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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Description: The Shih Tzu is a strong built, cheerful, toy dog with a long flowing double coat. The topknot on the head is commonly held up with a clip. Their eyes are dark and round. Shih Tzus can be of any color , but a touch of white on its body and tail is the most common. They have long coat, which is compact and straight. Shih Tzus are a beautiful and a head turner breed, a head well up and tail curved over the back. They express an arrogant personality, but playful and gentle in nature. A very friendly breed. Shih Tzus could deal well to any family situation and will enjoy a hug, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball. Shih Tzus are a smart dog as well making them easy to train. even on their small size, the Shih Tzu is confident and dignified breed.

Temperament: Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, and proud. 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 inside the house they are very quite. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get grouchy if they are surprised. Shih Tzus are trusting, a good companion, and get along with everyone, generally. They are cheerful, alert and energetic outside. They are very well socialized. The

Activity: They require a minimal exercise daily and loves to play. But daily walks and exercise is best for them. They are active indoors.

Grooming: Daily grooming is very important 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 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is a well-balanced hunting dog with a nicely chiseled head. The muzzle is long, with the same length as that of the skull, and not pointed. The nose is brown, and so are the eyes. The larger the nose, the better. The eyes are almond-shaped and give off an intelligent expression. The ears lie high and close to the head, and the teeth form a scissors bite.

The skin of the German Shorthaired Pointer would appear tight. Generally, the tail is docked by 60%, letting the dog sit on it. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s feet are webbed. The dewclaws from both legs are removed.

Dynamics: The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the best companion dog for a family with children. It is loyal and protective, at the same time very cheerful, energetic, and willing to please. This breed is people-oriented, and likes to be in the company of its family. It can be reserved with strangers, though, and it likes to bark. Without proper exercise and socialization, this breed will become disagreeable and nervous. The German Shorthaired Pointer can get along very well with other dogs and pets when socialized with them from an early age.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is by nature a hunting dog. The male tends to be more aggressive than the female, and energy levels generally vary among the breed.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg), females 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg)

Height: males 23-25 inches (59-64 cm), females 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)

Color: The coat of the German Shorthaired Pointer can be solid liver or liver and white. It can be patched, ticked, or roan.

Country of Origin: The German Shorthaired Pointer came from Germany, where German hunters made efforts to bring about a breed with that could retrieve and track, from water or land, and had a good nose. The breed is the result of mixing the Old Spanish Pointer, Hounds of St. Hubert, the Foxhound, other hounds, and the English Pointer.

Activities: For an energetic breed like the German Shorthaired Pointer, exercises are very important. Otherwise, the dog will become restless and destructive. This breed is used for hunting and it is capable of high performance in both field and water. It requires little training when it comes to hunting, tracking, and retrieving.

Grooming: Grooming the German Shorthaired Pointer is not that hard to do. Regular brushing with a bristle brush is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Rubbing the coat with toweling or chamois can make the coat soft and shiny. Always dry the dog after hunting to prevent it from feeling cold and chilly. Its feet should also be checked, as with the ears.

Other Info: The German Shorthaired Pointer has a life expectancy about 12-15 years. It is generally a healthy breed but it is prone to epilepsy, hermaphrodism, and lymphedema. It is also prone to minor health problems like CHD, entropion, gastric torsion, WWD, pannus, and OCD. This breed is not fit for an apartment life. It has a very huge amount of stamina and energy that it will need a large yard or area to live comfortably. This breed does well in most climates.

Description: The German Shepherd is a well-proportioned dog that exudes a strong and handsome presence. It has a solid bone structure which can be seen through its sturdy and muscular body. The front legs and shoulders are just as muscular, with the thighs thick and sturdy. The feet is round with very hard soles. The tail reaches to its hocks, hanging down when the dog is resting.

The head is proportional to its body. The forehead is a little convex, The jaws are strong, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The ears are wide, pointed, upright, and turned forward. The nose is generally black, but can be blue or liver. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and brings out an intelligent expression.

The German Shepherd can be rough-coated, long rough-coated, or long-haired.

Dynamics: True to its strong appearance, the German Shepherd is fearless, alert, and bold. It is known for its loyalty and courage. It has a confident manner around it and it shows a serious and high level of intelligence. Aggression and attacks may occur, though, if the German Shepherd is not trained well and socialized enough. Training has to be firm, but not harsh, and the German Shepherd has to be trained in obedience from an early age.

The German Shepherd is very close to its family, and has a very protective instinct. It is wary of strangers, so it has to be socialized since puppyhood to be kept in control among other people. With the proper training and socialization, the German Shepherd will be fine with other pets and with children.

Breed Group: Working, Herding

Weight: 77-85 lbs (35-40 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), females 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)

Color: The German generally comes in black with tan, sable or all black. It can also come in blue, liver and white, but this standard-wise considered a fault. A German Shepherd that comes with a white coat is not as acceptable as a German Shepherd, but it is recognized as the American White Shepherd.

Country of Origin: The German Shepherd was bred in Germany, bred from a line of local shepherd dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia, and Bavaria. The first registered German Shepherd was named Horan, owned by Capt. Max von Stephanitz, in 1899. The short-haired variety, first presented in Berlin in 1889, is the only German Shepherd variety considerd for show in most countries today.

Activities: As it is a working dog, the German Shepherd would love strenuous activities and exercises. It has to be taken outdoors regularly, and it needs to busy itself with work, else it can become restless and destructive.

The German Shepherd has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, a guide for the blind, for police work, search and rescue, and is also used in the military. Its nose is put to great use in sniffing out drugs and intruders, and other dangerous smells like gas leaks. This breed excels in many dog activities like schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, and ring sport.

Grooming: Regular brushing of the coat is needed in grooming the German Shepherd. Bathe only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion.

Other Info: The German Shepherd has a life expectancy of around 13 years. The breed is generally healthy. But it is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitia, dwarfism, and flea allergies. The German Shepherd will do fine in an apartment so long as it is taken outdoors and sufficiently exercised.

Description: The Shetland Sheepdog is an attractive breed with a similarity of a Rough Collie, but is much smaller in size. They have a long wedge-shaped head and they are very hairy. The coat is long and soft, fluffy undercoat to protect them. Their color can be dark, blue merle, black and white or black and tan. The top part of the muzzle should be alike to that of the skull. Their eyes are dark, almond-shaped except in blue merle dogs that they may be blue or merle color and teeth should met in scissors bite. Its hair is very thick around the neck, it’s like they are wearing a ruffle. The Shetland Sheepdog has an elegant long, hairy tail and pliable, soft ears. This breed has a very intelligent and smart expression. they are very strong, rapid and agile.

Temperament: This breed is very energetic and have variety of characters. An excellent companion dog, because they are gentle,sensitive and loyal. Moreover, they a very lively, easy to train dog. Very willing to please and obedient. They always long for love and companionship. Thus, owners should spare time for them because they could be destructive if left alone. The Sheltie is a family dog and enjoys plenty of attention and embrace from their owner. And for a balanced temperament, they should be trained for early socialization since some of them can be shy and aloof. Some strangers could not touch them. When there are some suspicious strangers, they could raise an alarm by barking. This breed is a good guard and watchdog. These dogs are best for older children, and will usually get along well with other animals. It needs a stable environment to live in, and does not like loud noises or tense atmospheres. Sheltie has a very strong herding instinct and they love to chase things.

Activity: They are active indoors and will be okey for them even without a yard. They also require a good amount of exercise and a daily walk or jog would be best for them as well. And they love to run freely but they should be in a safe area.

Grooming: Their coat is easy to care. They can be brushed regularly to to get mats before it gets bad. They shed heavily on seasonal basis only in spring and fall. Bathe and dry shampoo them only when necessary.

Health Problems: Their life span is around 12-14 years, and health problems includes: epilepsy, vWD, thyroid problems, luxating patella, PRA, HD, eye problems, seizures, and heart problems.

Breed Group: Herding, AKC Herding

Color: Black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 20 lbs

Country Of Origin: Shetland Islands

Dynamics: Affectionate, intelligent, quick learner, loyal, active, reserved with strangers but never aggressive.

Description: The Scottish Terrier is a small also short legged breed. Its head are long but also matched to their size. They have a hard and weather-resistant coat that could protect them in any weather condition. Their body is a thick set and a heavy built body with a short, heavy legs. Their eyes are almond-shaped and slightly short, muscular neck with a well laid back shoulders. Its body has short ribs, strong loin and very muscular hindquarters also same their thighs very strong for its size with straight legs.

Temperament: The Scottish dog is alert and spirited but also a calm dog. Always heads and tails up to to show how confident and determined they are. In nature, Scottish Terrier, is very loving and gentle with people around but they have the tendency to be aggressive with other dogs. Also, charming and full of character. They too like humans posses some mood swings and uncommon manner. Moreover,They could sometimes be rigid so they require a gentle care and firm on their early age, to prevent them from being dominant over their owner. And never play some aggressive games with them.They love to play ball games. They are also lively and intelligent easy to train. They will only be attached to one or two people and can only recognize his own human family. Like other breeds, they can also be a good watchdog that could bark to strangers. He is not a sociable breed that add to its ability of being a good watchdog.

Activity: Walking and playing around is the best form of exercise for them.They needed a daily walk and play around that would be a best form of exercise,for them to avoid behavior problems

Grooming: Brushing regularly of their harsh wiry coat would be best for them. They shed little. But should be taken an extra care when they shed. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. The hair on its face should be lightly trimmed twice per year and hair on their body be left long like a skirt.

Health Problems: Their life span is around 12-14 years. They are a healthy breed . They only have some health problems to worry about : thyroid problems, cancer, allergies, luxating patella, and seizures.

Breed Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier

Color: sand, black, wheaten, brindle, grizzle, or gray.

Height: 10-11 inches (25-28 kg.)

Weight: 19-23 pounds (8½-10½kg.)

Country Of Origin: Scotland

Dynamics: Very Independent, calm,cheerful, devoted to its family, courageous and highly intelligent also moderately energetic.