Tamaskan

History/Background: The Tamaskan, meaning “Mighty Wolf” in North American Indian language, is said to have originated in Finland, although that is uncertain.  Five husky-type dogs were imported into the UK from the USA in the early 1980s and were then bred to Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and German Shepherd crosses, attempting to create a dog that resembled a wolf but with high intelligence, a good temperament and good working ability.  Breeding continued down through the years to improve the bloodlines and the bloodlines were finally closed in 2006.  The Tamaskan was first imported into the USA in 2005 and has since grown in popularity. The Tamaskan Dog Register was formed in February 2006.

Physical Characteristics: Although it looks like a wolf, the Tamaskan has no wolf content.  It is large and athletic, slightly taller than a German Shepherd.  It has a wolf-like appearance with small ears, a straight bushy tail and coarse, thick coat in three main colors, red gray, black gray and wolf gray, with black overlay and characteristic wolf mask.  Eyes are yellow through amber and brown, with light colored eyes being very rare. Adults typically measure 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds.  

Personality/Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent and excels in agility, sled racing and obedience training but can be stubborn and requires pack leadership.  It is highly sociable, friendly, affectionate, eager to please and makes an ideal family dog and loyal companion.  It is tolerant toward other dogs and gentle with children.  It prefers the company of people or other dogs and, if left alone for long periods of time, may become destructive or try to escape.  It responds well off leash and, with a small amount of training, will return when called.  It makes an excellent working dog.  A Tamaskan is not a good guard dog because of its friendliness toward strangers.  Some Tamaskans, like other arctic breeds, will howl.

Possible Health Conditions: No known health issues have yet arisen.  The average life expectancy is 14 to 15 years. 

Exercise/Grooming: The Tamaskan is very active and needs a great deal of exercise such as a daily long walk or brisk jog.  It requires free running and, if trained, will return when called.  Because it is highly intelligent, it needs mental exercise, as well.  Grooming is fairly easy and includes a good brushing once a week, more often during times of molting. 

Living Conditions: The Tamaskan is not recommended for apartment life and may become destructive or attempt to escape if left alone for long periods of time.  It needs a large place for free running every day.  

Summary: The Tamaskan is a large dog that resembles a wolf but is highly sociable and affectionate and makes an ideal family dog.  It requires little grooming and has no known health issues so far but does require a great deal of physical and mental exercise and may display destructive behavior if left alone for long periods of time.  So, now that you’ve learned a little about this breed of dog, is a Tamaskan the right breed for you?

Jasper

Meet Jasper – The Pick of the Litter

Jasper is a 7.5 month old Tamaskan pup. Originally born in England, he currently lives in the Netherlands but soon will be moving to Croatia… he’s very well-traveled for his young age and that gives him lots of opportunities to meet new people – and their dogs! Since Tamaskans are quite rare, Jasper is like an ambassador for the breed. Random people on the street will always stop to pet him and ask questions; he certainly loves all the fuss and attention! Everyone is amazed because he looks so much like a real wolf but he has such a lovely temperament.

He’s very friendly and laid-back but he also has his energetic moments. He loves chasing leaves and sticks, then chewing them to pieces. He also really enjoys long walks through the forest or a romp on the beach and he especially loves splashing around in muddy ponds, though he hasn’t yet gone deep enough to swim. He is quite athletic but as he’s still young he’s a bit clumsy and his long legs seem to get in the way sometimes. He’ll grow into them soon though; everyone is amazed at how big he is for his age. Considering his diet, it’s not surprising! He loves all kinds of foods, especially meaty bones, but even fruit slices and vegetable pieces, particularly apples, carrots, and broccoli. He also loves to crunch ice cubes and every once in a while he gets a whole herring as a special treat.

His favorite squeaky toy is a plush Llama named “Dalai” but he loved it too much so now it’s missing its ears and tail. His favorite spot is on the armchair by the living room window, he really likes to rest there and watch the world go by. It’s easy to tell when he sees another dog walk past because his tail will start to spin in circles, like a helicopter! He also enjoys going on buses, trains, and trams but he doesn’t really like car rides that much because he usually gets carsick and drools everywhere. He is happiest when he’s off the leash because then he can run around as much as he wants and there’s no need to worry because he will never run off or disappear; he likes to be nearby all the time. His teachers at the Puppy Class were very impressed with him because he is so obedient and well-behaved. At the end of the course there was a final exam and he came first in the class and won a beautiful trophy! He’s still so young but already he has the makings of a champion. You couldn’t ask for a better or more wonderful dog.

For more information about Tamaskan dogs, please visit The Tamaskan Dog Register.

Pick of the Litter needs a new “pick”

Would you like your special dog featured on this blog?  I’m currently looking for any breed that is not already posted.  Please leave a comment if you’re interested.

Schipperke

History/Background: The Schipperke originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium. It was not derived from the Spitz or Pomeranian but, rather, bred down from the Leauvenaar, a 40-pound black Belgian sheepdog that was commonly used to tend flocks in neighboring Louvain and follow the wagons along the old highways in the provinces of Belgium. It was bred down smaller and smaller to be a miniature watchdog. This breed was also used for herding livestock, hunting game or guarding its domain and also used as a “ratter” on canal barges and was usually the captain’s dog. It does very well on boats and is not prone to seasickness. It makes a great guard dog.

It was known as a Spits dog or Spitske until the name “Schipperke” became official in 1888, which is Flemish for “little captain” or “little skipper,” also said to mean “little shepherd.” This breed was popular with workmen along the canals but also with shoemakers and other workmen. It is said that a shoemaker cut off the tail of his neighbor’s dog because he was tired of its repeated thieving. As this improved the appearance of the dog, it is said that this is the reason why all Schipperkes’ tails are cut off at a young age. (Contrary to popular belief, they are not always born without a tail.) The Schipperke was first imported in America in 1888.

Physical Characteristics: The Schipperke is a small dog with a square profile. It is 10-13 inches high at the shoulder and weighs 12-18 pounds. Its face is fox-like in appearance and has a mischievous, questioning and alert expression. It has small oval eyes that are dark brown. Its triangular-shaped ears are small and erect, and its nose is black. Its body structure and solid black color resemble a little bear. It is strong and solidly built, with a thick double coat and ruff around the neck. It is sometimes born tailless but, if born with a tail, the tail is docked.

Personality/Temperament: This breed of dog is very tolerant of children and other animals. It is curious and interested in everything around it. It is an excellent and faithful little watchdog, ready to protect its family and property if necessary and backs down from nobody. It can be reserved with strangers if not socialized well. This breed is confident, independent and mischievous. It is quick, energetic, high spirited, alert and agile, with a high prey drive, chasing anything that moves. It is very devoted and loyal, especially with children, and bonds to its master. It is very intelligent, eager to learn and easy to train, although can be difficult to housebreak. The Schipperke does exceptionally well on boats. It can develop behavior problems such as guarding, obsessive barking, separation anxiety, growling, snapping and even biting if not given proper pack leadership. It likes to howl and can be destructive if bored or left alone too much.

Possible Health Conditions: The Schipperke is relatively hardy but can have the following health conditions: Legg-Perthes syndrome, problems with the eyes such as entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), distichiasis (an eyelash that arises from an abnormal spot on the eyelid of a dog) and cataracts, as well as hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and a newly discovered genetic mutation called MPS 111B. Life expectancy is about 15 years or more.

Exercise/Grooming: This breed is active and tireless and needs a daily long walk or jog. Its is fairly active indoors but does best if allowed to roam free in a fenced-in yard, although may try to escape. Grooming is fairly easy and requires a good brushing once a week with a firm bristle brush. It will “blow” its coat several times a year, losing the undercoat, which can last several days or weeks and can take 2-3 months go grow back, making it a moderate shedder. The toenails should be clipped. The teeth should be watched for decay. It can be dry shampooed when necessary.

Living Conditions: The Schipperke is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors but does best with a fenced-in yard.

Summary: A Schipperke is an unusual-looking, relatively hardy little dog that makes an extremely keen watchdog and requires minimal grooming but is a moderate shedder with an extremely high activity level and needs strong pack leadership. So, now that you’ve learned a little about this breed of dog, what do you think?  Is a Schipperke the right breed for you?

Drake

Meet Drake – The Pick of the Litter

Drake is a 5-year-old Schipperke from Maryland. He likes licking everything, begging, going on car rides, barking, his toys, people and being active. He dislikes being alone, no attention, sleeping, staying inside and staying trapped in his cage.

He is a champion in the AKC conformation dog shows. He is a junior showmanship dog. Guess what, though? He doesn’t have a tail. Almost all Schipperkes get their tails docked if they are going to be shown in conformation. He is always up and about, never moping or sitting still. He is very likeable and loves everyone. He enjoys all of his toys in a certain place. He doesn’t like to chew them, either; he just likes having them next to him. He is sweet, and don’t forget to give him treats during the day or you will regret it.

Mastiff (English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff)

History/Background:The Mastiff, also referred to as the English Mastiff or Old English Mastiff, is recognized as the oldest British breed. It is one of the most ancient breeds recorded by man as early as the 6th century BC. Ancient images of dogs like these can be seen on Babylonian relics from 2200 BC. It was forced to take part in bull baiting, lion fighting and fights with human gladiators in Rome and was later used to pull carts, carry heavy loads on its back and to guard estates and businesses. The name “Mastiff” probably evolved from the Anglo-Saxon word “masty,” meaning “powerful.” Some evidence suggests that the Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower and was almost extinct in England by the end of World War II. It is the largest breed of dog in the world for both weight and bulk. “What the lion is to the cat, the Mastiff is to the dog, the noblest of the family.” Talents include watch dog, guard dog, police work, military work, weight pulling and search and rescue.

Physical Characteristics:The Mastiff has a massive, powerful and muscular body and is one of the heaviest breeds of dog. It has a heavy and square head, short muzzle and black mask around its eyes and nose. It has small, dark brown eyes and small dark-colored ears. The tail is high set and tapers to the tip. The coat is short and comes in the colors of fawn, brindle and apricot. The Mastiff has an overall impression of grandeur and dignity. Height is 30 inches (minimum) at the shoulder for males and 27-1/2 inches (minimum) for females. Weight is 150 to 250 pounds for males and 120 to 200 pounds for females. *The world’s largest dog, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was a Mastiff named Zorba. At 8 years of age, Zorba weighed 343 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: The Mastiff is a good-natured, calm and gentle dog that is affectionate to its master but courageous and capable of protection and will defend its territory and family. It is good with children but is not recommended for toddlers because of its great size. It gets along well with other dogs if socialized with proper leadership. The Mastiff is loyal and devoted to its family, loves to please and needs lots of human leadership. It is very intelligent but can be somewhat difficult to train. This breed of dog rarely barks but does tend to drool and snore loudly.

Possible Health Conditions:Health concerns for this breed of dog include hip dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat), obesity, osteosarcoma, cystinuria, allergies, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, entropion and ectropion of the eyes, Wobblers disease, epilepsy, growth and joint related problems such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), osteochondritis dissicans (OCD) and panosteitis (Pano) and heart concerns such as aortic stenosis, mitral valve dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Life expectancy for this breed of dog is 7 to 13 years.

Exercise/Grooming:The Mastiff is inclined to be low energy (an adult Mastiff) but will be happier and fitter if given regular exercise. It should be walked daily on a leash. Grooming is easy and requires brushing with a firm bristle brush and wiping with a towel, bathing or dry shampooing when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: The Mastiff does okay in apartment if sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and does okay with a small yard.

Summary: The Mastiff is a very large but gentle and docile dog that requires minimal exercise and is fairly easy to groom but needs proper pack leadership and socialization, and due to its large size, its care, ranging from everyday pet supplies to food to veterinary bills, can be more costly. So, now that you’ve learned a little about this breed of dog, what do you think? Is a Mastiff the right breed for you?

 

Angus

Meet Angus – The Pick of the Litter

Angus is a 2-1/2-year-old Mastiff from Alberta, Canada. He likes car rides, greeting visitors, drinking water from the hose, playing in the snow and supper time. He dislikes being away from his people. At 2 years old, he weighs 210 lbs and is 32″ at the shoulder.

Angus came to his family from a breeder in Alberta, Canada. When he was a pup they took him to a “puppy kindergarten” class. All the other members of the class were continually surprised how much he would grow in just one week. He was quite young when we started attending the class but soon outgrew all the other puppies. There was a Yorkshire Terrier in the class named Daisy. Angus was always wanting to meet her, but she was quite wary of him. During their last class, Angus laid down and slowly crawled over to Daisy. She must have been less intimidated by this as she let him give her a whole body lick!

Angus likes to follow his family around the house. As long as he can be in the same room with them, he is quite content!

Angus’ family raises Mastiffs (Tailcreek Mastiffs) and also operates a small boarding kennel called Tailcreek Kennel.

Jack Russell Terrier

History/Background:  Developed in England in the 19th century by a clergyman by the name of Rev. Jack Russell to hunt small game, particularly fox, by digging quarry (prey) out of its den, the Jack Russell terrier has good hunting and tracking ability and is considered a “working terrier.”

Personality/Temperament:  Jack Russells are usually perky, happy, energetic, spirited, friendly, intelligent, loving, loyal, bold and assertive. They can make great companions but can become willful and need rules and limitations. They need a strong-willed owner who will be their “pack leader.” They have strong hunting instincts and like to chase, bark and dig. If allowed to run loose in the country, Jack Russell terriers may chase small animals and dig down into their dens and stay underground with their “prey” for days, with no food or water.

This breed of dog enjoys games and playing with toys and is generally kind to children but will not tolerate abuse by them. They need plenty of exercise because of their high energy and tend to get restless and destructive if not occupied and well exercised. They are not usually lap dogs.

Jack Russell terriers are highly trainable, if shown authority, and able to perform impressive tricks but need an experienced trainer. They can be aggressive towards other dogs if they have been allowed to take over. Because of their strong hunting instincts, they can’t be trusted with smaller animals. They can climb and jump. A Jack Russell that stands 12 inches tall can easily jump 5 feet. They are adaptable to most climates.

Physical Characteristics:  Some of the characteristics of a Jack Russell include being over 51% white (or all black) and can have black, brown or tan spots, found mainly around the face and at the base of the tail. The undercoat has a pattern of small brown and black spots that can’t be seen on the outer coat. There are three different types of coats – smooth, rough and broken, and all coats shed. The ears fold downward, and the teeth are strong. The tail is held upright, high and straight and is usually docked shortly after birth to about 4 to 5 inches. Their full-grown height is usually 10 to 15 inches, and weight is 14 to 18 pounds.

Possible Health Problems:  Health problems that can occur in Jack Russell terriers are kneecap dislocation, inherited eye diseases, deafness, Legg-Perthes (a hip joint disease), epilepsy and skin conditions, but the life expectancy is about 15 years or more.

Grooming:  Grooming is fairly simple for Jack Russells. They should be combed or brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, with bathing only when necessary.

Living Conditions:  Jack Russell terriers do okay in an apartment but are very active and need sufficient exercise or will become a nuisance. They do best with at least an average-sized yard with lots of space to run, hunt and play.

Summary:  This breed of dog makes a great companion and is very loving, loyal and protective but needs a lot of attention and discipline, so it’s best to determine if you have the time and energy for this breed before choosing it.

Vito

Meet Vito – The Pick of the Litter

Vito is an almost 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier from West Virginia.  He was very challenging to his family as a puppy.  He was very destructive if left alone very long.  He tore the stuffing out of a comforter numerous times, chewed multiple DVDs, dug holes in the carpet, and the list goes on.  Somewhere around his 2nd birthday, he magically turned into a great little dog and no longer gets into mischief and is actually quite obedient. 

He loves to chase rocks or anything that is thrown, and he loves to chase a laser pointer light.  Jack Russells are not usually lap dogs but Vito is.  He loves the human touch and likes to have his body touching a human body.  He has some of the typical Jack Russell traits like chasing animals but is very good about coming back.  He is even let outside to the bathroom by himself and always comes back, and that’s with no fenced-in yard! 

Vito loves to eat almost anything.  He was recently started on a  raw diet and seems to be tolerating that quite well.  He’s one of the stars on a video on this blog, eating his first raw meal.

Vito is a model for his family’s website – Go Green Dog Beds – and can also be found on their doggy blog.

Chihuahua

History/Background:The Chihuahua is said to be the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. It is native to Mexico but likely came from the ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec, crossed with hairless dogs of the Orient. It was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from where it was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed was used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have been sacred to the pre-Columbian Indian nations. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Physical Characteristics: The Chi, as it is sometimes called, is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has large, round, very dark eyes and large ears. Its body is stout, and it is longer than it is tall. The tail is curled over the back or to the side. There are two varieties — a short-haired type and a long-haired type. The various coat colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, black and tan and parti-colored. A Chihuahua weighs from 2 to 6 pounds and is 6 to 9 inches tall.

Personality/Temperament: The Chihuahua is a good companion dog with terrier-like qualities. Because of its small size, it makes a good traveler and usually loves outings. It craves attention, affection and petting and is intensely loyal, becoming very attached to its owners. It is a courageous, lively, proud and cocky little dog with a saucy expression. It moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on.

This breed may be slightly difficult to train but is intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to proper positive reinforcement training. It may require patience to housebreak. If the owner does not display strong pack leadership, this little dog can become strong willed and will develop other behavior issues such as jealousy and becoming suspicious of people other than its owner. This breed is not recommended for children as it is easily provoked to attack and may snap at them. If not walked daily, it may become yappy, protective, snappish and untrustworthy with children and people it does not know. The Chi should be socialized as a puppy to avoid excessive aggressiveness towards other dogs and being reserved with strangers.

Possible Health Conditions: The Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore because of its short nose. Its prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. It is also prone to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness), eye infections, gum problems, colds, stress, rheumatism, epilepsy, seizure disorder and low blood sugar. It tends to gain weight if overfed. It is vulnerable to fractures and other accidents as a puppy. This breed of dog is born with an unclosed section of skull which usually closes but can remain open throughout life and make it prone to injury. Life expectancy is about 15 or more years.

Exercise/Grooming: Although playing takes care of a lot of its exercise needs, the Chi requires a daily walk and also enjoys a good romp in an open area off leash such as a fenced-in yard.

The short-haired type should be gently brushed occasionally or wiped with a damp cloth. The long-haired type should be brushed daily with soft-bristle brush. Bathe both types only about once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears because of possibility of ear infections. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails kept trimmed. The Chihuahua is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This little dog hates the cold and may shiver. It tolerates and even appreciates a warm sweater on cool days. It must be kept indoors and is a good dog for apartment life.

Summary: Chihuahuas make good companion dogs, travel well and require little grooming and exercise, but they may be a little difficult to housebreak and can become strong willed if not given proper pack leadership. These are just a few things to consider if you’re interested in this breed.  Check out the cute little Chihuahua below named Biscuit.

Biscuit

Meet Biscuit – The Pick of the Litter

Biscuit is a 6-year-old Chihuahua from Virginia.  She has a 9-year-old mini Schnauzer sister named Molly and a 2-year-old Bulldog brother named Dozer.  Biscuit was bought from a pet store in Yucca Valley in the Mojave desert, California. Her human parents went into the pet store to actually buy a warming rock for their pet bearded dragon and saw the pet store worker walking around with a tiny Chihuahua in his arms. One look at her and her soon-to-be mommy couldn’t concentrate on anything else.  She went up to him to ask if she could pet her and he let her hold Biscuit. He said she was for sale but liked to carry her around because she is so tiny. Once her soon-to-be mommy held her in her hands, she knew she was never going to let her go. She walked up to Biscuit’s soon-to-be daddy and showed him. He instantly took a liking to her, and her soon-to-be mommy said to him… “I am not leaving the store without her” because she instantly loved her.  He knew he was in for a battle and, to her surprise, he agreed. So they made a deal on her price and paid for her, bought a leash, collar and some food and went back home to surprise their kids. They were totally surprised and thrilled because, 3 years prior to moving to the states from Australia, they had to leave their 2 Chihuahuas behind. So Biscuit was a lovely addition to their family and instantly bonded with their then 2-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Molly.

Biscuit loves to play with her family but not with toys. They don’t know why, but she would much rather play chase or play with hands than a toy. She is so little that they think she feels intimidated by toys and their size.

Biscuit has the best personality. She is everyone’s friend. Very sociable and happy to meet anyone. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body! She loves her baby brother, English Bulldog, Dozer, even though he weighs 10 times her weight. She weighs about 6lbs and is often mistaken as a puppy.

She is 6 years old and was born on St. Valentine’s day.

Biscuit’s favorite pastime is sunning herself outside. She is not a big eater at all, and sometimes her family has to trick her into eating. It is just not that big of a deal for her.

She loves to sleep under cushions, blankets, anything!

Biscuit is a true little social butterfly, and her whole goal in life is to please everyone.

Miniature German Schnauzer

History/Background: Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, the miniature German Schnauzer is reportedly a cross between the standard schnauzer, the Affenpinscher and perhaps the poodle. It was named after the German word “schnauze,” which means muzzle. It was primarily used for droving, stock tending, hunting vermin, pulling carts, guarding flocks and children and serving as watchdog, and excelled at killing rats. It was brought to America in 1925 and classified under terrier. It is currently the 10th most popular breed in America. Talents include hunting, tracking, watchdog, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Physical Characteristics: The miniature German Schnauzer is small and squarely proportioned, with a bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The tail is usually docked. It has oval dark-colored eyes. The ears are V-shaped and fold forward or are cropped to stand erect. The double coat is harsh, hard and wiry with a short undercoat. Coat colors include salt and pepper, white, black or harsh black and silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. Height is 12-14 inches, and weight is 10-15 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: Mini Schnauzers are happy, affectionate, loyal and very friendly. They are intelligent, obedient and very adaptable. They are perky, bright eyed, energetic, active and playful and are good with children. This breed likes companionship and attention of its owners and is devoted to home and family. They make good companions and family pets, as well as good watchdogs and mouse catchers. They also travel well. Mini Schnauzers can be reserved with strangers but most of them love everyone.

They may develop behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, willfulness, nervousness, guarding, boldness and sometimes be temperamental if the owners do not display pack leadership. Charming and attractive, this breed has clean habits and generally does not have a doggy odor. They should not be trusted around smaller animals because of their hunting background. They are fairly easy to housebreak if trained properly.

Possible Health Conditions: Miniature German Schnauzers are usually healthy but may be prone to kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand’s disease, diabetes, cysts or hereditary eye problems. This breed tends to gain weight easily and should not be overfed. The mini Schnauzer shows no signs of age until quite late in life. Life expectancy is about 15 years.

Exercise/Grooming: Mini Schnauzers need daily, long, brisk walks. They love to play off leash. Grooming is fairly easy but the coat will become matted unless combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, and the knots should be clipped out. The whiskers should be cleaned after meals, and the eyes and ears should be trimmed around with blunt-nose scissors. The coat should be clipped all over twice a year, spring and fall, to an even length. This breed of dog sheds little to no hair and is a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Living Conditions: This breed is good for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and does okay without a yard.

Summary: Miniature German Schnauzers are small dogs that make good family companions, are usually fairly healthy, require little exercise and shed very little but, as with all breeds of dogs, require strong pack leadership to prevent behavioral problems and require regular grooming. If you are looking for these characteristics and traits in a dog and are able to fulfill its needs, then perhaps a miniature German Schnauzer is the right breed for you.

Molly

Meet Molly – The Pick of the Litter

Molly is a 9-year-old miniature German Schnauzer from Virginia.  She has two doggy siblings named Dozer, a bulldog, and Biscuit, a Chihuahua.  She was bought from a pet store in Cherry Point, North Carolina, when her family was stationed out there with the Marine Corps.  She was the only puppy left from her litter, and her mommy would go and visit her everyday at the store.  She even named her Molly before she held her!  She was born on the day her mommy and daddy were married, September 9th, 2000, which makes her even more special to them.  Molly was born in Newport in North Carolina. 

She is a great companion in the car when her family has to travel across country.  She is the perfect passenger.  She loves any treat she is given, but will be a greedy guts if she is allowed to be.  Her favorite toy is any ball.. she cannot resist a ball game.  She is very protective and is on guard duty 24/7.  She was brought up on an air station, so the sound of jets and low flying helicopters don’t bother her at all; where other dogs would be scared, Molly just enjoys the sounds, looks for them, and continues playing. 

Her family gets her groomed every 6 weeks, so she is used to being pampered.  She can do many tricks — sit, stay, shake hands, high five, and she sings when anyone sings a song.  Even though she is nearly 9, she still plays like a puppy.  She is so faithful, and her family loves her to bits.

Shiba Inu

History/Background: The Shiba Inu (pronounced SHEE-ba inu) was brought to Japan from China 2000 years ago. Shiba means “brushwood” and “small,” and inu means “dog.” It is sometimes translated as “little brushwood dog.” It was originally bred to flush birds and hunt small game in the dense undergrowth of Japan’s mountainous terrain but is now primarily a companion dog. It is probably of chow chow and kyushu blood. It is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds. There are more Shibas in Japan than any other breed.

This breed almost became extinct during World War II but is now the most popular breed in Japan and becoming more popular in the United States. It was brought to the United States in 1954 by an armed service family and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992. The Shiba’s talents include hunting and tracking, watchdog, guarding, agility and performing tricks.

Physical Characteristics: The Shiba Inu is small, compact, muscular, furry and agile and looks like a miniature Akita and may be mistaken for a fox. It has a pointed face, broad forehead and pricked triangular ears. It has small dark eyes, a dark nose and a Spitz-like tail that is thick and strong and curls over the back. It has a plush double coat that most often comes in red or red with a little back overlay or black with tan markings, with white or cream-colored markings on the cheeks and sides of the muzzle, throat, underside and chest. It is 13 to 16 inches in height, and weight is 15 to 25 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Personality/Temperament: Shibas are alert, lively, confident, fearless, courageous and bold but may be a bit reserved with strangers. They are fast, agile, playful and trainable. They are independent and intelligent. They are loving and kind, loyal and affectionate and are good with children. They do well with other dogs and cats if they are raised with them; however, they should not be trusted around small animals such as rodents and small birds. Shibas are not reliable off leash because of their tendency for strong prey and hunting drive and may chase other animals. Shibas can be aggressive, especially un-neutered males, and must have early obedience training.

Shibas can be a bit stubborn if the owner does not show pack leadership. They bark little and bond closely with their owners. They sometimes make a loud, high-pitched scream, sometimes referred to as a “shiba scream,” when provoked or unhappy and also when very happy or overjoyed.

They are easy to travel with and are easy to housebreak and will often housebreak themselves because of their clean nature. They feel the need to maintain themselves in a clean state, often licking themselves like a cat. They go out of their way to keep their coats clean and will avoid stepping in puddles, mud and dirt.

Possible Health Conditions: This breed is generally hardy and healthy, with few genetic weaknesses, but possible health problems include hip dysplasia, slipped kneecap, glaucoma, cataracts and food allergies, and epilepsy is becoming more common. Life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years.

Exercise/Grooming: The Shiba Inu has tremendous endurance but will adapt to the owner’s circumstances. It requires a daily walk and is very active indoors and will be happier and healthier with regular exercise. This breed of dog can walk for hours. As the Shiba Inu has a clean, coarse, stiff and short-haired coat, grooming is fairly easy and consists of daily brushing with a firm-bristle brush to remove dead hair. Bathing should be done only when absolutely necessary so as not to remove the natural waterproofing of its coat. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.

Living Conditions: A Shiba Inu will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors but does best with at least an average-sized yard. The waterproof coat protects this breed in both hot and cold conditions and it may live outside in a secured yard but does not like to be alone outside and would prefer living indoors with its family.

Summary: This breed of dog has few health problems, doesn’t require a lot of exercise, is easy to groom and housebreak, is loyal and affectionate and makes a good companion but can become aggressive if not trained early and requires strong pack leadership. If you are looking for these characteristics and traits in a dog and are able to fulfill its needs, then perhaps a Shiba Inu is the right breed for you.

Chloe & Copper

Meet Chloe & Copper – The Picks of the Litter

Chloe and Copper are 2-year-old Shiba Inu’s from Rising Sun, Maryland.  Copper is a male, and Chloe is a female.  They love bacon treats and eggs!!!  They also love doggie ice cream. 

Some of their favorite activities include chasing birds and leaves that are blowing, chewing bones, chasing each other around, going for walks at the park and sleeping in the sun.  Chloe loves to get her belly rubbed, and Copper loves to have his ears scratched.  Chloe can catch a ball that is thrown in the air.  She can also throw a ball to herself and chase after it.  Copper can use his paws like hands and opens drawers to take stuff out.  He loves to get socks!!!  

Chloe’s and Copper’s family says:  “These are the first Shiba Inu’s we have every owned and we are loving every minute of it.  They are very loyal and loving dogs.  Copper & Chloe get very excited when we get home and love to give kisses.  They are very smart dogs and at times they can be very sneaky.”

English Bulldog

History/Background: The English Bulldog descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff and was brought to Europe by nomads. It was bred for bull baiting in the early 13th century. The name “bulldog” (medieval in origin) refers to the robust look of a little bull and also the power with which this dog attacked bulls in arena combat before that practice was outlawed in the 19th century. The last of the working bulldogs in England were crossed with Pug dogs to create the English Bulldog. This breed was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Physical Characteristics: The English Bulldog has a short but wide, compact and muscular body with stocky legs and a short tail. The head is broad, with dense skin folds on the skull and forehead, and the cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is short and sometimes dark, with a broad black nose and large nostrils. The upper lip is pendant and the lower jaw undershot. The eyes are very round, far apart and dark. The small, thin ears are folded back in the form of a rose. The coat is short and smooth, and the color can be red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow, washed-out red, white or any combination of these colors. The English Bulldog’s height is about 12 to 16 inches, and weight is 49 to 55 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: The English Bulldog, in contrast to its aggressive and fighting ancestors, is gentle and very affectionate. It typically does not beg for attention but seeks for it, and lots of human attention is required for its happiness. It is content to lie peacefully at its owner’s feet or just to be in the same room with its owner. It is sensitive to its owner’s moods. This breed makes a good companion and is good with children and the elderly and also with family pets.

Although known for its courage and excellent guarding abilities, an English Bulldog does not necessarily make a good watch dog. It usually only barks when there is really a reason or sometimes if furniture has been moved or there is something new in the house. This breed of dog can be bullheaded and determined and does not give up easily. It can be dominating and needs an owner who displays strong leadership.

A young English Bulldog will be full of energy but will slow down as it gets older. Although it appears lazy, this is not really the case. It doesn’t jump at every command but evaluates the command against its own priority setting to decide whether to obey the command and with what urgency. This breed snores very loudly and tends to slobber and drool. It rarely whines or complains.

Possible Health Conditions: Some of the health conditions that plague this breed of dog include breathing problems, poor eyesight, susceptibility to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms or cars, sensitivity to cold, skin infections and hip and knee problems. This breed also has an active digestive system. Puppies are often delivered by cesarean section because of the broad head. The life expectancy for this breed averages 8 years.

Exercise/Grooming: English Bulldogs need daily short walks but are not tolerant of excessive exercise. Some adult bulldogs would rather not exercise while others are full of energy. Grooming is fairly easy and consists of combing or brushing witha firm bristle brush and bathing only when necessary. The face should be wiped witha damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This breed of dog is good for apartment life, is inactive indoors and does okay without a yard. It chills easily in cold weather and has trouble cooling off in very hot weather. It should be kept indoors.

Summary: The English Bulldog needs lots of human attention and strong human leadership, is very good with children and the elderly, makes a good companion and is relatively easy to groom but doesn’t typically have a lot of energy and has a shorter life expectancy than most breeds. If you are looking for these characteristics and traits in a dog and are able to fulfill its needs, then perhaps an English Bulldog is the right breed for you.

Dozer

Meet Dozer – The Pick of the Litter

Dozer is an English Bulldog from Virginia, who turned 2 on March 2nd.  His favorite food is anything that his family is eating! But he loves his Milk Bone treats. He does not like green beans. He spits them out.  His favorite activity is as little as possible, but when he is ready for a game, he loves to play tug-O-war with his Daddy, and he plays chase with his human sister.  For his Mommy, he likes to be her official grocery bag inspector. He has to look in every bag she brings home from the grocery store. He doesn’t take things out of the bag, but he likes to be shown everything!

He loves to sit on his bed and be dragged around the house, while he sits on it. If he wants to play that game, he will run over to his bed and jump on it, and look and bark at his family till someone gets up and takes him for a drag. The faster the better too.

Because bulldogs chill easily, Dozer’s mommy buys him T-shirts and hoodies from a website that sells clothes especially for bulldogs called Plus Size Pups. 

Dozer’s Story:  Dozer is a rescue Bully, and even though his human family was not looking to rescue a dog since they already had 2, Molly (9 year old Mini Schnauzer) and Biscuit (6 year old Chihuahua), he came into their lives at the perfect time. His daddy and mommy have always loved Bulldogs and have always thought that they would get one, one day, but when they heard through their son’s friend that his dad had rescued a Bully just in time before he was going to be euthanized, they had to give him a chance at a better life. The moment they saw Dozer, they loved him. He was a sad boy that had a very rough life before. He was never taught any obedience, and he didn’t have any manners at all. He was a handful, to say the least, when he first joined their family. But with the help from an obedience trainer who came to their home and worked with Dozer, he quickly began to shine. He just needed some guidance and some praise, and he is now a totally different dog. He is always eager to please, loves a cuddle, a kiss and a bottom rub. He gets on very well with his 2 doggy sisters, and it is quite a site when his family walks the three of them around the neighborhood.

His family couldn’t imagine their lives without Dozer. He has opened their eyes to the needs of rescues and the love that only a Bulldog can give.  Check out Dozer’s blog called Dozer’s World.

Boxer

History/Background:  The Boxer was developed in Germany and was originally an ancestor of 2 German mastiff type dogs – the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer, later crossed with ancestors of the mastiff and bulldog. This breed was initially used for hunting and would hold an animal in its strong jaws until the hunter arrived. It was also used for bull baiting and pulling carts and later became a cattle dog and was used to round up livestock. Because it learned tricks so easily, the Boxer became popular as a circus and theater dog.

Although originating in Germany, Boxer is an English name that suitably describes how the dog uses his front paws to play or fight, much like a human boxer. Early Boxers may have been ferocious but today’s breed is very gentle and makes a loving family companion.

This breed of dog came to the US in 1903 and began to gain popularity in the 1940s. Talents include watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search and rescue, competitive obedience, performing tricks and service dog. There are 2 types of Boxers – American and German.

Physical Characteristics:  The Boxer’s body is compact, muscular and strong. It has a shiny, close-fitting coat and short hair. The different colors include fawn, brindle, white and various shades of red with or without white markings. The tail is usually docked, and the ears are sometimes cropped. The lower jaw extends beyond the upper one, curving upward. The nose is large and black, with open nostrils, and the eyes are dark. A Boxer’s height is 21 to 25 inches, and weight is 53 to 70 pounds.

Personality/Temperament:  Boxers are highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn and are good for competitive obedience. They are happy, high spirited, curious, energetic, playful and clownish and constantly on the move. They are sensitive, good natured and get along well with children. They are loyal and affectionate and bond very well with their family, and it is a Boxer’s nature to protect it’s family and home. Because of its courage, it makes a great guard dog and will restrain an intruder in the same way as a bulldog. This breed is extremely athletic, even in old age. Without daily mental and physical exercise, this breed may become high strung or bored, resulting in chewing, digging or barking. The Boxer needs lots of human leadership and requires a dominant owner or may become stubborn, sneaky, demanding, boisterous and hard to control. Training should begin early and be firm and consistent.

Possible Health Conditions:  Some of the health conditions that plague this breed of dog include cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis and hypothyroidism. This breed can be prone to skin allergies and sometimes prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia. From age 8 on, a Boxer is more likely than other breeds to develop tumors. There is also a tendency for allergies. Boxers may drool and snore and may have excessive flatulence. White Boxers are prone to deafness. The life expectancy for this breed is about 11 to 14 years.

Exercise/Grooming:  Boxers need daily work or exercise as well as a long brisk daily walk. They enjoy fetching a ball or other sessions of play. Grooming is fairly simple and includes brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing only when necessary. Boxers are very clean and will groom themselves much like cats. They are average shedders.

Living Conditions:  This breed of dog does okay in an apartment if sufficiently exerised and is fairly active indoors. They do best with at least an average-sized yard. They can chill easily in the winter and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.

Summary:  The Boxer is pretty easy to care for, is highly intelligent, playful and protective and makes a good family companion but is strong, needs regular exercise and requires a dominant owner so as not to develop behavioral problems. If you are looking for these characteristics and traits in a dog and are able to fulfill its needs, then perhaps a Boxer is the right breed for you.

Samson

Meet Samson – The Pick of the Litter

Samson is a Boxer from West Virginia, who is almost 4 years old.  He loves to play with his toys, especially playing catch with them or just chasing the toys when they’re thrown.  When he really gets playing, those “Boxer Arms” sure work.  He loves cheese and peanut butter.  He just has to know what you are eating, too.  He loves to go “Bye, Bye!”  He jumps in the front seat and sits up, looking out the front window just like anyone else that gets in the car.  He just isn’t as graceful getting in and out of the car.  He loves to be near you, usually touching you or you touching him.  He is a great watch dog.  People tend to step back from the door when he greets company.  He loves company.  His family doesn’t know what they would do without him.  He is great!