The Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog from Israel developed on its own with very little influence from humans. As a whole, this breed was feral for quite a long time before being re-domesticated, so they understandably have more of a primitive temperament than other breeds. This means that they are sensitive to their environments, vigilant in new surroundings and remain ever-alert. Although sensitive, they are hardy and very adaptive to various climates and living situations. This is a breed that is paradoxically both independent yet still capable of performing a large number of jobs with people. Medium-sized, they are extremely agile, athletic and intelligent – yet at the same time can be difficult to live with.

This breed has excellent senses of sight, smell and hearing. They are very resourceful at hunting and manipulating their surroundings. Most Canaani love to dig! (Canaani is the plural form of Canaan). They can dig impressively sized craters big enough to fit their entire bodies, so gardeners must beware! They also have the tendency to roam, so a fence is a must. Despite having many primitive traits, the breed is clean and easy to housebreak.

The Canaan requires little grooming and will even groom himself like a cat! He will need to be brushed a few times a week but the short coat doesn’t tangle or mat like long hair. As a double-coated dog, this breed does shed heavily twice a year. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning, along with the occasional bath, should be enough to keep the dog neat and tidy. The breed is also very healthy and is easy to keep in general.

Canaan Dogs are only moderately active and do not require a ton of exercise to keep them fit. In fact, many love their nap-times! A quick walk once or twice a day, or a good high-intensity romp in a fenced yard is usually sufficient for most dogs. This said, the breed has a lot of stamina and will enthusiastically accompany their owner on a good hike. Although they don’t need frequent walks, an owner should expect to provide exercise throughout the dog’s life. Canaani are a slow-maturing breed and live for a long time (14-15 years is the norm), so they will appreciate this easy-going exercise throughout their life.

The Canaan is affectionate and loyal to those whom he already knows (although not overly dependent), but doesn’t usually trust strangers. They may or may not trust the “stranger” in the future, even when introduced for the 20th time! This harkens back to the breeds’ primitive roots, where the most cautious tended to survive. When the breed was being re-domesticated, humans took advantage of their high territoriality and use them to guard their properties – a trait that is still ingrained in the breed today. They make excellent watch dogs, although aren’t known for being guard dogs. The breed has a very deep and commanding bark, which they will use whenever there is a change in their environment (read: they can be very vocal).

Canaan Dogs are responsive to training and usually learn quite quickly, although their independent nature makes them trickier than other breeds. They don’t like repetition and they may question “why” on a frequent basis. Once they’ve learned the commands, they may not always perform the given command – it all depends on how much training they’ve had, how much distraction is present, and the dog’s own personality. They require a trainer who understands independent, pariah breeds – and how to motivate them. Many flat-out won’t work for a trainer or owner whom they don’t respect. They are also more likely to succeed in types of training where the activity itself is the reward, such as herding trials or agility. This explains why many Canaani do so well in fast-paced dog sports, while still giving their owners a harder time in the obedience ring.

Canaani must be socialized from an early age so that they don’t become excessively fearful, and that socialization needs to continue several years into the dog’s life. Even with socialization, it is important to note that most Canaan Dogs will become very territorial around the age of two. They may consider not only your home their territory… but also your car and other places that you visit frequently. Some will consider you their property as well, and will become possessive when other people come near. This is why training is so important! The dog should never be allowed to become the dominant member of the family, and training will help to establish you as the leader rather than the dog. The Canaan’s particular temperament “quirks” makes him ill-suited for a novice owner.

Unfortunately, same-sex aggression is not uncommon in the Canaan Dog. The breed may not always get along well other dogs in general, but particularly in same-sex situations. It is not unusual for him to bully other dogs at the dog park, nor is it strange for him to outright attack a strange dog that comes into his yard. It is possible to live with multiple Canaani, but an owner will have better luck introducing opposite-sex dogs, altering one or both dogs, and/or having a large age gap between the animals. The breed also has a very high prey drive and is not safe around small animals (either pets or wildlife). These are traits of the breed’s feral nature, still very much in their genes. Cats may or may not be safe, but are often ok as long as they don’t run from the dog, triggering the prey instinct.

When raised with children, the Canaan gets along well with them, and tends to be very gentle. It is highly recommended that they be socialized to kids, however – just as they need to be extensively socialized with other people, places and things. As Canaani are a “soft dog”, they can be easily become hand-shy or nervous around kids that are too rough so the children must be taught to be fair with the dog.

Photo By Canaan Dog, Hodowla Samorodok Hanaanahttp://www.ruscanaan.ru

The Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog was bred to be a jack-of-all trades and he remains that way today. His previous jobs in Spain included herding stock, assisting fishermen and possibly doing a little work as a hunting dog. As might be assumed from their name, they love the water and make excellent competitors in canine water sports. This active dog needs to be owned by people who can give them plenty of activities and exercise. Hard working and hardy, they are up for rugged hikes, intensive swimming sessions, and other outdoor activities. They will need a job in order to channel both their mental as well as their physical energy. This activity level makes them less suitable for first-time owners. When properly exercised, however, they do have an off-switch and will spend a quiet evening watching tv with the family. They are capable of living in an apartment, but only with the right owner and a whole lot of exercise!

Spanish Water Dogs have a protective side and feel a responsibility to watch over their families. They’ll never be aggressive for no reason but will stand up if danger arises or if someone breaks onto the property. In everyday circumstances, however, they are aloof to strangers while very affectionate to their owners. While many have a “whatever” attitude about meeting new people, they want to be wherever their owners are in true “velcro dog” fashion. This is a very loyal and faithful breed. Some Spanish Water Dogs enjoy the company of women over men but this is a generalization. As a sensitive breed, they do better in homes without lots of sudden sounds and movement.

The Spanish Water Dog was originally bred to work outside on the farm and didn’t start commonly living as a house dog until the 1980’s. Because of this, Spanish Water Dogs are very primitive and therefore act a little different from some other breeds. Besides being extra-sensitive in general, members of the breed can have a more intense second fear period. This period of time (usually between 9-15 months of age) is something that all dogs go through, where they are more susceptible to becoming psychologically scarred by new situations. Exposure to a scary thing while in this period can lead to a dog that has a permanent psychological damage which may then lead to them becoming excessively fearful or even a fear-biter. Socialization is the key to avoiding this – starting from the time they are very young. They need to be exposed to new things, and if they begin to show fear – to be worked through that fear.

While generally good with children, Spanish Water Dogs aren’t recommended for families with very young kids. They have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd children, which can cause unintended injury to those that are very small. Some may even take it upon themselves to discipline a running child by using a quick nip – a situation that is obviously less-than-ideal! Older kids who can handle themselves in this situation make a much better match. Their quirky temperament will definitely provide enjoyment to both children and adults alike! The Spanish Water Dog will get along with other dogs but has a definite preference for his own housemates. He may be quarrelsome with strange dogs, especially if they are pushy.

This breed’s natural tendency to herd also makes them prone to car chasing. Not only does this mean that obedience training is necessary, but also means that all members of the family must remember to keep the front door closed. If so inclined, the Spanish Water Dog can be a master door-dasher! In the yard, a high fence is required by many breeders. This breed is quite adept at jumping, as well as climbing over fencing so containment should be regularly checked for security.

The Spanish Water Dog is very intelligent and takes well to training although he can be prone to stubbornness. Very strong-willed and occasionally manipulative, he needs consistent rules or else he will will make up his own. Some of them are naturally dominant and will try to take on the leadership position. It goes without saying that this is unhealthy for both human and dog! Keep the training fun and fair, but also firm! When done right, obedience training will awaken the dog’s natural desire to please. When done wrong, he will hold a grudge and possibly just flat-out refuse to work. A dog that is trained with excessive force might become reactive. Seek out a trainer who knows how to bring out the best in the dog. When trained, this is a very obedient and hard-working breed with a great memory.

The coat of the Spanish Water Dog is one of his key features. Naturally curly, the breed is capable of growing cords if it is allowed to grow out. Only a handful of breeds have this naturally cording coat, which will require more work upfront but less grooming when the dog gets older. In fact, brushing is not required at all for this breed! Once a year, the coat is actually sheared like a sheep. Bathing needs only be done when the coat gets dirty and the dog should be left to air dry afterward so that the cords will retain their shape. The coat is also non-shedding, which makes him a good option for those who don’t like hair tumbleweeds blowing throughout the house! This also means that he is low-dander and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The Collie

The Collie is a well-known herding breed whose his intelligence has long been portrayed in television and other media. Loyal beyond compare to his owners, he is sensitive to the emotions of those around him. This beautiful breed comes in two different coat varieties – longhaired (which is called rough) and short-haired (called smooth). However, all Collies should be friendly and people-oriented. One would be hard-pressed to find a more devoted, loyal breed.

Collies thrive in family settings because there are multiple people for them to enjoy! The breed makes a great companion for children and will spend countless hours watching over them. Plus they are always up for a great game! With older and more sedentary people, they adapt well to the couch potato life (as long as their exercise needs are met). They just want to be where the people are, whether it be with their own family or meeting new human friends! As with other social breeds, they should never be outdoor-only dogs. A Collie without enough human contact will get bored, lonely and ultimately destructive.

Potential owners should be aware that this breed does tend to bark… a lot. This means that they can make excellent watch dogs, but will also bark for every other reason as well, even just to hear themselves speak! Giving the Collie a job to do will help reduce the dog from barking out of boredom, but boredom is only one of the causes. A potential owner should get a Collie knowing that it will not be a quiet dog.

The Collie is known for being easy to train – from housebreaking on up to advanced obedience. This, combined with their easygoing personalities, make them ideal dogs for novice owners. They also enjoy participating in many varied tasks and dog sports. Because of their sensitive nature, they do not learn well when trained with excessive harshness or force. A little bit of stubbornness is seen in some dogs, but is usually easy to work through as long as the training is firm yet fair.

Collies need regular coat care, but the work isn’t too difficult if owners keep on a schedule. Roughs need to be brushed out once or twice a week while smooths may require less brushing as long as they aren’t actively blowing coat. Both varieties do shed continuously, and the shedding is extra bad once or twice a year. Bathing can be done once or twice a month if needed, although many Collies keep themselves clean (as much as they are able), and don’t have much of a “doggy odor”.

While generally healthy and hardy, Collies are known to be sensitive to various drugs including ivermectin, so it is vital that the owner and vet be informed about which drugs (including heartworm medication) the dog is allowed to take. It should also be noted that they are prone to several eye diseases (CEA and PRA) and a smart puppy buyer should only obtain a Collie from a reputable breeder who does health checks, including eye checks. Buying from a pet shop or unreputable breeder not only puts the dog at risk for health issues, but also temperament issues.

Most Collies get along great with other dogs and household pets, but may try to herd them. Nipping at the heels of another dog may cause frustration, just as it might if he nips the heels of a toddler. Some supervision may be required at first to make sure the Collie plays nicely. Aside from that, however, the breed is extremely gentle even with the smallest of pets. Many will watch over and protect tiny kittens or even chicks! The “Lassie” portrayal of the Collie is not too far from the truth, in that they are a protective and nurturing breed by nature. Just remember that, like any dog, they must be given socialization and basic training to allow them to reach this potential!

Bred to work all day, the Collie needs regular daily exercise. Unlike many of his herding cousins, however, a moderate amount is usually sufficient to ensure that he will be a calm house companion. The breed is not normally recommended for apartment living although it can be done if the owner increases the exercise that the dog receives.

Photo By Flickr user cjewell

The Bergamasco

One of the most distinguishing features of the Bergamasco is their unique coat, but the breed is so much more than just looks! These sheepdogs are highly intelligent and have gentle temperaments. They were bred to work with the shepherd when necessary, but were often counted on to work independently as well. They were required to analyze the ever-changing situations of their environment and make decisions about how to best keep track of the flock. As such, they make excellent companions who value work and pleasing their owners, but who are also able to think on their own. Living with a Bergamasco can be akin to living with another human!

When it comes to training, Bergamascos are attentive and want to learn. A trainer can utilize their playful nature to construct training games, but the breed’s strong work ethic means that they aren’t difficult to motivate. One must always keep in mind that this problem-solving breed might try to “think outside the box” when it comes to working – this is a sign of his intelligence. That said, while he may think he is making an excellent decision, it might not always be the one you want him to make! For a person considering purchasing a Bergamasco puppy, this is an important consideration to make. They prefer to work with you in a partnership, rather than in a subordinate position.

Bergamascos are ever-alert and make trusted guardians. They tend to bond very closely to their families so their strong protective instincts mean that they want to watch over those whom they love. This said, they can be cautious but should never be needlessly aggressive. Most Bergamascos have sound judgement when it comes to distinguishing friend from foe. They spend much of their time observing their surroundings rather than reacting in a knee-jerk manner. A balanced temperament is an expected feature of this breed even though they are still highly territorial.

Despite his long, complicated-looking coat, the Bergamasco does not shed and is not difficult to groom. In fact, this is one of the few breeds that does not need to be brushed at all! Most of the work is actually accomplished when the dog is still young. Young puppies sport a soft, puffy coat that later begins to change as the dog ages. Some of the new coat that grows in is coarse, and other pieces of the coat have a texture not unlike wool! When the dog is about a year old, the owner must help form these 3 different coat textures into mats (called flocks) – a process that will take a few hours or so. These flocks will remain for the life of the dog (although they will need occasional inspection to ensure the individual pieces stay separated). They form a protective “barrier” which will keep the dog safe from the elements as well as ticks, insect bites, and even dog bites! This coat protected the dog while working in the Italian Alps!

Because it takes such a long time to dry, these dogs aren’t normally bathed any more than 1-3 times a year. Unlike most dogs with mats, Bergamascos do not mat to the skin and therefore aren’t experiencing the painful pinching sensation that usually comes with tangled hair. Yes – in most breeds, mats are uncomfortable and unfair to the dog but the Bergamasco’s characteristic flocks are an entirely different story. A Bergamasco should, in fact, never be shaved! They use their unique flocks to regulate their body temperature, which keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Because the mats don’t go all the way to the skin, air can circulate easily to their bodies.

This Italian breed is very healthy overall and not particularly prone to health issues – although health problems can crop up in any dog, purebred or mixed breed. Regular exercise is one of the components needed to keep a Bergamasco healthy – they do require moderate exercise each day. Walking or hiking are good outlets for his energy, as well as training him in dog sports such as obedience, agility or rally. Giving him access to herding is one of the greatest ways to keep both his mind and body in top shape! These active dogs need a fair bit of space to run around in and don’t usually fit well into apartment situations.

The Bergamasco is a patient breed that gets along exceedingly well with children. Most exhibit good self-control even when being taunted, which is why it is important to never put them in a position to be teased in the first place – it simply isn’t fair to the dog. The breed is affectionate, empathetic and sensitive to humans of all ages, making them loyal and trustworthy companions. This also makes them ideal therapy dogs. Bergamascos tend to get along well with other animals as long as they are raised with them from puppyhood.

Photo By Luigi Guidobono Cavalchini (Josephine06)

The Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is as smart as he is beautiful. While his oldest talent is herding, this versatile breed is capable of almost any type of work. Like all herding dogs, Belgians need a home in which they are provided with plenty of mental and physical exercise. They are serious-minded when it comes to their work, and need a specific job to be tasked with. Although they make excellent family pets, just being a family pet (and nothing else) isn’t enough – they must have a job to do as well. They are not recommended for novice dog owners.

Belgian Sheepdogs are smart, loyal, and quick learners- three traits that make them great obedience dogs. They can also tend to be sensitive and occasionally strong-willed. From the time they are young, they should be given plenty of socialization and training in order to enrich their minds and mold them into the best dogs that they can be. It is vital that they are given this structure while young so that they can mature into well-balanced animals, and to keep them from becoming excessively shy. When not given training, socialization or enough exercise, many Belgians end up with serious behavior problems.

Although friendly, the breed has a natural protective instinct. There is no training required to get this instinct, it is usually present from birth. As such, they tend to be reserved with strangers until they can make sure that the person is “ok”. Belgians are incredibly concerned with the welfare of their owners – so much so that they like to keep a close eye on them at all times. They will follow their owner from room to room if necessary. The same goes for children (they are great with kids as long as they are treated fairly). It is very important for this breed to be around “their people”, and Belgians that are isolated from their owners for long periods of time will develop neuroses, including separation anxiety.

Belgian Sheepdogs are normally very healthy dogs that have long lifespans. While they do require regular coat care, it isn’t too excessive. Brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep most coats free from tangles. They will shed heavily twice a year but the shedding period doesn’t last much longer than a week. When not in the heavy shedding period, their black coat will shed minimally throughout the year. Coat care will also be dependent upon the dog’s surroundings. Dogs that are spend a lot of time outside in hot weather will shed more often, and will get dirty more frequently. Their coat is built more for cold weather rather than hot.

Belgians are an extremely active breed – many owners state that they are in perpetual motion. Interestingly, many tend to move in circles rather than straight lines. They do everything with intensity and vigor, even a game of fetch will be taken seriously by the dog. Daily exercise (at least an hour) is monumentally important to keep excess energy in check, but even with exercise they will never be a couch potato dog! As Belgians thrive on being both indoor and outdoor, they work out well for active people who enjoy being outside and playing games with their dog. They don’t do well in households that only want a dog to sit and look pretty.

The Belgian Sheepdog tends to get along very well with other dogs and cats that live in his household. He may or may not be friendly to dogs that he doesn’t know well, especially if they come onto his territory. While he usually is fine with other household pets, he may try to herd them. Indeed, the herding instinct is so strong that it may also include herding children, bicyclists, birds and/or cars! When the dog is in “his zone”, he will become very independent and choose herding over listening to his owner’s commands. It is for this reason that a fenced-in yard is highly recommended to keep the Belgian safe. Herding cars in particular is an obvious dangerous pastime.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized herding breed with a sturdy frame. They are intelligent and active and will take on any task that is asked of them. They enjoy having a job to do and will work hard to please their owner. Not only obedient, they are also courageous and adaptable to whatever life throws at them. This breed is truly suited to a life in which they are able to engage their body and mind. Overseas, this breed is known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON for short. PON is the official nickname for the breed here in America.

PONs are good-natured with all people, including children. Although they may be reserved with people that they don’t know, they are usually polite. That said, if a stranger is behaving aggressively they are capable of fulfilling the duty of guard dog. The breed is quite intuitive, so as long as they are socialized early in life they should behave appropriately in public. It should be noted, however, that their herding instinct can be strong. This means they may try to herd animals, moving objects and people – including children. While this is not aggressive behavior, very small kids can end up getting knocked over and hurt.

The coat of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog (which can come in any color) is his crowning glory but does require work. Some members of the breed need to be brushed every day while with others, this chore can be done about once a week. The frequency of brushing is dependent upon the quality and texture of the coat. Bathing is recommended every 4-6 weeks for a pet, while show dogs might be bathed as often as once a week. To keep their body in the same great condition of the coat, their food intake needs to be monitored as they can tend to overeat and become obese.

When it comes to training, the PON is very smart and has a great memory to boot. They are quite observant and therefore learn quickly, although some can have a stubborn streak. Others learn how to manipulate their owners, whether in a playful way or occasionally in a more dominating way, so it is necessary to always stay one step ahead of this clever herding breed! These things said, PONs are eager to please and take exceptionally well to obedience.

The breed needs to be exercised every day. Long walks, regular jogs and occasional hikes are great activities to keep the PON in good shape. Under-exercised PONs can become downright destructive, so it is very important that they have this outlet. Even well-exercised members of the breed are naturally mischievous, so one could imagine how much trouble a bored PON might be! As long as their physical and mental needs are met, they are capable of living in smaller quarters.

While Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are generally quiet in the house, they will bark when they hear sounds outside. They also may develop a barking problem if they are left home alone on a daily basis – this breed needs to live in a household where the owners are often at home. While some people can get away with this by providing a second dog as a companion, this strategy doesn’t work with all PONs. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with other well-behaved dogs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t also need plenty of human companionship and attention.

Photo By Jennie LundqvistBeltapar

The Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent spitz breed originally bred to herd reindeer. The breed loves to amuse his family and delights in making people laugh. Good-natured with both people and animals, he is rarely aggressive. In fact, his gentle and submissive temperament makes him great with kids. This is a dog that needs regular companionship and should always live inside with the family. With many Finnish Lapphunds living around 15 years, this is a commitment not to be taken lightly.

Lappies (as they are affectionately called), make great watch dogs. They are ever-alert to strange sounds and will absolutely let you know if someone is outside! This tendency to bark, however, does not make them the best candidates for living in an apartment. Houses with yards also better suit their energy requirements. While not a high-energy breed, Lappies still require a moderate amount of exercise. If they have another dog to play with, many will make full use of the fenced yard to run around in! Note – most breeders require that the yard be fenced for the safety of the dog. Lapphunds have high prey drives and tend to “herd” animals off the property… and then keep wandering.

Finnish Lapphunds are eager to please and learn quickly, making them great obedience dogs. Spitz breeds in general aren’t usually known for their obedience prowess, making Lappies one of the easier spitz-type dogs to train. This said… they are still spitz and therefore still can be hard-headed when they want to be. An owner must remember that, despite the occasional stubbornness, this is a working breed that needs a job to do – and training is imperative to the mental well-being of the dog. Obedience training can serve as a job for the dog itself, and it is also the groundwork for other jobs and activities such as herding, tracking or agility. A Finnish Lapphund that is given regular training and activities will be much less likely to become destructive or develop bad habits like non-stop barking.

The Lappy has a very thick, profuse coat that needs regular care. He must be combed and brushed out on a regular basis (1-3 times a week), making sure to get all the way down to the skin. It is best to start this grooming routine when the dog is still a puppy so that he will get used to being brushed. He should also be bathed once or twice a month… and drying can take forever! Never shave a Lappy – the undercoat serves to insulate against the heat as well as the cold. As long as a good routine is put into place, the coat is not difficult or exceptionally time-consuming to take care of. As might be expected, this breed does shed.

Because of their easy temperaments, the Finnish Lapphund can be a good match for a first-time dog owner, provided that the person puts in the necessary time to care for the dog. The breed is also very healthy in general, which may put the novice owner at ease. Although the energy level can be high for puppies and young dogs, they do mellow out with age.

The Schipperke

The Schipperke’s name means “little captain” in Flemish. He was originally bred as a companion and watch dog on barges and canal boats of Belgium. As such, he is an active and alert little dog and takes his watchdog duties very seriously. Although he is more of an alerting dog than an actual guard dog, despite his size he will still try to defend his home and family if he feels the need. The Schipperke is naturally suspicious of strangers, although never outright nervous. There is just a touch of mischief in the breed (he will keep his owners on their toes), but he is a faithful and loyal companion.

Schipperkes should never be dainty or delicate in any way. They love adventure and would be just as fine living on a farm as they would living in a small apartment. Schips are excellent ratters and hardy explorers, and appreciate being outside quite a lot. If they do live in an apartment they would need to be given plenty of mental and physical outlets. They are also great travelers and will willingly accompany their owners anywhere, which makes it easy to provide them with the adventures that they crave! In fact, leaving a Schipperke at home might make them grumpy and upset – they would always much rather go with you than be left on their own.

The Schipperke can be a natural busybody – always wanting to know what’s going on and be in on the action! It is not so much that they are high-strung, but that they have as much energy as they have inquisitiveness. Insatiably curious, the breed has been known to get into all sorts of trouble while satisfying their inquisitive nature. It has been said that it is impossible to completely wear out a Schip. Giving them a job to do is the best way to channel their energy into something productive! Today Schipperkes are used in search and rescue, as hearing dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs and drug-sniffing dogs. They are also adept at herding, ratting, agility, rally… the list goes on and on!

Schips are gentle with children, even toddlers. Although it is best to introduce the dog to children while he is still a puppy, the Schipperke can learn to get along with kids even if he is older. Supervision is obviously required, as with all breeds. The Schip also gets along great with other animals (dogs, horses, cats, cows, birds, etc.). Normally, the only animals that a Schip doesn’t get along with are gophers, squirrels and outdoor rodents – they will attempt to dig up your yard in search of these critters! schipperke

As with any breed, there are some drawbacks to owning a Schipperke. Willful and stubborn, they are known to be difficult to housebreak. They are also keen to bolt through open doors, especially if they see something interesting to check out. Finally, they are not quiet dogs – you will be reminded that your Schipperke has a voice throughout the day! The best way to work through these problems is with a good obedience program that you practice on a regular basis. Although intelligent, Schipperkes are not easy dogs to train because of their very independent nature. Even still it is very important to introduce obedience from a young age – before problems get out of hand.

This is a very healthy, long-lived breed. 12-16 years is considered average, but there are accounts of some Schips living over 20 years! It is important to note that there is a genetic defect in some members of the breed called MPS-IIIB, but this avoidable by purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder who does health tests. MPS-IIIB must be carried by both the sire (father) and dam (mother), and each dog can be checked for this defect before being bred.

The Schipperke needs a securely fenced yard, as his curiousity makes him quite the wanderer. He needs to be protected from walking out into the middle of the street or otherwise endangering himself. He can also be an escape artist, so make sure that the fence is very secure!

The Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is a small spitz-type breed, originally used for herding as well as being all-purpose farm dogs. These happy, gentle souls are intelligent and affectionate. They prefer to spend time with their owners and enjoy being involved in family activities. At the end of the day, there isn’t much they’d prefer more than to lie at the feet of their master (males are usually particularly affectionate). Overall, they make great pets!

Buhunds are smart and easily learn new things. Many enjoy obedience as long as there isn’t too much repetition, which will otherwise cause them to become bored. Like many spitz breeds, they are independent thinkers and not “push-button” obedience dogs. For best results, a trainer needs to be able to keep them engaged and interested! Training is actually fairly important, as the Buhund needs a job (and one must train the dog to do the job). Without a job, these smart little guys will find other ways to occupy their brains and their time… and it may not be something their owner would approve of. Despite their small size, this is a working breed and must be raised as such!

Like other breeds bred to work for hours at a time, the Buhund has a lot of energy and needs a lot of exercise. Enrolling them in competitive dog sport classes that allow them to really move is a definite plus! This breed does great in events like agility or disk dog, as they are able to burn off a lot of steam while practicing or competing. When not practicing, they should be allowed daily workout sessions such as a nice jog or hike. Doing so will ensure that both dog (as well as owner) is happy!

Because of their herding heritage, this breed is very interested in livestock. People living in the countryside, particularly, are warned not to let their Buhunds wander – as most will run up to strange cattle or sheep and tend to worry the flock. In the most ideal of circumstances – every owner of a Buhund would have a flock of their own for their dog to work, but this obviously isn’t realistic for most.

The Buhund makes a good watchdog, although he tends to get carried away with using his voice. Not only can he be quite vocal, but his bark can be extra irritating for many – it is very high-pitched! The breed needed this shrill bark to be heard while working up in the mountains. It was a way to locate this herding breed while he was working with the flocks. While most Buhunds won’t bark for no reason, they can almost always find things to “communicate” about – especially if they have access to windows (and those windows contain moving objects, people or animals). This breed isn’t always ideal for individuals living in close proximity to others, or in other hot spot locations.

Care of the Norwegian Buhund is fairly easy. Their short double coat is easy to groom and take care of, although it does shed. The shedding is at its worst two times a year, but otherwise the coat loss will be fairly minimal. Combing them out a few times a week only takes a couple of minutes! During those two times of year when the shedding is at its worst – be prepared to have a lot of loose hair rolling through the house! For dogs that have short coats, an owner may be surprised at the amount of coat that the dog will drop! Luckily, this won’t last forever and the dog will soon be back to his easy-care state.

The Buhunds is a fairly hardy animal, and not prone to many hereditary conditions – meaning that one wouldn’t expect to have to go to the vet on a frequent basis. They do need to live primarily indoors (especially if living in Texas) as they prefer cooler temperatures (and air conditioning) to hot weather. Luckily, they are clean and tidy dogs that aren’t generally destructive inside of the house. They are also polite, even geting along just fine with children, although supervision is always recommended.

The Buhund can sometimes get possessive of places or objects, especially when going through the adolescent stage. It is of absolute importance that they not be allowed to claim items or spots as their own. As long as rules are put into place from the beginning, and those rules are enforced in a firm but fair way, most owners don’t have too much trouble once the dog grows passed the “testing phase”.

The Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small to medium-sized herding breed which was developed in the mountains of France. He is devoted and loyal to his owner and lives to please. This breed needs a job to stay busy and out of trouble, and to fulfill his inborn requirement to work. He does best living with an owner who will take him out frequently and get him involved in activities. This is not a breed for people who are away all day (separation anxiety is a problem in the breed). The Pyr Shep needs lots of socialization, training and an owner who is dog-savvy. Not because he is inherently difficult to live with – in fact, he is easy to live with… for those who know what they are doing.

There is a lot of variation in the appearance of this breed. First, Pyrenean Shepherds come in two coat varieties: the rough-faced and the smooth-faced. Furthermore, rough-faced dogs can have one of two different coat lengths: long or demi-long. The long coat has a tendency to form cords (like dreadlocks) and owners can choose to either let this happen naturally or to keep the dog brushed out and free of cords (it’s worth noting that long-coated dogs are quite a bit more work and require much more grooming than the other coat types.) This gives us 4 coat variations within the breed, and accounts for a lot of the differences in appearance from one Pyr Shep to the next. When you also factor in 3 ear types (cropped, semi-erect and rose), 3 tail types (docked, natural bob and long), a large variation of allowed sizes (15-21 inches) and over 10 possible colors, it becomes easy to see how variable the appearance there can be!

Pyr Sheps have an abundance of energy that need to be channeled into appropriate arenas, such as herding or agility. Regular daily exercise is a must – they really require a yard to run around in, as well as daily walks or jogs. While you may be able to get away with a walk every couple of days (assuming the dog has lots of yard-running time daily), they would do best with an hour’s outing every single day. These really aren’t apartment dogs because regular off-leash romps are very important. It can be done… but probably shouldn’t. It cannot be stressed enough how much the Pyr Shep loves and adores his owner, and just how much he needs to feel like he is an important part of “the pack” (the family). How to make him feel included? Running/training/exercising with his owner every day!

The breed gets along well with other dogs for the most part, although some can be pushy and dominant. There normally isn’t a problem with cats and other small (or large) animals. Most Pyr Sheps get along well with children, especially those who will play with them! They will form bonds with every single member of the family and spend time with everyone as best as they are able. While they are incredibly social and friendly with their own family, they might be a bit wary when meeting new people. They need time to warm up, and it is best if the dog comes to the person rather than the other way around. This is also why early socialization is a must.

The Pyrenean Shepherd is extremely intelligent. Developed to work with his owner as well as make decisions on his own, this breed can usually figure out about anything! He is easily trained and highly willing to please. The breed loves learning new things and especially loves a challenge. Also, because they are so agile, nimble and quick they are naturals at learning agility. Their jumping abilities alone are definitely worth mentioning. As such, they make great dogs for those who are looking to compete in dog sports! These dogs are a “hidden jewel” when it comes to versatility, and they excel in all manner of competitive dog activities.

Pyr Sheps make good watchdogs and will alert to any sounds they hear outside (or inside). The breed is known for barking a lot, especially if they are allowed to get away with it all of the time. Training them the “quiet” command is fairly essential. Even with the quiet command, it is not reasonable to expect this breed to be silent. Instead, “quiet” means to stop barking once the dog has already started.

This is a long-lived breed. It is not unusual for a Pyrenean Shepherd to live into his late teens. That said, all dogs (purebred and mixes) have health defects in their backgrounds, and the Pyr Shep is no exception. Getting a purebred dog means that you have an idea of which health problems to expect, should something crop up. The known issues in this breed include hip dysplasia, heart defects, patellar subluxation, and eye problems – however overall, most members of the breed are very healthy.