AKA: Yorkie

Description: The Yorkshire Terrier is a long-haired in nature. A toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is separated on its face as well as on their base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs even and straight down to the side of their body. They are a small and rightly balanced breed, with a square proportions. Naturally, their ears are carried erect, and has black nose. Moreover, their puppies are born black and tan, and as they get older, original colors as that of an adult terrier develop. Also, tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. They are a confirmed mature in two years. The Yorkie is considered one of the world’s smallest dog and that they do not exceed 7 lbs in their weight. They may be physically tiny but they are a known as a big dog in a little dog’s body. This breed are dense in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character.

Temperament: Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, confident, and affectionate. They are also cheerful and spirited. They bark as an alarm when needed.because they are too brave and self-assured, and has a typical terrier attitude. They are loyal, agrgessive, and courageous. They can be controlling or bossy if they are not properly trained for socialized. So, it is recommended for them to be trained to able to get along well with other pets especially with children and could adjust on the people around them.

Activity: This little breed has a lot of energy 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 shiny coat, their grooming requirements is just low. Brush them a lot in a week and trim the hair around the bottom for good hygiene. And trim the coat as well to keep it from just falling on the ground. They are light shedders kind of breed.

Health Problems: Their life span is around 12-15 years,Some hrealth problems are: luxating patella, liver problems, inflamed pancreas, low blood sugar, allergies, dental problems, and sensitivity to chemicals and drugs. A cold temperature is not recommended for this breed.

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: Westie, Poltalloch Terrier, Roseneath Terrier

Description: The West Highland White Terrier known as “Westie” is a small, in good balanced, hard looking terrier, showing good impressions. They are attractive looking with a beautiful, shiny white colored coat and bright, round eyes, hairy eyebrows with black nose. Their fur around the face is covered with bristles, which gives the dog a rounded face. Their skin is either black or pink, but their fur is commonly white.  They have double coat that is harsh and straight and about 2 inches long, with a soft outer coat close, fuzzy undercoat. naturally, their ears are prick ears,  and some carry their ears down. Their size makes them great for an apartment but they are just as at home in the country. They are a hardy breed, capable of playing with children and other dogs. West Highland White Terriers make great companions for children of all ages. Easygoing, active, responsive and friendly are all the ingredients for making a Westie. They are one of the most popular breed of dogs today.

Temperament: An intelligent dog who learns quickly, the West Highland White Terriers love human companionship and will play with their family indoors or out. West Highland White Terriers are active, aggressive, fun, obedient and light-hearted. They are alert and friendly. They always love to play and have fun. They are courageous, self-confident and have good self-esteem. They can be independent but mostly long the love and affection on their families. They like to dig in the yard and should be trained to avoid this, as they also will kill any vermin they find around the house. Some Westies may not be good with children, as some are more picky than others for a companion. They generally get along well with other dogs and if trained, with other pets such as cats. West Highland White Terriers need consistent attention, exercise and mental stimulation or else they will become lazy and out of shape. If given the opportunity, the Westie will sit on your lap or next to you and enjoy your petting for hours.

Activity: West Highland White Terrier requires a daily walk, and enjoys to be free playing in yard.

Grooming: They need regular brushing two to three times a week to help keep their white coat clean. Monthly bathing is necessary for their coat to cleaned.

Health Problems: This breed is healthy and a very athletic dog. Some health problems they may encounter are with skin allergies, patellar luxation, hernias, cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw), deafness and congenital heart disease. They can also be prone to atopy, cataracts, copper toxicosis, enzyme deficiency, inguinal hernia, and Legg-Perthes disease. Their life span is around 15 + years

Breed Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier

Color: All white, no other colors, or else they’d be called Cairn Terrier.

Height: 10 – 11 inches.

Weight: 15 – 22 lbs.

Country Of Origin: Scotland

Dynamics: Alert, courageous, self-confident, high-energy, playful and friendly. Good watchdog.

AKA: Weimaraner Vorstehhund, Weim, Silver Ghost, Grey Ghost

Description: The Weimaraner known as the “Silver Ghost” is a breed that is always on the go, Considered as family dog but reserved with strangers, and that made them an ideal watchdog as well as guard dogs. There are two coat varieties: The Shorthaired is short, smooth, fine, and sleek. The Wirehaired is 1 – 2 inches and bordered as a setter. Owners should take time for proper training and socialization. Weimaraners has full of energy and has skills of being a hunting dog. This larger breed is thin and has muscular built and suited for the hunt. Their ears are long, wide and dropped and head are wide and long. Their forelegs are straight and the dewclaws are removed and they have connected feet like web for swimming purposes.

Temperament: Weimaraners are open-minded, graceful, energetic, alert and rightly balanced, with strong will. They are good in hunting and a good companion. They too is an intelligent, energetic and fun-loving breed. They socialize well with children and other pets if trained properly. They are hard workers but need proper training for them to learn good manners and be obedient as well. Aloof with strangers, the Weimaraner makes an excellent watch dog and guard. They have a lot of stored energy in their body to be more effective not just being a watchdog but also for hunting.

Activity: Weimaraners need freedom and a lot of regular exercise. They require obedience training which should begin at 5 – 8 months of age.

Grooming: Brush or dry shampoo their coat as needed. A rub over with a chamois to maintain its smoothness and shine. Prone to sunburn on their nose during hot temperature.

Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, dermoid cysts, dwarfism, eye problems, von Willebrand’s disease, cancer, bleeding disorders and gastric torsion, also known as bloat. Life span is 10-12 years.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Color: Preferably silver gray; shades of mouse or roe gray. There may be small white markings on the chest.

Height: Dogs 24-27 inches (61-69cm) Bitches 22-25 inches (56-63cm)

Weight: Dogs 55-70 pounds (25-32kg) Bitches 50-65 pounds (23-29kg)

Country Of Origin: Germany

Dynamics: Intelligent, confident, assertive and strong-willed. Makes an excellent companion with a strong need to please.

AKA: Husky , Sibe

Description: The Siberian Husky is sweet in naturethe breed for the family, but could not be good guard dog. They are very friendly, and has good socialization especially with children.  The Siberian Husky is a very strong with good built and has the ability to haul heavy loads over long distances and rough terrain.  Their legs are strong and has a sturdy build, They have great endurance, with their medium sized dense bodies. Their fur are in medium length, straight and thick fur and have variety of colors in the eyes. They can be blue, brown, one of each or even parti-colored. Their nose color depends on the color of their coat,  and with markings on the head with the underbelly and face a lighter color than the rest. Siberian Huskies are not only elegant looking, but they also have a brilliant personality. Their coat is medium and well-furred, the outer coat straight, thick,and smooth against body. The undercoat is soft and dense.

Temperament: Siberian Huskies are dependable, energetic, and friendly. They are cheerful, outgoing pets that likes being around with people. Although they are rigid, independent and not very obedient, they enjoy being with the family the most. They are active, intelligent and not aggressive. They get along well with children and other dogs, but should not be trusted with smaller animals. Arctic Huskies are very clean as well.  They do not get along well with cats or other small animals. Huskies are much too friendly to guard dog. Siberian Huskies have a thick insulated coat and are not suited to live in hot climates.

Activity: The Siberian Husky needs a lot exercise and they should not be exercised hard in warm weather, as their thick coat can make them prone to heatstroke. Daily walks is required of them to prevent misbehavior. The Arctic Husky makes a great cross-country skiing partner.

Grooming: Brush their coat twice a week. Bathe the Siberian Husky only when necessary. Clip their nails regularly, as well as check the teeth.

Health Problems: Their life span is 10-14 years. Health problems are: Hip dysplasia and some heritable eye problems such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy).

Breed Group: Northern, AKC Working

Color: All colors; markings on the head are common. The fur on the underbelly and face are usually lighter colored than the rest of the body.

Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)

Weight: Dogs 45-60 pounds (20½-27kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds (16-22½kg.)

Country Of Origin: Siberia (Russia)

Dynamics: This breed is gentle, friendly, high-energy also intelligent and playful.

AKA: Golden, Yellow Retriever, Goldie

Description: The Golden Retriever is a well-balanced and well-proportioned dog that has a cream to golden colored coat, hence its name. It has an outer coat that is water repellant, and an undercoat that is dense. The head of the Golden Retriever is broad, and its muzzle is wide and powerful. Its nose is black, it ears medium-sized and pendant. The eyes are brown and have dark rims. Its teeth forms a scissors bite.

The Golden Retriever’s body is muscular, with a powerful muzzle and strong thighs. The chest is broad, and the tail is long and never curled.

Dynamics: The Golden Retriever is an intelligent and well-behaved dog. It is easily trained, sweet, confident, and eager to please. It makes for an outstanding family pet, always patient and gentle with children, and loyal and to its masters. This breed is people-oriented, and gets along with other dogs and pets, too.

The Golden Retriever makes a good watchdog. It is not very likely to attack strangers but it can give a bark to signal someone’s approach.

Breed Group: Sporting, Gundog

Weight: males 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg), females 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg)

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

Color: The Golden Retriever has a coat that ranges from cream to a golden color.

Country of Origin: The Golden Retriever originated in the British Isles. It was bred from crossing a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters, the Newfoundland, and (possibly) the Bloodhound. The breed was actually first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. It is now one of the most popular family companion dogs.

Activities: The Golden Retriever needs daily exercises and play sessions like retrieving balls and toys. The Golden Retriever’s talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and trick performances. It is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and a service dog for the disabled. This breed is also good in water; it loves to swim.

Grooming: In grooming the Golden Retriever, there will be no difficulty. It is easy to groom the Golden Retriever. Combing and brushing the coat is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Dry shampoo regularly.

Other Info: The Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. Like most of the other breeds, it is also prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. Skin allergies are also common. The parents of the dog should be checked for OFA and CERF certification. They should also be checked for Von Willebrand’s disease and heart problems. The Golden Retriever will be fine in an apartment. However, it has to be taken outdoors from time to time and exercised sufficiently.

Photo: Sarbajit Sarbajna and Pharaoh Hound