The Shih Tzu

Origins
It is said that the Shih Tzu (also named Chrysanthemus Dog or Lion Dog) breed has its origins during the Chinese Tang Dynasty where it was brought from Tibet. Later on, after 1930-1940, it was introduced in England and throughout Europe. In 1969, this breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club and categorized as a breed of toy dogs.

Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed, with height of 24-27 cm at the withers and a weight of 5-7 kg. There are no major differences between male and female body size.

The head displays fur covered long eats, dropped at the sides, a short muzzle. The eyes are large and black colored, vivid and playful. The muzzle is also covered with rich fur, identified with the face mask, frequently seen a blazes of white in the forehead. The nose is flat and small, many times seen as a black dot on a white patch of fur.

The body is small but compact, covered with a long double coat (wavy length, flowing), varying in colors or white, grey, black, always in combinations. The coat also covers the legs and pads, the tail (curled over the back).

Grooming
The Shih Tzu requires a high degree of maintenance, especially for grooming. Trimming and clipping the coat should be done every month (especially in the anus area – hygienic purpose) and the coat combing and brushing at least three times a week. You should also wash and clean the ears area, and pay special attention to the eyes zone, for any signs of infection or injuries.

Health Facts
The Shih Tzu have a lifespan of 10-13 years and even more. This breed is prone to various health problems, including kidney and liver problems (portosystemic shunt), thyroid issues, allergies (to various types of food products, especially the ones based on corn), anemia, luxating patella, eye problems (injuries caused by debree and dust, or any mucus buildup), umbilical hernia. The Shih Tzu are very sensitive to excessive heat waves; they are prone to sunstrike, heatstrokes.

The Shih Tzu can also have breathing problems, due to the short muzzle. These problems appear if the dog lives in a high temperature place, or when drinking water from the bowl (the water can enter the nose and stop the breathing).

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Shih Tzu is a funny looking toy dog, playful and interesting, docile and calm. These dogs are confident, interacting lively with the surroundings and humans, showing love and a gentle spirit. They enjoy human company, being friendly and peaceful, seeking attention and affection from their owners.

The Shih Tzu behaves really well around children and other pets, although you should handle him with care and attention. These dogs need a secure place to run around and play, a medium demand of exercise. They respond well to dog training, sometimes being stubborn and independent, but adjusting on the way.

The Chihuahua

Origins
The Chihuahua breeds was named after a state in Mexico. It is said that these dogs were descendents of the Techichi, a breed favored by Toltecs and later brought in Europe and in other countries by conquistadors. The genetic origins are stated to be in the 1800s. After the 1830-1850 period, this breed was increasingly becoming known to the Mexican regions and eventually in US territories.

Appearance
The Chihuahua belongs to the small dog breed category. These dogs weight between 1.3 and 5 kg and have a height of 15-35cm. These proportions differ mostly due to the region this breed appears in. The coat variation is another factor to separate the various types of Chihuahua. Some of them have a short-haired coat, others have it smooth and long. The body structure is small but powerful, flexible, well proportionate. Some dogs have a longer neck, thus displaying a higher posture, others have a medium neck and a forward posture.

The head often present a face mask; the eyes are mostly round and dark black or brown. The coat color varies from solid white or black, with spots of brindle, fawn, in other words, various patterned colors. There are just too many color variations to mention; the blue coat color is generally very rare, but it is possible to encounter.

Grooming
This process is generally low on demands, even if there is a difference in the coat lenghtness and texture. The various types of Chihuahua won’t be difficult to groom. Even if the dogs have a long coat, they shed less then the short-haired ones. An occasional weekly brushing and coat cleaning is required, but this will be an exceptional if your Chihuahua has to participate to dog shows and events.

Health Facts
This breed has a lifespan of about 14-18 years and is prone to several health issues. What’s worth mentioning is a possible existence of several genetic anomalies that disturb the neurologic system, creating seizures, epilepsy. Some dogs can develop a large head (the disease is hydrocephalus, and it appears during the first period of life) and since they have an incomplete skull, they have sensitive skull spots (called moleras).

The Chihuahua are also prone to varios blood sugar factors that could develop into hypoglycemia, dangerous in the puppy stage of life. Trembling is an external factor to show either overexcitement or a stress level. Because the Chihuahua are low ground situated, they can get eye infections.

The Chihuahua needs a special alimentation (overweight dogs are always a problem), although they can display stubborness, refusing to eat some nutritional elements.

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Chihuahuas are considered one of the best toy dogs members. The small size and the jovial posture makes them loved and appreciated. They are intelligent and loyal to their owners, behaving really well with small children and other pets, but they sometimes get scared and start biting defensively. This can be corrected with a proper dog training or dog socialisation effort. They aren’t ment to be guard dogs. This breed enjoys the outdoor activities and playing. The short haired dogs can have a difficult time in the hot summer, being prone to sunburns and heat strikes.

The Chihuahua is one of the best choises when getting or adopting a pet for your family.

The Brussels Griffon

Origins
The Brussels Griffon (also known as Griffon Bruxellois, Belgium Griffon, Griff, Bruss) originates in Belgium, in the town of Brussels. This breed was popular in the late 1800s, being a favorite pet for noblemen and workers. After 1883, when the breed was registered in Belgium’s kennel club, these dogs got fame and popularity all over the world, with clubs created in USA (1945), England (1897). During the two World Wars this breed survived only through the help of English breeders. They are now considered an uncommon breed of toy dogs. This breed can be separated in three branches: the Griffon Bruxellois, the Petit Brabançon, the Griffon Belge.

Appearance
The Griffon Bruxellois belongs to the small dog breeds category, being a toy dog breed. These dogs have a height of 24-30cm at the withers, and a body weight of 3-4 kg. The rounded head displays a flat-face muzzle, dark lips, a broad upwards angled black nose, dark large eyes (wide-set), semierect ears. The body structure is compact and balanced; the bones are strong. The neck is a little bit arched. The coat is harshly dense and wiry in texture, and its color ranges from red and brown (Griffon Bruxellois), black and tan (Griffon Belge), and reddish brown (Petit Brabançon).

Grooming
The Brussels Griffons are known to have little or no shedding. It all depends on the way the coat is textured. For a rough and wiry coat, a twice a week brushing is required, while for smooth coat an occasional trimming and brushing will be sufficient. For dog show purposes, it’s best to seek out some advice from experts.

Health Facts
The Griff live around 12-14 years. They are prone to several health disorders: musculoskeletal (legg perthes, luxating patella), eye (cataracts, infections, lens luxations, glaucoma, lacerations and possible blindness), cardioneurologic (heart problems, seizures), environmental (heat strokes), birthing (cleft palate – the roof of the mouth bones are not completely joined).

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Bruss loves to be surrounded by master all the time. They are curious and interested in all the things that surround them. They are mostly considered as family pets, getting very well with small children and other animals. They have a “follow streak”, being used to follow people around. They are obedient and loyal dogs, sometimes possessive with their food and toys. They are easy trainable dogs.

Affenpinscher

Origins
It has its origins in Germany. The German plural noun “affen” is translated into English as “monkeys”. This type of breed is really looking similar to a monkey, thus the “monkey dog” nickname. Let’s check out some of his features.

Health and Lifestyle
This breed has a lifespan of about 11 years and they require special training attention. Using collar training techniques for this breed isn’t recommended, but instead use a harness. Grooming is an important matter. They need regular attention for their coat, approximately 2-3 times weekly.

Appearance and lifestyle
The affenpinscher displays a rough, harsh and wiry coat, but rather short in the back and hind areas of the body. His coat color differs from black to red, tan, gray, silver, etc. His body weights around 4 kg and is about 28 cm in height.

Temperament
The affenpinschers are stubborn and active in nature, always interested in the new details of the surroundings and looking suspect at the new people they meet. They love to play a lot; they have a lot of energy, they have entertaining personalities. Housebreak training this breed can be rather difficult but not impossible, because the affenpinschers get bored rather easily. This breed isn’t suited for families with very small children because the affenpischers will defend his favorite toys and the food. They are sensitive to loud noises and will turn defensive and aggressive if they get nervous and stressed.

Training this breed will be time consuming and you will need a lot of patience and understanding.

A black Pug

Origins
The Pug breed originates in East China, during the 1600-1046 BC period. This breed got popular in the Tibetan temples and was later on brought to Japan.

During the 17th century, in Europe, the Pugs got imported by merchants, in Netherlands. The merchants also spred the breed all across Europe, from England (1688) to Spain, France, Germany. It was one of the favorite royalty pet, portrayed by many painters and artists.

The pugs arrived in United States during the 19th century and was present in many dog shows. Nowadays, the Pugs are seen in many dog shows, and used for tracking people and animals.

The Pug has various names: Carlin, Dutch Bulldog, Mini Mastiff, Mops, Puggu, Chinese Pug, and Puglets for puppies.

Appearance
The Pug belongs to the small dog breeds category, with a height of 25-27 cm and a weight of 6-9 kg, with small differences for females. It is also preffered as a toy dog.

The Pug has a small body, but the musculature is strong and sturdy. The body form is compact and square. The legs are straight and small, moderate in length, ending in pads, with black nails and split toes.

The face is kind of funny and interesting to observe. The Pugs lack a long muzzle (the face is flat, blunt), so the respiratory system is also compact. Most Pug dogs have a type of fur wrinkles all over the face, around the eyes and under the muzzle and mouth. The ears are folded on the sides. The eyes are large and protruding, colored in black.

The coat is sleek and short, glossy and fine and the color varies from black, silver, fawn and apricot, with several markings on the ears and face.

Grooming
This is a major concern, especially for fawn Pugs (who have both overcoat and undercoat). There is a variation when speaking of the shedding seasonality. Most Pugs shed all year round, but this can be lowered using a proper diet, coat trimming, special shampoo for the fur and brushing the dead hair on a daily basis.

Also, Pugs need a special care attention to the face area: cleaning the eyes and face wrinkles is a way to avoid any eye infections and skin problems that could appear.

Health Facts
The Pugs have a lifespan of 11-13 years. These dogs can be prone to several health problems, ranging from eye infections and lesions (entropion, cataracts, scratched cornea), respiratory issues (reverse sneezing – not harmful; lack of air), brain lesions (brain inflammations – PDE – pug dog encephalitis), spine malformations (hemivertebrae – a congenital vertebral anomaly with serious neurologic effects), skin problems (demodex mange).

The Pugs can also develop an intolerance to several medical drugs and vaccines; also, the hot weather can cause heatstrikes, rashes and skin burns.

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Pug looks funny and acts playful. It adapts to any living environment, being sociable and really suitable for small children. A Pug isn’t fit to be a guard dog, due to the size and lack of aggressivity and the interest for all things that surround him.

The Pugs respond well for any dog obedience training efforts. They respond to a low voice tonality.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Origins
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (also named Cavalier, Cav, Cavie) has its origins in England, in the 16th-17th century period, taking the name from king Charles I. This breed was depicted in many artworks and was a favorite pet for noblemen and royalty. The breed was eventually introduced in other parts of the Europe and in United States at the beginning of the 20th century.

Appearance
The Cavalier belongs to the medium dog breeds category, having a height of 36-42 cm at the withers and a weight of 5-8 kg, but these measures differ from males to females. The Cavalier is considered to be the largest toy breed, a toy dog Spaniel.

The body, legs and head are covered with a naturally and moderate length silky coat, many times curled and wavy. The coat also covers the legs, chest, ears, tail and feet. The coat varies in color, from rich white, tricolor nuances (white and black with tan markings on the legs, tail, cheeks, eyebrows), tan and black, or red-brown all over the body.

The neck that supports the head is abit arched, strong. The head is almost flat, with a semi-sharp muzzle, lively large eyes, a defined nose. The feathered ears are dropped along the sides. The tail is long and well-feathered, not docked, carried downward the legs or aloft.

Grooming
Due to the length of the coat, the Cavalier needs a constant grooming attention. Brushing and combing the coat should be done once a week or more, if your Cavie is a showdog. Also, take care of the coat excess in the pads and tail areas, clipping the coat twice a month.

Health Facts
This breed is prone to several genetic health defects. One of them is the mitral valve disease, a disease in which the heart murmurs (the heart muscle contractions are irregular) and eventually the heart fails to beat properly, causing heart failure and death.

The second genetic defect is the syringomyelia (SM). This disease is actually a malformation of the lowerback of the skull (reducing the space available to the brain), and it affects the spine and brain areas, leading to paralysis and severe pain. The fluid pockets (syrinxes) formed by this space compression create a sensitivity in the neck, head, shoulder areas: these are important symptoms to discover the disease.

Other health issues are:
- paroxysmal hypertonicity disorder (also called episodic falling): a type of epilepsy in which the muscles are unable to relax;
- hip dysplasia and luxating patellas: genetic diseases of the bone system;
- eye problems: keratoconjuctivitis sicca – the tear glands reduce the production of tears; corneal dystrophy, entropion, distichiasis, retinal dysplasia;

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Cavalier KC Spaniel is one the best companion toy dog to choose for your family. These dogs require constant love and affection, because they can not spend a long time all alone.

They behave really well with children and humans, being able to adapt to any living conditions. They can chase other animals and birds, but this behavior is mostly seen in Cavalier dogs who are bred for hunting purposes.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a very friendly figure and attitude, being intelligent and jovial, playful and energetic, a true toy dog for you and your family.

The Yorkshire Terrier

Origins
The Yorkshire Terrier (also named Yorkie) has its origins in England, in the region of Yorkshire. In the late 1800s, some Scottish people arrived in Yorkshire, looking for work; they brought with them various small terrier specimens. Later on, the breed was displayed at different dog shows.

The Yorkie was introduced in America in 1872 as a showdog and popular pet for the Victorian Americans. After World War II, the fame and interest about the Yorkshire terrier expanded urther.

Appearance
The Yorkie belongs to the small dog breeds category, also a famous showdog. These dogs have a height of 18-20 cm at the withers and a weight of 2.8 – 3.2 kg.

The body is covered with a silky and glossy coat, which varies in color, from black to dark blue, many times displaying a “saddle” area of coat, colored in tan and blue. The face fur is either long and waving down the muzzle towards the neck, or short and barb-wired, especially seen in the puppy stages. Showdogs often have a long coat that hangs all the way to the feet area.

The ears are covered with short fur, staying always erected. The fur markings that appear on the face should have a tan color.
The body is compact and small but proportionate, ending in a long tail. The feet are small and covered by fur. The coat is silky, straight, fine.

Grooming
This is an extremely important job to achieve if the Yorkie takes part in any dog shows. But for the ordinary Yorkie, a monthly bath and daily brushing is a must. You can also trim the fur shorter on the legs and ears, just to be sure that the dog movement isn’t obfuscated.

If your dog has a longer coat and is a showdog, the bathing process should be done weekly, and you should wash the long fur with special oils, and protect your dog’s feet with stockings.

Health Facts
The Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 12-15 years. This breed is prone to various health problems. Among these, there are some genetic disorders that can appear: luxating patella, retinal dysplasia, bladder stones, tracheal collapse.

Also, your dog can suffer from hypoglycemia, especially because you dog doesn’t eat frequently and loses the small amount of muscle mass left (less food, less glucose storing, so irregular blood sugar degree). The modifications in the feeding schedule and a poor nutrition can lead to parasites, bacterial infections, liver shunts.

The environment changes could also affect the Yorkie. In the hot weather, the dog can suffer sunstrokes and burns.

Temperament and Lifestyle
The Yorkie is the second most popular dog in the American Kennel Club breed popularity list. They Yorkshire Terrier is small, sociable, cheerful, really adaptable to any living conditions. The confidence it displays is surpassed by loyality and affection towards its owner, either experienced or inexperienced.

The Yorkie becomes confident and shows stability if it is properly socialized, behaving very well with children and other humans, although the small size can be a cause of injury among children.

These dogs love to exercise (not intensively), having a great deal or energy and playful attitude, being avid chasers. But during walks you should keep your Yorkie tied to a leash at all times, so he doesn’t get injured in any way.