Choosing a Dog Breed: Large Dogs

The only real dogs are big dogs. Perhaps only a large dog could have made the incredible journey from Scotland to Yorkshire Lassie undertook in "Lassie Come Home." The original Lassie movie was not only the best Lassie film, but one of the greatest children's films ever made. It starred a very young Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall. The faithful and determined Lassie was played by a Rough Collie named Pal. If you are considering buying or adopting a large dog, it is important to research the different dog breeds beforehand. Each dog breed has different characteristics and only the right ones will be the right fit for your family and home.

Labrador Retriever- These wonderful family and sporting dogs can be yellow, black or chocolate in color. Labs are intelligent, versatile and friendly dogs. They are good around children and other dogs. Their coat is not long, but it is a double coat so they require regular grooming. Labs are large and active dogs, so having a yard would be preferable.

German Shepherd- The famous Rin Tin Tin was rescued from WWI France and brought to the US where he starred in many movies. Rin Tin Tin IV later starred in the 1950's TV series "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin." Today this breed is often employed as police, guard and service dogs, though they can also be loyal family dogs. These dogs are big and strong and possess a herding instinct, so good training is essential. This highly trainable and dependable breed requires regular grooming and exercise.

Collie- Rough Collies and Smooth Collies are considered varieties of the same breed in the US and Canada, while in the UK they are considered separate breeds. Other breeds of collie include the medium sized Border Collie, and the Bearded Collie (15th breed below). Smooth Collies have short hair while Rough Collies have a gorgeous, full coat. Today, Rough and Smooth Collies are primarily family and show dogs, unlike their herding ancestors. With training, they can be great with children and other pets. These gentle and intelligent dogs require regular exercise and grooming. The Smooth Collie actually requires more grooming even though it has shorter hair.

Golden Retriever- Like Labs, Goldens are great family dogs, hunting retrievers, and versatile service dogs. Goldens have longer hair, having a beautiful double coat that can be various shades of gold. They require more regular grooming. Highly intelligent, gentle and friendly, this breed is an ideal family pet. These dogs are very good with children and other dogs and pets. This is an active breed that likes companionship and regular exercise. Having a yard is preferable.

Rottweiler- When you hear a 'ruff' or 'bark' from behind you, be assured it is not a Rottweiler; this breed is only capable of saying 'woof.' The thick Rottweiler is not the biggest breed, but it may be the most powerful. These dogs are versatile working dogs and excellent guard dogs. However, this breed has a much calmer demeanor than the Doberman Pinscher. Rottweilers can be family dogs, but good training is essential. These protective dogs require regular exercise, but grooming requirements are minimal.

Doberman Pinscher- Like the Rottweiler, the Doberman usually has a black coat with tan markings. Dobermans also are excellent guard dogs. The muscular Doberman is smaller than the Rottweiler, but is faster and more active. Doberman Pinschers are a very aggressive breed, so being experienced at handling dogs is very important when acquiring one. They are not good around small children and other pets. They are an active breed needing regular exercise and have a high capacity for training. Grooming requirements are minimal.

Boxer- The square-faced Boxer is a solid service and working dog. These dogs are loyal companions and protective, making them good guard dogs. With training, they are good around children and other pets. They like companionship and regular exercise. Only minimal grooming is required. Like all of the previous breeds, having a fenced yard would be preferable. An apartment is possible with daily walks or outdoor exercise.

Saint Bernard- The famous rescue dog of the Swiss Alps, the St. Bernard is one of the biggest breeds by weight. These big dogs are intelligent, loyal and protective, making great family dogs. They are good around children and other pets. Putting up with some drool and regular grooming are downsides. These dogs should be regularly exercised, and having a yard is preferable. St. Bernards should not be placed in hot climates.

Siberian Husky- Siberians are the most popular breed of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. They have great endurance and like to work. These dogs are good around children and large dogs, but not around smaller pets. Siberians need to be in a cool climate and can tolerate extremely cold temperatures. These dogs require regular grooming and exercise. They are not apartment dogs.

Great Dane- The gentle giant is one of the world's tallest dogs and the world record for dog height belongs to a Great Dane named Gibson. These dogs are often guard dogs, but also make good family pets. With training, these amiable dogs are good around children and other dogs. They need regular exercise and having a yard is essential. Grooming requirements are minimal.

German Shorthaired Pointer- This intelligent and active breed has a coat of liver (brown), or liver and white. These dogs are tireless, versatile gun and hunting dogs. They are good for an active family and do well around children. With training, they can get along with other dogs. The GSP is a loyal watchdog who needs regular exercise and minimal grooming. This is not an apartment dog.

Greyhound- The distinctively shaped Greyhound is the world's fastest dog breed. These dogs can have coats of almost any color. They are versatile hunting dogs that make good family pets. With training, they do well around children and other dogs. Smaller pets are a bad idea and a fenced yard is a necessity. Greyhounds need regular exercise, but only minimal grooming.

Mastiff- One of the largest dog breeds in the world is the Mastiff. There are many types of Mastiff such as the English Mastiff, Bullmastiff and Tibetan Mastiff. This loyal and protective breed is often used as a guard dog. Despite their massive appearance these dogs are known to be gentle family companions. They are not recommended around small children and other pets. Regular exercise is a good idea, while only minimal grooming is necessary.

English Setter, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter- These handsome and elegant breeds of dog were originally hunting companions. The English and Irish Setters were bird dogs that developed into pointers. The Gordon Setter can be used as a personal bird dog. Today, these dogs make wonderful family pets. The setters require a lot of exercise and attention. They require regular grooming and having a yard is recommended.

Bearded Collie- This long haired, shaggy dog is almost a medium sized dog. This herding breed is related to the Old English Sheepdog. These active and playful dogs make good family pets. They are good around children and other pets. These dogs require regular exercise and grooming. A yard is recommended.

Old English Sheepdog- Their hair has a tendency to cover their eyes. This shaggy dog is larger than the Bearded Collie. These jolly dogs make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate and good around children. They can also be a bit clumsy and may try to herd things. They require regular exercise and grooming as they will shed during the warmer months.

Designer Dog Breed - Meet The Roodle

Celebrities like Paris Hilton may carry their dogs in their Gucci handbags, accessorized to the glittering collar. But the recent trend in designer dogs seems to suggest that everyday people are catching this unfortunate trend.

Instead of simply buying diamante collars, however, people are demanding cross bred dogs with catchy marketing names. We've had the Spoodle, the Groodle, the Labradoodle, the Spanador, the Cavador, and the Retrievador. Now folks, meet the Roodle.

The roodle is a cross between a poodle and a rottweiler. They are the successful creation of a breeder from Melbourne, Australia. Fred Freeman has successfully bred 3 litters of roodles, some going as far afield as Hawaii.

Roodles have the crinkly coat of a poodle, but larger. They are quite stocky, and fairly big, with long floppy ears. Mr Freeman describes the dogs as having the intelligence of a rottweiler, yet docile and easy to train. His roodles are also non aggressive, do not moult, don't smell, and are low on the allergy scale.

The idea of creating a non allergic dog was what started the original breeder of the labradoodle, Wally Conran. Wally was the Manager of the Royal Guide Dog Association in Australia at the time. Someone needing a guide dog who was non allergenic contacted the Guide Dog Association, and Wally successfully crossed a labrador with a poodle that fitted this purpose.

So, the origins of the labradoodle were quite in keeping with the way many of what are now considered pure bred dogs were created. That is, they were created with a specific purpose in mind.

But the popularity of the labradoodle has created a new set of problems. Namely, many unscrupulous people, some with no experience breeding dogs, and others with none, or little, experience breeding labradoodles or other similar crosses, jumped on the bandwagon. Demand meant that these dogs were expensive, supply was short, and this attracted many into this new field.

But breeding dogs, especially across different breeds, is not simple. In Wally Conran's original efforts, not all labradoodles were low in allergy. And when it comes to trying to come up with new mixes, a lack of knowledge can produce disastrous results. For instance, breeding two dogs with similar genetic weaknesses can lead to the new litters born with an increased chance of the health problems associated with those breeds. Other factors include disposition. If people are expecting certain traits based on what decent breeders have produced, and they pay a lot of money for a dog that turns our to be completely different, those dogs may well end up being abandoned.

In the case of a dog bought to be low allergenic, this likelihood is higher, and this is exactly what is happening to many of the labradoodles being bought in the US now. They are ending up in shelters because they do not have the characteristics of the carefully bred stock the variation originated from.

And given that badly bred rottweilers can be very aggressive, if the roodle trend takes off in the same way, this could be a disaster all round. Especially so if a family with children bought one expecting the docile nature of the roodles created by Mr Freeman, and end up with an aggressive, large dog.

Labradoodles are not consistent breeds. And given that ten years was spent trying to get a rottweiler poodle cross, there is every indication to think that roodles are not a consistent breed either. That means that simply mating a rottweiler with a poodle is not going to automatically get you certain characteristics, especially in temperament.

Normally, contacting an association for a recommended breeder would solve this type of problem. But in this brave new world of designer dogs, this may not always be the case. Especially if the experience with the labradoodles is anything to go by.

The breeders at Rutland Manor and Tegan Park in Australia started their stock from labradors, poodles and labradoodles from Don Evans, another breeder who had discovered the breed independently of the Guide Dog Association. Those labradoodles were legitimate labradoodles, and they kept records of all subsequent breeding. They also determined which coats were low allergenic. They conducted extensive research and breeding programs to arrive at the dog that has become characterized as a 'labradoodle'. Contrary to popular knowledge, they are not the product of exclusively mixing in labradors and poodles. Other breeds were used occasionally, for certain characteristics.

The breeders at Rutland Manor and Tegan Park began calling their dogs, and those descended from that stock by reputable breeders, Australian labradoodles, to distinguish them from the labrador-poodle mixes that were being indiscriminately produced. The mixes were not quality controlled, many were allergenic, yet people with allergies were misled into buying them, expecting not to get allergic reactions.

The International Labradoodle Association was set up originally to help maintain the quality and characteristics of this new designer dog. Yet they now are seeking to call all labrador-poodle crosses 'Australian labradoodles'. If this is successful, consumers will have no way of knowing whether they are buying what they think they are, and what their health requirements determine they need. The end result will be more abandoned dogs being euthanased because of a careless association and even more careless breeders.

It does not bode well for the roodle.

Choosing a Dog Breed That is Right For You

Whenever people set out to choose a new dog, the appearance of the dog breed can be the most important factor in their selection. This is the absolute wrong way to choose a new dog. This is one of the reasons so many dogs end up in shelters. People fail to match the breed with their own activity level or temperament. When preparing to bring a new puppy into your household, do not do like so many other people. Make it your goal to choose a puppy that is as perfect for you and your family as you possibly can. Think about previous dogs you have owned and the experiences you had with him or her. How much time was required to groom, train or exercise your dog. Did the breed have any special health issues that caused an unusual financial outlay to occur? Did the dog require a large, fenced yard and can that be provided for your new puppy?

When choosing your new companion, consider the type relationship you want with your dog. Certain breeds are more dependent than others and love to spend every minute around their owners. These dog breeds can be affectionate and loving but require lots of attention. Other breeds are more aloof and tend to make better watch dogs and will likely spend much of their time in the yard. Consider the amount of time you can spend exercising with the dog. Larger dogs require longer, higher intensity walks than smaller breed dogs. If you do not like to exercise, than a large dog is truly not for you.

Think about things such as grooming, training, and the amount of room that you have. Long haired dogs tend to shed more and require lots of brushing. If you live in an area where your weather is extremely hot and humid during the summer, will the dog require a haircut to help him stay cooler during this period. Will your choice of dog breed require professional grooming periodically or is brushing adequate to keep him looking good. As far as training, certain dog breeds just require less training than others and may be a better choice for an inexperienced dog owner. Other breeds will require professional dog obedience training to assure they do not become unruly and a menace to the neighborhood. Also, consider your living situation. If you live in a tiny apartment on the upper floors of a high rise building, you might want to pass on that cute little Great Dane puppy and consider a teacup poodle.

Whichever dog breed you are considering, take the time to research the characteristics and expected temperament of the dogs you are considering. Speak with family and friends and ask if they have had any experience with the dogs you are considering. Consider visiting a local dog trainer and ask them what dog breeds they feel are easiest to train and make the best pets. Remember that all puppies are cute, but they also all grow up to be dogs. Most of all, look at yourself and your situation and make sure when you bring home that cute little puppy that you are ready to make a commitment to the care and feeding of your new dog for its entire lifetime. With the proper research and commitment, you are sure to find the breed of dog that provide many years of loyal companionship, fun and happiness for you and the rest of your family.

Dog Breed Characteristics - Large Dogs

Not too sure which type of dog to buy? This is part 3 of 3 articles that addresses the different needs and characteristics of some of the popular dogs.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, dominant dog which needs a firm, consistent but friendly owner. They can be good with children if obtained since young and trained. Early and consistent training is necessary as Giant Schnauzers tend to be very willful. They like to run around, and don't usually see people in their way and can injure children easily. They need a lot of exercise and busy professionals should avoid getting this breed. If they are denied of exercise and left on their own, they can get very destructive.

Golden Retriever

One of my favourite breeds as well. They are well known for their "patience, kindness and friendliness", and thus serve poorly as a guard dog. However, they are extremely good with children and can be trained easily. Golden Retrievers are very attached to their owners. Leaving them alone in a room can cause the dog to become very sad and distressed. Frequent grooming is needed to reduce the amount of shedding. Intelligent and eager to please, they are also employed in rescue missions, drug detection missions, and serve well as guide dogs for the blind.

Great Dane

Great Danes are well known for their huge size and gentle personality. They have been in the Guinness World Records for the tallest dog. They are generally good with humans (including strangers) and other pets. Grooming is minimal. They need regular exercise because they possess a good amount of energy.

Old English Sheepdog

They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes. They intelligent, funny, sociable, and adaptable. They are also good with young children, and hence earned the title "Dear Nanny". Owing to their herding instinct, they have been known to push family members away from dangerous objects or people. They can also get very stubborn at times. They are often known as the Dulux dog, as a result of them appearing in the advertising of Dulux paint.

Labrador Retriever

They are exceptionally gentle, intelligent, energetic and good-natured, and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages. They are comparable to the Golden Retrievers. They respond well to praise and attention, and with proper training, the Labrador is one of the most trustworthy, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world. They love to play in water, so be sure to bring them to the beach often. Due to their friendly nature, they are not suitable as guard dogs. However, an uncontrolled adult Labrador can get really problematic. So, be sure to give them the proper dog training.

Sporting Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs In This Group

The Sporting Group includes pointers, setters, retrievers and many spaniels. This group of fairly active dogs is composed of a wide variety of breeds, which were developed to aid hunters by finding, flushing out and retrieving game. Members of this group all need a fair amount of exercise but you don't have to be a hunter to own one of these dogs. Many breeds in this group are usually very good with children and include the: English Setter; Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Welsh Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Flat Coated Retriever. Dogs in this group range in size from small dog breeds like the American Cocker Spaniel up to medium to large dog breeds with the setters (English, Irish and Gordon) and the Weimaraner being the largest The two most popular family dogs in the world are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. The top ten most popular sporting dogs in the US are the following.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the US (#1) and one of the best family dogs in the world. The Lab is gentle, loyal, intelligent and extremely reliable with children. These large-sized Retrievers are not apartment dogs but can adapt well to city living if they are given sufficient exercise. The Labrador is good natured and eager to learn and can be easily trained to do everything from competitive obedience and field trials to becoming a "seeing-eye" dog for the blind.

2. Golden Retriever

This Retriever is a good hunting dog, seeing-eye dog, obedience and agility competitor, and outstanding family dog. The extremely popular (#2) Golden is a gentle, confident and loyal dog that is cheerful, trustworthy and responsive to training. This breed makes a wonderful family dog that is friendly with everyone - both human and other animals. This large-sized Retriever does very well with children but toddlers should always be supervised as young untrained dogs can be over exuberant.

3. Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller than its English cousin - the English Cocker Spaniel. This beautiful spaniel has a luxurious thick and silky coat with trousered legs. This small- to medium- sized gun dog can be used for hunting and retrieving but is extremely popular (#15) as a companion and show dog. Cockers get along extremely well with children and strangers and can adapt to apartment living if exercised twice daily.

4. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired is a very athletic gun-dog that doesn't belong in the city. This large-sized dog is loyal, intelligent and eager to learn and can be trained for field, agility and obedience competitions. This breed is extremely popular (#20) but needs to be challenged both mentally and physically. The breed makes a good family dog but may be too exuberant for toddlers and small children

5. English Springer Spaniel

The cheerful medium-sized English Springer Spaniel is the progenitor of the English hunting spaniels and the largest of the spaniel dog breeds. These popular (#28) Spaniels make both excellent hunting retrievers and good family dogs that get along well with children. Some Springer bloodlines have shown some aggression and dominance so early socialization and obedience training for males should be a priority.

6. Weimaraner

The popular (#30) Weimaraner is a large-sized hunting dog breed. This high-energy dog needs an athletic family that can satisfy his demanding exercise requirements. The Weimaraner needs an experienced owner who can manage and control this headstrong breed and provide early socialization and on-going obedience training. This dog doesn't do well with children unless it is raised with them. Weims need to live indoors and spend a lot of time with their families. Well trained Weimaraners are a delight but poorly trained dogs can be destructive, rambunctious, have a high prey drive and try to dominate other dogs.

7. Brittany

The Brittany Spaniel is an active medium-sized dog that is intelligent, loyal and easy to train. It makes a terrific hunting dog or family pet and requires very little grooming and does very well with all children. This popular breed (#30) needs lots of exercise and makes a fairly good watchdog.

8. Vizsla

The Short-haired Vizsla is a popular (#44) medium- to large-sized hunting dog breed with an elegant bearing and strong and muscular appearance. The Vizsla is lively, sweet, affectionate and somewhat sensitive. This athletic, sporty and agile breed needs lots of exercise and lots of human companionship. Vizlas must be socialized and trained early to build confidence and prevent neurotic behaviour. This is not a city dog and it needs to live with a very active family.

9. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chessie is the strongest and most powerful of the sporting dogs. This large dog loves hunting but also is a great family dog and gets along well with all children. This intelligent breed is quite popular (#49) and somewhat distrustful of strangers and makes a good watchdog. Chesapeakes are not city dogs and need a lot of regular exercise and love to go swimming.

10. Irish Setter

The popular (#67) Irish is an exuberant, happy-go-lucky, goofy, kind, charming and intelligent dog. This breed has no aggression and welcomes everybody. These Setters can be somewhat independent and easily distracted but are intelligent and eager to learn and therefore can be trained fairly easily. The Irish is a superb hunting dog and must have lots of exercise with challenging field and retrieval exercises. If these dogs are given early obedience training, they adapt very well to older children. However this breed is so lively and impulsive when it is young that it could knock toddlers over.

See the individual dog breeds at http://www.dog-breed-facts.com for more information on each breed.

About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health, dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

Dog Breeds - How To Choose The Perfect Dog Breed For You!

If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, and it is, how come so many puppies find their way into adoption centres every year? Well one reason is that people choose the wrong dog breed.

Don't let your puppy become a statistic. Make it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your family and circumstances. Think about your previous experience of owning a dog and the amount of time you have for training, grooming and exercising. Look at your health including possible allergies, your financial resources and the amount of space in your house and yard. Most of all work out how much time you have for a dog.

Of all the different factors in choosing a the right dog breed, among the most important is the relationship you want with your dog. Some breeds by nature are rather aloof and elegant, others are independent and energetic while others are dependent or submissive. If you want to do specialized training, consider breeds known for courage and trainability. If you want an affectionate pet, choose a breed that typically likes to be close to its people.

To ensure that your puppy fits in with your lifestyle begin by asking yourself these questions:

a) How much time can I spend with my dog, a social creature who craves companionship? - If your time is limited don't get a breed which can become dependent on their owners.

b) How much exercise can I give my dog? - If you hate exercise, buy a small dog happy with a short walk. If you like to walk the mountains all day long get a dog breed which likes a lot of exercise.

c) How much grooming can I do? - If you hate grooming, buy a short-haired dog.

d) How much training can I give? - If you have limited time, choose a breed known for ease of training.

e) How much room do I have? - If you live in a small apartment don't get a large dog!

f) What characteristics do I want in my dog? - Think of words like independent, energetic, submissive, affectionate, protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try to match them to the characteristics of your family members. Your dog will fit in much better if you do.

Finding The Right Dog Breed

Once you have answered these questions it is time to go out and find the right dog breed for you. The internet is a great place to start. Just go to your favourite search engine and type in something like "dog breed information" or "dog breeds" and you will find some excellent sites giving detailed information about each breed.

Note the characteristics of the different breeds. What is best for your situation: large or small, male or female, purebred or mix? Short coat or shaggy coat? A dog needing lots or little exercise? A lot or little daily grooming? Think through your choices in detail and compare this information to your requirements and make a short list.

Next ask people you trust about the dog breeds you are interested in. Ask friends, family members and co-workers for suggestions for dog breeds they think would be good for you and your family. Ask them to be honest about the good points and bad points of the breeds they suggest. Visit dog training schools and breeders and ask about the dogs your think may be suitable. Follow up on and meet the breeds you feel are a good match.

Finally make every effort when choosing a puppy to make your final choice of a dog breed a family decision. Your dog will be part of the family, and each member needs to feel a sense of ownership for the dog and a willingness to help in its care.

So there you have it a short guide to choosing a puppy that will fit into your family perfectly and bring years of fun and happiness.

Popular Dog Breeds

A list of the most popular dog breeds can make a very long debate on which kind of dog breeds do and do not belong in the list. Let that list include the dog that bit you as a child and scared the hell out of you then made you outraged. This could even get worse and let that dog put down your current beloved dog and that does it, you do not want to have a dog at all. To be fair you must consider the source of the list and what started the list in the first place. For instance the AKC or the American Kennel Association shows it's top 100 dog breeds based on the number of dog breeds that are created and brought to their attention. They will not say that one breed is so called "better" than others for the sake of lists like this, they simply state how many and the quantity of the breeds there are.

If you search for the words in Google "most popular dog breeds" you will find, the last I checked, over 85,000 listings for that key word listing. This will range from different categories of dogs to the most popular dog breeds for children. What I would like you to do is an experiment, narrow down that search to what exactly you are looking for, if you do that it should help dramatically. Maybe you are looking for what dog lovers call "toy dogs", so type in "most popular toy dog breeds" this takes it down to about 60,000. This way you will be able to pull up exactly where your favorite dog breed places.

Everyone has their favorite and least favorite kinds of dog breeds. It does not matter how or why they got to that point, they just go there and that's that. For them you can talk to them until you are blue in the face and you will not convince them that a husky is a perfectly good dog breed if it is trained properly or that a yorkie can sometimes be more of a hassle than it is worth. Some people will dismiss a type of dog based on one horrific experience that they had with one dog in that breed. This is not fair to the rest of the loving well mannered dogs in that breed. Two things heavily influence how popular dog breeds are they are for one the dogs they put into movies and the dogs that are winning at the dog shows. Regardless of all the hype there are a few winners or the favorites to all which make it to the top relentlessly. These breeds include the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Beagle, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle.

Last but not least lets not forget the new wave of animals or the "hybrids" or designer dogs these dogs are quoted as giving you the best of both worlds. These popular breeds include the Puggle, this is a mix of the Pug and the Beagle, the Labradoodle, a mix of a Lab and a Poodle, and last but not least the Cockapoo, a mix of the Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. These kinds of dog breeds are not registered by AKC but never the less are becoming very popular, as proven if you look them up on the internet.

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Toy Dog Breeds Advice

Toy Dog Breeds

Toy dog breeds are the dog breeds of one of the smallest categories of dogs. Toy dog breeds are a popular choice for many as their size does have particular benefits. They are particularly appealing to women, the elderly, and also to children. Their compactness is also of benefit to dog lovers who live in smaller homes such as apartments, or small houses.

It can be a difficult choice trying to decide from all the endearing toy dog breeds which is the right one for you. But you must be realistic regarding your choice, of course you will have a short list of which breed/s you are particularly keen on. But you must also consider your own circumstances regarding what kind of home and quality time you can offer to a small dog. It is from these decisions that a sensible choice can be made. Do not go into such an important decision without giving it full and careful thought.

When you feel you are ready to purchase your toy dog, there are a couple of points to remember when choosing. Firstly find yourself a good dog breeder that is experienced and has a good reputation. The next points are important when actually choosing you dog or puppy.

Toy Dog Breeds - Maintenance:

How much maintenance your dog will need may sway you on your decision. You may or may not want a dog that needs daily grooming, regular baths, and regular trips to the grooming salon to be clipped and trimmed. This is generally determined by the dogs length of coat, so typically the longer the coat the more care and attention they will need.

If you do not care for a long haired coat on a dog it will become knotted, matted and can cause skin problems, so it is very important that they are cared for properly.

You will also need to train your toy dog to be well behaved; this can be tough at times as some can be very stubborn. And although your dog will not be trained to the levels that some of the other dog categories are, you will at the very least need to house train your dog, socialize her with strangers, other dogs, and children, and preferably come when called also.

You also need to check out for any health issues associated with your chosen breed, as some can be more prone to certain problems than others; it depends on the breed and the individual case.

Toy Dog Breeds - Temperament:

It is important to choose the right dog that will have the best temperament to suit your circumstances. Most good breeders will discuss this with you when you are choosing your puppy as it is important for them too to ensure their puppies are going to the correct homes. If you have got a particularly busy household then the shy one from the litter may not be the right choice. Equally if you are particularly elderly the scoundrel from the litter may not be the potential bundle of trouble for you either, although they do grow up and generally mature with age!

It is important when you are viewing them that you get down on to their level to assess them rather than towering over them, you will see much more of their behaviour, reactions and expressions that way.

To see the puppies parents is a good thing too in assessing your right choice. Generally you would be able to see the mother, and in some circumstance the father too. This will give you an idea of how their offspring will turn out, so are they good looking, well proportioned, happy or aggressive, healthy, well cared for, etc. Don't forget that the parents are a reflection of how your puppy may turn out.

Toy dog breeds are a pleasure to own, but you must do your research to make sure you choose wisely and are correctly informed and prepared for all that is involved, and if you do you should have many years of enjoyment together.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed - It's About Matching Two Lifestyles

When you are in the market for a dog, there are more considerations that must be taken than temperament. Choosing the right dog breed is important for many reasons, because it can give you an idea of what size pet you will be able to deal with, what type of temperament you are looking at, eating habits, and your ability to train them. Different dog breeds have different personality types and characteristics and although it is not fair to pick and choose based on these generalizations, deciding on the dog breed that you do want can certainly help to narrow down your selection a great deal.

If You Have Kids...

If you have small kids in the home, you may not want to go with any breed of dog that is going to grow up and be a miniature giant. Dogs are only puppies for a short time, and that is not the case with kids. Although they may be babies together for a while, dogs grow fast and will soon be able to overpower your little one, not to say that they will. Some of the gentlest dogs in the world are bigger than most people, but if you can't handle the size you just can't handle the size.

If You Need Protection...

If you are one of those people who live alone and are looking to get a dog for protection, it is important to go about choosing the right dog breed well. Some dogs are naturally more territorial and protective than other dogs are, and that can help you to narrow your selection. If you need security, a poodle or a golden retriever are not going to do well at all. Consider a Pit Bull, a Great Dane, a German Shepherd, or another larger dog breed. While these breeds are really only rumored to be ferocious, they are visually intimidating to many people and that is more than most people have as far as canine security is concerned.

If You Need Companionship...

If companionship is all you seek when choosing the right dog breed for you, the decision is a bit harder. This is because there are so many great breeds for you to choose from, so decide what type of sized pet you would like and work with that. That can help you to narrow down your selection so that you can start meeting little guys to join your family. Poodles, terriers, big dogs, little dogs, medium sized dogs-if you don't have any specific need for a pet other than companionship you have a bigger market for pets than you might have thought possible. Really, the only thing holding you back is your budget.

There are so many ways to go about choosing the right dog breed for your family. What you may find works best is this process of elimination. There are so many great dogs out there that need homes, so choosing the right dog breed that best clicks with your living arrangements should be the most important decision you make.

The Best Dog Breeds - Part 1 - Friendliness With Other Dogs

In part 1 of our 'Best Dog Breeds' series we will be looking which breed of dog is considered the most trustworthy and friendly around other dogs. This is always a matter of great discussion around dog owners and trainers and this is only our opinion. Before you go out and purchase a new dog please do your research and look into which type of breed is the best for your specific circumstances. Each breed in our list below is rated as 'above average' in terms of friendliness. So let's get started...

Beagle Bearded Collie Bedlington Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Clumber Spaniel Collie Curly Coated Retriever Dandie Dinmont Terrier Deer hound English Setter English Springer Spaniel German Short Hair Pointer Golden Retriever Gordon Setter Irish Setter Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Pt Basset Griffon Vendeen Pointer Samoyed Japanese Chin King Charles Spaniel Neopolitan Mastiff Shetland Sheepdog Welsh Springer Spaniel West Highland Terrier Whippet

Remember that each dog is individual with individual experiences in life and throughout their life. For example you may have a dog that you have taken home from a Rescue Home that has had a bad start in life and has had bad experiences with other dogs - this may make the dog more nervous regardless of the breed. Dog training from an early age is also very important especially socialization with other dogs, people and different experiences.

By socializing your pooch with other dogs from an early age - your pooch will become more confident around different breeds of different sizes and genders and less likely to cause you problems when out for a walk.

Cute Little Toy Dog Breeds

The toy dog breeds are petite dogs that are rather small in size compared to that of the other type of dogs. Dogs which are a part of this breed are that of the Chihuahua, Japanese Chin, Miniature Dachshund, Papillion, Pomeranian, Poodle, Pug, Shih Tzu, and Toy Spaniel.

Toy dog breeds are beautiful, charming and cheerful little dogs, which is why they are more often than not an important part of their owner's life. They are also full of surprises given that although they are small creatures, they possess the ability to hunt and at the same time eliminate pests, which can be found around the house. Toy dogs are also good and reliable guardians since they have the tendency to bark at unfamiliar people. Because of these reasons, toy dogs are considered to be just as tough as those large dogs. Then again, the most fascinating feature about these toy dogs is perhaps their ability to fill in the sadness and loneliness of their owners.

In general, though some of them needs frequent grooming, dogs of these breeds can be easily taken care of thanks to their small size. For starters, they do not require a large amount of food serving. Also, their small body only takes up little space. Then again, they can be as hard headed as any child, so proper training is necessary so as to avoid future problems. And so, if one wants a cute, loyal yet easy to manage dog, then the list of the toy dog breeds is just the right list to choose from.

Choosing A Large Dog Breed For Your Family

Some dog lovers prefer small dogs that can be a lap dog, or ones they can carry easily, but others prefer bigger dogs and opt for a large dog breed as their family pet. There are many advantages to a large dog breed, they often have higher energy levels for playtime and there can be less concern over injuries from over-excited children. However a large dog breed may have specific needs that need to be met. With so many different breeds to choose from, the decision as to which one is the most suitable for a family pet can be a difficult one.

If you are set on a large dog breed then the following points may help you with your choice:

Firstly you need to ask.....Who will Care for the Dog?

The primary caretaker of the animal is important, larger dogs require a responsible adult in charge who can control their exuberance and take the time to train the dog properly. Children and older or frailer adults are not the best choice to care for these pets. Give consideration also to the child who promises to care for the dog prior to purchase but who may lose interest in his responsibilities throughout the lifespan of the pet. Therefore it is best to make the addition of your new pet as a family effort, and so each family member is assigned to some aspect of the dogs care. By spreading the responsibility it will help to ensure your large dog breed gets the attention and care he needs and by doing so every family member will get the opportunity to enjoy your new pet equally.

How much Space will your large dog breed need?

Dogs come with a variety of energy levels, and this must be taken into consideration when deciding on which breed is best for your circumstances and in particular when you are considering a large dog breed.

A dog that becomes bored can look for alternative entertainment which could result in him becoming destructive; this can be a big problem with a large dog breed.

Your pet will need plenty of room to run with daily walks and playtime in order to help him stay healthy and happy. Larger dogs tend to need more space, for example a large garden or yard to play in. But remember the fence will need to be sufficient in substance and height to stop your lovely big dog escaping!

Be careful also with happy waggy tails around the house as objects can be knocked off innocently when your happy or excited dog is in a small room.

If you are absolutely certain that an energetic large breed dog is the right choice for you and your family, just make sure you have the room to accommodate this big, energetic and powerful animal.

Choosing a large dog breed for your family will require a lot of research and planning, however it will be worth it when you have the right choice of dog that fits in well with your family. Take the time to choose the right dog for you, and that pet in turn should return the effort by giving you and your family many years of enjoyment and companionship.

Terrier Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dog In This Group

The Terrier Group includes those small but lively terrier breeds that were developed (mainly in Great Britain) to hunt small burrowing animals such as badgers, foxes, otters, rabbits and rats. The terrier often had to follow the prey underground and therefore, except for the Bull and Airedale Terriers, most terriers are small and stocky with short legs. These are feisty and energetic dogs that have little tolerance for other animals including other dogs. Of course these small dog breeds have been domesticated and make good pets but they are still fairly active and require firm handling. Many breeds like the Airedale, Bull, Fox and the Parson (Jack) Russell Terriers do best with experienced owners. The top 10 most popular terrier breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club 2005 registrations are discussed below and their registration rank is included in brackets. It is interesting to note that the top six most popular terriers are all low-shedding dog breeds that are said to be hypoallergenic when properly groomed.

1. Miniature Schnauzer

Minis (#10) are lively, pleasant and playful with expressive personalities. These loyal and devoted small dogs want to be totally involved in all family activities and love to go for walks. Most Minis are good with children but are a little too small to be a toddler's pet. They will generally get along fine with other family pets although they are terriers and can be feisty toward other dogs. Early socialization and obedience training will help with controlling excessive barking and a reluctance to walk on leash. This breed can be taught fairly easily and can even excel at advanced obedience competitions.

2. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White (#32) is cheerful, bold, assertive, courageous, inquisitive and has a great deal of personality. This small white dog needs to get involved in everything that is happening in the home. The Westie is easier to handle and friendlier than many other terriers but still needs his daily walks and play sessions. Westies will try and dominate dogs of the same sex but otherwise get along better with other dogs and cats than most terriers. The Westie still has its hunting prey drive and shouldn't be let off leash except in a fenced enclosed area. The Westie is very possessive of its toys and food and doesn't like to be handled by young children.

3. Scottish Terrier

The Scottie (#40) is a small dog breed with a jaunty and distinctive appearance. The Scottie is brave, alert, proud, confident, loyal and dignified. While friendly and playful as puppies, the mature Scottish Terrier can be stubborn at times. Therefore it is important to start socializing and obedience training http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/articles/training-your-puppy.html> the Scottie while it is a puppy and continue through adolescence. Scotties love to play, so make sure you add play and rewards to your training. The Scottish Terrier does best with older children.

4. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier (#41) is one of the smallest of the working terrier dog breeds. These terriers are bold, spirited and inquisitive but are also somewhat independent-minded. The Cairn is intelligent, affectionate and eager to please its master. This breed is easily trained and likes to do tricks although they may be the tricks that he - not you - wants to do. Cairns do well with older children and love to play games. These Terriers demand lots of attention but will provide you with hours of entertainment in return.

5. Airedale Terrier

The medium-sized Airedale Terrier (#52) is larger than most Terriers and has an even temperament and sweet disposition, although some Airedales can get into fights with other dogs. This terrier is dignified, patient, loyal and intelligent and makes a great companion dog that loves to play with children. The Airedale should be supervised with young children as it may be too boisterous for them. Airedales can be trained to a high level as anything from a guard dog or watchdog to a seeing-eye dog. Airedale puppies are playful and exuberant and obedience training should be started early and re-enforced through adulthood by a knowledgeable owner.

6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Wheaten Terrier (#59) is cheerful, active, busy, playful and affectionate. The Wheaten is independent and self confident but also fairly intelligent and eager to learn. Wheaten puppies should be socialized early with children, other dogs and strangers. The breed is fairly easy to train if you can get their attention. Wheatens get along fine with older children but can be too playful and assertive with young children. Wheatens are much more sociable than most terriers but will still need obedience training to control their active and assertive nature.

7. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier (#62) or 'Bullie' is a lively and powerful dog. Bull Terriers are fearless, assertive, comical and mischievous. This large breed is loyal, affectionate and loving and can make a good family pet. Bullies are probably too exuberant for small children but will do fine with considerate older children. Bull Terriers need lots of attention and may not be the best choice for the city unless they are involved in lots of family activities. These dogs can be quite strong willed and are difficult to train. The breed needs early socialization when they are puppies and on-going obedience training. Male Bullies, especially those which haven't been neutered, can be extremely aggressive with other male dogs and even other pets.

8. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire (#63) is usually calm and friendly with an air of self confidence; this powerful medium-sized breed is active, playful, affectionate and relatively easy to train. The Am Staff loves playing with older children but is too boisterous for young children. However this dog is fearless and is not to be trusted around cats or other dogs. The Am Staff has powerful jaws and will destroy any toys you give it to chew. This breed needs early socialization to other dogs and strangers and on-going obedience training. The Am Staff is the largest of the three breeds generally referred to as Pit Bulls. The other two are the American Pit Bull Terrier which is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is registered with the AKC. In the past, these breeds were all bred to be fighting dogs. Now that this activity is illegal, these pit bull breeds have an undeserved reputation for fighting. This is a dog for an experienced owner and prospective buyers should also check their local area bylaws and also their household insurance to see if there is any restriction on this breed of dog.

9. Parson Russell Terrier

The small-sized Jack Russell Terrier (#72) is known as the Parson Russell Terrier in the U.S. The Parson (Jack) Russell is the most energetic, fearless and athletic of all the terrier dog breeds. The Parson Russell demands full participation in the family activities with lots of physical and mental challenges. If the Jack Russell gets too little exercise and companionship, then this cheerful little dog will get bored and become destructive. The Parson Russell can be very aggressive towards strange dogs and even other family dogs. The Parson (Jack) Russell needs a lot of early socialization while a puppy and adolescent to curb aggressive behavior. These strong-willed Terriers need lots of early and on-going obedience training to ensure the owner and not the dog is in charge. The Parson Russell gets along well with older children - especially those that will play ball or Frisbee with him.

10. White Fox Terrier

The small-sized Wire Fox Terriers (#76) are one of the liveliest and most energetic of all the terrier breeds. The two varieties, the Wire haired and the Smooth, differ only in coat type. These Terriers are very intelligent, curious, cheerful and love their families. The breed has so much energy that it will play and chase a ball or Frisbee for hours on end. Fox Terriers make great playmates for older children but still retain their hunting instincts and shouldn't be left alone with small pets. These Terriers should be kept on their leashes when being walked. The breed has a stubborn streak and socialization and training should be started when they are puppies and continued into adulthood.

Dog Breed Profile - Greyhound

History

There are conflicting opinions regarding the origin of the Greyhound, from the Celts who believed that they came from Greece, to the Romans who believed that they came from Gaul (in Western Europe), with many varying opinions inbetween.

There are ancient pictures which date back to 6000BC in the city of Catal-Huyuk in present-day Turkey, depicting dogs very similar in type to Greyhounds. Pictures from 4000BC found on a funery vase in Iran also depict Greyhound-like dogs which suggest that these dogs were held in the highest regard. Ancient artists tended only to depict images of religious or social importance.

Appearance

Greyhounds have an extremley elegant and graceful appearance; slender but also strong. They are propelled by extremely strong hindquarters; when they run it appears effortless and truly beautiful.

It is a pleasure to watch these dogs race, with their long neck and face set on their long, slender frame.

Greyhounds come in a massive variety of colours; Black, red, white, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours broken up with white

Temperament

Despite what most people think, these dogs can be real couch potatoes! Although they are capable of short bursts of speeds of upto 64km/hr, they are not blessed with great amounts of endurance, so love to get home after walkies and sleep it off!

They are great family pets; kind and gentle with their families and very affectionate. They may be a little aloof with strangers, but never nasty.

However, their history must be remembered; they were bred to course and race and therefore have tendencies to chase and catch small things; this can include smaller dogs, cats and other small pets. They must be very carefully socialised with smaller dogs and extreme care should be taken around cats.

Grooming

With their short coats, they will only require a very minimal amount of time spent on grooming.

Exercise

Two 20 minute walks a day is ample for these dogs - they particularly enjoy getting home to relax after their walkies!! Real care should be taken with allowing these dogs off lead - unless they are EXTREMELY well trained, they are liable to run off and chase any small thing that moves - and at 64km/h, there is no chance you'll be able to catch them!!

Health Problems

Greyhounds can be prone to injury when expelling their pent up energy! They don't really suffer from any genetic diseases; they can be a little sensitive to drugs although vets should be aware of this if treating them.

Dog Breeds Explained - The Doberman Pinscher

All about dogs articles say that the Doberman Pinscher is strong, sleek, and very handsome. They are also rambunctious, slobs and naughty. In short, they are a playful dog when they are relaxed and confident of their status in the hearth of the home. And because of this, they are also dangerously loyal and would defend the home, hearth and family members to the death. They are considered as one of the best guard and defence dogs that could guard the family and children. If a family were wondering which dog breed to choose as one of the best pets a family could ever have, then they will find it in the Dobe.

The Doberman is a medium sized dog that can stand from 26 1/2 - 28 1/2in at the shoulder. Generally, the dogs are larger and taller than the females. Their coats are short, sleek and smooth. The general health of the Dobe could actually be visible on their glossy coats. Dog health advice articles have even stated that the glossier they are, the healthier they are. Their accepted colors are combinations of black and tan, red and tan and blue and tan. And yes, there are also white dobes, but they are not recognized in many countries and they are also quite rare. These are not considered as albino colors.

Character-wise, the Dobe is a noble breed and it shows in their stance whether on a leash or off. Dog training advice from Dobe owners say these dogs can be very boisterous and could mess up the home if they want to play. Their stamina is such that it could go against the dogs or complement them. When they play, they can be rough so they have to be told, not hit nor trained through pain, that they are disappointing their humans if they are too rough. Usually a simple word of "Shame!" said in the right tone accompanied with the appropriate facial expression can make them feel ashamed which stops their unwanted behaviour. They are very brave - some pups show their braveness at less than four months old. They are also very loyal animals if they are given the chance to determine the alpha human in their lives.

But it is this character that makes them psychologically weak. When a doberman feels unwanted and unloved, they can get very neurotic and could physically lash out at anyone. They are like children who, when they feel unwanted and unloved, can act out. If they are made to feel as part of the family, they are very straightforward and reliable dogs.

But new owners must prepare for the puppy when they first get a Dobe. These dogs need their own mats, their own toys and their own blankets. They also like to have their own sofas. These dogs are very territorial and when they feel that they are in the home to protect the family, regardless of their own danger, they will protect that family to their last breath.

How To Choose the Right Dog Breed For You

Which breed of dog suits you?

Having decided that you are prepared to look after a canine for all of its life, your next question should be which breed of dog to choose. This is not simply a question of picking a breed of dog that appeals to you because of its appearance.

Many dog owners do not do enough research about the breeds before choosing a dog. Not every breed is suitable for everyone. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from, as well as crossbreeds and mongrels, and the decision as to what puppy or canine to choose is a very important one.

Here are some of the factors to consider when you want to start owning and caring for a dog.

- Age

While most future pet owners prefer to have a puppy, there are some who wishes to have an adolescent or full dog. The reason being is that there are no need to potty train, crate train and other basics trainings.

- Size

Size is a big factor. It really depends on you living environment. If you are staying in an apartment, a small dog is appropriate or if you are in a place with space to run for a dog, you can have a big one.

- Activity Level

Aggressive or not? That really depends on the activity level of the dog.

- Physical Grooming and Maintenance

Owning a dog comes with tons of responsibilities. Physical grooming is needed.

Read books about dog breeds. Ask other dog owners for advice. Visit dog shows and view the different breeds there. Here you can meet dogs of more or less every Kennel Club recognized breed. There are also various dog magazines and newspapers that have excellent articles on individuals breed and their care.

Canaan Dog - Dog Breed Info

Group: Herding

Weight: male: 45-55, female: 35-45 lbs

Height: male: 20-24, female: 19-23 inches

Overview

The Canaan Dog is an ancient dog breed that was established in the 1930s. They were bred from the wild dogs of Israel, and are still used today to herd, guard and manage sheep. This is a very trainable breed, and they have been successfully used as messengers, mine detectors, trackers and search and rescue dogs. Even today this breed performs most of these duties. The Canaan Dog is a very tough breed that is well-adapted to the deserts of Israel. Drawings of similar looking dogs were found in tombs dating back to 2200 BC.

Temperament

Although this is considered a primitive dog breed, the Canaan Dog is a very intelligent dog. These dogs are very loyal and affectionate toward their owners, and will shower their families with love. This is a dog that is very keen on pleasing its owner. The Canaan Dog can however be fairly domineering and strong- willed at times. This breed is best suited to owners with some previous dog ownership experience. The Canaan Dog does not require excessive attention, and they are also very independent dogs. Seeing that these dogs are so intelligent, they require sufficient mental stimulation. If they are not stimulated enough, they may show negative behaviour.

Care

Canaan Dogs are a very hygienic breed with no doggie smell. Theses dogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, and will require a weekly combing and brushing. Extra care should however be taken when these dogs are shedding. These dogs shed quite heavily during the shedding season.

Training

It is imperative to remember that the Canaan Dog is a primitive breed, and that they are slow to mature. They are also stubborn and autonomous, and will therefore require an experienced owner and trainer. This breed should receive early socialisation and obedience training - this is a must. The Canaan Dog will not react to cruel or forceful training methods, but they do need to see who is dominant. The training environment for these dogs should be firm and consistent, and also have enough admiration and reward. The training regime should be varied; otherwise these dogs will get bored.

Health problems

The Canaan dog is a very healthy and tough breed, and they are not likely to struggle with any major health issues. They can however, very rarely have trouble with hip dysplasia which is a disease where the hip joints begin to break down. This makes it very difficult to make any movements.

Short Haired Dog Breeds - Oh the Advantages!

Short-haired dog breeds have many advantages over long-haired breeds. One of these is that short-haired dog breeds do not shed as much hair. While a shaggier coat makes a dog look fluffier and aesthetically more pleasing, it should be remembered that more hair means more time spent on bathing and grooming. Short-hairs are also good because pests can not hide on them very well, so they are better from a hygienic point of view.

Here are some grooming tips for short-haired dog breeds.

- Brush your dog regularly, preferably at least once a day. Make sure to brush against the hair growth direction to monitor for pests.

- Stainless steel combs are best for short-haired dogs. Slicker brushes are better for medium to long-haired dogs. Use a flea comb during the summer days to make certain your dog has not attracted those parasites. A bristle brush can be a final touch for adding gloss to the dog's coat.

- In case you dog has a tendency to avoid being brushed because of dislike for the process, it might be a good idea to try brushing immediately after play time. Start gently by brushing in the hair growth direction. Remember that successful training means frequent rewards. Give your dog a treat after the first brushing is complete. Increase the length of the brushing sessions little by little to allow the dog to get used to it.

- Brushing is also important before giving your dog a bath. Wet matted hair is only going to create problems later on, so make sure there is no matted hair before proceeding with the bath. Water and good shampoo in a sink works great for small dogs. Note that shampoos used by humans are not good for dogs and can cause irritation that might require medication. Start with the tail and wash the head the last. No one likes soap in his or her eyes.

- Rinse as many times as required to make sure that all residual shampoo has been rinsed out of the dog's coat.

- Short-haired dog breeds will naturally dry of faster. Usually a gentle towel rub is all that they need. Longer haired dogs need more attention and you should consider brushing the hair while it is drying to avoid tangles.

- If your dog tends to dislike baths then remember to reward it with a treat after each bathing session.

Dog Breed - Deciding Before Adopting Or Buying

A dog is classified into different breed types. In fact, dogs are the only animal species in the world that have diversified themselves into so many diverse breed types. The main breed classification of dogs are pure breed, hybrid breed and mixed breed dogs. The different dog types are classified within these three main subcategories of dog breed. A detailed research on dog breed types is critically important before deciding on your pet adoption choice.

The importance of breed research can be explained as the importance that the about-to-be dog owner places on his or her pet. This importance is very much needed as many people often do the mistake in adopting dog without adequate research and finally end up in sending the dog in a state run animal center. If you still do not believe what happens in an animal center, then let this article confirm the morbid fact that, the dogs are kept for a while in the center and then they are simply euthanized. Euthanization is only a fancy and state-sponsored name for murder.

Thus, if you are looking forward to adopting a puppy, then give the decision a serious thought because you should be able to provide lifelong care and concern for the puppy. The mistake that owners make is often in the beginning when they fail to do adequate research and adopts a dog breed that is unsuitable to the owner's lifestyle. You should know that the dog breeds are also classified according to the primary nature of the members of the breed. For instance, breeds can be classified into groups like sporting dog breed, Non sporting dog breed, terrier dog, hound dog and herding dog breed. Therefore, if you feel that you do not have the time to take the dog to exercise everyday, then you simply adopt a non-sporting type of dog that does not have much exercise demands.

The breed of a dog is in fact an excellent source of information about the dog and a person should wisely choose his or her dog depending on the breed information. A dog breed can give you extensive information about your pet like how much grooming is required by the pet, how much exercise is required by the pet or the training demands of that particular dog breed. You will also be able to judge other important factors like the dog breed tolerance towards children or the dog breed tolerance towards strangers. For instance, dog breed types like Samoyed, Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Greyhound, Newfoundland, Irish wolfhound and Bulldogs have been found to offer friendship and protection towards children.

If you are adopting a puppy, then too the dog breed information is equally helpful. For adopting puppies the most important point that you should take care is that what will be the adult size of the puppy and what will be the adult characteristics of the puppy. Sometimes different dog breed types look the same as puppies, so it is crucial that you make adequate research before getting the puppy to your home. This article requests all those who are looking forward towards adopting a new dog to decide responsibly before selecting your dog breed type. You should be responsible for your pet's life, and not the murder of your pet.

Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group

The Working Dog group includes most of the guard dog breeds such as the Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher as well as the northern sled dogs such as the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. Most of these dogs need lots of exercise and a fair amount of living space. Many of these dogs have thick double coats and can be heavy shedders. The heavy shedding breeds include the: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Samoyed and Siberian Husky. The top 10 most popular Working Dog breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club 2005 registrations are discussed below and their registration rank is included in brackets.

1. Boxer

The Boxer (#7) is a large, strong and muscular dog that is energetic, good-natured and playful. Boxers are very popular because they love children and are a good dog breed for active families with children. Toddlers and young children should be supervised carefully when around young or adolescent dogs that will knock them over when they get excited. This breed needs early socialization and obedience training while they are puppies and exercise while adolescents to control their exuberance. Boxers are alert, intelligent and eager to please and can be trained to a high level for agility sports and obedience competitions. Boxers make good watchdogs and can even be trained to be guard dogs.

2. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler (#16) is a very heavy, muscular and large dog breed. A well-bred Rottweiler is calm, intelligent, confident and courageous but can be aggressive toward strangers and strange dogs. Therefore it is important that this breed be thoroughly socialized and obedience trained starting when it is a puppy and continuing through adolescence. The Rottie needs exercise and mental stimulation and makes a good obedience, agility and schutzhund competitor. Rottweilers are not suited for indoor life and enjoy being outside. A well trained Rottie does fine with older children but this breed should be restricted to people who have the time to thoroughly socialize, obedience train, and keep this dog active.

3. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher (#21) is a strong, muscular and athletic large dog. Dobermans are usually protective but also are sweet and docile family dogs. This intelligent breed needs early socialization and obedience training when it is a puppy and this should be continued through adolescence. Dobermans do fine with older children if they are raised with them. Male Dobes can be very aggressive with other male dogs and shouldn't be trusted with small pets and strange children. Dobermans need lots of exercise and companionship and shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. This breed should spend a significant amount of time at a dog training school. Dobermans make good guard dogs and good watchdogs.

4. Great Dane

The Great Dane (#24) is a very large and strong dog and is known as the gentle giant of dog breeds. The Dane is gentle, quiet, loyal and affectionate towards its family. This breed would rather lean against you for a pat, than be aggressive towards anyone. The Dane is great with family children but small children must be supervised carefully to avoid knockdown. The Dane is so large that it must be socialized and trained to behave very cautiously around children and pets. Because the Dane is so large early obedience training is essential to prevent it from exerting dominance. Young Danes, up to three years old, can be boisterous and need strict supervision. Danes make excellent watchdogs.

5. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky (#25) is a very handsome medium to large dog breed that is playful, friendly, athletic and independent. Siberians get along well with older children but are not recommended for toddlers and small children unless raised with them from a puppy. Too many people are attracted to this handsome dog without realizing this is a working sled dog that needs a lot of physical activity. Siberians belong outside in an escape-proof large yard but get bored and destructive if they have too little exercise. Training is quite challenging and must be started when the Sibes are puppies and continued through to adulthood. Siberians don't bark much (although they howl from time to time) and are too friendly to make good watchdogs.

6. Mastiff

The Mastiff (#33) is a gentle giant dog and one of the heaviest dog breeds. This gentle giant is a great family dog that is calm, dignified, good-natured and very fond of children. Because of its giant size, toddlers are in danger of knock-down, and should always be supervised carefully. Mastiffs need a house with a large fenced yard. This breed needs lots of companionship and should have early and on-going socialization and obedience training so that you can control the Mastiff with only voice commands. This breed is naturally protective of its home and family and must be socialized early and often with other dogs to prevent it from becoming combative. Mastiffs make good watch dogs and guard dogs.

7. Saint Bernard

The massive Saint Bernard (#37) is the most famous of all giant dog breeds and one of the best known of all dog breeds. The Saint is an intelligent, courageous, obedient and good natured dog breed. The breed is very good with children and also other pets but because of their very large size, young children and toddlers should be supervised carefully to avoid any accidents. The Saint is relatively easy to train but must be thoroughly socialized and trained while it is young and hasn't grown too large to handle. The Saint Bernard makes a good watchdog even though it doesn't bark much and is fairly tolerant of strangers.

8. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff (#42) is a very large dog that is a cross between the Bulldog and the Mastiff dog breeds. The Bullmastiff is loveable and trustworthy but also fearless and afraid of nothing. Normally this breed is mild mannered and docile but once aroused can be aggressive with other male dogs and strangers. Bullmastiffs make great family pets for families with older children but young puppies or adolescents are too exuberant to be around toddlers or small children. Bullmastiff puppies must have early socialization and obedience training that is reinforced through adulthood. This dog breed is too large to allow it to have any unruly behavior and at any sign of aggression get professional training assistance. Bullmastiffs make fantastic watch dogs and great natural guard dogs but should never receive additional guard dog training.

9. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland (#46) or Newf is one of the giant dog breeds whose teddy bear appearance gives an indication of what a wonderful family dog it is. The Newfoundland has a wonderfully sweet and gentle disposition that is reflected in his kind expression. This intelligent, gentle and good-natured giant dog is great with children and makes a terrific family dog. Toddlers should be supervised carefully as one slurp from his big tongue could knock a little one over. Newfs and all giant breeds should be socialized and obedience trained early while puppies and through adolescence. Newfs need lots of companionship and need to be involved in family activities.

10. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog (#47) is a very handsome large dog which is outgoing, intelligent and affectionate and makes a terrific family pet. Berners love children but should be supervised with young children because they are large and can knock the toddlers over. Berners should be socialized early with small children and animals when they are puppies. Bernese are intelligent and very trainable and make good dogs for competitive obedience trials. These mountain dogs like to be outside and thrive in cold weather. Berners are fairly tolerant with strangers but still make excellent watch dogs and guard dogs.

Dog Breeds Shedding

When it comes to owning man's best friend, there are some dog breeds where shedding becomes a major problem. Not only is the ghastly sight of clumped dog hair on the couch or the collection of dusty fur underneath the refrigerator a complete household turnoff, but also for allergy sufferers, the consequences can pose a major health risk.

Shedding is a natural process that dogs undergo, as they lose the excess hair their body once needed to stay warm during the Winter. As warmer months prevail, the extra hair is no longer needed and begins to fall out as the climate and seasons change. For the most part, dogs with very short hair do not present as much of a problem as with other dog breeds; shedding is certainly expected with dogs, such as the Afghan Hound, which is notorious for leaving behind their hair.

Some pet owners try to catch the unwanted hair before it makes its way to the floor, carpet, or furniture by brushing their dog at the first signs of shredding. Proper and frequent grooming is a great way to reduce the amount of shedding that dog breeds may deliver. For the individuals who don't want to deal with the hassle, they simply plan ahead and select dog breeds where shedding is not a major possibility.

There is no denying the fact that when it comes to certain dog breeds, shedding is a definite characteristic. Below you will find a list of eleven dogs that pose the least amount of shedding and grooming concerns:

Airedale Terrier: Although this specific terrier breed is rather large, the Airedale possesses a rough coat that rarely sheds. This type of dog works well with children and displays a curious nature with loyal and trainable characteristics. An Airedale commonly reaches a height of 22 to 24 inches and a weight between 50 and 65 pounds.
Cockapoo: With a face resembling a Poodle, the Cockapoo is a mixture between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. The dog showcases a short, curly coat that doesn't shed much. To combat the threat of shedding, aggressive grooming is suggested. With a friendly, loyal, and playful disposition, this dog breed is good with children and other dogs.
Italian Greyhound: As a miniature version of the Greyhound, this dog highlights a compact size with a gentle and obedient disposition. While this dog breed is easy to train, they also tend to get into trouble. With a short and sleek coat, shedding is not a problem with the dog breed.
Poodle: There are three different sizes that a Poodle is categorized. With all Poodle dog breeds, shedding is not a problem because their coats are short and curly. A high amount of grooming is needed for this type of dog, which also gets along well with children.
Standard Schnauzer: The coarse, wiry outer coat of this dog breed does not produce a heavy amount of shedding. With a handsome, powerful appearance, this dog may come as a salt-and-pepper or pure black companion. Common characteristics of the Schnauzer include a blunt muzzle, bushy eyebrows, and thick moustache.
Shih Tzu: The exotic appearance of this dog breed not only offers less of a shedding problem, but also delivers one of the sturdiest of toy dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is rather small, as the average size for the breed is about 8 to 10½ inches in shoulder height and around 9 to 16 pounds in weight.
Basenji: Besides not shedding a great amount of hair, the Basenji (also known as the Congo Dog) possesses quite an unusual trait. With elegance and an athletic build, the dog trots like a horse and harbors hygiene habits similar to a cat. Instead of a bark, the dog lets out an odd sound resembling a yodel or howl.
Yorkshire Terrier: For a rugged dog delivering a portable package, Yorkies belong to the toy dog breed, where they reach heights of about 7 to 9 inches and weighs around 5 to 7 pounds. Some of the characteristics associated with the breed include small, v-shaped pointy ears.
Bichon Frise: As you consider an array of dog breeds, shedding is not a major problem with the Bichon Frise despite its white powder-puff appearance. With a cheerful disposition and high capacity for intelligence, this type of dog is a member of the non-sporting dog group with the American Kennel Club.
Chinese Crested: Out of all the toy dog breeds, the Chinese Crested is one of the liveliest and charming pets an owner could ask for (not to mention the lack of hair they possess). Chinese Cresteds only possess hair on their heads, about their feet, and on their plumed tails.
Miniature Dachshund: These little dogs are full of love and character and make a great family pet, although our little dog was very protective of our property and would tend to snap at people near the door if they put their hands out to love her; in all other times she was totally soft and adorable. Very little problem with shedding except that if my wife walked around with bare feet, it was not uncommon for one of the fine little hairs to actually work its way right into the skin (Lol). Some useful dog grooming tips can be found if you look at dogs questions. Our little dog in the picture decided she was better at doing jigsaws than we were!

Scott Whiskeye loves all dogs, particularly small dogs and even more particularly Miniature Dachshunds, one of which he and his wife used to own for nearly 17 wonderful years. Never was so much love given from such a small little dog, and back from them both; her memory will stay with them forever. They have many amusing and treasured photographs of her. Some very useful information about Dogs Questions can be seen at dogs questions.

If You Love Your Dog, Then the Latest Dog Tends Might Be of Interest to You

You may be a dog owner or in a dog related industry. If you are in America, rest assured that you have the greatest number of online dog searches and the highest dog ownership. So whatever your dog interest this article provides specific information on dog trends across three of the highest dog ownership countries of America, UK and Australia. We answer the question of how different countries approach seeking information online about dogs and what kind of monthly volume of searches are involved. As search data is up to date and provides a comparison in absolute terms this article shows how similar dog lovers in these three countries are.

This report is the first in a series of dogs online demand reports. It uses Google data for exact searches in three of the highest dog ownership countries: Australia, America and the UK

The reason that the online market is looked at is that the web is often the first place that people go for information, it provides a complete picture of the dog market/ industry. It can also be resolved weekly / monthly in almost real time. Google data is used because it is the leading search engine and provides the most complete list of terms for which people search. This research helps show how the market for 'DOG associated' terms on Google changes throughout the year and how the America compares with the UK / Australia.

Google exact search data is used for ALL languages in each country under analysis. To get a feel for the total dog industry, all of the terms related to DOGS in each country were summed each month. This means that for every month we can get an understanding of how the demand for the total dog associated market changes throughout the year. For instance The USA in 2010 had around 621 dog associated terms, while the UK had 800 (Google's current maximum data) and Australia had 365 terms.

To visually compare the three countries, Australia and the UK terms needed to be multiplied to reach a similar absolute number of searches to the USA values each month. Australia's total dog associated searches were multiplied by ten and the UK searches by 2. America clearly has the largest absolute number of 'dog associated searches' in the world with a peak near 3.2 million searches a month in Jan and October 2010. USA and the UK have quite a similar trend throughout the year, both starting and finishing on relatively high volumes, with a very pronounced search demand trough in the middle of the year (JUNE). Australia follows almost the reverse trend peaking in August.

To get an understanding of the 'demand shape' or how important the top terms are, the top fifty searches in each country make up the majority volume of searches. For example in Australia in October 2010, the top 50 volume dog associated terms accounted for 70% of the searches of the top 365 dog associated terms.

From all the data available it appears that there may be a Christmas effect that provides a peak in all countries leading up to the Christmas period - ie purchases of puppies for children and family..

What are people searching for in Dogs?

The table below shows the top 10 dog related search terms in Oct 2010. The order is similar for most months.

AMERICA........................VOL...........UK...............................VOL............AUSTRALIA......VOL

[dogs]..............................246,000....[dogs trust].................110,000.....[dog]..................22,200

[dog]................................135,000....[dogs].........................90,500.....[dog breeds]........14,800

[dog breeds]....................110,000....[puppies for sale].........90,500.....[dog games]......12,100

[dog names]....................90,500.....[dogs for sale]..............74,000.....[dogs for sale].....9,900

[pictures of dogs].............40,500.....[battersea dogs home]..60,500.....[dog names]........9,900

[bernese mountain dog]....40,500....[dog breeds].................40,500.....[dog training].......4,400

[dogs for sale]..................33,100....[dog games]................40,500.....[adopt a dog]........3,600

[dog games].....................33,100....[dog beds]...................27,100.....[dog grooming]......2,400

[female dog names]..........33,100....[dog insurance].............18,100....[bernese (M) dog].2,400

[dog training].....................27,100...[dog rescue]................18,100....[female dog names]2,400

From the table you can see that the term 'dog' and 'dogs' are overwhelmingly the largest search term in and America (246,000), second in UK (90,500) and top in Australia (22,200). Other common points are the term 'dog breeds' (second in Australia, third in America, sixth in UK) and 'dogs for sale' (fourth in Australia, seventh in America, fourth in UK).

You will notice that there are also many more searches in people looking for 'dog breeds' and 'dogs for sale' than there are for 'dog training' (Australia sixth, America tenth, UK twenty first). That said, in the UK the top term 'dog trust' relates to "The UK's largest dog welfare charity, outreach programs, education, information, dogs for re-homing, legislation and campaigning."

The number of search terms in a dog related data set have to do with the terms reaching a consistent minimum volume of searches. In Australia 'dog related' terms were 365, America 621 and UK had 800 terms. This can either mean that a country just has a 'long tail' or search pattern of many diverse terms, or indicates that the country has a high performing market. In a future article we will see that on a 'per capita' basis that the UK leads the world in dog associated searches, and so the maximum rating of 800 terms is well justified (particularly since the UK only has one fifth of the USA's population).

CONCLUSION

There are very similar dog associated terms that people search for across these three highly developed English speaking countries. America / USA has by far the largest percentage of searches for the generic 'dogs' top term.

The fact that 'dog training' is so low on each populations search priority in the dog world is of concern. A dog purchase should be a 'one off' event, but dog training and learning effective boundary setting and discipline should be an on-going quest. Perhaps this plus the absence of 'dog walking' queries in the highest search terms suggests why there are so many dogs with behavioral and social interaction issues?

Ironically there are very few 'bad' dogs in society, it's just that some owners don't seem to have the time or skills set to meet their ownership commitment and appropriately care for their dogs. Since meaningful exercise (dog walking, dog play) is the first part of the equation to a well balanced dog, neglecting this is often the cause of dogs and owners suffering and dogs being given away.

Akita Inu Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Akita Inu is a large dog with a strong, powerful build. The dog will measure 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 75 to 120 pounds. The bitch is 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder with a weight of 75 to 100 pounds. The Akita has a dense double coat, consisting of a hard outer coat and a soft undercoat. The coat is generally found in all colors, including red, fawn, brindle, and white. The ears of the Akita are small and erect and the tail curls up over the hindquarters. The Akita has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. This dog is also known as Akita Inu in Japan.

History: The Japanese island of Honshu, in the Akita Prefecture, was the birthplace of the Akita Inu. This dog was bred to be a sturdy guard and hunting dog. As the prey animals included black bears, boar, and elk, the Akita was, of necessity a strong and determined hunter. It was this dog's job to hold the quarry until the human hunters were ready to make the kill. During the 19th century, the original Akita was bred to the Tosa, the Japanese fighting dog. This resulted in a dog that was larger and more aggressive than its Akita parent. The breed was diminished by a rabies outbreak at the beginning of the 20th century, and WWII caused many of these dogs to be sacrificed for their fur, which was needed for uniforms.

Temperament: The Akita Inu is very loyal and attached to its human family. One Japanese Akita was so loyal that it went to the train station to meet its master for nine years after the master had died. The Akita has a very strong and dominant personality, however, so a firm master is needed to train the dog how to behave properly. This dog must be socialized with other dogs and household pets while young. Although the Akita loves children, its size makes it more suitable for older children than very young ones.

Health Issues: The Akita Inu is very prone to bloat, stomach torsion. If this occurs, the dog must be taken to the veterinarian for immediate treatment. This is a life-threatening situation that cannot be treated at home. This dog has a small heart for its body size and is sensitive to anaesthesia because of this. Your veterinarian should be made aware of this if your Akita needs surgery. The Akita can also suffer from hip dysplasia and canine herpesvirus.

Grooming: The Akita's coat needs quite a bit of grooming to stay in top condition. It should be brushed with a stiff-bristled brush at least once a week. When the coat is blown twice a year, it would be advisable to groom even more often than that.

Living Conditions: The Akita Inu is very protective of its family and wants to be near them as much as possible. However, this is a rugged dog with a thick coat that does not mind being outside in bad weather. The Akita can live in an apartment if the owner makes the effort to give the dog proper exercise. A house with a yard is probably a better option so that the dog will be assured of enough exercise.

Various Dog Breeds to Suit Various People

There are many breeds of do. Each breed comes with their own characteristics which people associate with them. But you will find, like anything else in life, that there are exceptions ie that there are individual variations within the breed which may be atypical e.g. a snappy Golden Retriever or an affectionate Poodle. So if you are thinking of getting a dog, by all means look at the general characteristics of the breed but also look at the qualities of the individual dog.

So what sorts of breeds are there?

1. Hyperactive, rambunctious dogs that have the potential to destroy things and make a nuisance of themselves if they can't exercise.
Examples include:
~ Jack Russel Terrier: these dogs tend to dig when bored
~ Labrador Retrievers:
~ Collie

2. Barkers, Howlers
Examples Include
~ Border Collie: these dogs have a sharp bark which is hard to take
~ Beagle: these dogs howl when bored
~ Poodle: these dogs yap
~ Timid Dogs: There a some breeds that bark with every sound or movement. This is usually associated with smaller breeds such as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Lhasa Apso, Hound breeds (howls especially it they hear sirens or trains, therefore do not make good city dogs.)

3. Hunting Dog Breeds:
Examples include:
~ Welsh Terrier
~ Springer Spaniel
~ Otterhound
~ English Pointer
~ Blue Tick Coonhound

4. Toy Dog Breeds Or Small Dogs:
Examples include:
~ Yorkshire Terrier
~ Pug
~ Pekinese
~ Chihuahua
~ Papillon

5. Breeds Suitable For Families With Children:
Children need a dog with good temperament and moderate energy level
Examples include:
~ Cairn Terrier
~ German Shepherd: These dogs must be well trained
~ Collie
~ Shetland Sheepdog
~ Mixed Breed Dogs like a Mutt

6. Top of the List Breed:
~ Labrador Retriever
~ Golden Retriever
~ Beagle
~ Yorkshire Terrier
~ Poodle

7. Mixed Dog Breeds (Designer Dogs) - hopefully gets the best traits out of each breed
~ Puggle: this is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle
~ Labradoodle: this is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle
~ Cockapoo: this is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle

Please note that these dogs are unregistered but are becoming more and more popular.

8. Unpopular Breeds:
~ Pitbulls and their Close Cousins: Maybe these dogs have had owners who did not know how to get the best out of them. If these dogs are trained gently and properly and understood then they could be worthwhile owning.

These dogs are just a few out of the many dog breeds around. People generally have their favourite and least favourite dog breed. Their opinions can be influenced by many factors including:
1. movies or television programs that feature them
2. dogshows where they can be influenced by peoples feedback and whether a dog wins or not.

You will find that there are many dogs in each category. You will have to research to gain information on what you could be interested. There are many things to consider when choosing a dog breed. Whatever dog breed you like or dislike you will find that various dog breeds suit various people and there should be one to suit you.

Yorkie Dogs - Exciting Small Dog Breeds

The Yorkshire terrier, more popularly known as Yorkie Dogs, belongs to the small dog breeds. They possess long and attractive silk coat which is advisable to be well-kept by brushing on a regular basis. Likewise, other sensitive parts of this dog such as the teeth must also be brushed regularly if possible. Pet owners should know that when taking care of the terriers, they must have great amount of patience and attention and care to give.

Like many small dog breeds, the yorkie dogs need not be fed beyond that they need to take in. Overfeeding of terriers will often result in possible digestive conditions which can endanger its overall health. There are many excellent quality food products that can be bought for your pet dog; this assures you're your yorkie dogs will be getting their necessary nutrients and vitamins. Of course, it is a must that fresh water is always available for your dog to drink.

The Yorkshire terrier is belongs to adventurous and intelligent small dog breeds. They are very lovable and loyal to his master and the people around it, albeit at times it can be demanding when it comes to the attention that his master and the people around shower him. And while the yorkie dogs are very amiable, they can become irritated in the slightest provocation. It can be said that this tiny dog is very brave and will not hesitate to face possible danger when he encounters it.

As already mentioned, yorkie dogs gets along quite well with humans, however they are only comfortable in the presence of people that they already know. They display hostile behavior with total strangers and even other animals and house pets. These small breed of dogs might be temperamental and oftentimes hostile to others, nonetheless, they only have so much affection and loyalty to their masters.

With this dog a rather aggressive and seemingly menacing behavior, you might think that the Yorkshire terrier is not trainable. On the contrary, this small dog breeds are very trainable; they can easily absorb the training that is given them. Still, with their cute stubbornness as the terrier's trademark, you must have unyielding character as well as a wealth of determination in order to successfully train your yorkie dogs.