Papillon

Papillons are some of the most affectionate and clownish dog breeds you'll ever encounter. It has bold eyes as charming as a Chihuahua's, and the amazing amount of affection in its personality of a cupid. Papillons are the zest-in-a-dog sort of things.

Predicted to have originated in France, Papillons were called their original breed name, the Dwarf Spaniel. Papillons flourished when their popularity grew, and spread to Italy and Spain. Historical paintings of the breed have been found in the study of old french history. Now, Papillons aren't the first choice a dog owner would go for, but they're still great dogs! Marie Antoinette loved these dogs. Papillons get the names from those big ears. In French, "Papillon" translates to "Butterfly" in English. This was because the ears look like butterfly wings. However, in the past, Papillons have had rose ears but these days, hardly any should be seen. The Papillons with rose ears were known as Phalenes. Phalenes were the original Papillon, but now aren't the most common Papillon type.

Papillons love any environment of any kind, but it has a long coat, so after coming inside after being in hot weather, try to put on the air conditioning. This breed has a single layer coat, despite that long fur. Brush it regularly and your good to go. They prefer the outdoors, but they can be entertained and exercised well indoors too. But try to let them out every now and then. Overall, the Papillon is a happy, loving, cute dog whose heart is as big as their ears!

Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terriers are some of the cutest things you've ever seen. It's small, it's cute, it's even loving. But rats beware, these are ratter dogs! And those ratters are the champs of pesky vermin hunting. Rats are huge problems everywhere, obviously.

So when ratters are bred, it's good news. And the Norwich is one of these "miracle-dogs," if you get what I mean. And they were bred in England as ratters in barns. Not really an interesting story? Well, the ears of this terrific terrier are also a part of the breed's history. Did you know at first, the ears on the Norwich would be dropped down and floppy, like a Jack Russell's ears. But then, a century or so after the Norfolk first was bred, the ears were also known to be pointed up like cat. But today, they come in both ear varieties, but typically the pointed-up ones.

This terrier's eyes are a characteristic that make the breed so unique. They are large, very-dark-colored, and very hard to resist. They can look like cartoons. But what else makes this more-terrier like? His high amount of energy. Terriers are among the most energetic and feisty of all 7 of the AKC groups.

Trying to housebreak the Norwich is always a great idea. I mean, he's a terrier after all, so you really need to work with one if you train it alone. That's because the Norwich is independent and easily bored of training. And the coat needs some brushing every few days. The breed will give you up to about 15 or maybe 16 years of fun and love. And because the Norwich is a terrier, it needs daily exercise to release its energy. Energy doesn't get used itself you know. So anyways, just remember that. While great with children, the Norwich terrier does need to be properly socialized with younger children, just in case, because like other small dogs, the Norwich terrier is very fragile and needs lots of attention to health of the skeletal system. But if you want a small, affectionate, cute, funny, cute terrier, this is the dog for you!!!

Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei are the beauties of rare dogs. They can be so irresistible! Black, blue, or that yellowish color, this Chinese dog is always what you would expect it to be. But the history of the breed is a little more devastating.

Originating in China, the Shar-Pei was originally a farm, guard, and possibly even dog-fighting breed. Overtime, though, Shar-Pei became less popular in China, sadly. And they required reviving. And then, that started to happen, and people who wanted to save the Shar-Pei went to work, and the breed's popularity grew again. But even today, this is a pretty rare breed. So if you see one, you are actually very lucky.

If you had seen a Shar-Pei, you definitely would've probably been surprised by the breed's looks. The most well-known trait of the Shar-Pei would have to be the coat, which is very soft and fluffy. You see, the words "Shar-Pei," mean "Sand Skin." And that is right. Not only is the coat fluffy, but wrinkly. VERY wrinkly. The wrinkles help to keep the Chinese Shar-Pei's internal organs safe when they would possibly dog fight. So if there's a dog fight with the Shar-Pei, not much damage would probably be easily inflicted to the Shar-Pei! Another trait the Shar-Pei is well-known for is his reputation. Shar-Pei may be irresistible by looks, but these are very territorial breeds, so they make great guarders. Remember because of this, you should tread with caution when first meeting a Shar-Pei. That brings us to the considerations for the Shar-Pei.

This typically independent breed can be stubborn, and therefore require experienced dog owners. The breed just needs a lot of work. Vet bills with the Shar-Pei can be high with the Shar-Pei. The structure of the breed means they have many health issues. But grooming is another concern. The wrinkles must be cleaned thoroughly, and you could bathe them regularly to help. But actually, you don't need to do much besides that. The breed fairs best with adults, but children below the age of 8 should be out of the question. So this is a one-man dog. But if you are the right fit for a Shar-Pei, you may never regret the adoption of a Shar-Pei. Shar-Pei RULE!!!

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are some long pooches. Just like the Dachshund and the Basset Hound, this dog's body stretches out a pretty long way. If there had to be some foods in the dog world, Pembroke Welsh Corgis would have to be the sausage!

In fact, the name of the home town for this sausage is as long as its body! It's called "Pembrokeshire," and that is how the breed's history started. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi would herd cattle and sheep, nipping at their ankles to guide them to the right animal pen.

And for a placid-looking small dog, you'd never think that THIS pooch can do such an amazing job. But guess again! The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is so good, that like the Sheltie and Old English Sheepdog, they have a habit of sometimes herding different objects. It can be funny with clothes and dog toys, but then, Pembroke Welsh Corgis start to herd children and toddlers, so you must train them out this habit. Some reasons these dogs are always judged and make people think they can't herd at all, are the short legs, giving the Welsh Corgi a sort of awkward gait at first, but it keeps their muzzles closer to the ankles of cattle, so it can nip them, part of the process of herding cattle. Pembroke Welsh Corgis also have a lack of a tail, some have no tails at all. Breeders decided they weren't a good idea because cows or sheep may accidentally step on the tail, if it was longer, by mistake, maybe leading to some damage. One last characteristic is the pair of ears on the Corgi. They are bat-like, and partially tilted and they stay alert so the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can warn the farmer in case a coyote tries to eat some livestock.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, different Corgi breeds, are a little different from Pembrokes. They have different eyes, longer tails, and taller heights. Plus, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi isn't as popular as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

But Cardigan or Pembroke, both are still cool dogs. Pembrokes, however, are the main subject, so let's go back onto them. They are healthy herders, living maybe up to 15 years! But they require daily exercise, and are happiest at the farm. However, they actually don't care where they do live. But like I said: Wherever you keep them, give them daily exercise, for these dogs are not placid! Grooming requirements are little, unlike the exercise requirements. So on the bright side, grooming bills are low. Now, if you leave them with older children or adults, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are fine, but you shouldn't have toddlers in your household. They may be herded, and that is too much for a toddler. But too much affection, however, is never a such thing, and you'll find it out if you get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are the best!

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are the dogs you think of as mean and assertive guard dogs. In fact, they are even illegal in some areas. In fact these dogs kill people, sometimes. But luckily, these attacks are very unlikely, with a Rottweiler, anyways. But Pit Bulls are a different story, but we don't have to know about THAT, anyways.

These dogs originated in Germany as multi-purpose working dogs, where they would pull carts, and herd a LOT! But now these dogs may have other important things to do, like guarding.

These dogs are commonly guarders, and when people first see them, they may be afraid of Rotties. But those people just probably don't know the Rottweiler. They can be gentle giants if trained properly! Some owners may tell you: "There's nothing like the Rottweiler!" And they're onto something. These dogs are various in many ways. Some people neglect Rottweilers because of their cruel reputations, but then, it only turns out that person who's neglecting the dog is the real cruel one. Even if the dog can be mean, it's usually at a good time. Like when an intruder breaks in or if they see a bone just waiting to be chewed on! And anyways, you can't say you hate someone just by looking at them. One time, I looked at a Rottweiler walking with his owner, and I was scared, thinking it was gonna hurt me, but it jumped on me, and started to wag his tail. He was really loyal, actually. Anyways, this is what I mean when I say Rottweilers aren't always mean, vicious pooches. They even protect people. They do make good guard dogs, however, at necessary times.

They have the strongest jaws and massive skulls to produce throbbing bites. And a bite like that is a good weapon against bandits. Also, their large sizes give Rottweilers more power to take down an intruder, and pin him down, and wait at the right time to release the intruder, like if they hear police coming. But it isn't something police dogs are involved in, because Rottweilers usually aren't the right type of police dogs. Leave the caper-solving to the German Shepherd!

Speaking of that you could probably use a guard dog now. If so, consider the following, first. Like health bills. These pooches can be susceptible to skeletal issues, and too many girths can cause this. And grooming bills, on the other hand, would be low, but you may need fur removing tools, just in case your Rottweiler encounters shedding season! If you train a Rottweiler properly at YOUNG AGE and socialize them with children at PUPPY HOOD, then it shouldn't hurt to put Rottweilers and children in the same families. But if your Rottweiler is a loaded gun, then children would be a huge catastrophe with the breed, so experienced owners are advised. But even if they seem aggressive at first, remember, these dogs could be the love-pooch of tomorrow! Because these dogs are everything but against loyalty, and you'll form a huge bond with a Rottweiler if you don't judge him by his reputation! " :-)"

Remember to visit www.best-of-lucy.blogspot.com and www.best-of-lucy-2.blogspot.com, too, for more doggie-fun!

Airedale

Airedales- Trustworthy, tremendous, terrific terriers that thrive on their owners' attention! Airedales, in case you didn't know, are the largest terriers! They can weigh over 55 pounds! That's heavy for a terrier. But this means the bigger the dog, the bigger the soul, and the Airedale's is soft and sweet. They love their owners, as long as their owners love them. But while these dogs look nice, they have a potential to sometimes, but not very often, guard dogs! So, you the Airedale seems versatile, huh?

But don't worry, the breed's history is pretty straight out. Here's how it happened: Breeders bred a wide assortment of terriers in England. When the final mating was proved successful, Airedales were vermin hunters. They would track down rabbits, badgers, foxes, and even otters! And to this very day, Airedales can still be used as hunting terriers.

They have many cool traits to help them with this. Like powerful speed, for running after vermin. Or that large size to give it more power on larger game. Also, their athletic nature means that the breed is always energetic, just look any typical terrier. But a large bundle of energy means that destruction may occur unless the energy bundle is undone. And if I were you, it'd be done outdoors.

So let them out every day for at least 1 hour or more. For hardiness, the breed is pretty substantial, but sometimes, they let an injury go and ignore it, so by the time it is visible, wounds are likely severe, and bloat, cancer, and displasia. But overall, Airedales live at least 10 years or longer. Airedales have moderately short coats, and must be hand-stripped twice a year, but a lot more times if your Airedale is used for show. And for families, train the Airedale to be nice with kids, and ensure that any kids you have know how to properly be like with an Airedale. So older children and adults are the best owners for this terrier breed. And if you form a strong enough bond between you and an Airedale, your life will be draped the sweet feeling of terrier affection!

Affenpinscher

A peppy, ancient, tremendous toy dog, Affenpinschers are never mistaken for any other breed. That cute little moustache and typical black coloration, distincts the Affenpinscher instantly. In fact, they are one of the oldest breeds, according to AKC!

Translated in German as "Monkey Terrier," these cute little companions originated as ratters, and were bred as companions and ratters. And even though the breed is native to Germany, it has flourished to many foreign people's hearts! In fact, mistresses cherished them!

Now, these dogs are commonly distinct as black dogs. However, they can come in red, tan, grey, silver, belge, and even black and tan! The Affenpinscher has a wiry-textured coat that comes up to its head to form the large, schnauzer-like moustache. It's another trait that makes this pinscher so amazingly adorable. The last characteristic is the Affenpinscher's temperament. They love people, and are cheery around foes, so they may be quite persistent and optimistic, and can sometimes run up to a Pit Bull, and think it can "do anything." And you have to train them out of that habit, unless you want your pooch to know he's not a king the hard way.

This dog can be hardy, but has some, not many, but some health problems, like dislocation of the kneecap, common problems in small breeds. But all in all, the Affenpinscher lives for a pretty long time. Brushing is required, because the coat can mat easily due to the wiry coat. But besides that, the Affenpinscher is low maintenance, too. While the Affenpinscher loves to socialize, they don't do well with children, unless they are socialized with the Affenpinscher at puppy hood.

But if that work is accomplished, then this dog is a perfect family and companion for life, or the BPF4L! Best Pinscher Friends 4 life! Overall, these pooches can be the best dog you can rely on for loyalty, companionship, and lots of licking!