The Whippet

The Whippet is a medium sized sighthound with a personality somewhere between that of a cat and a dog. His temperament and needs make him the absolute perfect companion for some homes, yet a bad match in others. A prospective owner should be aware of all of his quirks before buying. Whippets are incredibly gentle dogs in every situation, with the exception of when they are hunting (more on this later). They are affectionate to their families without being too much to handle. While some will greet you enthusiastically after you return home from work, most are happy to greet you politely and then follow you around the rest of the day.

Whippets are incredibly loyal and attached to their families, almost to a fault. Because they get so attached, separation anxiety can be an issue for theses dogs. This can lead to destructive behaviors in the house, or if they are crated, destructive behaviors while in a crate. The best cure for this is good prevention, although it may take longer for you to crate-train a Whippet than other breeds. The only other destructive behavior worth talking about concerning Whippets, is chewing. Young puppies in this breed (like many breeds) can be slightly destructive, and will most likely try to chew everything they can get their mouths on. Make sure to keep anything dangerous out of their reach, supervise them at all times, and provide them with appropriate toys to enjoy instead.

Most get along well with other dogs, and they can get along fine with indoor cats as long as they are raised with them. Outdoor cats can be a different story, as a running feline will trigger the chase instinct. They are also generally good with children, although kids must be taught to treat the dog fairly. With visitors, they are normally happy to greet although it may take them a little while to warm up to a stranger. In no way do they make good guard dogs for they are just too good-natured. At most, a Whippet might bark at a stranger at the door, but even that is 50-50. Most Whippets are generally fairly quiet, although there are exceptions in certain lines.

Some Whippets are incredibly picky eaters while others will gorge on food, causing obesity. Obesity is a problem for all dogs, but especially for Whippets since their frame is meant to be thin. To help with the last problems, free-feeding is not recommended. Instead, put a bowl down with the appropriate amount of food, and give them 15 minutes or so to eat. As far as the pickiness, try not to cater to the dog by switching his food around all of the time. GardenTre

Their thin coats and low body fat make them susceptible to the cold. A Whippet should never be left outside for long periods of time in the cold, and they should be provided with a coat while out on walks or outings in inclement weather. Even if the weather is nice, do not keep him outside all day. Whippets are sensitive, indoor-loving dogs who need to be with their families in order to be happy. The breed does not do well if kept as outside-only pets, they do much better with cushions, blankets and warm beds. Whippets are true coach potatoes and lovers of comfort.

A fence is highly recommended for this breed because of their very high prey drive. Small animals will cause them to take chase, and they will be out of your yard in seconds if no fence is in place. Their chase instinct is incredibly strong and they have been known to run for miles if given the opportunity. A loose Whippet can get very far from home in a short period of time, and is at a high risk of being hit by a car. For this reason, many responsible breeders will not sell to someone who does not have a secure fence. It is worth mentioning that invisible fencing is not a good substitute, as Whippets on the chase will run straight through.

There are numerous activities that you can enjoy with your Whippet – namely agility, therapy work, rally, lure coursing, straight racing, oval racing, flyball, disk dog competitions, nosework, conformation, tracking, and barn hunt. And then, of course, there is obedience. While the Whippet is not the most sought-after canine for competition obedience (the repetition of the training and the trials can make him bored), he can do well if properly trained. The most important thing about training Whippets in obedience is to keep it interesting and fun!

Lastly, it is important to give them daily exercise, but all-in-all, despite their athletic frames they do not require an abundance of work to keep them fit. Whippets are sprinters and not long-distance runners, which means they don’t require 5-mile walks every day. Many will spend a short period of time racing all over the yard only to come back inside for a long nap. Napping is a favorite activity of Whippets.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (not to be confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier), is the British “bull & terrier” breed. While they share some similarities to their American cousins, they are an entirely different breed unto themselves.

Loving and devoted to their owners, they have cultivated a following of owners who would never own any other type of dog. Their loyalty is paramount, they will often follow their owners like little shadows, even going so far as to follow you up onto the couch or bed! Great with children, they are both gentle as well as patient. When raised right, they have extremely stable temperaments. Many people are surprised to learn how placid they are with their families, mainly because of their intimidating appearances, but they have been true family dogs since the breed was first created. Do not let these descriptions make you feel as if Staffords are lazy or sluggish, however. Despite their overall stable demeanor, they still have a lot of energy which needs to be burned through exercise.

They also have quite a bit of determination to them, which they will exhibit in many different forms. For example, they have a stubborn side which might come out when you ask them to do something they do not want to do. This determination also shows itself when/if another dog were to start a fight with them. Most Staffords will not back down to a challenge. Because the original purpose of the breed was dog fighting, many still retain this fight drive. For this reason, it may be difficult to house a Stafford together with another dog, especially two intact males. It can be done, but it is best if he is allowed to grow up, as a puppy, with the other dog. Even then, there are no promises. Staffords also might have problems living with cats or other small animals because their prey drive is quite high.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should never be aggressive to a person, except perhaps in the rare occasion of a stranger threatening their family. Nor should they be shy or scared when out and about. It is very important to socialize your dog as a puppy so that when he grows older, he will also grow into having an ideal temperament. Although they can be quite protective of you, they are usually not so protective of your property. In fact, because Staffords tend to love people so much, some will welcome a thief right into your house! Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier

Highly intelligent (albeit with the stubborn streak), Staffords can be rewarding dogs to train in obedience. Agile and spry, they are usually up to most challenges. Therapy work, agility, going-to-ground, competition obedience, CGC, conformation and flyball are just a few of the activities you can enjoy with your dog! When training, Staffords can be impulsive and will keep you on your toes. This impulsivity is related to their intelligence. Curious by nature, they might try different things just to “see what happens”. It’s best to have a sense of humor.

While growing up, puppies in this breed can be very mouthy, both with you as well as anything they can get their teeth on. Teach them at a very early age that they are not allowed to put their mouths on you at any time, and they should learn fast. They may not learn so fast when it comes to chewing up other things (furniture included). Keep an eye on them whenever you are able, and keep them crated when you cannot watch them. Eventually they will grow out of this stage (although they may continue to destroy their own toys for a lifetime).

As adults, Staffords have the type of energy that athletic people can manage quite easily. Although they do need to be taken for walks, hikes and romps on a daily basis, they are often calm enough in the house to lay down and watch TV with you. People that are less inclined to be athletic themselves – or who just can’t be bothered to give a Stafford the exercise he needs – will probably become overwhelmed with the excess energy of a dog who hasn’t been allowed to burn it off.

It is worth noting that the Texas heat can be too much for some Staffords, especially darker dogs whose coats will trap in the heat. Never leave a Staffordshire out in the yard all day, especially in the summer. Make sure he has access to shade (and perhaps even a shallow kiddy pool) on hot days. Ideally, let him have access to the house. A Stafford should never be an outside-only dog in any circumstance! It is also worth noting that some Staffordshires are escape artists. Not only is a 6 foot fence recommended, but you may also want to secure the bottom (from digging) as well as the top (from climbing). Keep any deep pools fenced off – Staffords cannot swim.

The Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is one of four breeds that, in Europe, is referred to as the Belgian Shepherd. Here in American, we’ve separated the breeds and because of this, there are distinct differences in temperament and personality between them. Today we’re going to focus on the Tervuren. The Terv – is he is affectionately called – is a breed suited to many different working tasks.

High stamina, sharp intellect and great dexterity make this breed as great at herding (one of its original purposes) as well as many other jobs. Tervs often score high in obedience and tracking competitions, but have known to do well in a great number of other dog sports. Other sports to try include schutzhund, agility, conformation, rally, therapy work and flyball. Some have even been known to pull sleds!

They are very highly trainable and have a lot of energy, which makes them great for people looking for a dog to put a lot of time into… but not so great for a first-time dog owner. Novice owners should also be aware that although Tervurens are very intelligent and willing to please, they can also be independent thinkers and sensitive to corrections. The fine-tuning that needs to be applied to training is best done by someone with prior experience in training dogs. There can be variations in the temperament of the Tervuren, with some being very active and having high drive, and others being more relaxed and calm. They should never be shy or aggressive. On the whole, however, most are very responsive to their owners while being both perceptive and sensitive to changes in the world around them. Many can be quite demanding of attention at times. This can be both good and bad. Good because this makes them ideal for training, but bad because this can also make them pushy. It’s important to find a balance wherein you give your dog the attention he is asking for through obedience… while also teaching him that YOU are the one that ultimately makes the decisions about when to train.

Tervurens are very loyal to their families and may take it upon themselves to watch over those who they care about. Those with the right dispositions can become guard dogs. In Belgium, they are used as police dogs! They are naturally suspicious of strangers and may be aloof until they get to know the person. Tervs get along very well with children, and will watch and protect them in the same way that they watch and protect older members of their family. As with all herding breeds, be aware that they may also try to herd your children.

It is important to give your Tervuren the exercise he needs – both physical as well as mental – so that he doesn’t become bored and destructive. While some can adjust to being apartment dogs, those that do are either older in age, naturally on the more mellow side, or are given a lot of exercise multiple times a day. Generally it is not recommended to have a Terv if you live in an apartment.

“Belgian Shepherd Tervuren running” by Cwazi at the Dutch language Wikipedia.

The Lagotto Romagnolo

Newly recognized to the AKC, the Lagotto Romagnolo has actually been around since the 1600’s. First bred to hunt waterfowl, it was later used to search and dig for truffles.

Because it is an active breed, it requires an owner willing to give the dog both the physical and mental exercise that it needs! Without an outlet for their energy, they can become destructive. There are many fun and varied ways that you can exercise your Lagotto. Avid swimmers are often happy to find out that this breed loves water! Swimming is a great activity that both owner and dog can enjoy, whether it be in a structured way such as water-retrieval, or just splashing around. Either way, make sure that any water play is supervised.

Lagottos get along just fine with children, other dogs, and cats. They are very devoted, affectionate and loyal to their entire family. They crave “their” people so much that they do not do well in homes where the owners are at work all day. Lagottos need to be inside-dogs with plenty of attention and interaction. It is important to note that some members of the breed can be shy so they need to be socialized them from puppyhood to as many new situations, people and animals as possible. Even when properly socialized, they will always take a while to warm up when a stranger comes to the house.

While not aggressive in the least, Lagottos will bark to sound the alarm when someone comes to the door, and as such make great watchdogs. Otherwise they are generally quiet dogs in the house.

Smart and generally easy to train, Lagottos work well for first-time dog owners. In general, their cheerful attitudes help to make training fun for both owner and dog. Since they were bred to work in several different jobs, obedience training is more than just a game or a chore to them, it is a way of life. A Lagotto without a job can become unhappy, therefore it is vital that you work with them. This can be done most easily through obedience, but you can also train them to do therapy work, hunting, agility, nose work, rally, tracking , dock diving, barn hunting, freestyle, CGC, or treibball. You could even teach them how to hunt truffles! The number of tasks that Lagottos excel in is quite large!

The Lagotto does not shed, which means he might be a good fit for an allergy sufferer. However, many people are actually allergic to dog saliva rather than dog hair, so it would be vital to spend some time around the breed to discover whether or not an allergy flares up. As far as grooming the coat, regular inspection to pull out brush and burrs, as well as separating forming-knots, will be required. Traditionally the coat is shaved down once a year and then allowed to grow back out.

Because the breed was bred partially for digging, you will find that they take their digging duties very seriously. This could include your garden or your yard. Sometimes providing them with their own digging spot, such as a sandbox or just a designated digging area, will keep them from tearing up the rest of your yard. Success varies with this tactic.

“Lagotto romagnolo 322” by Pleple2000

The Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a powerful German working breed, excelling equally at protection work as well as being a loyal family dog. They are one of the more versatile breeds recognized today and can fit into homes with several different lifestyles. That said, one consistent need must be met in order to own a Rottweiler. The owner must realize that these dogs need a stable pack leader and be willing to take on that role.

Rotts are not recommended for first-time dog owners or for people who don’t like setting up rules and boundaries. Without obedience training or rules, Rotts will decide that they need to take on the most dominant role instead, and this can lead to all sorts of very bad behaviors including aggression. Having firm leadership is the most important factor in owning a Rottweiler, but there are other significant needs that must be met as well.

As Rotts are extremely athletic dogs, they need a great deal of exercise. A short walk is not sufficient; jogging or biking with your dog are much better. Rotts that aren’t able to burn off their energy can become destructive. Not only do they need physical exercise, but mental exercise as well. Because Rotts were bred for many utilitarian purposes, they are incredibly intelligent and need to be challenged mentally so that they do not become bored. Obedience is a great way of accomplishing this! Finally, Rottweilers need to be socialized from puppyhood and continuing through their adult life. Because they are naturally suspicious dogs, they must be taught how to handle new people and situations so they won’t react in fear.

Although Rotts are very gentle with their families and people that they know, they are still large and powerful dogs. They are not recommended for owners that are frail or elderly simply because they don’t know their own strength and might accidentally hurt their owner in their exuberance. The same goes for small children. Although loving toward kids, it is easy for an accident to happen just from the dog jumping around excitedly. It is best to wait until the children are a little older before adding a Rottweiler to the household. Rotts often get along fine with other pets as long as they are introduced while in puppyhood. If they didn’t grow up with other dogs or animals, however, the process can be harder. Adult males rarely get along well with other adult males, especially if both are unneutered. Rottweiler

As far as temperament goes, there is a variation that can be seen depending on bloodlines. Some are very happy and affectionate to everyone while others are more aloof. If there is a particular temperament you would prefer, it’s best to do research on the breeders and ask questions. Responsible breeders will be happy to tell you about their dogs. Avoid pet shop puppies at any cost as those dogs are plagued not only with health problems, but psychological issues as well.

Many people are drawn to Rottweilers because of their protective instincts. They do, indeed, have this trait but it must be reiterated that in order for the dog to be both a protection dog as well as a family companion they must be socialized early, trained in obedience, and given rules and boundaries. Otherwise, the dog could end up either being overly aggressive (both to strangers and family) or incredibly shy and scared. It is worth noting that if you own a Rott and you need to go out of town for a few days, the pet sitter needs to have been introduced to the dog before you leave. Rottweilers don’t take kindly to strangers coming on to your property.

Rottweilers take very well to training and pick up commands quite fast! Some go through a stubborn phase, but once you work past this stage they normally go back to working easily again. They work best with firm but fair methods. Obedience is the best place to start, but once a Rott has mastered the basic commands he can go on to learn skills that you can use to compete with him in many dog sports! Carting, rally, schutzhund, conformation, agility, herding, tracking and/or therapy work are recommended for this breed. Rottweilers excel in all of these areas!

This breed cannot be left outside in the yard by themselves all day, they need to be with their humans. Not only can it foster destructive behavior and increased yard territoriality, but it is also dangerous to do here in Texas. Because of their mostly black coats, dogs left outside in Texas summers can overheat and die. When they are outside (for exercise and play) a 6 foot fence is highly recommended. Rotts have high prey drive and will often chase small animals, joggers, bikes, other dogs, etc., so they need to be kept confined to the yard for their own safety as well as the safety of others. A wooden privacy fence is much better than a chain link so they won’t be as bothered by the “outside events”.

The Mastiff

The Mastiff is one of the largest breeds in the word. With no upper height limit nor a weight range listed in the standard, they can get downright huge! For this reason alone, it is important that anyone who is thinking about owning one be prepared to put in the work needed in order for their dog to be a well-mannered member of society.

Despite their incredibly intimidating appearance, these dogs are generally not aggressive. In fact, they are loyal and faithful to their human families, gentle with children, and calm around strangers. Most of them get along well with other dogs although some males have issues with other males. Because of their size, it is supremely important to socialize them around as many animals and people as possible while they are puppies. It is much easier to teach a 20 pound puppy to “play nice” than it is a 200+ pound adult! While aggressive behavior is not generally seen in the breed, it does happen from time to time and usually stems from either bad genetics, a learned response or poor socialization.

A well-trained Mastiff is a joy to live with but the real fun comes with training specifically for the various dog sports. Some activities that you can participate with your Mastiff include carting, obedience, nosework, therapy work, tracking, conformation, weight pulling, agility, barn hunting, freestyle, rally… even coursing! Mastiffs are intelligent animals that love to please their owners, but can be sensitive to certain types of training. Sometimes that sensitivity comes across as stubbornness, so it is important to be able to tell the difference. It helps to have a trainer who is familiar with molosser breeds. Dealing with real stubbornness is different than dealing with a dog who is simply confused or frightened.

Some people are drawn to this breed thinking that a Mastiff would be a great home protection dog. This is both true and untrue. While they look very fierce and frightening, they are actually quite gentle in nature. That said, their looks along with their loud bark will deter almost any would-be-intruder. For intruders that do come into the house… it really depends on the individual dog and situation as to whether or not they might defend their home. If a family member is being threatened, however, a Mastiff will almost certainly come to the aid! They will defend their owners if they sense that “their people” are being threatened!

Like most breeds, Mastiffs do not do well being left outside all of the time. They need to be with their families, otherwise, they may become bored and destructive. They make very good house companions anyway, so there really is no need to keep them chained up outside! Mastiffs are quiet, easy keepers that aren’t terribly active. The biggest downsides are that they do tend to drool, as well as snore.

Mastiffs can also be diggers, and they can dig a deep hole much quicker than a dog half their size, should they feel like it. Because of this, they probably aren’t the best choice for those with prize lawns. That aside, they aren’t terribly active outdoors either. A short romp is usually enough for most adult dogs, although puppies might want to play a bit longer. It should be noted that Mastiffs stay in their puppy stages much longer than other dogs. A Mastiff isn’t considered done growing (mentally or physically) until about three years old.

They do require exercise, but it is minimal. When left to their own devices, many would prefer to lounge around most of the day but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go out for walks. Be careful not to over-exercise younger dogs (up to 18 months), as it can strain their joints and cause future problems.

“Westgort Anticipation” by Radovan Rohovsky

The Plott

A breed only recently recognized by the AKC, the Plott is a large scenthound used for hunting a variety of large game. The breed is intelligent and certainly trainable, as long as the owner realizes that they are training a hound and makes accomodations for that fact! Some members of the breed are more dominant than others and may need more discipline. Sturdy and determined, they make great hunting dogs but require families that understand that they are different from many other breeds. Potential owners need to know what they are getting into before they buy one.

To their families, Plotts are very loyal, affectionate and gentle dogs. They get along very well with children as well as other pets, especially other dogs. As pack dogs, many prefer living in multiple-dog situations and often do best with at least one companion. They can be protective of their families and make good watchdogs or even guard dogs. Although slightly aloof around strangers, many are quite friendly once introduced.

Plotts also do well at being left home alone without fuss. When outside, many are quite active and alert, particularly if there happen to be woodland creatures about. Although they primarily hunted large creatures such as bears, boars and big cats, they will certainly chase after squirrels, rabbits… or anything that moves. In fact, when it comes to small animals, they are still used today for coon hunting. When hunting, it can be difficult to call a Plott off of an animal that it is actively going after. For this reason, a fully fenced yard is an absolute must for this breed, as is keeping him on-leash whenever he is out.

The breed is considered by many to be one of the toughest, most courageous hunting dogs in existence. Potential owners need to be aware of this. A Plott really isn’t a normal housedog, they are working dogs that will permit being housed as long as they are given the exercise and mental stimulation that they need. Preferably, an owner will bring the dog hunting but if that isn’t possible, the owner needs to offer alternatives such as tracking, agility or obedience. In fact, the Plott has a high activity level, meaning that they require exercise every day. They prefer running, swimming, and climbing but also appreciate slower walks because it gives them the opportunity to sniff everything! If they do not receive enough exercise they could become destructive, so it is in both your own interest as well as his to keep him fully exercised! It goes without saying that these are not apartment dogs.

While not considered “yippy”, they do have very loud and distinctive barks that they tend to use when hunting or when alerting an owner to a stranger at the door. When a household is active and rambunctious, the Plott tends to bark more because there is more excitement going on. A potential owner should be prepared for moderate to high-moderate barking.

“Plotthund Kynnagardens Ziggy Lundamo” by Plotthund

The Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, like most terrier breeds, is a strong-willed little dog with a lot of personality! Intelligent with an extremely independent streak, the Scottie knows how to get what he wants.

Obedience training is definitely recommended to teach him the rules of your house… and keep you sane. After all, Scotties without any training can be difficult to live with. That said, the breed can also be challenging to train not only because they are strong-willed, but also sensitive. There is a fine line between giving him too little correction, and giving him too much correction. A skilled trainer should be able to find that line and help him to learn by encouragement and guidance. Scotties do have a great desire to please, however, so once he gets the hang of it he is capable of learning all sorts of new skills! Scottish Terriers all over the country compete in events such as earthdog, agility, conformation, obedience, rally, and cgc.

Scotties are a fairly active breed that need to be walked on a regular basis. Because of their short legs, they do not make good jogging companions, but a daily walk is very beneficial to them. It is highly recommended that Scottie owners have fully-fenced yards, with fencing set up so that the dog cannot dig out. These little hunting dogs have very strong prey drives and will run or dig out of your yard at the first sign of a small animal! A fenced yard will keep him safe and secure.

Pools should also be fully fenced, as a Scottie that leaps into water is not generally a good swimmer. The same goes for leashes. He must be on a leash at all times to curtail his strong hunting drive. It should also be noted that if another dog comes racing up to him to fight, he will definitely accept the challenge and will fight to the death. Therefore, keeping him on a leash allows you to keep him close enough to grab him should a fight break out!

The breed has an aloof temperament with strangers, but are attached and loyal to their families. Not an overly affectionate dog, they show their love by laying at your feet rather than consuming you with kisses. It is for this reason that they are considered to have “dignified” personalities. Although most love to be outside, the breed is not an outside-only dog. He thrives on human companionship and does not do well if left alone. This also includes him being left alone in the house for long periods of time. A lonely Scottie can quickly turn into a destructive Scottie!

Scottish Terriers can live happily alongside children, but only as long as the children are slightly older and fully understand the correct way to treat a dog. Younger kids aren’t generally a good match, as they tend to pull tails and poke at eyes, and Scotties will not put up with that treatment. Most Scotties do well with other pets, however the likelihood of a good relationship often depends on them being raised around other animals from puppyhood.

While they are not guard dogs, they make decent watch dogs. They tend to bark quite freely, especially if they feel like someone or something is trying to come onto their property.

Grooming is an important aspect of care in the Scottish Terrier. He doesn’t shed in the same way that other dogs do and should be kept brushed out, as well as stripped (undercoat pulled out) in order to stay comfortable. This is especially important in Texas’ hot climate! All in all, the Scottish Terrier is an independent, tenacious yet dignified, loving dog. Prospective owners should be aware of his quirks and his needs before choosing to buy. For the right person, however, he can be a great companion and a loyal member of the family.

“A Scottish Terrier” by narujen

The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a spitz breed with quite the following of loyal owners and admirers. They come in three sizes; standard, miniature and toy, although none of the sizes ever get any bigger than 19″ at the withers. They are energetic and intelligent dogs who enjoy being near their families at all times. It is not uncommon for them to follow their owner from room to room. They are very playful dogs that love children, although the standard and miniature sizes are recommended over the toys for being sturdier.

Eskies, as they are affectionately called, are strong-willed and stubborn however they are also quite smart. When it comes to training, it helps to have a knowledge of how to work with these particular personality traits in order to bring out the best in your dog. It helps to teach the dog that learning can be fun! While formal obedience can be “boring” to some American Eskimos, many take very well to trick-training. This might be due to the fact that during the 30’s and 40’s, Eskies were often employed in the circus as performers! Whether you want a dog well-versed in tricks, or you’d rather your Eskie learn to appreciate formal obedience, your success depends on your ability to teach in a fun manner. Once trained, the American Eskimo can compete quite successfully in many dog events including agility, herding, obedience and rally.

Although they are a smaller breed, they do have a fair amount of energy and need to be taken for daily walks. This is not a breed to keep cooped up in the house all day just because he is small and fluffy and may look like a stuffed animal! When compared to other breeds, the Eskie could be considered a moderate-energy dog. He doesn’t need a daily 10 mile hike… but he does need a short outing each day to prevent him from becoming bored and hyperactive. If exercised regularly, many do well in apartments.

The American Eskimo Dog can sometimes become protective of their owners and exhibit several problem behaviors related to this fact. One of the more common behaviors is leash reactivity, also known as on-leash aggression (towards other people or dogs). It is not recommended to let your dog get away with this behavior in any way, as it can progress and become worse. If the perceived threat is from another dog, an Eskie will fight, even if the other dog is much larger.

What are some other traits of this breed? They are not the type of dog to retrieve a ball repeatedly, so owners looking for a ball-crazy dog need not apply. Potential owners should also be aware that Eskies are known for barking excessively. They are naturally wary of strangers that come to the door but will usually warm up once introduced. Another common behavior issue includes separation anxiety. Look for a puppy from a responsible breeder and start training at a young age in order to mitigate these problems.

“American Eskimo Dog 1” by Christmas w/a K

The Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is tiny in stature, but giant in personality and spirit! Very few are shy, quiet dogs… in fact, the majority could be classified as enthusiastic extroverts! Many enjoy going everywhere with their families, including car rides and trips into pet-friendly establishments.

The breed is very active and alert but because of their small size, don’t need a ton of exercise. Some owners take advantage of this by potty-training them to an indoor litterbox instead of taking them on daily walks. While litterboxes can be fine, it is still recommended that you take your Pom for regular walks in order to build a stronger bond with him while providing him with fresh air and structure. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are not recommended for families with small children simply because Poms are so very tiny that they could be easily hurt by a toddler who doesn’t understand how to interact with dogs. They do great with older children.

Most Poms do well with other dogs that live with them but may have problems with unfamiliar dogs. They are not aware of their small size and may try to take on a fight with a larger breed which could end with them getting hurt. For this reason, it is important to socialize them from puppyhood with other dogs so that they do not immediately feel the need to start an altercation.

Oftentimes, this trend to bark at strange dogs and people stems from the fact that they can be very protective of their owners. This protectiveness also shows up in the form of barking whenever someone rings the doorbell… or even if someone is walking past your house across the street. Once again, they are not aware of their small size but they act as if they are hundred-pound dogs! Obviously their size keeps them from becoming effective guard dogs, however their voices make them great watchdogs. Potential owners should be aware of this tendency to “bark freely” (and often).

Pomeranians are incredibly intelligent little dogs, often appearing to understand every word that you say. This, of course, is not entirely true but they are very adept at picking up quite a lot. They are very trainable and many compete successfully in obedience competitions. Others are used as therapy dogs, a job that these sociable little dogs usually love! While some may seem stubborn at first, once you convince them that training can be fun they usually take right to it! They love to please their owners and obedience training is a great outlet for this.