Yorkshire Terrier

At birth, Yorkshire terrier puppies are as black as coal, with tan markings on their eyebrows, chin, ear tips, chest, and toes, but their colors lighten (and their coat lengthens) as they grow; their final coat pattern is unpredictable until 3 months. Professional breeders shave the hair of Yorkie puppies’ ears to help them prick up so their dark skin can be seen. Also, their physical growth is rather slow, it takes them about 2 years to fully mature.

Because of their long, shiny coats and big, dark eyes, dogs of this breed are referred to as “jewel that move.” However, although they may look like princesses, they have a Cinderella-like past. Around the mid 19^th century, this breed was created by miners and mill workers to exterminate rats in their namesake region. Yorkies quickly surprised people with their beauty, though, and they were soon valued simply as pets.

These intelligent dogs are able to do whatever they are taught, but they are wiliful and may refuse to perform a command. Perhaps because of their terrier blood, they also feel compelled to dig holes in the yard, though they don’t require much exercise. Also despite their size, these dogs are assertive and wary, which makes them good guard dogs. It is important to train them not to bark unnecessarily, however.

Keeping their steel-gray coats shiny and beautiful requires some effort. Their long, silky hair tends to get tangled and form hairballs, making daily brushing necessary. Also, regular professional grooming is ideal.

Origin : United kingdom
Size : (male) Height 6-7 inches ; weight 3-7 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Long, silky, and glossy.
Colors are steel blue on body, tan on chest, and light tan on legs; feathering on head is golden tan. Ears, roots of ears, and masks are darker.

Shih Tzu

Shih tzu puppies, with their fluffy coats, look like stuffed animals that move. After scurrying around busily, they resemble snoring stuffed animals.

These dogs, treasured in the Chinese court, were regarded as holy messengers, and it is said that eunuchs in the Forbidden City strove to create types that the emperors would appreciate. Although Shih tzus were especially cherished by Ming dynasty rulers, many were killed during the Opium War.

In about 1930, some of these dogs were taken to Europe, where they were originally categorized as Lhasa apsos (which, with Pekingese, they are said to be descended from), but, later, the Shih tzu was recognized as an independent breed.

Though these dogs are somewhat stubborn, they are usually very quiet and easygoing. As one owner says, “They often lie relaxed in their favorite place.” They can exercise indoors, but they need occasional outside play. Because puppies’ heads are big in comparison with adult bodies, labor can be difficult.

Frequent brushing is necessary to keep their coats beautiful, and hairpins and rubber bands can keep hair out of their faces. It is also important to keep their ears clean.

Origin : China
Size : (male) Height less than 11 inches ; weight less than 18 pounds (9-16 pounds is ideal)
(female) same
Coat : Long and dense; undercoat is soft.
All colors are permissible.

Pug

Before pugs were introduced to Europe by the East India Company, they had long lived in China, where they were called ba guo (“dogs that sleep snoring”). Among the theories about the origins of the English name is one stating that it comes from the Latin pugnus (“fist”) and another claiming that it derives from a fighting dog called Pugnaces. Alternatively, these dog may have been named after a type of pet monkey in China.

The pug has very narrow nostrils, which radiate heat inefficiently, so these dogs have low tolerance for heat. Also, because puppies’ heads are large and adults have small hips, giving birth tends to be difficult, and birth is by caesarean section about half the time. Mother dogs also have difficulty in biting off the umbilical cord because of the undershot jaw, and, for the same reason, puppies have difficulty drinking milk.

Although pugs are heavy and their legs are not strong, they are powerful and can jump somewhat, and they enjoy exercise. One owner says’ “Unable to wait for their turn to walk, they moan and complain. When it rains and we cannot go for a walk, they have temper tantrums and crumple papers.”

These dogs are big eaters and tend to gain weight, so their food intake should be monitored, and, because they are indiscriminate about what they eat, their surroundings should be kept clear of small objects.

Despite their short coat, pugs shed heavily, and daily brushing is necessary. In addition, their large eyes tear easily, and frequent cleaning around the eyes is required.

Origin : China
Size : (male) Height 10-11 inches ; weight 13-18 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Short and dense.
Colors include apricot, black, and fawn, with black trace from back of head to tail.

Pomeranian

At about 3-5 months, because their body grows faster than their coat does and their facial hair is oddly short, Pomeranian puppies resemble monkeys. Around this time, the facial hair of puppies with dark faces will begin to fade, leaving dark hair only at the eyebrows, which will lighten in turn. The Pomeranian’s coat grow very fast but takes about 2 years before it develops into the full, long coat.

This excitable, high-spirited breed, with its full coat, triangular prick ears, slightly protruding forehead, and elegant tail carried over the back, seems to belong to the spitz family, but it traces back to the Samoyed.

In its place of origin, where more robust breeds such as the Great Dane and the German shepherd dog are preferred, this breed received less attention; it was only when Pomeranians were introduced into England that they became popular, and, when Queen Victoria became a fan, its reputation was assured. (The British named the breed after the region in Germany and Poland where it originated.)

Daily brushing is required to maintain the Pomeranian’s gorgeous coat.

Origin : Germany
Size : (male) Height about 7 inches ; weight 3-7 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Straight; undercoat is soft and fluffy; long featherings around head, on front of shoulders, and on chest.
Colors include red, orange, black, brown, chocolate, cream, beaver, blue, white, wolf sable, orange sable, parti-color, and black tan.

Pekingese

As one owner says, “Puppies that are 1-2 months old are completely trusting and let you do whatever you like with them. They just look quietly into your eyes. They are too cute to let go.” Another owner comments, “From about 1 month of age, when you hold them, they won’t move. With other breeds, if you put puppies on their backs, they immediately will try to upright themselves. Pekingese puppies will stay on their backs with their four legs up in the air and stare at you.”

In China, these dogs, said to be descended from Lhasa apso, were called lion dogs, for their mane-like feathering, and sun dogs, for their long, straight coats. They were also called sleeve dogs, because they are small enough to be carried around in traditional Chinese outfits. A Chinese legend tells that they were the result of crossbreeding a lion with a kind of monkey, and they were believed to be holy.

Since before the time of Christ, the Dalai Lama gave these dogs as gifts to those who held power in China, and they were cherished and never allowed to be taken out of the palace. Over time, the breed was improved on, these dogs were so valued that anyone who tried to steal one was executed. During the Opium War, however, the Pekingese was introduced to the Western world for the first time.

Contrary to their frail appearance, Pekes are big boned, and female are slightly heavier than males. They don’t require much exercise, although they do enjoy walks.

They long coats must be brushed carefully several times a week, but avoid shampooing; it damages their coats. Instead, use cornstarch or baby powder to remove dirt, and spray them with water to replenish coat moisture. Also, their sensitive protruding eyes tear easily and must be cared for every day.

Origin : China
Size : (male) Height about 8 inches ; weight 7-14 pounds
(female) Height about 8 inches ; weight 7-12 pounds
Coat ; Rough and straight; undercoat is relatively long and thick; feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail.
Any color except liver or albino is permissible.

Papillon

Although the pap’s ears, which look like big ribbons tied in bows, are droopy at birth, they will stand up in 3-4 weeks, resembling a butterfly (which is what their name means in French). If they have rich feathering, the ears become heavy and take more time to prick up. Newborn puppies often have predominantly black or brown coats rather than white ones, but these colors gradually fade away and white become dominant.

These dogs were renowned for winning the favors of the Spanish and French courts; Marie Antoinette and Madame Pompadour were fans of the Papillon, and many noblewomen were eager to have their portraits painted alongside one of these dogs.

Papillons with drooping ears, called phalenes (from the French word for “moths”), although recognized as a variation, are said to be the original type. Both varieties can be produced in one litter.

Their trainability is remarkable; along with poodles, these friendly, highly adaptable dogs are widely used in circuses and other entertainment. However, dogs of this strong, healthy, assertive breed are also used as rescue dogs.

As with other especially small dogs, papillons may sometimes faint from low blood glucose when they are hungry, and despite their strong personalities, they are given to fawning and are hypersensitive to owners’ moods.

Their single coat is easy to care for; light brushing is sufficient.

Origin : France, Belgium
Size : (male) Height 8-11 inches ; weight about 10 pounds
(female) Height 8-11 inches ; weight about 8 pounds
Coat : Long, silky, and glossy.
Colors is white, with black or tan markings, or tricolor ; featherings on ear tips, chest, and tail.

Miniature Pinscher

This breed, nicknamed the minpin, resembles a small Doberman, but its history goes back farther, and the two breeds do not seem to be related. Its ancestral dog is believed to be the Klein pinscher, from Scandinavia, from which it was miniaturized several hundred years ago.

With slim, little bodies, frail legs, and large prick ears, they hop around like little fawns, and they can jump as high as a person’s waist. Owners report frequently hearing the comment, “He looks more like Bambi than a dog,” and one owner remarks, “I feel like I am keeping a miniature dinosaur.”

Dogs of this wary, loudly barking breed are ideal guars dogs, and, though they’re not as threatening as the Doberman, they are fast and bold. They must be taught not to bark unnecessarily, and careful training is required.

Miniature pinschers are curious and can easily slip away and jump over fences. One owner says, “He escaped from his cage. After a long search, we couldn’t find him, and we gave up. Later, we found him sleeping in the bed.”

This short-coated breed is sensitive to cold and has a strong canine odor.

Origin : Germany
Size : (male) Height 10-13 inches ; weight about 10 pounds
(female) Height 10-13 inches ; weight about 9 pounds
Coat : Hard and glossy
Colors include red, black and tan, and chocolate and tan, though tan is limited to certain positions.

Manchester Terrier

The ears of toy Manchester terriers droop until about 2 months.

This miniaturized version of the Manchester terrier, once used in rat-killing contests in its city of origin, has “candle flame” ears, intelligent eyes, and a little body. There are thumb marks on their forefeet and pencilings on their digits. Small tan points over the eyes resemble eyebrows, and points on their cheeks look like lipstick marks.

Both adults and puppies are excellent jumpers. One owner says, “He was left alone in the house while I was gone, but he sneaked out. When I came home, I found him in the neighbor’s yard. He must have jumped over the fence.”

These dogs are expressive and good at understanding commands, but they have a stubborn streak. As adults, they become wary toward strangers and other dogs, and they require early obedience training and must be taught not to bark idly. Also, they are sensitive to cold.

Occasional brushing of the velvety coat is sufficient.

Origin : United Kingdom
Size : (male) Height 10-12 inches ; weight 7-11 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Short and glossy
Color is black and tan

Maltese

Newborn Maltese puppies, which resemble soft, white balls of yarn, may initially have fawn-colored hair around their ears, but it gradually fades until the entire body is covered in a pure white coat, though their noses and eye rims become darker as they mature.

This breed, called by various names, including the Maltese terrier, the Maltese spaniel, the Maltese poodle, the bichon maltiase, and the Melita dog, is said to have been brought to its Mediterranean island home, a key trading center, by the Phoenicians as far back as 1500 B.C. Some people believe, however, that it is the island of Meleda in the Adriatic Sea, not Malta, where they originated.

In one of Aesop’s fables, one of this breed appears as a “White dog of Malta” that accompanies doting sailors on a long voyage. In 15^th century France, they served as lapdogs for noblewomen, and, after Queen Victoria had one ordered from Malta in the late 1800s, the breed, suddenly in high demand, was for a time bought and sold at very high prices.

These intelligent and quick learning dogs are lively and playful, and, despite their soft bearing and elegant appearance, they are fairly daring. Also, their barks are unexpectedly loud and high pitched.

Their long, silky hair needs frequent care for it to remain snow white. Also, their eyes should be wiped carefully each morning and their mouths cleaned after each meal and their bottoms should be cleaned after bowel movements.

Origin : Malta
Size : (male) Height 8-10 inches ; weight 4-7 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Long, straight, and silky. White is desirable.

Japanese Chin

The Japanese chin has along heritage as a goodwill ambassador; Asian monarchs exchanged them as gifts, and Commodore Matthew Perry brought one to England’s Queen Victoria after his ground-breaking visit to Japan in 1853. During Japan’s Edo era (1603-1868), they often appeared in paintings alongside beautiful women, and the 17^th century shogun Tsunayoshi favored the breed.

This ideal breed is gentle, friendly, and obedient, and is easily toilet trained (and trained in general) and nearly free of the typical dog odor. In addition, it rarely barks, and it likes to be held. One owner says, “They are so quiet, our neighbors couldn’t believe that we had dogs.”

Their large, wide-set eyes protrude and are somewhat vulnerable, so care should be taken not to hurt their eyes. Also, be vigilant about eye diseases; otherwise, this is a very healthy breed.

Though Japanese chin are long haired and shedding is common, grooming is easy because they lack a thick undercoat. Brushing and combing prevents hair balls and keeps their coat shiny. Also, their droopy ears need to be kept clean.

Origin : Japan
Size : (male) Height about 9 inches ; weight about 7 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Long, silky, and glossy; feathering around jaws and on ears, legs, and tail.
Color is white base with black or red markings; symmetrical markings and hair between the toes are desirable.

Italian Greyhound

Even when Italian greyhound puppies are small, they love to run. “Once they start running, they don’t stop,” one owner says. Another owner comments, “Puppies are active, hasty, and shy. They love people but behave like spoiled children.”

This old breed, loved by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks as well as by Roman aristocrats, often appears in old European paintings.

About the size of a large cat, the Italian greyhound, with its dainty and refined manner, wet-looking round eyes, and streamlined bodies, look remarkably small and frail.

Owners of these dogs can expect to be criticized about their skinny dogs, but Italian greyhounds are all muscle. Puppies and adults alike can hop and jump without a running start and are even known to leap into their owner’s arm. Since they are not afraid of heights, however, owners must be careful about the dogs jumping off the furniture or trying to leap over fences. They settle down in adult hood, however, and remain receptive to learning.

Because of their short coats and negligible body fat, they are sensitive to cold.

Origin : Italy
Size : (male) Height 13-15 inches ; weight 6-10 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Short and glossy.
Colors include fawn, red, blue, cream, and white; may have white markings, too, but black and tan, blue and tan, and brindle markings are not permissible.

Chinese Crested

Newborn Chinese crested puppies of more common “hairless” variety are born with hair on the head and toes, and the less well known powder-puff type is covered with short hair. As they grow, their hair becomes longer and their bodies slimmer, and they will developed skin markings that will remain visible on the hairless. As early as 1 month, puppies of this breed are already walking briskly and even jumping.

This breed is said to have been developed by the Chinese, who miniaturized African hairless dogs, but some people believe they are descended from hairless dogs raised for food by the Aztecs in Mexico, and that the name refers merely to the resemblance of their groomed hair to a traditional Chinese queue.

The enigmatic aura of the hairless Chinese crested is enhanced by its bare skin and the soft featherings on the head, tail tip, and toes. Although these dogs are intelligent, friendly and affectionate, they are wary of strangers.

The mating of two hairless or a hairless with a powder puff will produce puppies of both types, but only powder puff puppies are produced from two powder puff. Also mortality rates are high among puppies born from two hairless dogs, and these puppies are sometimes born with a few teeth missing.

The bare skin of the hairless type, though stronger than that of the powder puff variety, is warm and soft, and has a slightly sticky feeling.

Though the hairless does not require coat care, its skin is vulnerable to strong sunlight, dryness, and cold and can be soothed with cream or baby oil. Powder puff dogs require brushing.

Origin : Central and south America ; Africa
Size : (male) Height 10-11 inches ; weight about 16 pounds
(female) Height 9-10 inches ; weight about 13 pounds
Coat : Hairless (except for head, tail tip, and toes) or powder puff.
Colors are solid or with markings; any colors are permissible, although the darker the skin color, the better.

Chihuahua

Newborn Chihuahua puppies, from the smallest breed in the world, look just like mice, weighing only 2-3 ounces.

This breed is said to have been discovered by an American in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, but many theories about its origin exist, including that it is a descendant of the techichi, the dogs of the Aztecs.

In spite of their diminutive size, Chihuahuas are brave, self-conscious, and curious and will not shy way from larger dogs, and they will bravely confront prowlers, attacking their ankles and heels. One owner, who also keeps a Tosa, one of a large Japanese breed, says, “The big Tosa is trained not to bark, so the Chihuahua is our watch dog.” Given their small bodies, their barks are relatively quiet.

“They like to play with and be around people,” another owner says, “They sometimes even think of people as their toys.” If overprotected, however, they may become difficult to handle.

There are two types of coat: smooth-haired and long-haired. The smooth haired, with its short coat, maybe more sensitive to cold, As one owner says, “When it’s too cold, he loses his appetite.”

Basically, these are robust dogs, but recent careless breeding to meet increased demand has resulted in deteriorated bone structure of their skulls, which makes them vulnerable to physical impact. One owner says, “One died by hitting his head on the corner of a box of tissues. When I patted another on the head, he had a concussion and died.” Also their fragile legs break easily, and , because their windpipes are small, they do not tolerate heat very well.

In addition, hypoglycemic comes caused by hunger can occur, especially during weaning.

Origin : Mexico
Size : (male) Height about 5 inches ; weight 2-4 pounds
(female) same
Coat : Smooth or long.
Colors include fawn, blue, chocolate, and black.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles spaniels, or cavs, developed from the King Charles spaniel (which, as the name indicates, won the special favor of Charles II), were favorite pets of the British royal family for more than 300 years.

In the 1920s an American who was impressed by King Charles spaniels depicted in old paintings went to England, hoping to see the real dogs, but the breed had developed into small, flat-nosed dogs with grumpy expressions. However, noticing that longer-muzzled puppies were occasionally born, he developed the cavalier King Charles spaniel from these throwbacks. This breed is also slightly larger than the earlier breed, and it was developed to be more of an outdoor dog than its coddled predecessor.

Though cavs are very popular in the United Kingdom, the breed is not as well known in the United States and was only recently recognized by the AKC.

True to the swashbuckling name, dogs of this breed have adventurous spirits, and, because they are descended from hunting dogs, their wariness makes them ideal guard dogs. They are also sweet natured and obedient, however, and they get along very well with people, including children, as well as other dogs.

Their long coats and the featherings of their pendant ears need to be combed carefully, and other parts require brushing.

Origin : United Kingdom
Size : (male) Height 12-14 inches ; weight 10-19 pounds
(female) : same
Coat : Long and silky, with feathering on ears, chest, and legs.
Colors include black and tan, ruby (red), Blenheim (red and white) and Prince Charles (tricolor).

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels griffon has two types: smooth coated, which is short-haired, and rough coated, which is wire-haired. When dogs of the two varieties mate, puppies may turn out rough coated or smooth coated. At birth, they cannot be distinguished, but, soon, the rough-coated puppies will develop soft whiskers.

This distinctive-looking farm dog, called “the griffon of the stables” in Belgium, was originally useful for catching rats. The breed was developed by mixing the Affenpinscher, known for its simian appearance, with Belgian dogs, and, through crossbreeding with pugs, their muzzles became shorter. Like the pug and other breeds with flat noses, these dogs snore loudly.

“They are basically lovely and friendly dogs,” one owner says. “They are also easy to keep, because they are robust.”

The smooth-coat type doesn’t require any special care except brushing, but the rough-coat type requires stripping to keep the coat hard and must be groomed every 3 months Or so using hair clippers.

Origin : Belgium
Size : (male) Height about 8 inches ; weight 8-10 pounds
(female) : same
Coat : Wiry or short, depending on variety.
Colors include reddish tones and solid black.