The Leonberger

A huge and powerful dog, yes, but the Leonberger is also known for his aristocratic grace and elegance. A male can stand over 31 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as a full-grown human. A dramatic feature of the male’s coat is the lion-like mane around the neck and chest.

Leos were developed first and foremost as companions. The breed was the brainchild of Heinrich Essig, a 19th-century politician and entrepreneur of Leonberg, Germany. Utilizing Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands, among other large working breeds, Essig’s goal was to breed a majestic pet for European royalty—truly a dog fit for a king. Despite their regal beginnings, Leos have long been employed as versatile working dogs on farms, pastures, and waterfronts. 

They are surprisingly nimble and make excellent swimmers. A specialty of the breed is cart pulling, an activity that provides an enjoyable outlet for their prodigious strength. Leonbergers shed a lot—and twice a year, they shed even more. A Leo should be brushed every day, especially in the areas of his body that tend to mat: the long hair behind the ears and on the backs of the legs. A more thorough grooming should be done once a week—and given the breed’s size, this will take a fair amount of time. Leos have a thick, full outer coat and a shorter, fluffier undercoat.

If you live in a city apartment or a house on a small, suburban lot, this may not be the breed for you. Adult Leonbergers are generally calm and subdued, but they still need to have some vigorous exercise once a day. Puppies and adolescents are active and exuberant. Adult dogs can benefit from jogging or hiking with their owner or keeping pace alongside a bicycle. Drafting—that is, pulling a cart—and agility training are two good ways for a Leo to get the activity he or she needs.

Leonbergers are very large and strong. In addition, puppies and adolescents have loads of energy and are extremely enthusiastic. With these facts in mind, proper training of the breed is essential. Leo puppies should be socialized by being gently exposed to a wide range of people, animals, and settings before the age of 20 weeks. Group obedience classes will help a Leo learn to be a well-mannered companion and canine citizen. A Leo is probably stronger than and may even outweigh his owner, and it is imperative that he learns to do what you want him to do.

The Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky, a thickly coated, compact sled dog of medium size and great endurance, was developed to work in packs, pulling light loads at moderate speeds over vast frozen expanses. This northern breed is friendly, fastidious, and dignified.

The Siberian Husky’s compact body, well-furred coat, erect ears, and thick, sickle-shaped tail immediately suggest the breed’s northern heritage. The breed’s ancestors were originally bred in northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people and were kept as companion dogs for their families as well as endurance sled dogs.

They made headlines in 1925 when a legendary musher Leonhard Seppala led a relay of Siberian Huskies 658 miles in only five and a half days to rush a lifesaving serum to Nome, Alaska, where an epidemic of diphtheria had broken out. The thrilling “serum run,” reported breathlessly in newspapers around the world, won Siberians a popularity that has not abated to this day. Balto, who was Seppala’s lead dog on the final leg of the journey, remains one of the most honored hero dogs in canine history; a statue of him stands in New York City’s Central Park.

Siberians are known for their powerful but seemingly effortless gait. Tipping the scales at no more than 60 pounds, they are noticeably smaller and lighter than their burly cousin, the Alaskan Malamute.

As born pack dogs, Siberians enjoy family life and get on well with other dogs; their innate friendliness render them indifferent watchdogs. This breed is also energetic and can’t resist chasing small animals, so secure running room is a must. 

Siberian Huskies are considered a “natural” breed. They are remarkably self-cleaning and often need only a few baths a year, unless being shown in conformation dog shows. Weekly brushings help keep the coat and skin in good condition. Siberians have a double coat—an undercoat, and guard hair. The undercoat is shed twice a year, and it is important to continually “rake out” the old coat, using a pin brush and metal comb.

Siberians are active, athletic dogs who need a lot of exercise. They are a working breed and happiest when they have a function to perform. Regular exercise is important both physically and mentally, and doing activities together strengthens the bond between dog and owner. Siberians were bred to run and will do so at every opportunity; it is vital to keep the dog on a leash, in harness, or in a fenced yard at all times.

For those owners who want to work their dogs in harness, training for this requires hours of dedication and patience. There are several good books available on training for the trail that provide advice and information on getting started. The best approach is to make all training exercises fun for both dog and handler. Siberians are very social, and regularly need the company of their people or other dogs; they are not suited to being left alone all day. 

Source: [1]

The Pug

 The Pug’s motto is the Latin phrase “multum in parvo” (a lot in a little)—an apt description of this small but muscular breed. They come in three colors: silver or apricot-fawn with a black face mask, or all black. 

The large round head, the big, sparkling eyes, and the wrinkled brow give Pugs a range of human-like expressions—surprise, happiness, curiosity—that have delighted owners for centuries.

Pug owners say their breed is the ideal house dog. Pugs are happy in the city or country, with kids or old folks, as an only pet or in a pack. 

They enjoy their food, and care must be taken to keep them trim. They do best in moderate climates—not too hot, not too cold—but, with proper care, Pugs can be their adorable selves anywhere.

Source: akc.org

The Lagotto Romagnolo

 

This adorable little fluff can be found in the Italian countryside hunting for truffles. Originally bred for waterbird retrieval, they are now the only purebred dog recognized as a truffle finding specialist. In fact, this breed is so ancient, they are believed to be the breed from which all water retrieval breeds descend.

This breed has a soft fluffy coat, comprised of hair rather than fur. They are hypoallergenic and low shedders. They are highly intelligent and eager to please which makes them excellent working dogs who excel at most tasks.

These dogs thrive in a family home with lots of love and affection and will make perfect adventure buddies! 

The Cirneco dell’Etna

This breed is very old and some of their origins can be worked out through their name.

Cirneco is derived from a Greek word meaning “dog of Cyrene (Libya).” It is likely that the breed has existed in Sicily since its ancestors arrived on its craggy shores some 3,000 years ago in the holds of ships piloted by those master traders of the ancient world, the Phoenicians. As far back as 500 b.c., dogs resembling Cirnechi appeared on Sicilian coins. -AKC.org 

Etna is the name of a mountain in Italy. 

These dogs were bred as sighthounds and their athletic build and trainability make them the ideal breed for many different sports including agility, flyball, and of course, lure-coursing. They also make great family pets and are very loyal to their families. They thrive on attention and enjoy getting to spend time with you.

Their short sleek coats make for easy maintenance and their moderate energy requirements make them pretty easy keepers. Overall, these dogs make great companions for people who live an active lifestyle or want to be competitive in the world of dog sports. 

The Yorkshire Terrier

 

The Yorkshire Terrier (aka the Yorkie) is the 10th most popular breed of dog in the US. They were originally bred to be mousers in the mines before becoming the lap dogs of Victorian nobility. Though their small size and long coats may make them seem more like fashion accessories, they have all the drive and tenacity of any other terrier breed. 

Outside of the show ring, most people prefer to keep their Yorkies in a shorter trim which makes upkeep a lot easier. Still, they will need regular trips to the groomers every 6 weeks or so. Their fur more similar to human hair rather than fur and has similar maintenance requirements. They will need daily brushing along with frequent baths to keep it clean and tangle-free. They also can be great choices for people with sensitivity to dog fur as Yorkies are low-allergen compared to other breeds. 

These dogs pack a big dog attitude in a small dog body. They have tons of personality and can sometimes be bossy. You will definitely never be short on entertainment with these guys. They also like to play and can be competitive at dog sports like agility, rally, and obedience. They are very intelligent, though sometimes stubborn, and often respond well to training and socialization. 

This breed makes for a great apartment dog and is a favorite among many city-dwellers. With a unique personality and tons of character, they will definitely enrich your life and provide lots of love and laughter.

The Pumi

The Pumi (pronouced POO-mee) is a small Hungarian sheep dog bred to handle a lot of work for long periods of time. They are approximately 18 inches tall and around 25 lbs.

While these dogs look whimsical (and a "whimsical expression" is even in their breed standard, seriously), they are a very serious working dog who are dedicated to their jobs. Similar to other herding breeds, these dogs thrive when given a job to do. You'll need to socialize these dogs early and frequently as they can be prone to dog aggression without early intervention. They are very intelligent and easy to train. They absolutely require a strong leader and are intelligent enough that if they determine that you are not going to fill the role of decision-maker, they will take it upon themselves to call the shots. While they are great with families and provide plenty of affection, they can be wary around strangers. This, combined with a tendency to be territorial, make them excellent watchdogs. 

Their coats require minimal maintenance. A weekly brushing will remove loose hair and prevent matting. Once you finish brushing, you wet the coat with water and allow it to air dry to restore the corkscrew curls. 

 These dogs are working dogs and have very high exercise requirements. According to one website, they would do best as an outside dog on a farm where they can come up with their own jobs like protect the front gate or guard the livestock. They also excel in sports like agility. They are not recommended as apartment dogs or even house dogs. They have been known to climb and dig when bored so a backyard might not be able to contain them. 

Overall, these dogs are loyal and protective of their families and they will shower the people they trust with affection. They are wary of strangers and make good watchdogs. They need a lot of exercise and might be best suited to life as a working dog or in a high intensity sport like agility. Their cute ears and whimsical expression make them irresistibly adorable and are sure to melt your heart. 

Sources:
vetstreet.com
akc.org
dogbreedinfo.com

The Pomeranian

Originally descended from sled dogs, this tiny toy breed is about 5 pounds on average, but don't let them know how small they are. This dog is feisty and outgoing and will often act much larger than they actually are. 

 

These fluffy little pups are generally loyal to their families and quite intelligent. They are also very inquisitive and outgoing and willing to challenge just about anything (or anyone) who gets in their way no matter the size. They have been known to bark at or even attack much larger dogs. They can also get snappy with people sometimes. Proper training and socializing along with plenty of exercise should be enough to curb this habit. They are also notorious for excessive barking, so you'll want to address that early on as well. 

Their signature puffy hair style is the result of a dense double coat that they share with all members of the Spitz family, like the Alaskan Malamute. While they do shed quite a bit, all their coat needs for maintenance is routine brushing and occasional baths. 

Overall, these dogs make for great apartment dogs due to their petite stature and relatively low energy requirements. They are loving and loyal and will make a great watchdog while you're not home. Their strong personalities can sometimes lead them to believe that they are in charge of the house, instead of you, so you'll have to make sure to set firm boundaries with this breed or you'll find yourself very well-trained by your dog.

The Cesky Terrier

 

This breed comes from Czechoslovakia and was single-handedly created by one person! František Horák founded the breed in 1948. His aim was to make a dog that could hunt underground like a terrier, hunt in a pack like a hound, and be friendly and loyal at home like a retriever and thus, the Cesky Terrier was born. It is one of the 6 rarest dog breeds in the world and only 600 individuals live in the United States according to the AKC. 

The Cesky Terrier (pronounced chess-key) is described as a cheerful, trainable, calm, non-aggressive breed. Their small size, relatively low exercise requirements, and calm demeanor make them excellent apartment dogs. Though they may be reserved around strangers, they are very affectionate with their families and get along with children and other pets. You'll want to stay on top of training with this breed because their hound-like nose and terrier prey drive means that they can be easily tempted by distractions, so you'll need to work on focus. They can also be a nuisance barker as well as mouthy, which you'll want to address early on. 

This breed is small in size and doesn't shed much. Their coat requires regular brushing as well as regular trips to the groomers. This breed does love to eat and they have a high potential for weight gain so you'll want to keep an eye on how much you feed him so he stays fit, trim, and healthy. 

These dogs have a relatively low energy level, especially compared to other terrier breeds, and don't require long, intense exercise. They are also quite playful so a daily playtime is a great way to bond with them as well as meet their exercise needs. 

If you are looking for a great house pet that doesn't shed, gets along with the whole family, and loves to play, this might be the dog for you! It just might take a bit of searching to find one!

Sources: 

dogtime.com

akc.org

The Beagle

The beagle is a small dog with a lot of love to give. Their sweet disposition and easy-going nature have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. 

    Originally bred as scenthounds, these dogs are happiest when they're following an interesting smell. While very intelligent, their high prey drive and general wanderlust can make it difficult to keep their attention for long.Combined with the general independent and stubborn nature of the hound dog, these dogs can be challenging to train.

    Their short sleek coat requires minimal maintenance. An occasional bath and a brushing is more than enough to keep them looking their best. 

    While every individual is different, this breed has been subjected to poor breeding practices and are prone to genetic health problems, including hip dysplasia. When getting a puppy, do some research to see if the parents have any health problems. Also, these dogs have a hearty appetite and have to potential to gain weight easily. You'll definitely want to monitor how many treats you feed them.

    Beagles are an active breed and require a lot of exercise. Tracking exercises that let them use their terrific sense of smell would be an excellent outlet for this dog's abundance of energy. This breed does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They will find their own creative outlets which could include digging, barking, and howling.

     The beagle is an extremely friendly dog who makes an excellent family pet. They thrive in an active household that can provide them with plenty of attention and an owner with a lot of patience when it comes to training. If you are looking for a great indoor and outdoor companion, this is the dog for you!

Sources: 

dogtime.com
akc.org

The Sloughi

Described as elegant and reserved, the sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee) is a sighthound that originated in the North African desert. They were bred to hunt a variety of prey including hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs. They are known for being aloof with strangers but gentle to their families. They can make good family dogs, but may not do well with very young children. 

They are a very active breed with high exercise requirements. If you lead a very active lifestyle, you just might be able to keep up with these incredibly athletic dogs. Combined with their stubbornness that makes them hard to train, they don't typically make a great dog for first-time dog owners. 

Their coats are sleek and short and requires very little maintenance. They don't shed much and don't typically drool a lot. They weigh approximately 50 lbs. on average and stand around 24-29 inches tall.

This unique breed is noble and aloof. They are true athletes with energy to burn. If you are an experienced dog handler with a lot of time to devote to exercise, you'll find a loyal companion in the sloughi.

The Poodle

Ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed, poodles are amazing dogs with a lot to offer!

They come in 3 sizes, though unlike other breeds, they are all still considered the same breed. The standard poodle is the largest and can weigh upwards of 50 lbs. The miniature poodle weighs in at about 10-15 lbs. and the toy poodle is a very tiny 4-6 lbs. 

The poodle is commonly thought of as a snobby or a sissy dog, but that is very far from the truth. These dogs are incredibly athletic and thrive in sports like agility and hunting trials. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make these dogs incredibly easy to train, but watch out because they can learn bad behaviors just as quickly as the good ones. You might be surprised by how quickly they can work things out for themselves, especially if it involves stealing a snack or two! If you're new to dog ownership, you'll definitely want to get enrolled in obedience classes as early as possible, regardless of what size poodle you have, or you could very quickly end up with a pup who runs your house like they own it.

As the second most intelligent breed, poodles are unique in that they generally lack the tendency towards neuroticism that the other highly intelligent breeds possess. This trait makes them a better choice for first-time dog owners because they are less likely to develop unwanted behaviors that can sometimes become dangerous. 

Poodles are considered one of the hypoallergenic breeds. They tend to produce less dander and shed less than other breeds which makes them a popular choice among people with dog allergies. Their coat does require a lot of upkeep, however. Their fur grows continuously and they need to be thoroughly brushed every day with a trip to the groomers every 4-6 weeks. Some owners learn how to do their own grooming which can save you money but can be a lot of work if you are just learning. No matter which route you take, be prepared for lots of grooming at home. Even if they are trimmed short, their fur will mat if you don't brush them regularly which can cause sores and skin infections. 

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These dogs are very active breeds that require regular exercise. Playing fetch or going for a long walk are great ways to get some of that energy out. Most people are surprised to learn that they also love swimming and were originally bred for duck retrieval. 

Poodles make excellent family dogs. They are very social and thrive with a lot of attention from every member of the family, including children. Be careful with small children around toy poodles, however, because they are the most delicate and can be injured easily. 

Overall, poodles are incredible dogs with a lot to offer. They are intelligent and easy to train which is a great way to bond with them. Outgoing and social, these dogs make excellent family pets and thrive on attention. From beginners to more experienced dog owners, poodles are a great fit for everyone.

Sources: 

https://www.akc.org

https://dogtime.com

The Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund is a truly rare and unique dog. These dogs were originally bred to hunt puffins on the islands off the west coast of Norway and they very nearly went extinct after puffins became a protected species.

There are some very unique physical characteristics that this dog possesses which could possibly link it back to more primitive dogs. For example, these dogs have 6 functional toes. Four of them point forward, and two point inward, like human thumbs. These extra digits help with traction in rocky terrain and make it easier to dig for puffin nests. They can also close their ear canals to prevent dirt and water from getting in their ears, especially in small tunnels. They can also bend their neck so far back that they can touch the top of their heads to their backs. This allows them to turn around in very narrow spaces. They also have incredibly flexible shoulder joints and they can spread their front legs directly out to the side. This also helps them with climbing.

            The temperament of these dogs is also unique. They are generally happy and playful dogs but are also hypervigilant and will sound the alarm at the slightest disturbance. They require frequent socialization from a young age in order to be more confident around strangers. They are very intelligent but very challenging to train. They are very clever and will often identify their own goals and work towards accomplishing them. They are very good at problem solving and have no problem overcoming any obstacle that gets between them and their goal. According to one source: “Confinement to a crate or back yard is just one more obstacle to overcome. And if they outsmart you once, they remember.”⁽¹⁾

            Housebreaking can also be a major challenge and some dogs never actually master it. Their yards should be surrounded by a very high fence as these dogs are excellent at jumping and climbing.

            This breed of dog is on the smaller side, about 13 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 20 and 30 lbs. They can be expected to live between 12 and 15 years. They have a short, slick coat that is easy to groom and they all have the same signature color pattern. They are graceful and agile, making them great climbers and jumpers.

   

    Overall, this breed is not for everyone. They will need a lot of time and commitment on the owners behalf in order to make sure their needs are met. It may also be helpful to have a strong sense of humor as these dogs will always be looking for ways to get what they want, which will likely end up in some pretty creative ways of getting into trouble. For those who choose to own this breed, they will get a lifetime of loyalty and an excellent adventure partner.

Source:

akc.org

yourpurebredpuppy.com