The Pekingese was originally bred as both a companion as well as a watch dog. The smallest members of the breed would ride along in the large, lavish sleeves of Chinese courtiers and scare off anyone who might threaten their owners. These dogs were specifically known as “sleeve dogs”. So as tiny and angelic-looking as these dogs are, they definitely have a tough side and are anything but delicate. Pekes often think they are much bigger than they are and will challenge dogs (and occasionally people) without regard to their actual size. Owners must be aware of this tendency and protect them from themselves. If an owner is threatened, they will fight to the death if need be.

As a watch dog, the Pekingese does bark – some more so than others. They also snore and snuffle. It’s not hard to tell when a Peke is around the house.

With their short legs, Pekes don’t do a whole lot of running around. When they do run, it’s not for long distances. Therefore they don’t necessarily need a house with a yard and actually live quite comfortably in apartments. All dogs should have some exercise, however, and this breed is no exception. A short walk every day will help to keep the dog from getting fat, as well as allow him to see the sights and bond with his owner. All very important things! Just make sure not to walk in the hottest part of the day – the thick, long coat of the Pekingese combined with the short nose means that overheating is more likely than in other breeds.

With strangers, the Peke is normally aloof. This said, because of their protective natures, the Pekingese can actually become quite possessive of their owners. Training is absolutely necessary to keep this in check! Obedience training, as well as setting healthy boundaries, are two cornerstones of raising a Peke. Many are slow to learn formal obedience commands and somewhat stubborn, but training will help them to recognize that the owner is in charge. Patience is key! A balanced training method that centers on positive reinforcement is best, and harsh methods should never be used. While harsh training methods are never recommended for any dog, Pekes take particular issue with it and tend to hold long grudges.

Pekes are independent dogs and don’t require your constant presence in order to be happy. In fact, they are able to entertain themselves for hours. Make sure they have toys of their own to play with so they won’t find something of yours as an alternative! This said, Pekes aren’t normally known for being destructive dogs and generally make very good “inside house guests” (aside from some housebreaking difficulties). An extra (somewhat related) note about your house – Pekes can occasionally develop back issues if they must walk up or down flights of stairs on a regular basis. If your house is multi-story, adding ramps or carrying them is a better alternative.

One of the true highlights of the Pekingese is his long, luxurious coat! The Peke has a double coat, which means that it is thick as well as lengthy. It must be brushed out once or twice a week in order to avoid tangles and mats. If left unattended, the hair can become a literal nightmare so regular grooming is a must. Additionally, this coat does shed twice a year. When kept in good condition, the coat is very insulating and warm, meaning that the dog will be cozy in cold weather.

This isn’t the best breed for children as they do not tolerate any sort of rough play. Many Pekes will not hesitate to bite if they are poked and prodded at. Older children may be ok, but this is not a match for toddlers or younger. The breed also isn’t too fond of other dogs either, although they are more likely to be ok with another Pekingese. They can live with other dogs… but it might take a while for them to get used to the idea. Early socialization can help them live more amiably with members of their own species (or even cats). The round, slightly bulgy eyes of this breed leaves them suseptible to eye injuries from the claw of a cat or the tooth of a dog – keep a close watch on any encounters.

By [1] – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Brussels Griffon is a happy little toy breed – bred to be a companion first and foremost. He is affectionate and loving to his owner, which he follows around like velcro. His tiny size makes him capable of living in all sorts of environments, as long as he is able to live inside the house with his people. Some members of the breed are incredibly laid-back while others have more energy, so it is important to find out the characteristics of the parents (and other relatives, if possible) if one is looking to own one of these little scoundrels. All members of the breed, however, are alert and curious.

The Griff comes in two coats – rough and smooth. The smooth is less work to groom, although they will shed seasonally. Wire coated dogs do not shed… but the dead hair will stay locked within the coat andwill  need to be loosened out by brushing and/or bathing. Some owners choose to bring their wire coated Griff to the groomer every 3 months or so, while others have learned how to groom the dogs themselves. The correct way of grooming a rough Griffon is to hand-strip the coat rather than use clippers or scissors. Doing so will keep the correct wiry texture – which is a hallmark of the variety. Unlike some wire-haired breeds, the Brussels Griffon is not a hypoallergenic dog.

As cute as they are, many Griffs are difficult to housebreak. It can be done, but it will almost certainly take longer than average. Owners are advised to start crate-training early on, to help with the process. Obedience training, on the other hand, is something that the Griff takes very well to! These little toy dogs are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. Although well-timed corrections can be used, the trainer must always account for the sensitive nature (and the tiny size) of this breed. There is a big difference between rough handling and the occasional correction when needed.

While not an excessive barker, the Brussels Griffon will bark when someone comes to the door. If the guest is allowed to enter by his owners, the Griff will hold back until he deems the situation safe. Almost always shy with new people, it may take him a while to warm up to strangers. This is true whether he is meeting people in or out of his home. While some shyness is expected, he shouldn’t freak out while scrambling to get away – this usually means that he wasn’t socialized enough as a puppy, but it might also point to his genetics.

Being timid by nature, these little dogs should never be teased or frightened on purpose. Their first instinct will be to try and flee the situation, but if that isn’t an option many will lash out as a last resort. For this reason, they do not make the best pets for families that have small children (under 5 years). As long as they are treated with respect, they will not try to hurt anyone. This is a reasonable request for a delicate dog to make.

The Griff enjoys the company of other dogs and therefore does fine living in multiple-pet households. Most of them do not realize their small size, however, and care should be taken placing them with large or giant breeds as they could be hurt accidentally while trying to “play with the big dogs”. Some boast a dominant nature around other members of the canine species – a trait which is even more likely to get them hurt.

Short-nosed breeds (the term is brachycephalic) need to be watched carefully in hot weather as they can overheat much faster than other breeds. In Texas, this means timing your walks so that the dog is not out exercising in 100+ degree weather! A short walk to go potty is one thing, but they shouldn’t be forced to walk long distances (or even be left outside for long periods of time) on very hot days. In less serious news, the short muzzle also means that the Brussels will indeed snore!

These little dogs are somewhat long-lived – usually reaching at least 15 years. The breed is fairly healthy although there are some genetic problems that occasionally crop up such as slipped knee joints, hip dysplasia and eye problems. Getting a puppy from a reliable breeder instead of a pet shop will go a long way to ensuring a healthier dog.

The original uploader was Dan9186 at English Wikipedia

The Tibetan Spaniel is not actually a spaniel. This tiny breed, once owned exclusively by monks and lamas, are companion animals with a specialty in watchdog abilities. They are great companions for both apartment-dwellers as well as those living in larger homes. Like most dogs bred primarily for companionship, they absolutely need human contact and make horrible kennel dogs. They prefer to be wherever their people are, although are still independent and cat-like. Tibbies are affectionate and devoted to their owners, and are often quite in-tune with the emotions of their owners. Although very connected to their families, they are aloof with strangers.

Tibbies (as they are affectionately called) are extremely sensitive little dogs and do best in homes without a lot of drama. They don’t like it when people yell, even if it is not at them. They both give – as well as expect – comfort. This said, they are still confident as long as raised correctly and should never be shy. A well-bred and well-raised Tibbie is happy, playful and curious with a dutiful nature. Unlike most tiny breeds which mature quickly – the Tibetan Spaniel is actually slow to do so and will remain puppy-like for longer. The breed normally gets along well with other pets and usually adapts to any sort of animal. They also get along with children, although children must be taught to be kind to these small dogs which can be hurt easily.

Although Tibetan Spaniels will bark to alert you if someone comes onto the property, they are not unnecessarily yappy dogs. In this way,  you usually won’t be getting a “false alarm” if your Tibbie starts alerting. This trait does separate them from many of the other tiny breeds which like to bark for any reason (or no reason at all). Many owners state that, when it comes to temperament, the Tibetan Spaniel is like a large dog in a small dog body. This breed takes his watchdog duties seriously – often choosing lookout duties over resting time.His tiny frame makes him obviously ill-suited to be a guard dog, his job is to instead cry alarm. These watchdog abilities are so bred-in to the breed that it is important to get them out and socialize them as puppies so they can learn that the world is not a dangerous place. A socialized Tibetan Spaniel will still be a watchdog, but will do so in a more healthy manner.

When watching for intruders, the Tibbie prefers a high perch (like the back of a couch or a windowsill). In Tibet, they would often serve as lookouts from atop high monastery walls and so being up high is very ingrained. They are not the best breed for someone who prefers the dog not get up on the furniture.

This breed usually takes well to training – especially if the training is positive and fun. Most Tibbies adore their owners and naturally want to please! This said, there is a stubborn streak to the breed and they generally won’t be as easy as some of the less-independent breeds. They aren’t seen very often in competition obedience or other dog sports, although this isn’t necessarily an indication of trainability. Many Tibbies have trouble coming on command (the recall) and some aren’t great at off-leash obedience. Many times, this has more to do with a lack of serious training. They can be taught these commands but there must be a great deal of consistency before good reliability can be established.

Coat care isn’t too hard to keep up with, although the breed is double coated and does shed! They will need to be brushed on a regular basis, especially during heavy shedding times. A bath every 5-6 weeks is usually sufficient because their coat is fairly resistant to dirt. Show dogs will need to be bathed more often. They do not have any special trimming requirements and are shown and kept in a natural state.

Exercise is fairly easy, but they should receive a good walk every day. A yard is not a necessity, although most Tibbies appreciate a good romp outside in addition to their daily walk. Make sure the yard is securely fenced. Although small, these dogs can climb or dig out if so inclined! They will normally only do so if they are left outside for too long, however. They aren’t particularly known to be escape artists – unless you give them a reason, such as leaving them alone for too long (they will dig up your flower gardens just for fun though).

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC but has one of the biggest personalities in dogdom! “Sassy” is one of the key terms used to describe these tiny dogs. Bred to be a companion first and foremost, this breed prefers living indoors and should never be relegated to spending all of their time outside. Even a small apartment is normally enough room for a Chihuahua. They can be trained to use a litter box, although this convenience does not mean they should never be allowed a walk outdoors! Although they need very little exercise, all dogs should be given fresh air and the structure that a walk provides.

Well-bred Chihuahuas are loyal and loving almost to the point of obsession! Most will choose their “favorite” person (if owned by a family) and follow them wherever they go. Some can become intensely over-protective and occasionally aggressive when other people approach “their person”. This can be prevented by establishing rules and boundaries early on, and giving them regular obedience training. Just because the Chi is small does not mean they get a “pass” for behaving badly!

As mentioned above, there is a range of personalities in the breed. Some are very active while others prefer to sleep much of the time. Some are little spit-fires while others possess a laid-back attitude. Some love to be trained while others are seriously stubborn. Some of this variability has to do with how the dog is raised but genetics play a very big role. Want a particular temperament in your Chi? Meet relatives of potential puppies! This will go a long way in getting the dog that you want. However, almost all Chihuahuas are clownish, quirky and comical – these traits are practically hard-wired!

The Chihuahua is not the best dog for a family with small children – partly because of their delicate bodies, but also because they are not patient or forgiving with rough handling! They may or may not get along with other dogs. If the other dog is another Chihuahua or similar tiny breed, the chances are better. If meeting a strange dog while out on a walk, they may behave badly and must be taught to be a good citizen. With strange people, the breed is standoffish and reserved.

This breed is a comfort lover and will seek out warm beds, blankets and other comfy places! They also love the sun and anyplace else that is warm. If you have two Chihuahuas, they will probably curl up together for warmth! The breed is also a great traveler – put their favorite blanket in your car (preferably inside a crate for safety) and they’re good to go! Their small size makes it very easy to bring them to all sorts of places.

Chihuahuas are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Prepare to spend a lot of time teaching this (normally simple) skill! And just when you think that your Chihuahua has been housebroken… a rainy day might just ruin any progress you thought you had made! This breed doesn’t like to go outside if it’s wet. One other common behavior problem is barking. The breed is known for being excessively “yippy”.

The Chihuahua is a generally healthy dog that has the potential for living a very long time. Although they have some health problems (Epilepsy, Legg-Calves-Perthes, and Mitral Valve Disease for example), the biggest cause of vet bills usually come from accidents. Because they are such a tiny breed, they are incredibly delicate. They can be seriously injured from being stepped on, sat on, or even from jumping out of someone’s arms. They are also at risk by being hurt by larger dogs, who can do a lot of damage with only one bite. Owning a Chihuahua means being vigilant and careful at all times, and keeping them out of dangerous situations.

The English Toy Spaniel is not as easily recognizable as his cousins in the toy group. Indeed, many people have never heard of the breed, making him a well-kept secret. For those in the know, the Charlie (as he is affectionately known) is a loving companion dog and great pet! Many are very smart and love to play games; providing endless entertainment and smiles. Some enjoy “showing off” and clowning around quite a bit! A throwback to his spaniel roots, the Charlie does have some spaniel traits and many love to chase birds.

The Charlie is affectionate and loyal with his owners – often playful, mischievous and happy – yet remains aloof around those he does not know well. He can do well with children, although he is sensitive and therefore does best with older, gentler children. The same can be said for other dogs – English Toys can live quite peacefully with canine companions, but prefer their housemates to be mild-mannered rather than rambunctious. It is not surprising that the breed favors people and animals with similar traits as themselves – quiet, gentle and unobtrusive. In fact, many Charlies will pick their “favorite” human and tend to hang out with that person more than everyone else!

A combination of his sensitive nature and his love of (quiet) people, the English Toy is known to suffer from separation anxiety when he is left home alone. Long periods of being left alone are particularly hard for him. If he had his way, he would probably choose to live with a work-at-home owner or a retired senior citizen (Charlies are excellent companions for seniors). This said, separation anxiety can oftentimes be managed through behavior modification.

Charlies are ranked as moderate on the trainability factor. They are sensitive and should be trained with this in mind, focusing on positive rather than negative experiences. As a matter of fact, finding ways to teach by using games can be very succesful for this breed since Charlies LOVE games! Just make sure that you are still installing rules and structure in your training or you may begin to see the English Toy’s stubborn side.

There is a range of temperament in the breed. Some are quite docile and laid-back, while others are more active. All Charlies need some exercise, but the amount to be given depends on the dog’s own activity level. This said, even the liveliest members don’t require much more than a short walk or a romp in a fenced yard each day. Also, this breed generally doesn’t need much space and often thrive in apartments. Most are naturally well-behaved inside with very little training (making them great for novice owners).

Shyness is common in the English Toy Spaniel, especially when they encounter new people and situations. Some Charlies with extreme shyness and insecurities have been known to bite out of fear when they think they are being threatened. Early socialization and positive experiences in puppyhood can go a long way in helping this problem, but the owner must be committed to socializing quite extensively while the puppy is still young!

The Charlie should never be left outside for long periods of time on hot days due to their short muzzle. In our hot and humid Texas summers, extra care and supervision should be taken! This breed needs to live inside with air-conditioning more than other breeds. Furthermore, keeping these dogs brushed out will help with their ability to regulate their temperatures, especially with black and tan dogs (this pattern is called King Charles). Looking for a dog trainer for your English Toy Spaniel? If you live in the Austin, TX area give us a call today!

Photo By Pleple2000 10:18

The Bichon Frise, whose name means “curly lap dog”, takes his job as a companion very seriously. Both attentive to his owner as well as demanding of attention, he loves people above all else! In turn, many people have fallen in love with the happy nature and silly antics of this white cotton ball. Bichons are affectionate, gentle and playful. Many love to go new places and meet new people. They are equally good with children as well as the elderly. They are also long-lived – many will live to the age of 16 or older!

Because of their trusting nature and adorable looks, the Bichon is occasionally a target for dog-napping. This is one reason why an electric fence is not recommended for this breed, and a “real” physical fence is safer. Not only will a real fence keep out possible dog-nappers, but it will also keep out larger dogs who might wander into a yard and hurt a Bichon. While this breed normally gets along just fine with other dogs, they must be supervised around dogs much larger than them for their own safety.

As might be guessed from his extensive white coat, the Bichon is considered to be a high maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Daily brushing is often required because the coat is curly – this means that dead hair will not always fall out, instead it will get caught in the rest of the hair and start to form mats. These mats must be worked out, and the quicker they are handled the easier the job will be. While it is possible to wait a week or so to brush out the coat, you will find yourself with a lot more work to do than if you had handled it on a daily basis! The coat should be bathed every 2-4 weeks, and it must be expertly scissored in order to get the typical “Bichon look”. Regular bathing is important since white dogs get dirty faster! Finally, the teeth should be brushed on a very regular basis as many Bichons are prone to tooth loss.

Although most Bichons have fantastic temperaments – friendly, enthusiastic and happy – there are some members of the breed that have problems with shyness. occasionally a Bichon will be so skittish and anxious that he may turn into a fear biter. This is a particular type of aggression that is based on major insecurities. For would-be-owners of this breed, it is vital to buy your dog from a reputable breeder who takes temperament into account! Bichons from pet shops (and therefore puppy mills) are often the individuals who will end up with temperament issues. While good genetics are absolutely vital, it is also important to socialize your Bichon as a young puppy. Well-bred and well-socialized puppies have a much better chance of becoming great members of society (and family).

The Bichon is an intelligent dog and is usually obedient and easy to train. This is one reason why they are such a great breed for novice owners! Many love to learn tricks, and will often offer these behaviors when they want to make their owner smile (or they want a cookie). While tricks are great, we always recommend obedience training as well, in order to build a bond with the dog while establishing rules and structure.

Bichons are energetic little dogs who do need regular exercise, but they can still do well living in apartments. Their tiny size makes the daily walk an easy chore, as they won’t need to go as far as a dog with longer legs! Their playful nature means that they enjoy playing fetch or other games with their owners, but they won’t be as intense in these games as some of the more serious working breeds. Their attitude is one of a happy-go-lucky outlook.

Separation anxiety is one common problem that many Bichons are prone to. While training can certainly help with this issue, it is best to consider whether or not the Bichon is the right breed for you if you are away from the house frequently. Because they love people so much, it isn’t entirely fair to keep them alone and lonely throughout the day. Bichons who experience separation anxiety often bark and howl quite a bit – which also may not be fair for your neighbors! Here at The Academic Hound, we have experience with the Bichon Frise. If you live in Austin or the surrounding areas and are looking for a dog trainer, give us a call!

Photo By Heike Andres