AKA: Bichon Bolognese

Description: The Bolognese is a small and compact dog with long and fluffy hair. Its hair is long all over the body, though shorter on the muzzle. The hair is in flocks and never form fringes. The body of the Bolognese is squarely. The neck is without dewlap. The tail is carried curved over its back.

The head of the Bolognese has an accentuated stop. It is slightly egg-shaped with the upper part flat. The nose is large and black. The jaw forms a scissors bite, although some has a pincer bite. The eyes are dark and round. The ears are set high on the head and long, hanging down.

Dynamics: The Bolognese is not a very active breed though it likes to play. It is serious, reserved, and shy. It enjoys the company of people, though, and is very attached and devoted to its owner and family. With its family and loved ones, it is playful and cheerful. It may sometimes sulk and howl mournfully when it is not given attention.

The Bolognese is very obedient and eager to please. It is timid with strangers but is generally a friendly dog. It gets along well with other animals, too.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion Dog

Weight: 4.5-9 lbs (2.5-4 kg)

Height: males 10.5-12 inches (27-30 cm), females 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)

Color: The Bolognese has a coat color of pure white. No other color patches and no other shade of white.

Country of Origin: The Bolognese comes from Italy, where it has been known since the Roman era. It is sometimes confused with the Maltese but is really more closely related to the Bichon Frise and Havanese.
Activities: The Bolognese has energy enough for a lot of play sessions. This breed generally serves as a toy or companion dog.

Other Info: The Bolognese has a life expectancy of 14 years. It is suited to live in an apartment so long as it is taken outdoors occasionally. In grooming the Bolognese, daily brushings and monthly grooming sessions are recommended.

AKA: Biewer Yorkie, Biewer Yorkshire, Biewer Terrier

Description: The Biewer is a toy terrier with long hair that hangs straight down the side of its body. Its body is neat and compact, with the tail carried up. The hair on the body is long enough to reach the ground and has a fine silky texture to it.

Dynamics: The Biewer is a very energetic dog, very eager for adventure and mischief. It is affectionate and loyal. It tends to be suspicious of strangers, though. It may not always be able to get along with other dogs and small animals. With regards to children, the Biewer takes well to older and considerate ones.

Training can be a little difficult with the Biewer. Sometimes it is easy enough to train but there are times when it becomes stubborn. It makes for an excellent watchdog. It becomes snappish when surprised or frightened despite its loving and happy temperament. The Biewer should not be overprotected to avoid it becoming neurotic.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion

Weight: 7 lbs (3.1 kg)

Height: up to 8.5 inches (22 cm)

Color: For its trunk and head piece, the Biewer’s hair is colored white, blue-white, blue, or black. For the breast, belly, and the legs, it is pure white. The Biewer’s head is white-blue-gold and symmetrically-colored.

Grooming: In grooming this breed, the owners must be ready to give it regular trimming. Bathing it every two to three weeks is also needed to maintain a healthy coat. Comb the hair with a wire comb once a week.

Country of Origin: The Biewer originated in Germany, where it was actually a piebald genetic recessive gene occurrence in two Yorkshire Terriers. In January 1984, Gertrude and Werner Biewer’s Yorkshire Terriers had one among its litter and found it attractive and cute. They then began a selective breeding process to produce more of the breed.

Activities: The Biewer is a very energetic and active dog that needs daily exercises and play sessions.

Other Info: The Biewer has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. It is generally a healthy breed. The Biewer will do well in an apartment as long as it gets enough exercise an dot gets to play often.

AKA: Havanese, Havana Silk Dog, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanes, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Habanero

Description: The Bichon Havanais, or more popularly known as the Havanese, looks rugged without any trims, clips, or alterations. Its coat varies from wavy to curly, with soft hair on both the outer and undercoat. The coat can reach up to 6 to 8 inches. It even covers the eyes and long tail of the dog.

There are some Havanese dogs that do have short hair, though, and are nicknamed Shavanese. Short hair on the Havanese is considered a fault in the show arena.

The Havanese has solid black eye rims, nose, and lips, except on the true chocolate dog. A chocolate Havanese, described so because of its patch of chocolate hair that is at least an inch long, has green or amber eyes and has only been recognized in recent years.

The Havanese has a unique lively gait that exudes its cheerful character, especially with its tail carried up over the back. It is physically solid and sound. While it is small, it gives an impression of being a sturdy and strong dog.

Dynamics: The Havanese is a natural as a companion dog. It is very affectionate and playful that it gets along well with children. It has a tendency to become very attached to its family. It is a very sociable dog that it can also get along with people, other pets, and other dogs. It is very easy to train and little effort is needed in socialization because the dog is already naturally sociable to others.

This is a very intelligent breed. It likes to observe and is very sensitive to a person’s tone of voice. A harsh tone would upset them. It can also be taught not to bark a lot. It is also quick to learn when a stranger is a friend or not by the way it sees its owner treat the stranger. The Havanese enjoys doing things for people and is very eager to please.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion

Weight: 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg)

Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)

Color: The Havanese comes in any color, most common of which are cream, gold, white, silver, blue, and black. Parti and tricolored are also common. Black chocolate colored Havanese are preferred by most breeders.

Grooming: To make caring for the coat easier, it can be clipped short. Grooming long hair, meanwhile, will need thorough brushing and combing at least twice a week. Excess hair from between the pads of the feet should be clipped. The feet can also be clipped to look round. Dead hair should be removed. The eyes and ears should also be checked, and the teeth brushed weekly.

Country of Origin: The Havanese originates in Cuba, where it is now actually rare. It went almost extinct after the Cuban and Russian revolutions, but is now presently being preserved. It was bred from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana (Havanese Silk Dog) and the French and German Poodles.

Activities: This playful dog has a normal amount of energy for a dog. Daily walks and play sessions are enough to keep it happy and content.

Other Info: The Havanese has a life expectancy of 14-15 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to PRA, cataracts, luxating patellas, poodle eye, and dry skin. The breed is fine living in an apartment. It is active indoors and will be okay in a small area, although it should be taken outdoors from time to time. This breed is also good for allergy sufferers.

AKA: Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Brussels Griffon, Petit Brabancon, Belgium Griffon

Description: The Belgian Griffon is a sturdy toy dog with a domed head and an undershot jaw. It has a very short nose and lustrous eyes. It has a pouting look that almost gives a human expression. The ears can be cropped. Its tail is docked and carried high.

There are two types of Belgian Griffon: the rough-coated, and the smooth-coated or petit Brabancon variety. The petit Brabancon requires less grooming than the former.

Dynamics: The Griffon is a cheerful and intelligent dog. It makes a fine companion as it is affectionate, willful, and charming. They can be very loving, but can also get moody at times. The Griffon basically loves to be spoiled.

The Griffon can get along well with other dogs and even with cats. It can be a little hard to housebreak, though. The Griffon can also be made into a good watch dog.

Breed Group: Terrier, Toy

Weight: 6-12 lbs (2.5-5.5 kg)

Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)

Color: Griffons come in red, a mixture of red-brown & black, black & tan, or solid black.

Country of Origin: The Belgian Griffon originated in Belgium in the 1800s. The breed was popular among coach houses before the royal palaces recognized it as a pet.

Activities: A good walk will do for the Belgian Griffon. They are active indoors and don’t need much exercise outdoors.

Other Info: The Belgian Griffon has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This dog is difficult to breed. It is also prone to eye and respiratory problems. The breed is fit for apartment life and is okay if the home does not have much space or a yard.

Grooming: Grooming the Belgian Griffon requires some attention, since the Griffon sheds little or no hair. But the coat can be clipped.

AKA: Monkey Dog

Description: The Affenpinscher is the smallest of the pinschers and schnauzer. It originated in Germany as the dog that makes people laugh and can be traced back as far as the seventeenth century as a method of controlling rodents. Affenpinschers are well balanced, little, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog with intelligence and demeanor that make it them a good house pet. The Affenpinschers comical face earned it its name; German for “monkey-like terrier.” In France the Affenpinscher is described as the “diablotin moustachu” or the “moustached little devil.” Extremely intelligent and affectionate with people, the naturally scruffy-look of the Affenpinscher makes it appealing. Affenpinschers carry their head with confidence, their skull is round and domed, ears can be erect, semi-erect, dropped or cropped erect. Affenpinschers tail is naturally long and curves over their back, it can be docked or carried erect. The Affenpinscher is an active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The Affenpinscher breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and also very protective of them. The Affenpinscher is a loyal little dog who enjoys being with their family.

Temperament: The Affenpinscher’s personality is very similar to that of a typical terrier. Unlike most terriers, however, Affenpinschers are more inclined to socialize and get along with other pets. Affenpinschers are persistent, curious, and extremely playful by nature. They have a mischievous streak, but they are quick-witted and responsive to commands. Some Affenpinschers might be difficult to housebreak, but other than that, they are a breed that’s comparatively easy to train. Because of their animated personality and propensity to become bored, Affenpinschers like variety in their daily routines. While Affenpinschers are very loving pets and enjoy being with their families, they are not recommended for families with small children. This is because Affenpinschers frequently guard their food and are protective of their toys. Instinctually courageous and confident, Affenpinschers might foolishly challenge a large animal or get overly excited when threatened. They are a dog that does best with a family that will appreciate their humorous antics.

Activity: Affenpinschers do well in any environment. They don’t need a yard, and they will do just fine in an apartment. They are very playful indoors. Hot weather conditions c an wreak havoc on an Affenpinscher’s coat and make it more difficult for them to breathe properly. They love to play outside and like to dig. They are not as likely to get into mischief if they get to run and play several times a day in the yard.

Grooming: Brushing its coat once or twice a week would keep them in good condition. And it would help minimize shedding. Its coat may need to be stripped every few months and would also require to be clipped to make it look good.

Health Problems: Their life span is around 12 – 14 years. Because they are a quite healthy breed. Their most common health problems would be heart murmurs, Legg Perthes, luxating patella, and kidney problems.

Breed Group: Terrier, AKC Toy

Color: The coat is usually black or dark gray, but tan and red are also acceptable.

Height: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm.)

Weight: 7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg.)

Country Of Origin: Germany

Dynamics: Playful, affectionate, very good watch dogs. Affens are usually wary of strangers and do not make friends with visitors to your home easily. They must be well socialized early before it becomes a problem.

AKA: Yorkie

Description: The Yorkshire Terrier is a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. They are a small and well-balanced breed, having square proportions. They have naturally erect ears, a black nose, and a flat and small skull. The puppies of Yorkshire Terriers are born black and tan, but soon gain more adult colors as they get older. Newborn Yorkshire Terriers are born black in color with tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. They are fully mature in two years. The Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) is one of the world’s smallest dogs and should not exceed 7 lbs in weight. Yorkshire Terriers may be tiny but they are a big-dog in a little-dog package. The Yorkie is an intelligent and confident pet. They are spirited and spunky, affectionate and lively. Although small, they are still terriers! They can be scrappy, courageous and assertive. They get along with everyone, but they may get nippy if not trained or socialized correctly. Yorkshire Terriers are compact in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character.

Temperament: Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, confident, and affectionate. Lively and spirited, the Yorkshire Terrier is no wimp. They do sound the alarm if the need be, and though small can be hardy. They are brave and self-assured, and posses the typical terrier attitude. They are devoted, assertive, and courageous. They can be demanding and/or nippy if they are not correctly socialized or trained, and should be kept from children if this is the case. does best with an only child and no roughhousing or hectic activity. hey should be even tempered and co-exist peacefully with other breeds.

Activity: Very High. This little breed has a lot of energy to use, and fortunately a small amount of room is needed for this. They are good for apartment life and active indoors and would be fine for them even without a yard. Yorkies needed a daily walk and loves to play. That could be the best form of exercise for them. Also, they enjoy a good romp in a secured area.

Grooming: Even though they have silky and lustrous coat, their grooming requirements is just low. Brush them several times a week and trim the hair around the bottom for hygiene purposes. And trim the coat as well to keep it from trailing on the ground. They are light shedders kind of breed.

Health Problems: Their life span is around 12-15 years, Some health problems Some hrealth problems they might encounter are: luxating patella, liver problems, inflamed pancreas, low blood sugar, allergies, dental problems, and sensitivity to chemicals and drugs. He does not fare well in cold weather and should be provided with a jumper if out and about in the rain or cold. He must also be protected from rough handling and heavy object because of his size and fragility.

Breed Group: Terrier, AKC Toy

Color: Dark steel blue from back of head to root of their tail. Face, chest and feet are bright tan.

Height: 6 - 9 inches

Weight: 3 - 7 lbs. They should not exceed 7 lbs.

Country Of Origin: Great Britain

Dynamics: The Yorkshire Terrier has an independent and lively spirit, but it is also a very loyal companion and a good watchdog. He loves to run and play around.

AKA: Chrysanthemum Dog , Lion Dog

Description: The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, toy dog with a long flowing double coat. The topknot on the head is usually held up with a bow, and they have dark round eyes with a pleasing expression. Shih Tzus can be of any color and any pattern, but a white blaze and a white tail is much desired. Their coat is long, dense, straight and with a good undercoat. It appears harsher than it feels. They somewhat resemble Ewoks from the movie Star Wars. The actual Japanese standard for this breed states that this breed should have, “lion head, bear torso, camel hoof, feather-duster tail, palm-leaf ear, rice teeth, pearly petal tongue, and a movement like a goldfish.” Shih Tzus have a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. They may display an arrogant personality, but are actually playful and gentle. They are quite friendly, more so than their cousins, the Lhasa Apso. They are not as wary of strangers, and get along well with everyone. Shih Tzus adapt well to any family situation and will enjoy a cuddle in your lap, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball. Shih Tzus are an intelligent dog who will make a good family addition. Despite their small size the Shih Tzu is a confident and dignified breed.

Temperament: Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, and proud. They appear arrogant, but are very friendly and affectionate. They love to play ball and will chase anything you throw for them. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved. Shih Tzus are trusting, companionable, and get along with everyone, generally. They are lively, alert and energetic outside. They are very people oriented, vivacious and athletic. The Shih Tzu makes a very pleasing companion and will be obedient if trained.

Activity: Shih Tzus may be obstinate but patience and consistency will help over come the problem and achieve a reasonable level of training. Puppies need basic training when they are young. They should turn out to be a moderately obedient pet if trained. They require a minimal exercise daily And they love to play. But playing should not be replaced with daily walks and exercise as it is very much required of them to have daily walks and exercise as well. They are very active indoors and would do okay without a yard.

Grooming: Daily grooming is essential for the Shih Tzu. Bathing needs to be done once a month. This breed also needs a clipping of the matting on the feet. They should be brushed daily in order to remove and prevent mats from forming in the fur.

Health Problems: Their life span is 10-14 years. The health problems they may encounter are: Kidney disorder, allergies, cleft palate, eye problems, renal disease, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Breed Group: Herding, AKC Toy classed under the Non-Sporting Dogs category

Color: Shih Tzus come in all colors and all patterns.

Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)

Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)

Country Of Origin: Tibet

Dynamics: Quiet, intelligent, independent, affectionate, playful, and eager to learn.

Description: The Chihuahua is small dog with an apple-shaped head, pointed muzzle, and large ears. Its eyes are round, large, and dark. A Chihuahua puppy has a “molera,” a soft spot on the top of the skull, but the bone will close off the gap as it reaches adulthood.

The body of a Chihuahua is stout, and longer than it is tall, ending with a tail curled over the back or to the side. While it is small, it is robust and well-balanced because of its level back and straight legs. There is a short-haired type o Chihuahua and a long-haired Chihuahua.

Dynamics: The Chihuahua is known to be a good companion dog. It is an extremely lively breed, giving and demanding affection. It is also bold and courageous. It is very loyal and tends to become very attached to its owners, sometimes to the point of jealousy problems. It keeps as close to its owner as possible, especially when there are strangers around.

The Chihuahua is slightly difficult to train, but it is an intelligent breed and will respond well to proper and gentle training. Concerning its size, it can move away swiftly to avoid being stepped on. It might snap at teasing children and people, and may resort to baring its sharp teeth in self-defense. The Chihuahua is not really favorable for children. Training this noisy and lively breed requires much patience. It also tends to become excessively aggressive with other dogs and strangers when not socialized well starting at puppyhood.

Breed Group: Southern, Toy

Weight: 2-6 lbs (1-3 kg)

Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)

Color: Chihuahua colors usually include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue, but in actuality any color is accepted, including black & tan and parti-color.

Country of Origin: The Chihuahua is a native to Mexico, where it was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It was brought to Europe and was internationally known at the end of the nineteenth century. It is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest dog breed in the world.

Activities: The Chihuahua is an active little dog, and still needs its daily walk. Play sessions can be substitutes for exercises and take care of their abundant energy.

Grooming: The Chihuahua has a smooth, short-haired coat that only needs to be brushed occasionally. Alternatively, it can just be wiped over with a damp cloth. The long-haired types of Chihuahua, however, needs to be combed and brushed daily.

Other Info: The life expectancy of a Chihuahua is about 15 years or more. Health problems include being prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress, and rheumatism. Its eyes are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma.

The Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore because of its short nose. It can get fat easily so it should be fed lightly. Given it small bone structure, it is vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood. A Chihuahua puppy is born with a large head, and is mainly the reason for cesarean deliveries. There are some Chihuahuas that has a molera that doesn’t close and remain open throughout its life, which makes the dog more prone to injuries.

The breed is to be bathed once a month. Be careful not to get water in the ears and check it regularly. Keep the nails trimmed. Protect the Chihuahua from the cold because it hates the cold and may shiver.

AKA: Carlin, Mops

Description: The Pug has a square compact body with a sleek, soft coat with a muscular build breed. He has an expression that seems to combine grouchiness with sweetness and bewilderment. Their dark protruding eyes are prominent and very expressive. This short muzzled dog has facial wrinkles, small folded rose shaped ears and its tail lays in a tight curl. Limbs are straight and very strong and teeth should meet in a slightly undershot bite. The coat of the Pug is short, close fitting, and sleek.

Temperament: This breed are a very affectionate, loving and loyal breed with a happy disposition. They are playful and charming too. Also a good natured, playful, charming and has a heart-warming personality. They like to have fun but this kind of dog are more inclined to snuggle up and take a nap than to frolic around. 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. He couldn’t be an ideal watchdog or guard dog since he is very sociable and prefers to communicate through grunting rather than barking. They get along well with children and other animals but jealousy comes in when another pet get more attention than them. They are highly intelligent easy to train but tends to get bores to repetitive trainings. Pugs are very sensitive to the tome of your voice so harsh punishment is not recommended.

Activity: This breed is good in an apartment life and will do ok without a yard and they are inactive indoors. They could not withstand cold or hot weather so they should be in a comfortable temperature indoor. Pugs requires a daily walk. They love energetic games and a regular exercise would keep them healthy. But be careful not to over do it, especially if you see them start to wheeze.

Grooming: Pugs smooth short haired coat are easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. If they are bathed, they should be dried quickly to prevent chill. The creases on their face should be cleaned regularly. They only shed heavy by season.

Health Problems: The life span of Pug is around 12-13 years. Some health problems to look out for with this breed are: 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. Moreover, He is sensitive in heat since he has short muzzle and short coat, so they should not be left under the heat of the sun or in stuffy conditions.

Breed Group: Mastiff, AKC Toy

Color: Silver, Apricot-fawn, Or Black, With Black Muzzle Or Mask, Ears, Cheek Moles, And Trace Down Back

Height: Dogs 12-14 inches (30-36 cm.) Bitches 10-12 inches (25-30 cm.)

Weight: Dogs 13-20 pounds (6-9kg.) Bitches 13-18 pounds (6-8kg.)

Country Of Origin: China

Dynamics: Pugs are loyal, playful, eager to please, friendly with everyone. Also moderately energetic, genius and calm.

AKA: Zwergspitz, Dwarf Spitz ,Loulou , Pom

Description: The Pomeranian is a cute, dainty, pretty dog who has a fluffy long coat. Its eyes are bright,dark, almond shaped with an intelligent expression. Their nose is either dark or the color of its coat. Teeth meet in scissors bite. Their tail is like a feather that fans forward over the back and there are a lot of ruff around its neck and also the chest area.

Temperament: This breed is a very intelligent, lively, very loyal dog to its owner. If properly introduced, they could get along well with other dogs and household animals as well. But some of them think they are much larger than others and that they don’t hesitate to attack bigger dogs. They are also a good watchdog with an alarm of their bark because they have tendency to be reserved to a stranger. As well as demanding at times. Moreover, they are alert, curious and busy. One of the most independent among toy breeds. They can get along well with older children. And a good companion too for elderly and they are picky eaters too. A happy breed and easy to train. Its vivacity and spirit make it well-liked by persons who do not usually care for toy dogs. They may be picky eaters.

Activity: The Pomeranian is good for apartment living. They need a daily walk and playing is one of the best exercise for them. Very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Keep the dog quiet in hot weather to avoid overheating.

Grooming: The Pom’s double coat should be brushed always from head, parting the coat and brush forward so it will look neat and fluffy. They shed once or twice per year. Dry shampoo them and clean their eyes and ears everyday and have them a regular dental check ups. This breed is a constant shedder.

Health Problems: Life span is around 12-16 years. There are a number of health problems for this breed: cataracts, PRA, low blood sugar, entropion, luxating patella, PDA, collapsing trachea, and allergies.

Breed Group: Toy

Color: all colors and patterns allowed

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 3-7 lbs

Country Of Origin: Germany

Dynamics: Intelligent, vivacious, very devoted to its owner. Pomeranians are wary of strangers and make good watchdogs; a moderately energetic and calm, playful breed.