, and sleek, and the coloring includes silver, black, or apricot-fawn, with black markings on the face and ears. These dogs have protruding eyes, and this is something that needs to be considered if you have young children that are boisterous, as they can easily be injured. The Pug weighs in at 14-20 pounds, and is around 10-11 inches in height.

Pug Grooming

The Pug is not an overly high maintenance dog, although his coat will need to be brushed daily to cut back on shedding and to keep it sleek. You should ensure that you clean the wrinkles on his face to avoid skin problems and infection, and also check his prominent eyes for signs of infection, dryness, or other problems. This is a year round shedder, and is not well suited to those with allergies or those who don't like finding hair all over the house.

Pug Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Pug is around 12-13 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, including cataracts, entropion, liver problems, epilepsy, sensitivity to drugs and chemicals, PRA, Less-Perthes, and encephalitis. His eyes are prone to injury or infection because of their prominence. He is also heat sensitive because of his short muzzle and short coat, and should not be left out in the sun or in stuffy conditions. The parents of the Pug puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Pug History

The Pug originates from China, and were once a firm favorite of Tibetan monks. The breed enjoys a long history in terms of ancestry, and in the sixteenth century was introduced in Holland by Prince William of Orange. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.

Puli

                                             Puli

AKA:Pulik, Hungarian Puli, Hungarian Water Dog
Origin:Hungary
Size:Small/Medium
Ease of training:Low/Medium
Grooming:Medium/High
Shedding:Low
Exercise needed:Daily walks
Energy level:High
Protection:High, guard dog
Good with children:Yes, with older, gentle children
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:140/155

Puli Temperament

Very intelligent and quick to learn, the Puli is a lively and spirited animal. These dogs have bags of energy and enthusiasm, and are fun loving, sociable, and sweet natured. He is agile, and has plenty of stamina. However, he can be very stubborn, overly confident, and very demanding, which can make training something of a challenge. This breed is best suited to a confident and assertive owner with experience of dog training and ownership. He is also very quick on his feet, and has an inquisitive nature, which means that his play or exercise area should be safe and secure. This shaggy and lovable creature has a cheerful disposition, and enjoys spending time with his owners - he is not for the inactive, however, as he does need regular exercise.

The Puli gets along well with older, gentle children, as well as with other animals. However, beware his herding instincts, as he will try and herd people and pets into groups. He should also not be trusted around smaller creatures that run around, as his instincts will result in him chasing them. When it comes to strangers the Puli can be a wary dog. Early socialization is recommended with this breed in order to promote a stable temperament. His suspicion does make him an effective watchdog. Although these dogs can be a little naughty and mischievous, as well as extremely lively and demanding, they can make wonderful family pets for those with the time and attention to devote to them - as well as the confidence to handle them!

Puli Appearance

The Puli is a distinctive looking dog with a square, sturdy build, and is medium in size. He always has an eager expression, and often looks as though he is about to do something that he oughtn't. His coat is profuse and forms into cords, which do require extensive grooming. The color of the coat can vary, and includes charcoal, rust black, black, and white. The weight of the Puli is around 28-35 pounds, and the height of these dogs is around 16-17 inches.

Puli Grooming

The good news is that the Puli is a low shedder, so the house proud and those with allergies do not have to worry. However, those with little time for grooming may find that they have bitten off more than they can chew. The corded coat of the Puli requires a lot of attention, although there are a number of options available when it comes to grooming. In order to keep the coat looking good, you will need to separate the cords by hand every few weeks. You will need to bathe him too, and drying can take a whole day. His cords will need to be clipped before they reach the floor. On the other hand, you can keep the cords clipped short to reduce the grooming time for this breed, and some people decide to brush out the cords as soon as they start to form.

Puli Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The Puli is a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 14-16 years. Some of the health problems to look out for with this breed include cataracts, vWD, HD, and PRA. The parents of the Puli puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Puli History

Originating from Hungary, the Puli was used to work alongside its cousin, the Komondor, to round up and herd sheep. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1936.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

                                  Rhodesian Ridgeback

AKA:African Lion Hound
Origin:Zimbabwe
Size:Large
Ease of training:Medium
Grooming:Low
Shedding:Low/Medium
Exercise needed:Daily walks and runs
Energy level:Medium
Protection:High, guard dog
Good with children:Yes, when brought up with them
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:54/155

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that has plenty of energy, especially as a puppy, and needs an owner that can provide plenty of stimulation and interaction. These dogs are friendly, but aggression can be a problem in some lines, which means that early socialization is essential. Serious, sensible, and dignified, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very independent and confident breed, and is best suited to owners with confidence, assertiveness, and experience in dog ownership. He is an intelligent dog and is quick to learn, but training may prove a challenge as he can also be very testing. This is a dog that demands respect in order to give respect, and can be a dominant, demanding, and controlling. However, with the right owner and the right training, he can be a well balanced, loving family pet and companion.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very loyal and protective dog. His suspicion of strangers makes him an effective protector. He will get along well with children when brought up with them, but younger children are not recommended, as these dogs do not like to be handled roughly. With early socialization he tends to get along okay with other animals, although he may be bossy with them. A devoted sight and scent hound, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to wander off of something stirs his curiosity, and therefore a safe, secured area is essential unless he is on a leash. With early socialization, consistent training, and a confident, assertive owner, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can make a very good family pet.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a handsome dog, and carried himself with a certain dignity. Large in size, he has a well muscled, sturdy build, and an intelligent expression. His coat is short, close fitting, and glossy, and the coloring is golden tan or reddish tan (light or red wheaten). The weight of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is around 70-75 pounds for females, and around 75-85 pounds for males. The height of these dogs is around 24-26 inches for females, and around 25-28 inches for males. One distinctive feature that has helped the Rhodesian Ridgeback earn his name is the strip of hair along the dog's back, which grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat and forms a ridge.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Rhodesian Ridgeback are low, and his coat simply needs to be brushed occasionally to keep it looking good. The odd wipe down with a soft, damp cloth will also help it to keep its shine. He is a light shedder, and therefore may be suited to some people with allergies.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is around 12 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. This includes thyroid problems, cancer, cataracts, deafness, HD, dermoid sinus, and bloat. The parents of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Rhodesian Ridgeback History

The country formerly known as Rhodesia is now Zimbabwe, and this is where the Rhodesian Ridgeback originates from. These dogs were used to hunt in packs, and their ability to hunt big game such as lions earned them the nickname of African Lion Dogs. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1955.

Rottweiler

                                        Rottweiler

AKA:NA
Origin:Germany
Size:Large
Ease of training:High
Grooming:Low
Shedding:Medium
Exercise needed:Daily walks
Energy level:Medium
Protection:High, effective watchdog and guarddog
Good with children:Yes, with older children and when brought up with them
Health clearances:OFA, CERF, heart examination
Popularity:17/155

Rottweiler Temperament

The Rottweiler is a dog that loves to work, and has plenty of stamina, power, and endurance. These dogs are fiercely loyal and protective, and will do whatever it takes to defend their loved ones. Many tend to bond to one particular person more than others. They are confident, powerful, serious, and courageous. However, they are not the right choice for timid and inexperienced dog owners, as they do require proper training and handling. He is responsive and intelligent, and with an assertive trainer who uses positive training methods the Rottweiler will learn extremely quickly. He is an extremely territorial creature, and early socialization for this breed is essential. The Rottweiler needs firm discipline and consistent training.

It is important to provide regular exercise, plenty of interaction, and mental stimulation for the Rottweiler. These dogs can be a handful, and do have a fair amount of energy. A safe, secure area is essential for these dogs to play and exercise, and he will need plenty of space, as he is a large creature. Rottweilers tend to get on well with children when brought up with them, and with older children that will not pester them. He tends to be aloof around strangers, and care must be taken because of his strong protective streak - again, early socialization and proper training is a key factor. Early exposure to pets is also important, and the Rottweiler can be aggressive towards cats and dogs. However, with the right family and owner, the Rottweiler can make a loyal, devoted, and loving pet.

Rottweiler Appearance

The Rottweiler is a large dog, with a sturdy, muscular build. He has a handsome yet rugged look about him, and an intelligent expression. His coat is short, close fitting, and has a coarse texture. The coloring of the Rottweiler is black with mahogany or tan markings. The Rottweiler weighs in at around 80-100 pounds for females, and 95-135 pounds for males. The height of these dogs is around 22-25 inches for females, and 24-27 inches for males.

Rottweiler Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Rottweiler are not high, and you can keep his coat in good condition with a once weekly brushing. However, you will need to increase this when he is shedding more heavily. He is a medium shedder, and therefore may not prove ideal for allergy sufferers.

Rottweiler Health Problems and Life Expectancy

As with many large dogs, the Rottweiler has a shorter life expectancy than many other breeds, and lives to around 9-10 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes heart problems, eye diseases, bloat, thyroid problems, cancer, OCD, HD, seizures, and allergies. The parents of the Rottweiler puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates and heart clearance.

Rottweiler History

The Rottweiler originates from Germany and was used in the control of livestock. They have also been used effectively as guard dogs and police dogs. The Rottweiler gets his name from the town of Rottweil in Germany. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1931.