These tiny breeds, all members of the Toy Group, were bred to be lap dogs. They are affectionate, active, devoted, playful, bright, responsive, and very charming. Due to their size, they are fragile dogs and are not a good choice for a home with small children. They can also be difficult to housebreak. They are feisty and assertive and must be protected from their own bravery--they can be killed in seconds by a larger dog and may even fall victim to birds of prey swooping down on them in their own backyards. Some require extensive grooming.

The toy breeds are favorites of the puppy mills and backyard commercial breeders; those poorly bred, unsocialized puppies often grow into snappy, nervous, unhappy adults. Take care to buy from a responsible breeder.

Mostly used for gathering and moving livestock from one area to another, these dogs are independent, dominant, and strong-willed. With the exception of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, they are reserved with strangers. These are all active, athletic, and very intelligent breeds. You need to keep them occupied to keep them out of trouble. All of them need lots of socialization and training. Because of their instinct to herd, nipping can be a problem, especially in puppies. They have a strong tendency to chase cars, kids, and small animals. The Bouvier and Old English have serious grooming requirements.

The Schipperke, though he is a small dog, is a very dominant and independent little fellow. This is not a lap dog; he needs a yard for exercise and serious socialization and training. He's intelligent, a good watchdog, and will chase and kill mice, moles, squirrels, etc. A Schip is a big dog in a little package and needs an owner who is strong-willed and willing to train him.

The Border Collie has gained tremendously in popularity in recent years. This dog excels at obedience and agility work, but is a disaster as a pet in the average home. This is a working breed that needs a job to be happy. A Border Collie can absolutely not be left alone all day while the family is gone. He will make work for himself and it will not be something you will approve of. The Border Collie is one of the most active and "wound up" breeds available, and you should be positive you have a suitable lifestyle for a dog who needs constant stimulation.

The Bull breeds were so named because they were originally used in the cruel, and now fortunately illegal, sport of bull-baiting. They are gentle, affectionate, but strong and stubborn dogs, which must be well-socialized and trained early to respect the human as leader. These dogs are devoted to their owners and can be territorial and aggressive towards other animals. Basically friendly and outgoing by nature, they are not good watchdogs, in spite of the tough appearance. Such a powerful and headstrong dog is not a good choice for a beginning dog owner. It is critical to obtain a bull from an ethical breeder or a knowledgable rescuer who can provide support and advice.

These dogs were all bred for specific jobs. The Bernese Mountain Dog and Tibetan Terrier were best known for their functions as general farm dogs. They're intelligent, cooperative, steady, and usually safe around other animals and children. They are very people-oriented dogs that need lots of attention. The Bernese Mountain Dog requires moderate grooming and sheds a lot. He is a tactile dog who likes to be touching or leaning on his people.

The Tibetan Terrier and the American Eskimo Dog require regular grooming to prevent matting. The Tibetan is described as lively, outgoing, and good-natured. Though mature Tibetans tend to be dignified most of the time, the youngsters have boundless energy and no shortage of ideas on how to use it. This is a very trainable breed if gentle methods are used. The breed is normally good with children, particularly if raised with them. The TT is a good watchdog, but most are not especially yappy.

The American Eskimo Dog, bred is an intelligent, cheerful, rather rowdy, and affectionate dog. He is friendly and outgoing with family members, but tends to be more reserved and suspicious with strangers. This is a healthy, hardy breed that can be very vocal. The Eskie craves attention and does not do well left alone for long periods.

Dalmatians were used to guard carriages, as well as run with them. Therefore, they are excellent dogs with horses, have a lot of energy, and are also great watch dogs. The breed was catapaulted into popularity when Disney Productions released the movie 101 Dalmatians. Many people bought them on impulse to satisfy a child who had seen the movie. Dals are difficult to breed well even for people who have studied the breed. To meet market demands, puppy mills and backyard breeders with no knowledge of genetics began producing litters of Dals without regard to temperament, health, or quality. As a result, many families found themselves with badly bred, unsuitable dogs--untrained, unhealthy, and with unstable temperments. They were dumped in shelters and turned in to rescue by the hundreds, and the breed is still suffering. A good Dalmatian is a lively, intelligent, energetic dog. He does need socialization, attention and training. This dog should be fenced or leashed, have daily exercise, an active lifestyle and constant involvement with his family. The Dalmatian puppy rapidly grows and may become too large and rambunctious for small children. Before you decide a Dalmatian is the breed for you, visit people who own them, talk to breeders, and conduct some serious research.

The Keeshond was used as a watchdog and to control vermin on the Dutch barges. He is an excellent family companion, gentle, intelligent, and devoted. The Kees is good with children, but he does require significant grooming.

The Portuguese Water Dog has a varied history and his duties ranged from herding to guarding to bringing fishing nets in from the water. He's very intelligent, needs a purpose in life and needs to be involved with people and their activities. This is a strong and energetic breed, and poorly socialized ones can be spooky and flighty.

This group of hunting dogs is biddable and eager to please. They are friendly, happy dogs who enjoy life to the fullest. They do, however, have boundless energy, need lots of exercise and attention, and must be fenced or leashed at all times. If bored, they will dig, bark, and chew. The setters and longer coated retrievers require at least moderate grooming. The Standard Poodle, of course, requires clipping and grooming (usually professional) every 4-6 weeks.

Weimaraners are rapidly gaining in popularity, and many people are finding them to be more dog than they expected. The Weimaraner is a hunting dog with a very strong prey drive. He will kill birds, cats, chickens, and even goats. He's a very active dog, requires training when young, and needs a lot of exercise, both mental and physical. He can be extremely destructive as a puppy and should not be left alone in a yard all day. Unneutered males in particular may challenge the owners around 12-18 months by growling or snapping. If crate trained, obedience trained, and given firm guidance the Weim is a great dog, but be sure you are willing to put in the time and effort required.

Independent, stubborn and very strong-willed, scenthounds are described as a nose with a dog attached. These are intelligent dogs and easily bored, who will follow their noses right into both traffic and trouble if given a chance. They need a yard with an actual fence (these breeds don't do well with invisible fencing) or to be on lead at all times. They are friendly dogs, and affectionate on their own terms. Scenthounds can have a distinct odor, regular ear care is necessary to avoid infections, and there can be varying amounts of drool. These dogs are active hunting animals and require a fair amount of exercise. They are most comfortable in packs or in a family situation and make good companions. Many of them are not particularly good with very small children as they can be clumsy. Their clear melodious voices can be heard for miles, which is not always appreciated in a suburban area. Other than ear care, these are low maintenance dogs, except for the Otterhound, who does require some grooming.

Dachshunds and Bassets are dwarf, man-made dogs. They can't swim or jump well due to their short legs. Their elongated backs make them prone to back problems and they should not be required to climb stairs regularly. Both are barkers, and Dachshunds in particular are persistent diggers. If your landscaping is very important to you, keep the Dachshund in the house or choose another breed! Dachshunds are very popular with puppy mills and backyard breeders. Poorly bred ones can be snappy and nervous.

The sighthounds were bred to hunt various types of game by using their eyes rather than their noses. These are affectionate dogs, though most are not very demonstrative. The notable exception is the whippet, an extremely friendly dog who likes snuggling and seldom meets a stranger. Most sighthounds are not very good as watchdogs, though some Afghans and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are exceptions. Sighthounds are usually excellent with well-behaved children. The sighthound must be always be leashed or fenced, because if he sees something to chase--and his vision is excellent--the brain switches off and the legs go in gear. No matter how well obedience trained you may think he is, he won't hear your commands once he begins to run--and some of them run up to 35 miles an hour. As they were bred to course and kill running animals, they will chase and kill wildlife and cats outside if given the opportunity. Even if your sighthound is raised with a cat, the two should never be allowed outside together. A sighthound will kill its prey before realizing, "Hey, that was Muffy!" It's instinct.

The sighthounds are generally quiet dogs, content to be couch potatoes in the house. They need exercise, but probably not as much as you would expect. A few turns around the yard a couple of times a day is usually plenty. Invisible fences are useless with these breeds. Sighthounds are not known for their acceptance of obedience training--patience and a sense of humor is required with these breeds. As puppies they can be unusually active and mischievous; as adults, they are very agile, and many of them think nothing of cruising your kitchen counters for food. Grooming requirements for this group are moderate to light except for the Afghan.

Sighthounds are very people-oriented and want to be with their families; they do not do well left in a yard. The preferred sleeping area, even for the large ones, is in bed with you at night.

Terriers are lively, alert, and highly intelligent. They are also scrappy, independent, and feisty. These dogs are very affectionate, but can be quite stubborn. Like many other breeds, they may bark or become destructive if left alone. As they were bred to hunt independently and kill rodents and other vermin, they are likely to chase and kill small wildlife or pets. They are often aggressive towards other dogs and have little judgment about whether they can win fights they start! They need serious training and socialization. Some may be too sharp for households with small children, though if properly raised and trained, they can be excellent with kids. Many are incurable diggers--they were, after all, bred to dig out vermin.

Grooming requirements for terriers vary from very little to quite extensive. Some often say they are good for people with allergies, as they shed very little.

Terrier breeders advise that you'll need a good sense of humor to own a terrier--they are born commedians! These are energetic dogs who can do well in obedience if you can make it entertaining enough for them.

Though the Silky Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier are technically members of the toy group, their terrier characteristics make them more suited to this group. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is listed as a working dog, as he was bred to be a general purpose farm dog and is less independent than the other terriers.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized, strong dog whose job was to stay with the farmer all day. He herded stock, cleared the area of vermin, and went to ground after badgers. As a result, he is less independent than the other terriers and requires careful socialization. The Kerry Blue can be a delightful family dog and extremely loyal. He may be scrappy with other dogs; his coat requires regular maintenance.

Jack Russell Terriers have become wildly popular due to television. These are not suitable dogs for the average household. They are very busy, even hyper. They love people, but not other dogs. Two of the same sex will seldom get along reliably, and a Jack Russell left alone during the day can be a nightmare. Keep in mind that Wishbone and Eddie had months and months of professional training before they landed their roles on television! That said, in the right household, Jack Russells are wonderful pets. They're exceptionally smart, very affectionate, and love to cuddle. They do bark if they have a reason, but are quiet most of the time. It's most important to remember that in spite of the size, you're dealing with a terrier, not a toy dog. Be very sure you are a "terrier person" before you get a Jack Russell.

This group is a mix of several types of dogs who share some common traits. They are very intelligent and dominant. These are more self-reliant than most other breeds and some are in a group often referred to as "primitive"--that is, their instincts are a bit closer to the wild than other breeds. Like many other breeds, they can be aggressive toward other dogs and may kill small wildlife or pets. They are runners and escape artists and a high, sturdy fence is absolutely critical! If well socialized, the primitive breeds become excellent family members, good watch dogs, and make extremely interesting pets.

Though the Basenji is often called the "barkless breed," it should be noted that he is not a silent dog--instead of a bark, he has a distinctive yodel. The Norwegian Elkhound needs regular exercise, and sheds profusely twice a year. These dogs are not generally aggressive towards other dogs and most are good with children.

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