AKA: Peke, Peking Palasthund, Lion Dog, Pelchie Dog, Foo (or Fu) Dog
Description: Pekingese breed is a flat faced dog. The body is compact and very short. They are considered small breed. They have a double coat, a head turner mane that is feathering on its ears, through their tail and legs. Their head is bigger when compared to their body. Their muzzle is wide and flat and its thick ones under their eyes. Their teeth also meet in a under bite and with their jaw bone that is as well wide. Eyes are round, expressive with a heart shaped ears settled on top of head laying flat. That is adding a rectangular look of their face. Their tail is set high especially when they are alert. Their coat comes in a variety of colors.

Temperament: The Pekingese is a very smart breed with dignity. Also very loving and confident dog. They are a calm and quiet dog. They are also very sociable to people around them and with other animals too. therefore its always easy to train them with socialization and good manners. They are a very brave dog too and doesn’t depend with anyone on their family. They are a perfect human companion too. Easy to be with and a jolly playful dog.They could also be a good watch dog as long as they are being handled very well by their owner.

Activity: They are required to have daily walk and jog as long as they heel beside their owner to let them understand that leader should lead the way. Play is also another form of exercise that will help them gain their energy and to be more healthy.

Health: They are prone to colds, as well as dislocated kneecaps, trichaiasis and some breathing difficulties. Their life span is from about 10-15 years.

Grooming: Daily brushing is required for them to avoid tangles and broken coat. Bathe only when necessary. Dry shampoo is also needed regularly. They are an average shedder breed.

Group: Herding, Toy
Color: It comes in all varieties of color.
Height: 6-9 inches (30.4-45cm.)
Weight: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5kg.)
Country Of Origin: China

Dynamics: They have the looks like that of a Chinese guardian lions. That is why they are also called Lion Dog or Foo Dog in China. They are the favorite pet of the Chinese Imperial court so their name was originated from Beijing.

Photo by Jneh

AKA: Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog, Nordiske Sitz-hunde

Description: The Norwegian Buhund is a dog of the Spitz type and is short and lightly built. It has a compact body and has a short- to medium-length coat. It has erect and pointed ears and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its tail is always carried curled over the back.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Buhund a cheerful and active dog. It is very affectionate and even loves to snuggle with people. It is also an intelligent and attentive breed, eager to please and learning very quickly. It is vigilant and is a natural watch dog, courageous, brave, and vocal without being too aggressive. It is a great people lover, and it loves its family and can also get along very well with children.

The Norwegian Buhund needs to be trained with the owner as a leader. Otherwise, it will think it can get away with doing as it pleases and may become aggressive. It can be stubborn if you can’t get it to follow your orders. The Norwegian Buhund is also known to bite or snap when provoked.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: males 31-40 pounds (14-18 kg), females 26½-35½ pounds (12-16 kg)

Height: males 17-18½ inches (43-47 cm), females 16-17½ inches (41-45 cm)

Color: The coat of the Norwegian Buhund is usually wheaten or biscuit, from light to yellowish red. But there are also Norwegian Buhunds with a black and wolf-sable coat.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Buhund originated in Norway. The breed lived since ancient times, discovered during the Gokstad excavation in Norway when skeletons from six dogs of various sizes were found.

Activities: The Norwegian Buhund is a very energetic dog and has to be exercised and taken out on a walk everyday. It also enjoys to play and romp around.

Grooming: The coat of the Norwegian Buhund only needs to be regularly brushed in order to prevent matting and tangles. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Buhund has a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Eye and hip problems are common occurrences with the breed. The Norwegian Buhund is all right living in an apartment as long as it gets its daily walk and is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, Mini Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, Toy Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussie, Tea Cup Australian Shepherd

Description: The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd has a slightly wavy coat that is moderate in length. It has feathering on the back of its legs and a mane and frill around its neck. Its skull is flat and clean cut, and its upper jaw does not hang over the lower jaw.

Dynamics: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an affectionate and playful dog. It is great with children and is courageous and very active. It is also attentive and is easy to train. This dog has to be given attention otherwise it becomes nervous and destructive. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a dog that always needs to be doing something. Socialization is needed so that it will not grow up suspicious of strangers. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not usually dog aggressive and can get along with other dogs.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg)

Height: 13 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm)

Color: The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd comes in either blue or red merle, red or black tricolor, or all with white or tn markings. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white.

Country of Origin: The Miniature Australian Shepherd was bred in the United States in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds.

Activities: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an active breed and therefore needs to be regularly walked and exercised. This is a working dog and has to be always on the go.

Grooming: An occasional brush with a firm bristle brush is enough to groom the Miniature Australian Shepherd. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a life expectancy of 12-13 years. This breed is prone to blindness and deafness as the gene for the merle combination carried this factor. This breed will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Elf

AKA: Bobtail, OES, Bob
Description: The Old English Sheepdog a big sized dog that is popular of their long and thick hair and their common color of black or grey and white. They are very attractive with their very fluffy long hair that covers their eyes and even their face. Smooth and soft to touch. Their eyes are flat. Their structure and looks can be compared to a panda. Big and fluffy haired dog. They walk like a bear rolling from rear. They are also strong, has well balanced body, compact and muscular. Its eyes are dark blue or pearl blue. Ears are medium in size and flat. With jaw that is regularly long square shaped and strong and nose is black and large. Teeth in scissors bite. And have small and rounded feet.

Temperament: This breed is adaptable, friendly and very loving huggable just like a teddy bear. Never been aggressive and nervous. They are also a genius dog, easy to train dog. They are also loyal and protective to their owner. They enjoy being with children and always been considered as member of the family. However, they have a strong herding instincts that tends to herd their owners or children so they must be trained not to herd people and let them understand the rules to follow.

Activity: They are a hard working dog, especially in herding therefore they needed to have daily exercise through running, a jog or walking but must be trained to heel beside their owner imposing a leadership that they should always obey their owner’s rules.

Health: A healthy breed but could also be prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma deafness, thyroid problems, diabetes. Their life span is about 10-12 years.

Grooming: They have a very long hair that covers their eyes and face so they must b]e groomed well, be trimmed, comb and brush to prevent from being tangled and get those dead hair three times daily. To avoid skin diseases and infections. Always trim hair around their eyes for good grooming and to keep them away from eye infection. They shed heavily usually during spring season.

Breed Group: Herding, AKC Herding
Color: Grey, Black, White
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Bitches 20-22 inches (51 cm)
Weight: Dogs from 65 pounds (29 kg) Bitches from 60 pounds (27 kg)
Country Of Origin: England

Dynamics: The Old English Sheepdog was first called the Shepherd’s Dog and exhibited in a show in England that made them popular. Also, they are known as Bobtail because of their docked tail. In year 1880’s they were then exported to the United States that was first shown by 5 of the top wealthiest families in US and by that they became more popular especially in dog shows.

Photo by Harald Urnes

AKA: New Zealand Sheepdog

Description: The New Zealand Huntaway does not have a standard look. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and coat colors. This is mainly due to the fact that the breeders weren’t really concerned about the appearance of the dog and focused instead on the dog’s abilities.

Dynamics: The New Zealand Huntaway is a sheep herding dog unique for using its voice in driving the sheep. It got its name from special events called “huntaways,” developed at sheep-herding trials for the breed. The New Zealand Huntaway is not a guard dog, and is not a good watch dog. But it has a bark that can alert its owners, and it can be trained when and when not to bark. It can be trained to keep quiet and save its voice for work.

The New Zealand Huntaway is an intelligent and friendly breed. It gets along well with children, and is friendly with strangers. It is also good with non canine pets. Its owner should be calm and confident, training the dog in clear and concise ways. The owner should also know how to discourage the New Zealand Huntaway from barking when he wants something as this is allowing the dog to be dominant.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: general 40-65 pounds (18-29.5 kg); the New Zealand Huntaway come in various shapes and sizes.

Height: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)

Color: The New Zealand Huntaway comes in any color.

Country of Origin:The New Zealand Huntaway is the product of breeding barking sheep-herding dogs. There were many breeds involved in the program, including the Black Labrador, Hound, Border Collie, nd Germn Shepherd. The New Zealand Huntaway is the proof of the success of the breeding program, and is recognized in its land of origin, New Zealand, as the breed made for the intended purpose of sheep herding.

Activities: As sheep herding dogs go, the New Zealand Huntaway is an active and playful dog. It should be taken outside regularly for a walk and plenty of exercise. It should also be given a time to run around free in a safe and open area.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the coat of the New Zealand Huntaway is enough for grooming. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The New Zealand Huntaway has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. This breed is generally healthy and can do well living in an apartment as long as it has sufficient exercise.

Photo: Cgoodwin

AKA: Mutt, Mixed Breed, Cross Breed, Mix Breed
Description: Mongrel comes in various size and shapes. They come in different breeds. So their appearance also varies.

Temperament: Their traits and characteristics will also depend as to what their parents do possess. It may be guard dog, herders, hunters or any combination of traits. As long as you know how to train them and deal with every traits they possess and what is important is you also know how to deal with them like in socialization trainings and teach them good manners and let them understand that you are their owner and leader.

Activity: Required to have daily exercise, walking, or jog to be more healthy and not develop bad behaviors.

Health: This varies depending on the breeds they came from. But usually they are more healthy compared to pure breed dogs.

Grooming: Also depends on their appearance and breed. But generally occasional brushing of hair and bathe when only necessary.

Breed Group: n/a
Color: this will depend on the breed they came from.
Height: also varies
Weight: varies on the breed of their parents.
Country Of Origin: dogs first originated in Eurasia

Dynamics: This Mixed breed dogs known as vira-lata in Brazil and Dominican Republic. There are some of them who doesn’t have an owner and only feeds in streets, or on trashcans. But they also have talent when it comes to sports like flyball, frisbee and many others.

Photo by Aaandy

AKA: Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur

Description: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is descended from a long line of Native American dog breeds. This is a breed that is very varied in appearance, as the Catahoula Leopard Dog was bred based on its temperament and attitude rather than for its appearance. Its coat can be coarse or slick or wooly, long or short or shaggy. The color of the coat also varies. There is also no particular eye color for its eyes. It can be brown, green, gray, or amber.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s body is well-proportioned, with its tail long and whip-like. It reaches past the hocks of the back legs. The tail can also be in bobtail form, but this is rare. The legs are strong-boned, ending in toes with prominent webbing. This makes them excellent swimmers and the ability to work in marshy and wet areas.

Dynamics: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed with a sense of independence. It is intelligent and can thin for its own. This dog is not meant for owners who will try to limit the dog’s capabilities. This dog gives the impression that it feels like it is already an adult and should therefore not be forced.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be affectionate and loving. But it is also protective and territorial. It can also be dominating, which is why the owner should also show good leadership qualities for the Catahoula Leopard Dog to follow him or her. This breed is reserved and suspicious when it comes upon strangers.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 55-80 pounds (16-37 kg)

Height: males 22 to 26 inches (56-58 cm.), females 20 to 24 inches (51-61 cm)

Color: The coat of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is usually in a merle or black/tan pattern. Colors can vary, and combinations can be tri-color or quad-color. There are also coats that are predominantly white with patches of other colors.

Country of Origin: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is said to have Louisiana, U.S.A., as its point of origin. The breed was designated to be the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.

Activities: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog was usually used for the task of driving and roundind wild pigs and hogs, and also unruly cattle. This breed has a lot of energy and likes to run around in an open area. It should be taken on daily walks and exercised. It also likes to play, running and jumping and bumping into the people it’s playing with. This breed can be physical and noisy and has to be kept in control when it is playing.

Grooming: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog does not need intensive grooming. It only needs a good brushing once a week. The nails should be trimmed and the teeth cleaned. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years. This is a generally healthy breed, but is also prone to common diseases like hip dysplasia and deafness. This dog is not meant to live in apartments, and it is not to be tied to a dog house or ignored. This breed is an active dog and loves human companionship. And it needs to be paid attention to, or have something to do always.

Description: The Lhasa Apso is a small shaggy dog with a long double coat covering its entire body. It looks like a small version of the old English Sheepdog. It was bred to serve as a guardian and watchdog in the Buddhist monasteries. It got its name from its country of origin. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and ‘apso’ means “bearded” in the Tibetan language. Put together, Lhasa Apso means “long-haired Tibetan dog.”

The Lhasa Apso’s coat grows so long it can reach down to the floor. It is straight and heavy, and not silky. Its hair should run down from the head over its eyes. There should be a dark beard and mustache. The muzzle is medium-length. The eyes are small and set deep, and dark. The ears are feathered heavily, and the neck also has lots of hair. The tail is also feathered and carried over its back.

Dynamics: The Lhasa Apso is a friendly dog, but it is suspicious of strangers. It has an assertive manner and is very spirited. But it can also be affectionate and devoted to its family. It can be stubborn, though, and does not like rough or badly behaved children. It is an intelligent and willful breed, and it may take a great deal of training and patience for it to become obedient.

Training should be motivational, and the owner has to make the Lhasa Apso understand who the boss is. This breed makes a good watchdog with their loud bark. It can get noisy, and may get nervous around children and strangers. It may also get into a fight with other dogs and pets.

The Lhasa Apso has good sense of hearing. It also travels well. It does not like to be alone and can be annoyed if surprised or disturbed.

Breed Group: Herding, Non-Sporting

Weight: 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)

Height: males 10-11 inches (25-28cm), females a little less

Color: The coat of the Lhasa Apso is most commonly in gold, cream, and honey, but it can also come in smoke, dark-grizzle, slate, and a combination of brown, white, and black. It is common for the coat to change colors from puppyhood.

Country of Origin: The Lhasa Apso came from the land of Tibet, taking its name form Tibet’s capital city. It was once only bred by holy men and nobles, and stood guard among the temples and monasteries. It was also considered sacred, thought to be a vessel for its owner’s soul when he or she died and also thought to be good luck charms.

Activities: The Lhasa Apso is a lively breed, hence the need for play and daily walk. It also likes to run and romp around sometimes.

Grooming: No trimming or stripping is needed to the Lhasa Apso’s coat, although some owners prefer to cut the coat short for easier grooming. Brush the coat everyday to keep it from matting. Use dry shampoo and bathe when necessary.

Other Info: The Lhasa Apso has a life expectancy of 15 years or more. It is a healthy breed, with only common dog ailments as potential health problems. This breed is capable of living in an apartment and will still be as lively indoors as it is outside.

Photo: El Minja

AKA: Ormskirk Heeler, Ormskirk Terrier

Description: The Lancashire Heeler can be identified with its short legs that set it low to the ground. While the head and other parts of its body is proportional to each other, the legs are not, being shorter and sturdier. The paws slightly turn out.

The Lancashire Heeler has wide ears and bright eyes that are set apart. Drop ears are not unheard of but breeders prefer the ears to be erect. The Lancashire Heeler’s chest is long and deep, going with a firm abdomen. Its back is strong and ends in a tail that is set high and carried forward over the back. Its coat can either be long or short, depending on the season. During the winter, the coat is plenty and with a mane. In the summer, the coat is sleek and shiny.

Dynamics: The Lancashire Heeler has the energy of a shepherd dog and a hunting dog. It has the skills of an excellent ratter and can help in catching rabbits. It has a shepherd dog’s strong instinct in that it nips at heels. This breed makes a wonderful herder of cattle, goats, and horses, although they are rarely used for this task.

The Lancashire must be taught not to nip at people’s heels. It an alert and energetic breed, and it like to run and give chase. It is friendly with the people it is familiar with but wary of strangers. Socialization is important. This breed needs to be watched with small children and smaller pets. It does better with older considerate children.

Weight: 6-13 pounds (3-6 kg)

Height: 10-12 inches (25-31 cm)

Color: The Lancashire Heeler’s coat is usually black and tan, but there are also those with a liver and tan coat.

Country of Origin: The Lancashire Heeler of today are actually recreations of the original Lancashire Heelers from England. The original breed almost became extinct when people no longer relied on cattle dogs. Today’s Lancashire Heelers are considered a vulnerable breed.

Activities: The Lancashire Heeler is great as a herder but is also very helpful in hunting. This breed oozes with energy and must be kept busy else it will become destructive. It needs to be taken out for a long walk daily.

Grooming: Bathe the Lancashire Heeler only when necessary. Its coat is easy to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush.

Other Info: The Lancashire Heeler has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years. This breed is okay living in an apartment. It is an active dog, and will be okay as long as it is properly exercised and let out for a walk daily.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: (pl. Pulik) Puli, Hungarian Water Dog

Description: The Hungarian Puli is an memdium-sized sheepdog with a unique and distinctive corded coat. This heavily corded coat can reach up to the ground, making the dog look like a fluffy mop. The Hungarian Puli’s body is squarely proportional and muscular. The head is egg-shaped and the tail is curled tightly over the back. The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and the ears are left hanging.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Puli is lively and cheerful. It is loyal to its family and is an excellent family companion. It is an intelligent breed that can adapt to most surroundings and conditions. It is not an aggressive kind, but is wary of strangers and annoyed by children that tease and are rough on them.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg), females 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)

Height: males 16 to 17½ inches (41-46 cm), females 14½ to 16 inches (36-41 cm)

Color: The most common colors for the Hungarian Puli are black, any shade of gray, and apricot. White is rare in this breed.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Puli came to Hungary with the Magyar tribe thousands of years ago and is one of the ancient breeds known to have settled in the country.

Activities: The Hungarian Puli has a lot of energy and should be given freedom to run around and play. It is also fond of water and swimming can be an exercise for them. The Hungarian Puli is used as a herder and flock guardian, and also as a family companion dog.

Grooming: The Mats formed when the coat starts to “cord” around should be separated manually and regularly. Clumps should be torn for the tip to the skin. Bathing the Hugarian Puli is easy but drying it takes some time. Without a dryer, it will take two days for the coat to dry. The eyes and ears should be cleaned and the nails trimmed.

Other Info: The Hungarian Puli has a life expectancy of 12 years or more. There no major health problems known within this breed, but it is still prone to hip dysplasia and eye and ear infections. The Hungarian Puli can adapt to any environment. It can live in the city, country, farm, etc. It is okay with any climate.

Photo by Sannse