Havanese

The Havanese is the true king of small dogs. They're very brave and constantly overjoyed. It's just so hard to find an angry Havanese. The breed and its joy started out in Cuba. Like the Frenchies, Havanese were bred to be companions for Cuban people. Back then, these dogs were known as Havana Silk Dogs. This is because the breed had a very silky coat. The breed was then called Havanese for short. This is the national dog of Cuba, and Cuba's only breed.

Now that Havanese are revered, they are becoming more popular throughout the U.S. They can be pretty expensive, however, because it's hard to breed a high-quality Havanese. They are also starting to become uncommon in their native country. So you may spend big bucks on this aristocratic companion.

But they are very gorgeous to look at. They have long, silky coats, which they are very famous for. Havanese also have medium-sized heads, that gives them a graceful, but yet clownish appearance. Lastly, these dogs have a small "beard" under their muzzle. So maybe this dog is pretty confusing But they still are fun.

They love to be with you. However, the breed does best with older children. They are harder to groom than most other breeds. But Havanese live for a long time. They need daily exercise, so waking them every day is required. But as long as they're with you, Havanese are happy anytime, anywhere!

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the athlete of the dog world. They are athletic, hardy, and brave. Being brave is very important if you're a Rhodesian. If your a lion, then seeing the breed itself is bad enough. The Rhodesian Ridgeback, or the African Lion Hound, was bred to hunt down LIONS. A dog killing a lion? Yep, it's true. You see, in South Africa, Hottentots mixed many breeds like greyhounds, mastiffs, Great Danes, and maybe even Bloodhounds! The Hottentots created a dog with a ridged back, with fur growing backwards on the back.

If the ridge isn't there, than the breed doesn't follow his standard. The lack of a ridge is a disqualification in this hound's standard. This breed's ridged back helps him with his athleticism. It keeps his gait powerful, making for great speed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has compact paws with very thick pads that helped keep the hound's feet protected from rough terrain on rough African plains. This is only one of 2 breeds with a ridged back. Thai Ridgebacks also have ridged backs. But anyways, to conclude the traits, large lungs hep the dog stay ore energetic when running.

You see, that athletic nature is why these dogs are best in the country. They need daily exercise, and city living sucks for the Rhodesian. So no cities for Rhodesians! This dog is prone to dermoid sinus, so he has some issues. Older children are best or the breed, but overall, this dog will be the best dog ever for you to have when you adopt one! (Please do so. Not required, but we want you to!)

Japanese Chin

If there's a dog that matches the words cute, cuddly, and an awesome apartment dog, the Chin is the certain dog. The Japanese Chin originated in Japan where it was sacred, as a former companion dog. They would warm the laps of aristocratic kings and queens. Japanese Chins have a history far better than the Basenji's, but they still have a bad part to their history. Other people who weren't royal were not allowed to own one. So if the Chin saw a poor hobo on the street that it loved, it couldn't stay with it. But life proceeds on, even with the Chins.

These dogs used to be called the Japanese Spaniel, but then people decided that the "Japanese Spaniel's" name should be changed to "Japanese Chin" during the late 1970's.

These lap dogs are popular because they look so cute with their flat faces. This makes the face compact. The eyes, however, are pretty large. The coat is long, and going in all crazy directions unless thoroughly groomed regularly. While the coat comes in black in white more often, red and white Chins are accepted in the AKC breed standard. The paws of this breed are cat-like: small and compact. All of these traits make the breed cute.

They're so cute, you may want one. But remember all of the care requirements. Chins love to please. But they require extra grooming. Not minimal grooming, nor normal grooming, but not a ton either. In between all of those is the breed's grooming requirements. These dogs may be susceptible to respiratory problems, but they do great with young children. Not toddlers, but children aged 4 and older. But either adult or child, the Chin will provide your life with tons of unique love! Love the world never knew existed! That's the power of the Japanese Chin!

Basenji

Basenjis are tough dogs that have been through a lot of bad things. They are said to be "barkless." And that's true. Basenjis don't bark at all, for they can't, but they do make the other usual dog sounds. Being barkless is one thing, but this dog's history is partially cruel. The breed is said to have originated in Egypt. However, the breed was then delivered to Central Africa, where they were vermin hunters. Then, an attempt to deliver Basenjis to Great Britain was made. But due to aggression, the Basenjis that were going to be sent to England were killed. Then, on the second try, the breed flourished to England. Some individuals were sent to North America, but one named Boris was killed due to too much aggression. Now, the breed has recovered from his life of cruelty.

These hounds are very old dogs. But they still come with all of their special assorted traits. The breed has a short coat, large head, and 2 pairs of compact paws. And let's not forget the curled up tail with a white tip.

These dogs do well anywhere, but require daily exercise. They have a few health issues, but not a ton. And they are very clean dogs, and require almost no grooming. Having a Basenji may mean a bad watchdog, but it also means a special hound that went through a lot of deaths just to make it to your country. What an amazing dog!

Afghan Hound

Afghans are an aristocratic, graceful hound. This hound is a very striking dog. There's just something distinctive about that dog that nobody can describe. Maybe Afghan people could. This dog likely was an Afghan dog bred to bring down large vermin. The Afghan then was pretty common. But when wars came, Afghans were killed for their coats to protect Afghan soldiers. And then, the breed became extinct. Totally extinct. But then the breed was brought back to life when it was revived by Scottish breeders. Now, the Afghan Hound is just a plain cool pooch.

They have one of those long muzzles, giving way to a snobbishly regal look. Another Afghan Hound trait is the long, silky coat. This coat is feathered and feels like silk, and makes the dog look dramatically aristocratic. But unlike kings, who just sits there in a throne all day, the Afghan Hound runs in fields all day. Yep, these are one of those athletic, energetic dogs. This makes them unideal for city loving. Only in rural environments does the Afghan Hound thrive in. And the breed's athletic nature presents the usual active dog problems, like displacia and bloat. The coat requires regular grooming. Afghans do best with older children and adults, but for those who can care for the dog, they'll be so loving, a toddler would be acceptable with an Afghan. So if you give the Afghan care, he'll give you love! Hound love, that is!

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small, flat faced, long haired, luxurious pooch that is a certainty to possess. Just ask the Chinese people. In ancient China, this breed was so loved, it became sacred. Now, anyone can own a Pekingese, even if they aren't rich and royal people. The Pekingese is very recognizable. They have a very, very long coat, and very, very flat face. It's no wonder these dogs are so obvious.

That long coat has 2 layers, and both of them are very long. That coat is extremely high maintenance, especially if the dog is used for show. The flat face is typically black. Pekingese, just like Chins, Pugs, and Bulldogs are brakesiphalec. That means that they have wrinkles, and respiratory issues. The trait that doesn't infect the low maintenance or healthy part of the breed are the ears. They are medium in length, and long and silky.

While the ears don't do damage, the double layered coat and flat face do. It makes Pekingese overheat more easily than pugs and bulldogs can. So unless you have a cold climate in your area, you shouldn't possess the Pekingese. These dogs also require daily walks. They are also very hard to groom, so you are going to see that you're grooming bills are very high when you get this breed. But overall, Pekingese are cute, happy, and just plain loving!

Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu is a dog that is certainly the ultimate fighting dog. They are a very uncommon breed. Not amused yet? Well, maybe you'll be amused to find out more info about the Tosa. They are also known as the Tosa, Tosa Fighting dog, and the Tosa's Inu. The breed originated in Japan, when dog fighting was a legal, popular sport. These dogs were bred to do that exact thing, and they often won the fight. But there is sad news.

Because dog fighting is currently forbidden today, Tosa Inus are near extinction. And these dogs are naturally assertive dog breeds, so many people don't understand the breed. That results as Tosa Inus being in many animal shelters, where they typically aren't adopted, and put to sleep. It's really sad, but those who do understand Tosas are making attempts to revive the breed, and hope that many Tosa Inu rescue clubs increase the population of Tosa Inus. Now, Tosa Inus are starting to come back again!

If you ever do see a Tosa, you may see some wrinkly skin. Those wrinkled made protected the Tosa's internal organs from injury. And the breed's large size made him harder for rival dogs to bring him down.

Right now, the dog isn't really connected to most people, but for people who understand the Tosa Inu, there are considerations. These dogs are stubborn and require experienced dog owners. They are moderate grooming dogs, for the many wrinkles need daily cleaning. Some health concerns are a problem in the breed, and Tosas do well with adults, but not children. But overall, if you give the Tosa a chance, he become the star dog of tomorrow!