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The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed. Originally a hunting dog of wolves, foxes and gazelles. Originating in Afghanistan, its features and coats are a must with the cold atmosphere and mountains. Afghan Hounds are known for there lack of obedience and intelligence and their clownish behaviour when playing. Although Afghan Hounds love their family as any other breed does, however, they do posses ‘cat like’ tendencies and do like their independence, so don’t be shocked if your Afghan does not respond to commands or can be cold towards you.

The Airedale Terrier is a terrier dog breed which takes its name from it originating county Airedale in Yorkshire, Englandobedience. Originally breed to hunt otters this is the largest of the terrier breeds. It can be known under the name Waterside Terrier for this reason also. The Airedale Terrier is categorised as a terrier, however it does have strong working dog and herding characteristics. For the Airedale to actually perform as a working/herding dog, it must be well trained or it does have a tendency to irritate the live stock. An Airedale Terrier is very intelligent, strong minded dog, therefor it does hold a very stubborn streak, however they also possess a strong charm in there sense of humour. Their temperament make them an ideal family dog, this is if you can deal with a dog that is mischievous and tends to take advantage at times. If you like being in control at all times of your dog and do not appreciate ?cheek? then this may not be the breed for you. Although Airedales are difficult to train, if enough effort and time is spent with your Airedale the rewards are tenfold as they hold great skills in obedience and dog agility.

Akitas are a large breed that require a dog owner that has experience and does not shy away from being assertive and showing the Akita who’s the boss. Akitas do harbour an aggressive streak which if not dealt with correctly can result in undesired aggression. This can be combated with socialising and training. Akitas can be reserved of strangers and other animals and if left alone for long periods of time in kennels etc, they can become destructive through boredom and may cause stress. This is due to their natural instinct to form an alliance/pack. Due to their dominant behaviour, key areas that must be noted if you are to become an Akita owner is keep a tight leash on behaviour when out in public areas as they The Akita is a dominant dog which may expect other dogs to be submissive. Akitas should never be taken to offRead Less….leash dog parks due to this dominant behaviour, as well as the fact that the dogs are large and strong, and would be difficult to restrain physically if the dog is not properly trained.

Basset Hounds are scent dogs, bred for hunting by scent. A Basset Hounds scent is only second to a Bloodhound. The french lend their name to the Basset from the french word ?Bas?, Low in translation. The Basset hound is a friendly breed, who love to make friends with humans and children alike. For this reason they make excellent family pets. Basset Hounds should not be left at home alone, if however, there is no option a secondary pet should be considered as Bassets are by nature pack animals, this second pet will keep your Basset away from trouble. Basset Hounds can be excitable when meeting new people. You may not be aware by their appearance but Bassets do require regular exercise. They have a natural endurance and enjoy long walks. Hide and seek is also a great task for the Basset as it allows them to use their powerful nose.

A Beagle is a medium sized dog, which resembles a Foxhound. A member of the hound group, they were initially bred to use there noses to track hares, rabbits and other game. With their keen sense of smell and tracking instinct they can be used as detection dogs for quarantine and imports worldwide. Beagles are popular family pets due to there size, temperament and lack of inheritated health issues. The Beagle dogs appearance has been captured in cult comic strip Snoopy, who has been promotes as ‘most famous beagle’.

The Bearded Collie is a member of the herding group, which over time is becoming a breed bred exclusively for dog shows. The Bearded Collie according to American Kennel Club is growing in popularity in the United States. Bearded Collies make excellent family pets, however they do require high levels of grooming and possess an extremely high energy level. Grooming is required at least once a week as matting is very common in this breed. Bearded Collie adults hair is considerably longer than that of a Bearded Collie pup. Many owners make the decision to maintain their Collies hair at ?pup? length by visiting a professional groomers. If you chose this option grooming will be reduced but is still required frequently. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, Bearded Collies, like Border Collies were originally bred to work outdoors herding sheep. For this reason, they are an incredibly smart breed who take well to training and commands. This again requires time and effort but the rewards are immense if you chose to place your Bearded Collie in agility trials. Although they were known for their outdoors work they do prefer to be with their family in the comfort of the family home.

A Bernese Mountain dog is a distinguished tri coloured breed originating in Switzerland. There markings are very strike and only differ with the amount of white present. If the Berner is perfectly marked it is not unusual to see an almost perfect ?Swiss Cross? on a seated Bernese Mountain dogs chest. An extremely strong breed in both sexes the Bernese are outdoor dogs originally, however, they do adjust to a normal indoor family living. Bernese Mountain dogs require exercise however, it is best in short bursts as endurance is not a strong point. Bernese do have amazing bursts of speed when motivated to do so and enjoy hiking and being with their family. As a breed, there is health problems that can be genetic so when looking to acquire a Bernese Mountain dog be assured that it does come from a healthy family as they are prone to problems in their hips, elbows as well as many other joints. Bernese have a loving, affectionate, loyal, stable and intelligent temperament and the majority are very friendly towards people and other animals. Training is well received with patience and consistency. They will not respond to harsh criticism or treatment in training as they require time to think things through. Although powerful and large dogs, they are great with children, however due to their size they should not be left alone with particularly young children.

Bichon Frise, french in Translation with the English meaning Curly Lap Dog, are a small breed, similar to the toy dog Maltese. They are intelligent, happy, feisty, sensitive, playful and affectionate as a breed in general that require regular grooming, however they are a nonRead Less….shedding breed. There strongest trait is there cheerful attitude and they enjoy nothing more than socialising with other dogs and people. Training can be an issue with Bichons as they do hold a stubborn streak and house training can be little less than a nightmare. Although friendly dogs and great with younger children, they should be supervised when playing with the dog as it is not uncommon for the Bichon Frise to nip in play. There energy levels can result in bursts resulting in racing around in circles. Bichon Frise are greatly suited for people who suffer allergies as they do not shed, however, before purchasing you should plan a visit with a Bichon to test your reaction before committing to a dog. Regular grooming is required by usually a professional, however if you do take this task on yourself be aware it is a time consuming activity, if you are unwilling or unable to do so this may not be the breed for you.

Bloodhounds are a large breed who was bred for the purpose of tracking human beings. They are commonly used by the authorities to track escaped prisoners or missing people. Its sense of smell is so strong that it is not uncommon for the Bloodhound to be able to track scents for hours, even days over long distances, this combined with its strong tracking instinct, makes Bloodhounds invaluable in their uses. Although these strong powerful instincts may give a strong impression they are affectionate, gentle and well tempered gentle dogs who given the proper amount of time, effort and treatment can be trained to a high standard, they make excellent family pets, but with any large breed require supervision when around small children. Bloodhounds have an unusually high rate of gastrointestinal ailments, with GDV (Gastric dilatation volvulus) or bloat. Bloodhounds also suffer from eye, skin and ear ailments. All of which should be considered before purchasing and making a commitment to a Bloodhound pup/dog. If you do make the decision to acquire a Bloodhound, insurance is a must and regular checks at the vet are advised.

Border Collies are a herding breed that originated in the border of England/Scotland. They are believed by most to be the most intelligent dog breed. The first thing that anyone that is thinking of buying a Border Collie is, they are not easy at all times. They are highly energetic and have tendencies to be neurotic and destructive if not kept occupied. Originally bred as herding dogs for handling live stock, they can still be found on many a farm doing just that all over the world. Not always overly keen on strangers, Border Collies give their family affection whenever the chance arises and hate to be left alone. They prove very protective of their family and are great with children. Care must be taken however as this is an excitable breed that can get out of control, if children play with the dog, they should always be supervised. As a breed Border Collies are used to working intensely with a human handler, as such they respond exceptionally well to commands and training. Although as earlier stated Border Collies are a working dog but they are becoming increasingly popular as pets.

Border Terriers are a small, rough coated breed of the terrier group. Originally bred to hunt foxes and vermin. Border Terriers share their ancestry with Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Bedlington Terriers. The British Kennel Club recognised the Border Terrier in 1920 and The American Kennel Club in 1930. Affectionate, intelligent, evenRead Less….tempered, obedient, alert and fearless are traits Border Terriers hold. In general they get on well with dogs, however they do have a habit of starting fights if they take a dislike to another dog, this can be difficult to stop, so close rein should be placed on your Border Terrier whenever out. Due to there hunting nature they will be prone to chasing cats and small animals, however if raised with a house cat they should get alone just fine. Borders do not demand high levels of exercise although they do enjoy it. They enjoy hiking and running with their owners however, the same could be said for lazying around the house. Borders love being with their family and are at their happiest being with the ones they love. A Border Terrier do not overly mind being left indoors alone, however like all dogs they should never be left alone all day, every day.

The Boston Terrier enjoys nothing more than playing outdoors. Devoted and loving towards its owner, the Boston Terrier is an extremely affectionate dog. The Boston Terrier can be stubborn at times and it is not uncommon for the breed to bark quite a bit. Like Boxers and other short muzzled breeds breathing can be hard for them so expect some snoring. Casting and shedding is not a large problem due to the short course hair.

The Boxers top quality must be, their happy, intelligent and protective nature. Playful as a puppy which at times continues through their adult life. For this reason training and control is necessary and should be implemented as a young pup. As Boxers possess a great deal of energy they require plenty of exercise and their minds occupied. Although great family dogs, Boxers do have the habit to jump when excited, however, once again this can be controlled with training. Contrary to their appearance the Boxer is gentle with children and even shy around strangers. In the past boxers have been used for police dogs and as guide dogs. Boxers do not tend to be aggressive and start fights, however if attacked they are very unlikely to back down.

Bull Terriers are friendly and outgoing, they enjoy nothing more than clowning and are a joy to have as pets. Bull Terriers should not be considered as a first time dog, they have incredible strength along with superb intelligence. Bull Terries can be fun and playful and like to be kept active, this is a must for both mind and body. They are placid with other dogs and very rarely will attack another. Bull Terriers are great family dogs and love children and with their natural tolerance to pain they are much less likely to take a defensive snap. Please be aware however that if a Bull Terrier pup is left unsupervised with a small child inadvertent injuries are possible as children may be regarded as playmates. Bull Terriers as a rule are very protective of children in their care, this should not be confused with the mindRead Less….set of a guard dog. Bull Terriers will defend there ‘pack’ if required however, their fondness of people lets them down in being regarded as a guard dog breed.

Bulldogs are known for there short body, sturdy limbs, sagging faces and there general ?frown? appearance. Many refer to it as the true British dog. Although many recognise a Bulldog with specific colours or fawn, cream or brownish shades, they actually come in a variety of colours. They do however always have a smooth, short coat. Breed standards for showing are loser for Bulldogs than other breeds, the only disqualifying aspect for the English Bulldog is a liver coloured nose and complete black Bulldogs are not preferred. Bulldogs as a rule are docile, friendly and incredibly loyal. Although they have been known to possess aggressive tendencies breeders have worked hard over the years to work this from them, resulting in Bulldogs holding a generally good temperament. Bulldogs are so devoted to their owners that venturing outside the safety of their back garden is not uncommon. Bulldogs get along great with children and other animals very well and make a great addition to any family home. They do not posses a great deal of energy so apartment living is perfect for them, however as puppies they can be very destructive.

Bullmastiffs are powerful dogs, and although there is English and Old English Mastiffs this is a breed in itself, said to be a cross between these two very similar but unique breeds. The Bullmastiff was originally bred to find and immobilise poachers, however, now they hold their own as family pets. As a breed, Bullmastiffs are courageous, loyal, calm and loving with their families. Bullmastiffs hold a protective quality and will defend its owner whenever it senses danger or a threat. Bullmastiff as a rule will not attack to protect, instead they use their size and weight to pin the threat/intruder to the ground or block their path. As Bullmastiffs are wary of strangers, early socialisation is a must. Children should always be supervised when playing with Bullmastiffs are due to their size, they may accidently knock smaller children down. Bullmastiffs can be prone to certain hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, lymphoma cancer and progressive retinal atrophy.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a small toy breed. They have a silky moderate length wavy coat and long spaniel ears. There are four colour variations that are recognised, Blenheim, Tricolour, Black and Tan and Ruby. Although still classed as a toy breed it along with the pug is one of the larger breeds in its group and the smallest of the spaniels. The Cavalier King Spaniel is also the only spaniel to have a full length tail which is held high when walking and content. Cavalier King Charles are affectionate and love their owners, they have been deemed ?the ultimate lapdog? or the ?love sponge? amongst dogs. They are also people pleasures and enjoy encouragements and prove to be eager learners and patient in training. They are extremely playful which makes them great with children and are also very happy to be spoiled rotten and stay indoors for company, which makes this breed versatile for all dog owners, young and old. Cavaliers should not be shied away from larger breeds but supervised as their perception of other dogs can be flawed in the belief their friendliness is mirrored. Cavaliers love other animals so a family with more than one dog or cat will suit the Cavalier King Charles perfectly.

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world, they take there name from the Mexican state Chihuahua. To clear some breed types up. Hairy, smooth, Sable, Irish Spotting, Piebald Spotting, Extreme White Spotting, Brindle, Masks, Merle and Tan Points are all variations you may find the Chihuahuas available, however they are all one breed. All breeds are recognised and none are more popular that others, however blue is considered very rare, but fawn is most common in peoples perception. Chihuahuas stereotyped as your typical ?yappy? dog, however they are devoted, fierce and hold an amazingly large personality for such a small dog. They are curious and love new surroundings and this makes them very adaptable in various environments and great for apartment living. Although, they can be timid and often highRead Less….strung, with correct training and understanding they can grow to be a great companion for adults. Small children do not suit this breed, due to their temperament and size. However, with supervision and if the Chihuahua is raised with the baby an incredible bond can be made. Although you would not necessarily believe it, Chihuahuas are pack animals and love nothing more than being surrounded by other Chihuahuas. Careful watch must be given over your Chihuahua when in the company of larger breeds as they are a fearless breed who have no concept of their own size and have a tendency to confront larger dogs.

The Chinese Crested comes in two different styles, one long coated, (powder puff) and another hairless excluding feet, head and tail. Two styles, numerous colours. Chinese Crested dogs come in a variety of solid colours, mixed, spotted in places or all over and the powder puff variety holds a soft long luscious coat, that requires regular grooming to stop from knots and tangles forming. The hairless of the breed, said to be the most popular are still very rare and are not, as many would think created from a alternative litter, they are however the making of the same litter as the long coated Chinese Crested. Both breeds of Chinese Crested dogs are sweet, playful, enjoy cuddles and are lively when out walks or playing. They are energetic, so as much as an owner may feel protective over this little dog, he/she must be allowed to walk and run to burn this energy off. Saying that, these dogs love to be held and stroked on there owners knee as many toy/lap dogs do. Assuming children are brought up to respect the dogs size and taught to play gently with the Chinese Crested, they are incredibly affectionate towards children as they are naturally friendly dogs. Due to size the Chinese Crested is perfectly suitable for apartment living, however, they should not be kept indoors alone for long periods of time daily as they may become destructive. When out walks in the cold weather care should be taken to apply a dog jacket or sweater.

The Chow Chow is most known for its unusual characteristics, blue tongue and almost completely straight hind legs. The Chow Chow has a incredibly strong, thick coat and requires ample grooming daily if possible. There is however a Chow Chow that is smooth coated for those who love the breed, but simply do not care to, have the time to or not able to devote the time required to groom. The smooth coated of the breed may also be suitable for those with allergies, but a visit should be made first before committing to purchasing a Chow Chow. Along with the different coats, the Chow Chow come in a variety of solid colours, Red, Black, Blue, Cinnamon and cream, which are most common and Tan, Grey and very rarely indeed White. The Chow Chow may have variations of one colour, lighter/darker shades, however it should never be a mix of two separate colours. Another distinguishing feature of a Chow Chow is its lion like appearance, behind its dainty ears they hold a large ruff which almost gives a mane look to the head and neck. The Chow Chow is a well mannered, protective breed. Sometimes bossy and serious, but can stand its own without its owner as it is very independent. Although loyal to its family, the Chow Chow is usually a one person dog and may at times be reserved with strangers and at times its own family. If your Chow Chow seems to be shying away from someone or uneasy, it should never be pushed as this could cause aggression. The Chow Chow is not for a soft hearted owner, they require discipline and a firm hand or they become the boss very quickly. The Chow Chow would suit an owner whom is calm, and fair but firm when called for. Training can be nothing short of a nightmare with Chow Chows as although not stupid they tend to be very stubborn and disobedient. Some dog experts believe that the short haired Chow is much easier and faster to the teaching, however this can vary from individual dog and trainer. As family dogs, they are suitable for children however older, school children would be better than young babies/toddlers.

Cocker Spaniels were initially bred to be gundogs, however are now just as suited on an owners lap that in a field. Cockers are sweet, sensitive and respectful to their owners commands with little or no fight. Known for its constant happy tailRead Less….wagging nature, Cockers are superb with children and the elderly and in its eye, everyone is a friend. However, if not socialised as a pup this natural nature may be suppressed with a shy, timid attitude of fear to other dogs and strangers. They are incredibly gentle and trusting of most, especially family and love attention and play. Although very easy to train due to their pleasing nature, housebreaking is a challenge and barking can be a problem is left for periods of time. The Cocker Spaniel is a very popular breed due to its nature and looks. However, as this breed has grown so popular care must be taken when choosing your Cocker as some, whom come from farms, or individuals may not be the typical Cocker most know and love and may possess temperamental changes and behavioural problems, if possible gather as much information on the breeder and the Cockers mother and father is a viewing of parents is not possible.

Collies have been captured forever in peoples minds and hearts by the movie/tv star Lassie from 1938. Best known for its long, smooth blunt muzzle and elegant appearance this breed is a highly intelligent dog. Although known for its long coat, chiselled face and almond shaped eyes. The collie is known in other varieties, rough collie (long coat), smooth collie and blue merle collie. The Blue Merle Collie is slightly longer than it is tall, has beautiful light blue eyes and a blue/silver coat. The Rough Collie variety has a thick, long, silky coat, that requires weekly grooming to deRead Less….tangle knots. They also possess a mane like quality with ample hair forming behind its head and ears. The Smooth Collie has a one inch coat and requires very little grooming. Unlike the Merle, the Rough and Smooth Collie have short and smooth faces and legs. Colour variations include Sable and White, TriRead Less….Coloured (Black, White and Tan), Blue Merle or White with Sable, TriRead Less….Colour or Blue Merle markings. Collies are traditionally working, agile dogs with a great amount of stamina. Incredibly intelligent, instinctive dogs who are highly motivated to learn and work. They are a challenge for owners whom don’t have the time to occupy this breed both mentally and physically. Those who fail to tire these dogs can find themselves with difficult destructive dogs. If trained properly Collies do particularly well in herding, sheepdog trials, dog agility and many other sports. Collies if given love by their owners become very loyal towards their families. Great for children as they tend to have more energy and time to play, tire out the Collie.

Dalmatians will always be captured in most children and adults alike, with the Disneys classic 101 Dalmatians. Dalmatians are best known for their spotted coat, white with either liver or black spots. Other colour variations do exists, however, they are not classed as purebred Dalmatians. No other purebred dog features the trademark Dalmatian spots and they take their name from the Croatian province Dalmatia where they originated. Dalmatians initially were coach dogs and due to this are naturally active and require plenty of exercise. They hold a great deal of stamina and speed when running and given freedom to roam they would roam for days so a close eye must be kept on these dogs when out. They are known for their loyalty and love of human contact and get along wonderfully with children with there happy energetic and playful traits. They can be very forgiving of children if handled roughly, however it is important that children be taught how to play and approach any dog as all breeds vary in temperament. Dalmatians are sensitive soles and require a light approach to training, but given this, they will respond well and at a fairly fast pace. They will pine if left alone as they hate to be separated from family, however training can ease this, or another option would be to buy it a companion.

Dachshunds are a member of the hound group and are a short legged, long bodied breed. The were initially bred for the purpose of chasing the scent of badgers and flushing then and other animals from burrows, with the miniature of the breed used to hunt rabbits. Dachshunds are playful, fun dogs who love to chase small animals, birds and balls alike. Although not incredibly respondent to training, with persistence it can be achieved. You must train them however, as it is said that a Dachshund that is not trained by its owner will reverse the role. Left unsupervised in the garden you may find the Dachshunds natural instinctive behaviour dictates and large holes will appear in grass and bedding areas. Their barks can be particularly loud, which is great if you are looking for a guard dog, but not so much for the neighbours if the dogs is to be left unattended. Dachshunds form a close bond with their owners and become devoted and loyal pets however, do not always take well to strangers. If the Dachshund is to be left alone for long periods it may be beneficial to invest in two or another pet as separation anxiety is known problem with Dachshunds and causes them to become stressed until they find companionship. The Dachshund, although tolerable of children may not be the best suited to a family with younger children or as a first dog. Dachshunds hereditary health problem, IVDD (intervertebral disk disease) due to its extremely long spinal column, rough play, being carried and some activities could cause this to worsen or even be fatal to the dog. Young children if made aware of this and supervised could own a Dachshund, however, another breed my be more suitable.

Dobermans known to most as police dogs, watch dogs or guard dogs, are also great domestic family pets. Dobermans are gentle, loyal and loving to their family and hold a very high intelligence. Dobermans can vary from dog to dog in temperament, but as a rule, a Doberman will only attack if mistreated or believes that family or its home is at risk or in danger. Although most consider this breed as the most violent, it is, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, involved in less attacks that the Pit Bull, German Shepherd and Rottweilers. Will enough socialisation around other animals and strangers there is no reason why the Doberman can not be considered a loving pet and companion. They are excellent with young children and other family pets including cats and fit into normal daily life as well as any other breed. The Doberman has been used as a guard dog with the military and police, not for any aggressive behaviour as they are portrayed in many films, but for its intelligence, loyalty and its ability to challenge human aggressors. Although they have a natural instinct to protect, people mistake these dogs for being vicious creatures, when at heart they are simply looking out for their loved ones, like any other member of the family.

Bulldogs are known for there short body, sturdy limbs, sagging faces and there general ?frown? appearance. Many refer to it as the true British dog. Although many recognise a Bulldog with specific colours or fawn, cream or brownish shades, they actually come in a variety of colours. They do however always have a smooth, short coat. Breed standards for showing are loser for Bulldogs than other breeds, the only disqualifying aspect for the English Bulldog is a liver coloured nose and complete black Bulldogs are not preferred.

Cocker Spaniels were initially bred to be gundogs, however are now just as suited on an owners lap that in a field. Cockers are sweet, sensitive and respectful to their owners commands with little or no fight. Known for its constant happy tailRead Less….wagging nature, Cockers are superb with children and the elderly and in its eye, everyone is a friend. However, if not socialised as a pup this natural nature may be suppressed with a shy, timid attitude of fear to other dogs and strangers. They are incredibly gentle and trusting of most, especially family and love attention and play. Although very easy to train due to their pleasing nature, housebreaking is a challenge and barking can be a problem is left for periods of time. The Cocker Spaniel is a very popular breed due to its nature and looks. However, as this breed has grown so popular care must be taken when choosing your Cocker as some, whom come from farms, or individuals may not be the typical Cocker most know and love and may possess temperamental changes and behavioural problems, if possible gather as much information on the breeder and the Cockers mother and father is a viewing of parents is not possible.

The English Setter is part of the Setter group and is traditionally a gun dog. It was bred for endurance and speed, its known for its long, flat and light coat which requires regular grooming. They have been described in alternative name ?Gentleman by Nature? as the name suggests, it is kind, loving, respectful and a pleasure to have in your life. The English Setter however also can be mischievous and strong minded, require a lot of attention and activity to keep their mind and bodies active. They are well suited to families that can stimulate them by giving challenges or activities to keep them occupied and out of trouble. As far as appearance is concerned the English Setter can be various speckled colours referred to as Belton, Blue Belton, Orange Belton, Lemon Belton of even Liver Belton. It is also possible for a TriRead Less….Coloured Belton. The difference between a English Setter in and outdoors is immense, outdoors you will have a full of life, energetic dog that loves nothing more than to run and play, whereas indoors you will find you have a rather large but none the less lapdog that love a cuddle. Most English Setters are great with children, however, like most breeds this can differ with individual dogs. They are very willing to please and strive for masters praise, therefore if during training the dog is scolded for performing wrong the fear will be installed in them, resulting in the failure to attempt said trick again to avoid further disappointments.

The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog and member of the spaniel family. It was traditionally used for hunting and receiving game. The Springer Spaniel is an affectionate, intelligent family dog that is willing to learn and always eager to please. The Springer is great with children as they share the same energy level. They have never ending stamina and require lots of exercise and time outdoors. Although great with kids, supervision is required as they can get carried away and knock over a small child. Socialisation is also required with other breeds, children and strangers so as the English Springer Spaniel is accustomed to many situations and surroundings.

Fox Terriers is the name which is given to two breeds, the Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier. As their names dictate, the Wire Fox Terrier has a broken, wiry, dense coat where the Smooth Fox Terrier holds a smooth, flat, hard and dense coat. The breeds themselves are very similar in other areas. Colours are a base of Tan or Black with a spotting gene giving the white colourings. Eye rims are always black where the is a surround of colour. Fox Terriers temperament can vary from dog to dog but they have been noted on occasion to bite through play and therefore children should be supervised. If your Fox Terrier is socialised properly and introduced to other dogs/animals young in life, there should be no reason why there would be any animosity between themselves and other pets. The Fox Terrier loves to chase birds and explore so a tight rein should be enforced in an open area. They do also require strong training to keep them under control.

The German Shepherd is also known as an Alsatian, they have been used as working dogs and more popularly known as police dogs. Alsatians are handsome, well proportioned, strong dogs. Their colourings more often that not come in black with tan, sable or all black. The less common but available colours can be blue, live and white but according to most standards these three colours are faults. White especially is beautiful however is not recognised as a German Shepherd and is now beginning to be recognised as an individual breed in its own right called that American White Shepherd. The German Shepherd is sturdy and muscular with a light but strong bone structure.
German Shepherds are fearless, eager and alert, known for their loyalty to handler or owner and holds strong human like traits. German Shepherds love their families to be close but are very wary of strangers. They are not a barking breed, in general, barking is only used as a deterrent/warning to others and their protective instinct has lead them to be given a slightly less than raving review with children, however, with training and proper care, the Alsatian will love the children and treat them like one of their own. In order for you to feel secure that your German Shepherd is controlled, and well balanced, strong training should be ensured at a young age.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a lean hunting dog, with long muzzle which should never be pointed and in proportion to the skull. The German Shorthaired Pointer is energetic, smart and willing to please its family. They loves their family and unlike some dogs does not tend to favour one member over another. German Shorthaired Pointers love children and can become very protective over them if the children are brought up to play respectfully of the dog. As such a bond is present with German Shorthaired Pointers and their families, long periods of an empty house and no exercise will lead to a destructive behavioural episode and if a common occurrence can develop and nervous disposition. Male German Shorthaired Pointers tend to be more aggressive hunters than females. Female German Shorthaired Pointers have a tendency to be less dominant. As to which is preferred for a family environment, this again will be solely down to an individual dog, however as a rule male dogs tend to be more affectionate and better protectors. As the German Shorthaired Pointer is a large dog and although energy levels can differ care should be taken around children.

Golden Retrievers are beautiful sturdy dogs that has a feathered medium length cream to golden coat. The outer coat is water repellent and is a breed with an undercoat, which is dense. They are lovable, gentle and patient, even with children. They are incredibly loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please there masters so training is great fun and they are very responsive as a breed. Golden Retrievers are friendly with everyone and all other animals, for this reason they may not be the best if a guarding dog is what you are looking for. Their natural instinct is not to guard but to greet strangers. They can however be good watchdogs, they will signal a strangers approach. Golden retrievers love their owners and can only be happy when in their company. If left for extended periods of time they will become mischievous. Golden Retrievers hold many talents, which include, hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detecting, agility and competitive obedience. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects and should be checked for Von Willebrands disease and heart problems. If you are thinking of purchasing a Golden Retriever then OFA and CERF certification are important for both mother and father. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to skin allergies which when spotted should receive immediate veterinary attention.

The Great Dane is the one largest breeds of dog, contrary to appearance they are kind, sweet and affectionate, they are playful and patient with children. It loves family and needs to be with them to be completely happy. Great Danes are gently giants, they are not aggressive unless the situation calls for it. A dependable, brave and loyal dog, takes well to training but must be set very early in the dogs life to ensure that your adult Great Dane is controllable. The Great Dane must be taught never to jump on strangers, its sheer size and weight can easily knock over people, especially children. Its appearance is strong, muscular thighs, round feet, long narrow head with an accentuated frontal stop and a large nasal canal are all distinctive features of the Great Dane. Colours include Fawn, Brindle, Black, Blue, Harlequin and Merle. Merle however is not a recognised colour and is the result of harlequin breeding.

The Greyhound is sensitive, sweet, elegant, brave and loyal not to mention intelligent. They can come across timid and reserved with their owners and strangers but once again proper socialisation is important and can help combat this behaviour. Their appearance although similar to the whippet is larger with a long head, with almost no stop and the muzzle tapers. A greyhounds skull is wide between the ears and have dark eyes. Greyhounds front legs are absolutely straight and the hind legs are very powerful and muscular with an arched loin. There long tail is incredibly strong and is carried low and curves at the end. When excited this tail can pack a punch and even knock over a small child, so care must be taken. Their coats are very short and smooth so do not require a lot of grooming and comes in all colours. This breed is obviously known as a racing dog, and as such they have been bred and are continued to be bred for speed. Although they posses a great character and enjoy human contact, when considering a dog for children, this may not be the breed for you.

The Irish Setter has a strong chestnut or mahogany coat and is very commonly referred to as the Red Setter. It is not uncommon for the Irish Setter to be black however this is not recognised in the breed. Some young dogs may appear to have touches of silver/grey in areas such as chest and feet, however with age this will develop into one of the strong colours mentioned previously. It is possible for the Irish Setter to have splashes of white on its chest and feet, however typically it is a solid colour. Its coat is silky and long and requires regular grooming. As a breed they are energetic, intelligent, affectionate dogs, who love other animals and are great with children, however like the retriever, it holds no guarding instinct, and can be highly strung at times. Some find the Irish Setter to be very difficult to train due to there independent spirit but with a firm hand and plenty of exercise the Irish Red Setter can be a joy for any family. Thus said, housebreaking is relatively easy, but care must be taken in order for your Irish Setter to not pick up bad habits as they can be very difficult to shake off later in life.

Jack Russels are strong terriers that are alert at all times. They are perky, merry and loving dogs, obedient and high spirited and fearless. They enjoy many aspects of being a toy sized dog, loves affection from its family and playing with balls and even frisbees. Jack Russels however, are intelligent, determined and sometimes this can prove a nightmare to train. If this is your first dog, you may even require a more experienced trainer to assist you as Jack Russels can be very aggressive to other dogs if not trained properly and it has even lead to deaths in past cases and they have no real concept of their small size and tend to attack larger targets. Terriers as a group do have a natural hunting trait, however none stronger than that of a Jack Russel, for this reason they should not be trusted with small animals, they like to chase, explore, bark and dig and if not kept amused become restless, destructive and even try to escape. Jack Russels climb and do so well, so if a careful eye is not kept on the Jack Russel they will use this and their incredible jumping skills to escape over fences reaching five feet, no mean fete considering on hind legs the Jack Russel stands at 12 inches. Jack Russels can be nervous and even over aggressive at times, however this is the dogs nature and if this is present and not controlled it is in the hands of the owner to deal with any repercussions, but again with stern training and the proper owner this little dog will shine.

The Japanese Chin, also known as Japanese Spaniel to many is a dainty spaniel, it has a thick coat and requires grooming on a regular basis. The Chin is charming, lively and happy most of the time. Willing to please and loving to its owner and everyone in which it is made familiar. The Japanese Chin does have a tendency to be reserved in the presence of strangers, therefore socialisation is required. It is timid and best suited to a family with no or grown up children, however there is no evidence that if your children are taught how to handle and play with the Chin correctly that they can not share the house and be a wonderful addition to the family. They are perfectly happy with other pets in the home, again, introducing them as young as possible is for the best. They do however love to be the center of attention and will use its ways to make sure it is. Unlike other small dogs, the Japanese Chin is not known for its barking, however do make excellent watchdogs.
They are fast learners who enjoy doing tricks and prove to be more obedient that other dogs in their size.

Labradors, known to most as the Guide Dog breed come in two varieties, the English Labrador and the American Labrador. The English Labrador is heavier and stronger in appearance, where the American Lab tends to be on the tall and slender side.
As a breed however, both hold loving qualities, affectionate to a fault and incredibly patient. They are incredibly intelligent and loyal a reason why they are so suited to their roles. Not only are the Labs famous for being Guide dogs, but also, hunting dogs, watch dogs, search and rescue agility, not to mention their work with the police and special forces in narcotic detection and other police work. Labs love human contact and attention and you are guaranteed to receive as much if not more love back in return. Training of Labradors is essential as they do enjoy pulling on the leash and have powerful necks. Labradors are great with children and will other animals, so can fit easily into a variety of environments. English Labradors tend to be more laid back that American Labs and also mature faster. As a family dog this would be one of the top breeds, growing in popularity as pets and also in the showing environment.

Maltese are glamorous little dogs with silky white long hair which covers the length of the body, separating at a center parting.
The Matlese is a lively, playful, gentle and loving dog, that places all its trust in a devoted owner. They hold a great intelligence which gives them a great ability to learn tricks with ease. They are excellent watch dogs as they are quick to raise an alarm of potential intruder or suspicious noise. They have no problem living with other pets and although by appearance, you may get an impression of prim and proper, the Maltese loves playing and getting dirty, which is always a joy for the owner. By the sheer appearance of a Maltese you must be aware grooming is essential. There hair is required to be groomed frequently and eye wipes may be required to prevent staining around eye area. Some owners chose to trim their Maltese to a shorter length for a more manageable coat. Children and Maltese are not always the greatest partnership and if children are left unsupervised and are unaware of the correct handling snappish behaviour may ensue. The Maltese can prove to be a difficult one to housebreak, but perseverance and reward will soon get it there. If you do fall into the oh so easy trap of mothering the Maltese it will become unstable and become jealous of any visitor to the home if attention is taken from it.

The Old English Mastiff is in the heaviest dog breeds that are available, a typical male can exceed 200lbs, consisting entirely of muscle.
Primarily it was the Mastiffs fierce guard and fighting abilities that made this dog popular, however todays Mastiff is a gentle, loving, watchful and patient dog, who is gentle towards its family and gives as much love as any other breed. The Mastiff is a great family dog and although its great size is not perfect around young children, as unintended injury may occur if knocked over, they love children and usually get along wonderfully. They respond well to careful training and with consistency and praise a wonderful dog can arise. They are a protective breed by nature and will guard their family and house. It is not uncommon for a Mastiff to simply refuse entry to a visitor unless welcomed by its owner. Attacking is not its first instinct unless it senses the need to, instead it will use its weight and stance to stop people from approaching. This however does not require to be taught, this comes as natural to them as walking, however training must be placed in the aspect of socialisation with other dogs or future competitive behaviour may become a problem. Like similar breeds, Boxers, Boston Terriers etc, because of there face shape, snoring, wheezing and drool are all charming aspects that this dog will bring. However if you match them with the joy this properly trained breed can bring a family a Mastiff can be wonderful.

The Old English Sheepdog is a shaggy coat dog that for a long time in the UK was the Dulux Paint dog, who featured in their adverts.
The Old English Sheepdogs at one point were known as a fierce breed, but they have came a long way since and evolved into loving, gentle, even tempered dogs. They are very friendly and protective by nature and love their family, especially the children, however, due to its nature of herding, the Old English Sheepdog may at times herd the children by bumping them in a specific direction. The Old English Sheepdog loves to be lazy and enjoys cuddles on the sofa and short but frequent walks. They thrive on human companionship and want to be considered part of the family, however, don’t be surprised if the OES wants some alone time. This breed requires strong training as they can be strong willed and lazy at times, so motivation to learn is key. Old English Sheepdogs tend to believe they know best, especially when training and at times do what they believe they should rather than what they are being told. This comes for a very good and long time herding when they used initiative when required. The Old English Sheepdog makes a great family pet as he will love every member of the family and will always be protective of the children.

The Papillon is one of the oldest toy breeds dating back to the 14th century, this is recorded in many pieces of art work that date back to this date. Papillons have a dainty and well balanced appearance . Always alert and very intelligent.Skull rounded between ears, muzzle finely pointed and abruptly finer that the skull. Length from tip of nose to stop approximately one third of length of head. Black Nose. Papillons eyes are medium sized, rounded never bulging, dark with dark eyes, placed rather low in skull. Papillons ears are very large, mobile with rounded tips, heavily fringed set towards back of head far enough apart to show slightly rounded shape of skull. Leather firm but fine, When erect each ear should form an angle of approx. 45 degrees to head.
Papillons shoulders are well developed and sloping. Chest rather deep. Forelegs straight, slender and fine boned. Elbows close to chest. Papillons have a fairly long body with level topline, well prung ribs, loin strong , of good length, slightly arched belly. Papillons will appear slightly longer than high when properly furnished with ruff and hind fringes. Papillons tails are long, well fringed, set on high, arched over back with fringes falling to side to form plume. Papillons legs when viewed from behind parallel. Dewclaws on hind legs removed. Papillons feet are fine, fairly long, hare-like. Tufts of hair between toes extending far beyond them. 

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Although early papillons were often solid colours, today they are predominantly white and black, white and lemon, white and red, white and sable or tricolor, with red, black and tan. Phalene, although this breed appears to be very similar to the Papillon, it must not be confused with the (Broken) Soft Eared Papillon.

Pekingese have exceptionally long, straight coats and come in a variety of colours. They are particularly brave, sensitive and independent dogs who can be extremely affectionate to their owners but are always wary of strangers if socialisation has not been handled. They tend to like to be in charge and show it in all aspects that they see fit. Pekingese quickly become overweight if fed to frequently or in large portions, however the Pekingese may have the tendency to show its owner it has a lack of appetite by refusing to eat as a way to inform the owner it is being overfed. They are loving dogs by nature, however, they can become possessive of their family which can lead to problems with visitors. Pekingese can be fairly hard to housebreak and are not great with children who are too rough or careless. Pekingese require a lot of grooming, which some owners prefer to have professionally done.
Pekingese come in all shapes and sizes and are given names to match. If a Pekingese is under 6lbs it is called a Sleeve Pekingese, which is the smallest member of the Pekingese family. However, a Pekingese that is between 6-8lbs will be considered a Mini Pekingese.

Pomeranians to many are tiny, balls of fluff, however these little dogs have so much more to them than size and fur. Faces said to resemble foxes to some, baby doll or pansy to others, the Pomeranian is full of life, intelligent, loyal pet to their family. Their spirit and eagerness to learn makes them great to train and love to learn new tricks, however, they do require a firm hand in training. Pomeranians love other pets in the family as long as they are introduced properly, reservation is definitely present when strangers are involved and excessive barking is common. Pomeranians are excellent watchdogs and requires to be taught to bark a few times to alert visitors of their presence, however, they must be made aware that if invited in the barking must stop. Pomeranians are one of the most independent toy breeds there is, however if allowed to, they will become demanding of there owner. Not recommended for very young children as they can be overbearing on the Pom, which will make them nervous and may result in snapping. They do however fit nicely into a family with children who know how to handle and care for a dog properly.

Poodles are elegant, large dogs, that require their wiry curly coat to be kept well groomed and clipped. Proud, elegant, dignified with a good nature are a Poodles best qualities. They are very happy as a breed and can be particularly sensitive when left alone. They are generally friendly to strangers and other animals and are calmer than the smaller breeds of Poodle. Poodles although a larger breed are excellent with children, as guard dogs and even hunters.

Pugs are not known for their beauty, but their appearance is definitely a distinguishing feature. They have a square, stocky and compact body with soft coat that come in many colours, apricot, fawn, black and silver, they all have a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears.
Pugs are best described as big gift in a small package. They are rambunctious, loyal, affectionate and loving. Playful and charming these dogs give any family a boost with their heart warming personality. Pugs bore easily with repetitive training so short, regular training is best. Pugs are very sensitive to their owners and harsh punishment will result in the Pug refusing to try again in fear of further scolding or disappointment of owner. Although good watchdogs, they are not known for excessive barking. They get along great with children and visitors and if forgotten about for any periods of time they become very jealous of others.

Rottweilers are a large, muscular and athletic breed of dog. The Rottweiler is a calm, trainable, courageous and reliable dog, protective of its family this breed will do anything in its power to stop an intruder. Rottweilers seem immune to pain and are strong fighters. A firm hand is required in training this breed, as it is easy for a Rottweiler to take over a nervous or timid trainer and result in an overly aggressive dog. With proper training Rottweilers can be loving, loyal and very rewarding to have in your life. If this would be your first large dog, you must be aware of their size as fully grown adults. Although a natural guard dog they do have a reasonably calm temperament. They are intelligent and have proved so in their role with the police, military and customs. The Rottweiler loves human companionship and requires it as much as possible to stop unwanted behaviour forming. Then can be aggressive with other dogs, so should remain leashed at all times in open areas. If raised with children and other pets, the Rottweiler will form strong bonds with them and a great friendship will be formed. Friends and family will be received well by the Rottweiler, however strangers can receive a less than welcoming response, so socialisation is a must, however if you wish your Rottweiler to be used as a guard dog also, this should be controlled as you do not want to make the dog overly friendly with everyone.

The Saint Bernard, a large, strong muscular dog, is captured in the film Beethoven and for those who have viewed the films, will know that it captures the breed incredibly well. Protective of its family, loving, devoted and a big gentle giant. However, get on the wrong side of this breed and they will show you who is boss. There are two varieties, smooth and rough coated. Both varieties come in white with tan, red, mahogany, brindle and black markings. Excellent with children, they become a guardian and will guard them with their lives. The St Bernard is patient and obedient, responds well to training, however try to do this while the St Bernard is of manageable size. If you fail to do so, when this dog is fully grown, problems will arise. The St Bernard is a good watchdog and its size alone is usually enough of a deterrent. Like most large dogs, when outdoors a tight leash should be kept, children should be supervised, to avoid any knocking over and they have a tendency to drool when drinking or eating. Wonderful family dogs and loving to a fault.

Samoyeds are gentle dogs that are peaceful and dignified. Devoted to their family but usually one member more than others. They tend as a breed to be friendly to all, strangers and friends alike, thus making them unsuitable for watchdogs. It will however, bark to alert you of a intruder or strangers presence. The Samoyed will get along with children pretty well and are highly intelligent but will at times shy away from training. For this reason it is best to keep training short and as light and fun as possible. In time the Samoyed will be responsive to training so it is best to start at a young age. Things to consider before purchasing a Samoyed, they should not be left unsupervised with small non-canine pets, cats are the exception. They tend to bark a lot and can be very destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

The Schnauzers as a breed are fearless and protective breed, they make great watch and guard dogs and are lively, affectionate and high spirited, with the personality to match a Terrier. Schnauzers require human companionship and are great travel companions. They are very clever and playful, however, they can also be demanding at times. Schnauzers have a great learning capacity and although sometimes need a firm training hand, they tend to pick up things quickly and enjoy the process. They should be socialised well as pups to prevent over-protectiveness later in their adult lifes. They have a great deal of energy and require regular exercise in order to burn this off, failure to do so will result in them becoming restless and at times destructive. Schnauzers require an owner who is not afraid to say no to their dog and show them they are boss. Schnauzers are not suited to very young children, however, with older considerate children they get along perfectly well.

The Scottish Terrier, known to most Scots as the Scottie Dog is a lovable dog, full of character, playful and friendly as a puppy whom grows up to be loyal to its family. At times a grown Scottie can develop mood swings and become snappy with its owners, this is not present in all Scottish Terriers. The Scottie Dog, although small makes a great watchdog, they can be stubborn to train so a firm hand must be taken as failure to do so will result in the Scottish Terrier running the house. This breed does not respond well to correction, so praise when training is imperative. The Scottish Terrier has very little is any time for humans out-with their family and tends to favour one or two member more than others. Scotties, love to dig, bark and enjoy walks and playing with balls. The breed as a whole is best suited to a family with older children and make good house pets.

Shetland Sheepdogs offer outstanding companionship and are Gentle, sensitive, loyal and dainty. The Shetland Sheepdog is considered one to the smartest breeds, in fact, so smart these dogs are so smart that many consider them to be as close to humans intelligence as possible in the K9 Species. Loyal to all members of the family, however, children can pose a problem. Shelties are suspicious and can be wary of children, that said, they will tolerate them as long as they are raised alongside them. Shelties also do not take well to strangers, letting very little if any approach or touch them, they can be known to bark excessively. They are a good guard dog but socialisation as a puppy is a must and raising in a house with companionship is preferred to get the best from this breed.
Due to its herding nature, if allowed near a road, the Shetland Sheepdog may be inclined to chase a care or anything that may be blown down the road or pavements. Shelties are considered a great companion for elderly because of its natural kindness, the male of the breed is said to be far more affectionate than the female.

The Shih-Tzu is a happy and hardy character who are courageous and can become arrogant. Shih-Tzus do fine with children as long as they are considerate of the dogs size. They respond well to training and other dogs. A great watch dog, however Shih-Tzus do enjoy barking, however indoors do tend to be quieter. Shih-Tzus can get snappy if they are shocked, scared of tired and children especially should be supervised around them. They are affectionate and loving to their owners but can be difficult to housebreak. Socialisation is a must in order for these dogs to feel comfortable with larger breeds. They do well with other pets in the household and even form a close bond with another dog or cat if raised together from young. Possibly a dog for a more experienced dog owner.

The Husky, everyone will know as sledding dogs. They are working dogs and come in all colours from pure black to pure white, to variations of two to three colours. Powerful dogs that require a great deal of control and training. These are by no mean an easy dog. They require a considerable amount of exercise and a trainer who can stamp his/her authority or they will prove too much for a household. That said, they are great with children and friendly towards most stranger. They don’t do well as guard dogs as they very rarely bark and tend to love everyone and their neighbour. Huskies are however incredibly intelligent and trainable, which takes patience, consistency and understanding in the breed and its roots. Given an inch this breed will take a mile. Huskies can prove to be difficult to housebreak and does howl. They hate being left alone, so if this is a regular occurrence you may wish to get a companion. If raised with other pets from a puppy, huskies will form an alliance with other pets. They do like to roam as a breed and can cover a wide distance in a short space of time, so it is vital a close eye is kept on them in the outdoors. Siberian Huskies make excellent companions and make a great addition to a family home.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier places its heart and sole into every aspect of its life, be it play, training or love for its owner. It is affectionate and holds a great sense of humour. Staffies, even though some would say otherwise and people friendly and are not overly timid or wary of strangers. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great with children and also with other pets in a household. They can however, be competitive with other breeds out-with their family, so socialisation can help with this and also a tight lease when outdoors should stop most problems arising. They require training with a stern tone as they can be very stubborn and disobedient, this is not to doubt their intelligence, they do however, like to test their owners boundaries. They have powerful jaws so plenty of strong chew toys are required. If you do not class yourself as an experienced handler and are not the greatest trainer, this breed is not for you, they may be small, however they have incredible strength and if not controlled can be very difficult and a terrible strain, which is unfair on both dog and owner.

The Weimaraner is an athletic dog and as such requires an owner to match. That said, you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete but you can not shy away from exercise. This dog demands exercise and requires it to stay at its healthiest both medically and physically. They are a loving, happy and affectionate breed and hold an opinionated quality. The Weimaraner is best suited to an experienced handler, who has not only experience with dogs, but with the history of the breed. Socialisation is more important than ever, as this breed is reserved with strangers and can cause trouble with other dogs if training is not strongly put in place. Very protective of its family and territory, it has a strong instinct to prey. This is another breed which should not be left with small non-canine animals. The Weimaraner requires to live with the family and needs attention and companionship. If not given this, it will become destructive, restless and even stressed. Is is in a Weimaraners nature to be protective and they are often caring and kind to children, however, not advised for particularly young children as they are energetic and can accidentally knock a small child over. This breed also likes to bark another point that should be noted before purchasing.

The Whippet, a small greyhound like dog, very graceful and slim. Their personality is lively, affectionate and sweet. They unlike greyhounds are more suited to a home enviroment as indoors they are very docile and sensitive. Care should be taken in training as scolding can stop further training being successful. They are great family dogs as they provide hours of entertainment and love playing with children. They make good watchdogs, however if you do have a cat, be aware that the Whippet may see this as prey and chase and possibly kill, however if raised along with another small animal, canine or feline, a bond will be created. The Whippet is able to accelerate to top speed and have bags of energy. Housebreaking can be difficult but again praise when valid is the best way to reinforce behaviour than punishment for mistakes.

The Yorkshire Terrier is another toy breed dog that is unaware of its actual size and is overly eager to take on anything that stands in its path. It is important to socialise the breed and to allow the Yorkie to familiarise itself with larger breeds, rather than shy them from potential danger, as in the long run, this will induce, anxious behaviour, resulting in unrequited attacks. As a breed they are affectionate to their families and carries many qualities of the terrier group. Yorkies are one of the easier breeds to train as they respond well to praise, but can be stubborn at times. If teased they will snap, so although they do like children, they must be taught to respect the dog. The Yorkie is a great watchdog and likes to bark, however this can be controlled by training. They along with most breeds can be difficult to housebreak, but with time and consistency this can be solved.