The Keeshond

The Keeshond was bred to be a companion and watchdog and as such, make perfect family dogs. Great with children, the elderly, other dogs and everyone in between, this breed even has a signature smile that delights dog lovers lucky enough to meet one! A nickname for the breed is “the smiling Dutchman”. Kees do great in agility, obedience and other performance events if trained for the task but are also happy to just spend time with their owner or family at home.

Because he is quite intelligent, the Keesond should be given obedience training while he is still a puppy. Otherwise, he may end up maturing and turning into a master manipulator! Teaching him not to jump is usually a given, as most want to be as close to people as possible – including guests. As Kees can be extremely happy-go-lucky, they may not take super-mild corrections seriously. This is not to say one should be harsh with this breed, but rather to interact with each dog as an individual – being aware of his own unique personality and what works vs. doesn’t work. It’s also good to remember that Keesonden (the plural of Keeshond) can get bored with repetition pretty easily and therefore need new challenging routines every day. Despite all this, the breed is very eager to please and can take extremely well to training! Despite an occasionally stubborn nature, he can actually turn into a great obedience dog.

The Kees has a double coat and requires roughly 30 minutes a week of brushing to keep him in tip-top shape. Baths should be given roughly once a month. Most owners confide that the breed doesn’t have a doggy odor and the coat will shed dirt and mud when it dries, so he is generally good for owners that don’t like muddy dogs but can deal with the occasional “hair tumbleweeds” around the house (they shed moderately – and twice a year will shed a lot). As this is a small to medium-sized breed, grooming shouldn’t be too overwhelming, but keep in mind that what these spitz dogs lack in size, they make up for in quantity of coat! And remember – like most double coated breeds, the coat acts as insulation so you should never shave it in the summer!

The Keeshond doesn’t need a big yard, although it doesn’t hurt to have one. As youngsters, they are very active and will use your living room as a playground and obstacle course unless given enough outdoor exercise. Water bowls are usually really fun – puppies tend to splash the water out of the bowls with their feet (although most dogs outgrow this). Life with a Keeshond has been said to “never be dull”. It is vital, then, that they be given daily exercise to keep their bodies and minds occupied. They don’t require a ton of exercise although they are able to keep up on long hikes if they need to. This makes them fairly adaptable to many different situations. They especially like cold weather, but don’t require it.

As he is extremely people-oriented, only those who want to really share their home with their dog should consider a Kees. He should not be tied up in the yard all day, or otherwise left to fend for himself. Members of the breed which have been delegated to outside-only dogs, or “home alone dogs” often end up as problem barkers which not only can annoy neighbors, but psychologically harm the dog. Affectionate breeds such as this friendly spitz do best when they are able to interact with their family throughout the day. A lonely Keeshond is a bored Keeshond which can end up becoming a frustrating-to-live-with Keeshond….

Because they were bred to be watchdogs (particularly on barges that traveled Holland in the 17th and 18th centuries), Kees will announce visitors whenever one comes to the door. Some are noisier than others and will announce every sound that they hear. Because the breed is very curious, they want to inspect (and often alert to) every new sound, sight and smell. So while they can do very well in some apartment situations, they may need extra training and/or attention if living in an apartment with lots of foot traffic.

Most Keeshonds love traveling in the car and are very excited to go on any trip that their owner might be heading on. They also love food, companionship and returned affection. All in all, they make great friends who are easy to afford and easy to care for! Just remember that they are a 13-15 year commitment. Don’t get a puppy on impulse. Remember that although they are easy to care for in some ways, they have other traits that also make them difficult – for example, the Kees can be a digger, whether it be a flowerbed or just the normal yard. Young puppies and adolescents can also be chewers.

The Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only native dog of Iceland – brought to the country by Vikings and used for herding. These spitz dogs had to be tough enough to survive and work in such a difficult terrain and as such, are a very hardy breed. The breed is friendly and playful with their owners, while also possessing an inquisitive nature and a lot of courage. They make great watchdogs as they will bark to alert to any change in their environment. These dogs also bark while working (which includes play) – a trait that helped the herdsmen always know where they were. This may make them more difficult for people who live with neighbors in close proximity!

ISDs are known for being intelligent as well as lively – traits that may keep some people on their toes! This said, they love all people and prefer to stay close to their owners at all times – so this is not a kennel dog or outside-only dog. They get along well with children of all ages and are not known for being aggressive normally, although supervision is often recommended (usually for the dog’s sake). They also tend to do great with other animals as long as they have been well-socialized. Even smaller animals are often safe, as this breed doesn’t have a strong prey drive.

When it comes to training, the Icelandic does not do well with harsh treatment and tends to shut down. With fair methods, however, he learns very fast and loves to please. It is recommended to start training an ISD early and frequently, or else their natural intelligence will lead to all sorts of mischievous behavior! The breed can usually be trained to off-leash levels quickly, especially since they don’t tend to wander, although they will need to be proofed (given distractions) in order to be reliable. Those with a stronger herding instinct may be very tempted to chase after moving objects (including cars) despite their training.

The amount of exercise needed varies from one Icelandic Sheepdog to the next, although it is important to remember that this breed is a working/herding breed. Rarely will an individual thrive who stays in the house all day without any outlet. Along with regular walks, it is recommended to get the dog into a fun activity such as herding, tracking or even swimming. Some members of the breed make great therapy dogs and other have been known to become assistant dogs! Because they are generally on the smaller side, a moderate amount of exercise is usually enough for most members of the breed.

The ISD comes in two different coat types – longhaired and shorthaired. When taken care of regularly, neither coat should not have a strong doggy odor, as the breed tends to keep themselves clean (with the one exception of dirty paws, as they do like to dig). In snowy areas, the coat doesn’t tend to hang on to snow, as it usually falls right off. They can also be kept in warmer areas of the country, although living inside in the air conditioning will be required when it gets extra hot. An Icelandic should never be shaved! Although their double coat does shed, keeping them combed out is a relatively easy chore.

It might not be surprising to learn that Icelandics are prone to separation anxiety, which may also include houdini-esque attempts to escape their crate and/or fenced yard. They love to be around their people so much that it can be difficult when it comes time to say goodbye for even short time periods. Some people “solve” this problem by bringing them with them wherever they go (they travel well), although not every owner is in a position to be able to do this. It is recommended to get the Icelandic puppy used to spending time alone as a puppy, in order to minimize problem barking and stress.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy and long-lived, with many individuals living until 15 or 16 years old. All breeds and mixed breeds have the potential to come down with health problems, although with purebreds it is more likely you will know what that disease may be, and might even be able to avoid. Health issues seen in the ISD include cataracts, eyelash abnormalities and hip dysplasia.

The Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is the best known of the various Scandinavian spitz breeds and has been called “the dog of the vikings”. He was bred to hunt moose (not elk – despite his name), as well as to serve as family guardians and occasional herders. Devotees of these black-tipped silver dogs say that they make some of the very best companions. Indeed, Elkhounds are the happiest when they are around the people whom they love. Because of their long history working with humans, these dogs have developed into exceptionally loyal and friendly creatures, although their personality quickly becomes independent while they are in “work mode” – such as when hunting.

While Elkhounds have been described as stubborn by some, many are just exceptionally independent and their trainers lack proper motivation tactics. While historically these were working dogs, they were not bred to work with people in the traditional obedience sense. Therefore it follows that a trainer must be able to “get inside the dog’s head” and find a way to communicate with the animal, while providing motivation and “reasons” to do what they are asking the dog to do. Remember also that Elkhounds are highly sensitive and want to listen (usually). These spitz dogs don’t like repetition and will respond by leaving their own spin on things if they begin to get bored.

The Elkhound is extremely gentle when around the very old or the very young. Not only does this make them good candidates for living with children or the elderly, but many have even been successfully trained in service dog work. Their intuitive nature combined with their gentle demeanor and vast intelligence makes them excellent at such jobs. Many have also been utilized as search and rescue dogs (finding injured people in emergencies) thanks to their finely tuned noses. This is a very versatile breed who loves to work and especially enjoys jobs which involve people, whether it be people they know or the constant opportunity to meet new ones!

Elkhounds have high energy, which means that they need to be given both physical as well as mental outlets to keep them calm. Remember that these dogs need a job – it is in their blood! Every Elkhound should be given daily exercise such as a walk or hike, in addition to some other sort of “purpose”. For example, owners of this breed enroll their dogs in agility or nose work classes in order to keep their dogs happy and fulfilled.

The Norwegian Elkhound is not the breed to own if you spend most of your day at work, nor if you plan on keeping the dog outside all the time (unless you are going to be outside with him frequently). These social butterflies will not develop correctly if kept isolated, and can quickly become depressed. There is nothing that can substitute for this companionship, whether it be providing a second dog, spoiling the dog on the weekends, or guiltily giving the dog extra food “to make up for it” (and Elkhounds are prone to getting fat, anyway). Making sure you have enough time for the dog is one of the most important things you can do – even when they get old (keep in mind the breed is long-lived).

Norwegian Elkhounds are known as barkers and can become nuisance barkers if given no rules. While this trait isn’t for everyone, most people do appreciate the fact that they will bark and put on a big show if an intruder comes near the home, and their stocky build and no-nonsense appearance is enough of a deterrent to keep most prowlers away. While they make great watch dogs, however – it is more rare for an Elkhound to actually attack. While confident and protective, Elkhounds will save harming a person as an absolute last-resort.

Despite having a somewhat-short coat, it is quite thick and does require regular brushing – particularly during heavy shedding season which comes twice a year. This coat protected them while doing their various duties outside in the harsh climates of Norway! While brushing will be a frequent occurrence, however, Elkhounds don’t need baths very often as they tend to have little doggy odor. They also don’t require any trimming whatsoever. While relatively clean, they aren’t suggested for fastidious people simply because of their shedding.

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 Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a very old hunting breed from Japan. In order to hunt, they needed to be smart yet independent and able to make their own decisions. These traits can make them stubborn, and as such they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. Novice owners often find that they have gotten in over their heads when they realize that their Shiba is a master escape-artist and excellent manipulator. Owners of this breed should have lots of patience, as well as previous experience with putting rules and boundaries into place. They also realize that these are not lap dogs, nor are they push-button obedience dogs – they are independent, mischievous spitz dogs with hunting in their blood.

With owners that know what they are doing, Shibas can make fine companion dogs and even do well in families (with children over toddler age). They are sturdy indoor/outdoor dogs and don’t tend to get hurt easily. As such they love to race around the yard and go on excursions with the rest of the family. These lively, fun-loving dogs also boast long life spans. Regular exercise is important to make sure they stay fit and healthy – despite thier small size, Shibas make great jogging companions. Just keep in mind that this little spitz breed must always be on leash or in a safely fenced area when exercising.

The Shiba Inu is a proud dog, and many act as though they are superior to other dogs – or even their owners! Males in particular have a certain macho characteristic to them. The breed is very bold and courageous but should never be outright aggressive. This said, under-trained Shibas can develop possessiveness issues so it is important to work with them while they are young and get them used to having “their stuff” taken away and given back. When raised well, adult Shibas are gentle and careful in their movements as though they have already planned out each move. They tend to do just fine left at home when their owners go to work. Puppies, on the other hand, are little fireballs of destructive energy! Crate training is absolutely recommended.

Many Shibas have a hard time “playing nice” with other dogs, and dog-to-dog aggression is unfortunately a common issue. This is particularly true with multiple intact males. In some litters of young puppies, one can even pick out which pups are less about play and more about starting fights! Knowing the breeding behind the lines can help an owner choose a puppy who will be more likely to get along with other dogs, and early socialization can help as well – although it will always be a bit of a gamble. Some Shibas also find it a challenge to live with cats, as the desire to chase them can be too enticing!

No question – obedience training is a must for the Shiba. Without any structure, the dog will assume role as house leader. Training can be difficult for some owners, who find that the Shiba doesn’t take to training like other dogs. Sometimes there are power struggles and outright defiance from the dog! Training this breed has been compared to that of training a teenager, complete with the dog feigning “selective hearing”. For most Shibas, it is important to make the training fun and enjoyable while still maintaining the rules of the game. On the bright side – although obedience training can be difficult, most take very naturally to being housebroken!

This double coated breed does shed – often more than most people expect for a small dog. Brushing him out a couple times a week will help the shedding situation somewhat, as you will be pulling the dead coat out rather than waiting for it to come out on its own… although that won’t stop all shedding. The good news about the coat is that it doesn’t smell and tends to stay pretty clean. Most Shibas don’t like to be dirty and will wash themselves like cats! It should be noted that this isn’t the only catlike quality that Shibas possess – the breed has been compared to cats on more than one occasion. They love to take naps, bat at flying insects with their paws, and some even make a sound not unlike a purr!

While the Shiba Inu doesn’t often bark, they are able to vocalize in what has been termed the “Shiba scream”. They will usually do this when they are displeased, and although it may sound as though they are being tortured, it is usually just a tactic to get their way. It often works, as the sound is quite loud and startling – but owners that give in to it are setting themselves up for further manipulation from these cunning little dogs!

The Samoyed

The Samoyed is often recognized by his fluffy white coat (although he can also come in cream or biscuit coloring). This friendly spitz breed was used for herding reindeer and hauling sleds in Siberia. Sams are more closely related to wolves than some other breeds, which means that they can be somewhat independent but that doesn’t stop them from being loving and devoted companions. Despite being hardy working dogs, they are exceptionally gentle and sensitive.

Samoyeds are known for being vocal (making them good watch dogs). Very expressive, they bark, talk and howl to their owners. When trying to get their owner’s attention, many are also fond of using their paws (they may hit at you if they feel like they are being ignored)! Being people-oriented means that they do not make good outdoor-only dogs. In fact, they are so social that they ideally prefer to live with other dogs as well as people.

Most Sams also love to be around children, particularly children that will play and engage with them. When brought up right, many have a natural instinct to protect young kids that they consider part of “their pack”. It is important to note that a good dog isn’t just born – he is shaped. While most Samoyeds have the genetics to have these great temperaments – they need to be socialized and given fair boundaries. Their needs (such as exercise and attention) also must be met. One cannot just buy a puppy and throw it into the backyard without providing enrichment of any kind, and expect it to turn out well. Samoyeds that weren’t raised correctly are capable of being shy or even aggressive if not raised right.

As might be imagined, regular grooming is a must for this thick-coated breed! Sams need to be brushed out about three times a week to pull out dead undercoat and keep the skin in healthy condition. Once a year, the coat will shed extra-profusely and your house will be coated in a seemingly endless supply of dog hair. Because there is so much of it, some enthusiasts of the breed actually use the coat to spin yarn! Samoyeds that are not groomed regularly will get dirty, smelly and gross – this is not a low-maintenance breed.

The Samoyed is an active breed that requires regular exercise. Their playful nature means that they also love to engage in games with their owners – a trait that most keep even into old age. While games such as fetch and tug are fun for many dogs, it is useful to incorporate more comprehensive training exercises into their regular routines as well – actually giving the dog a job to do. Owners of Sams work their dogs in events such as sledding, obedience, agility, weight pull, skijoring and herding just to name a few. These working dogs need full-fledged tasks to do.

Sams are unquestionably intelligent – some say that they have an almost human ability to figure things out. This is due in part to their inquisitive nature. This endless curiosity also makes them mischievous, however. Sams can and will get into everything in their desire to manipulate their environments! Naturals at using their paws, many learn how to open doors or cupboards and pull out objects! Outside, they may make a game out of digging holes in the yard. It is important to distinguish between destruction based off curiosity and destruction caused by boredom. Sams that aren’t given enough mental stimulation can do a lot of damage to the house, yard, or themselves. Chronically bored or anxious Samoyeds have been known to chew off their own hair and/or cause physical harm to themselves.

Because of their herding heritage, many Sams will try to chase and/or herd cats and other small animals. A good background of obedience will make this easier to deal with, but Samoyeds with very high herding drive will be more apt to ignore the commands when in the midst of a chase. In general, even without the distraction of small animals, the breed has been known for a certain stubbornness when it comes to obedience training. Although highly intelligent (and perhaps because of it), they don’t always see the point in following orders. Making the training fun and enjoyable is key!

Photo By Flickr user tanakawho

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 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 Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund is an unusual little breed whose original purpose was to climb steep cliffs and grab puffin birds from nests. In order to do this job, they developed a number of unique attributes which set them apart from other breeds. For example, Lundehunds have extra toes – and lots of them! At least six toes on each foot – which means a lot of nails to trim! They are remarkably flexible and can bend completely backwards, due to joints in their neck. They can also close their ears to protect their ear canals from water and dirt. Their temperament is equally distinctive and they should be owned only by those who can handle their particular personality traits.

Lundies are happy, curious and stubborn. They are a primitive breed that have mostly evolved on their own, with only a little bit of help from humans in order to keep the breed pure. As such, they tend to act more like wild dogs than domesticated ones. They may show traits that one might find more in-line with that of a wolf or a fox than a dog (such as hiding food for later). Their curious nature means that they enjoy constant explorations of the inner recesses of your home or apartment – and there is not a lot that they can’t get into! They can climb up countertops, leap up onto most furniture or shelves, and crawl into tiny crevices. Keeping them safe from household dangers is an important concern. Outside, they might try their hand at excavating your yard.

Most Lundehunds get along great with other dogs and particularly enjoy living with other Lundehunds. As a primitive breed, it is especially important for them to figure out their “pecking order”, but once this has been decided they generally have no issues. They may have issues, however, with small pets including (and especially) birds. This has to do with their hunting history and their strong prey drive. The breed generally does well with children, but will not tolerate rough treatment from them.

When it comes to watchdog duties in the home, Lundehunds will bark to alert their owners to strangers. Although small in stature, many are protective of their own human families although they don’t normally resort to outright aggression. If they feel threatened, they will normally just keep barking. Barking is actually a common trait for Lundehunds and they do use their voices quite a lot, unlike other primitive breeds. When out in public, the breed can be reserved with people and dogs they do not know. They definitely needs plenty of early socialization from puppyhood onward. They can have a tendency to become very shy, timid and frightened of the world otherwise. If socialized, this problem is less likely to occur.

A playful breed, Lundies love toys! They particularly enjoy carrying toys (or other items) around in their mouths. Whether playing or exploring, it is important that these active little dogs are given activities in which they can use their brains. They do not thrive in homes which are sterile and uninteresting, or where they are confined to a crate for most of the day. They need regular exercise outdoors, as well as a stimulating environment indoors. If not given these things, they can become destructive in “creative” ways. After all, a dog that can burrow into your couch can also chew your couch up from the inside-out…

Training the Norwegian Lundehund is not always easy. Most do not take naturally to it, and the experience may be closer to that of training a cat! This is not to say that the breed isn’t smart – they are just incredibly stubborn and they don’t often see the point. This said, with patience (and a sense of humor) it is definitely possible. An owner is more likely to have success if they emphasize the positive (what’s in it for the dog) and keep corrections light. Housebreaking can be a particular challenge for many owners of Lundehunds, with many never becoming 100% reliable. Marking in the house (claiming territory) is another somewhat common problem with the breed. Dogs that are trained in obedience are usually much less likely to have this problem.

There is a genetic issue in the breed called Lundehund syndrome which needs to be discussed. Although every Lundehund is thought to possess this syndrome, not all are symptomatic. The condition is actually a collective term made up of several gastrointestinal disorders involving bacterial overgrowth in the intestine and protein-losing enteropathy. It is normally diagnosed when the dog is young (under a year) and there is currently no cure. The disease can sometimes be managed, but the average lifespan of an affected dog is 7-8.

Photo By Karen Elise Dahlmo

The Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei was, at one time, one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. At this point in history, however, the breed is now thriving in numbers thanks to his unusual yet beautiful looks. This said, the Shar-Pei is not for everyone! This is a strong-willed, often dominant dog who will try to rule the household if not given adequate boundaries. Owners must be aware of this and be prepared to provide their dogs with continuous rules and obedience training.

Aggression is also not unheard of in this breed, particularly with other dogs but occasionally with people as well. Shar-Pei are known for having low tolerances for any sort of teasing or challenging. Even something as mundane as nail trimming may cause a Shar-Pei to feel threatened and “lash out”. Ear cleaning is another sore spot for many members of this breed. Early socialization and intensive exposure to life experiences (such as trimming nails and cleaning ears) are vital for puppies! If you do not have time to expose your young puppy to anything and everything you can think of for the first couple of months… do not get a Shar-Pei!

Incredibly independent, this breed is intelligent and often alert to changes in his environment. He takes it upon himself to check out strange sounds and new objects/people/animals in his territory. He doesn’t trust his owners to do so for him… he sees it as his job to investigate and evaluate. The Shar-Pei was bred for many tasks – guarding, hunting and fighting. All of these tasks mean that he had to be strong and courageous – almost without fear. When he is placed in a home with a meek owner, or on the flip side with an overbearing owner… things normally do not go well. He needs an owner that is firm yet fair, and who will enforce house rules yet understand the Shar-Pei’s unique temperament for what it is.

Although they are not particularly tall dogs, the Shar-Pei is a sturdy and muscular breed that has a lot of strength. It is recommended that an owner be at least as strong as the dog! This said, early obedience training goes a long way. A petite person with the right personality and dog-experience can easily handle a Shar-Pei if they understand obedience theories and regularly train their dog. Daily walks are essential, and this breed should never be confined completely to the house. As such, an owner must be able to handle their dog in order to get him out “into the world”. This is especially necessary if the Shar-Pei lives in an apartment setting. Chinese-Shar-Pei-Austin

With the right owner, this breed can be an incredibly loyal and rewarding pet. They are very clean, calm and laid-back in the house. They hardly shed and require little grooming, provided you have done your homework and socialized your puppy to grooming procedures. They are one of the easiest breeds to housebreak. Suspicious of strangers, the Chinese Shar-Pei is actually a very gifted guard dog. You will likely always feel safe and protected if one of these wrinkled Chinese dogs shares your home. Many love children and will serve as protectors to them as well. While not overtly affectionate, nor do they see themselves as lap dogs, the breed does care deeply about their families.

Allergies, including food allergies, are unfortunately one of the many health issues that plague the breed. While some Shar-Pei are perfectly healthy, others need to be monitored by a veterinarian for one or more health problems. Eye issues and ear infections are two other common issues. Some members have excessive wrinkles on their faces which can somewhat hinder their eyesight. This is a factor in some aggression cases, as they have a harder time seeing people coming toward them and react accordingly. Clearly, more wrinkles do not always equal a better dog.

Some people swear that the Shar-Pei can be easily trained. Most often, the ease of training depends almost entirely on the training methods used. Many owners find that they have quite a difficult time training these dogs, particularly dealing with stubbornness and their extreme independent nature. It should be remembered that they think differently than many other breeds, and one must always keep one step ahead – mentally. A new owner may find their dog frustrating to train, or alternatively may conclude their dog is a “natural”, based on the personality of the dog and the skill of the owner/trainer.