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.