Samoyed

Description: Though bred as show dogs, these dogs have become mostly creatures of comfort in modern times. Samoyeds are friendly, cheerful, intelligent, reasonably obedient, but will not follow commands slavishly because of a latent stubborn streak. These dogs are sensitive, vigilant and gentle, but will try to dominate and love to bark. Samoyeds’ combination of great stamina and a tendency to wander make owning one an adventure of sorts.These dogs, being a northern breed, are serious diggers. The more attention paid to the digging the longer it will go on.

Height: Female 19-21 inches, Male 21-23 inches.

Colors: Colors range from icy white to cream and biscuit color. Coat: The Samoyed is a doublecoated dog with the body covered with an undercoat of soft, short, thick, close wool with longer and harsh hair growing through it to form the outer coat, which stands straight out from the body. Their coat quality is weather resistant with a silver sheen.

Temperament: Intelligent, gentle, loyal, adaptable, alert, full of action, friendld but conservative.

Special Skills: Watch-dog: Guard-dog:

Care and Training: He requires considerable grooming to prevent matting and keep coat clean. Grooming is important to help maintain comfort hot, humid summers.Although highly intelligent, they can be difficult to train as they have a mind of their own. They tire quickly of repetitive training, therefore more motivation rather than correction. However, strong correction is sometimes needed.

Health Issues: Generally healthy, but can be plagued by hip dysplasia.

Country of Origin: Siberia

History: Samoyed was developed over the centuries by an isolated, little-studied Samoyed tribes of north-central Siberia, one of the harshest lands on earth. The Samoyed gave tribesman help in herding and hunting', companionship in the wilds, warmth at night in the chooms and transportation across the frozen winter landscape by dogsled.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The history of the King Charles Spaniel is associated with that of the English aristocracy. Following World War 1, the breed risked dying out and was revived by several English dog-fanciers.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Outgoing and sportive.

These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people, enjoy companionship, and need rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. They should not be left alone all day. If you do need to leave them, be sure to take them for a pack walk before you leave to put them in a natural rest mode.

They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! Do not allow this sweet dog to developed Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog thinks he is pack leader to humans. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems, which are not Cavalier traits, but behaviors brought on by the way they are being treated.

They are recommended with older considerate children, simply because most small dogs are treated in such a way they start to believe they are a pack leader to humans. In addition to being the dog's leader, socialize well to avoid them being reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience.

Maltese

The Maltese did not originate from Malta, but in the countries of the central Mediterranean area and was already known during Aristotle's time. The breed is small but very elegant, due to its long frame and very long coat that hides its body. When it runs, the dog appears to glide over the ground.

Xoloitzcuintlis

Description: These dogs are affectionate toward their own family/owners/handlers and get along well with children. Xoloitzcuintlis are intelligent, peaceful, noble and extremely adaptable. Cheerful with the family and reserved with strangers, these dogs are happy, though calm without fear. They make good alarm dogs - noisy only when necessary. They cannot bark, but instead let out a sound like a howl. This breed is not hard to train.

Xoloitzcuintlis are natural vegetarians, but convert to a meat diet quite easily. Other Names: Mexican Hairless

Height: Standard: 22 1/2 inches. Toy: Under 13" for the Miniature: 13"-18"

Colors: Hairless dogs may be black, charcoal, lighter gray, bronze, liver or red. Solid colors are preferred, but some do have spots. Coated dogs can be any color, or combination of colors.

Coat: Hairless dogs may have hair on head, feet and/or tail. Some will be completely hairless. Coated Xolos have short, course hair that sheds minimally.

Temperament: Calm, quiet dog, cheerful, attentive, alert. Suspicious towards strangers, good watchdog, excellent pet. The Xolo is exceptionally intuitive and affectionate with his family. Excellent with children, completely at ease with their sudden movements. Special Skills: Watchdog and family pet, taking his cues from his master's uneasiness with a situation or person. The smaller sizes are less likely to guard/protect.

Care and Exercise: Hairless Xolos tolerate sun quite well, though spots lack pigment and need sun block. Though the hairless Xolo does need greater protection from the elements, he is hardy and can tolerate even extreme cold for brief periods of time. Does not require much exercise. To play and romp will keep him content, but will also enjoy a walk on the leash.

Training: Early socialization and firm handling, without harsh correction or heavy handedness are imperative. Without these, the pup may grow to be fearful of new situations and insecure. This isn't a breed for permissive parents, or tyrants. Learning Rate: Very high. The Xolo wants to please his master.

Activity: Moderate to Low. Xolos do very well in apartments with daily walks as well in the country with room to run.

Living Environment: Xolos need to be involved in family life more than any other single thing. They will not thrive confined to the backyard for long periods of time without human interaction. A Xolo, even fully coated should be considered an indoor dog.

Health Issues: Xolos have no know genetic problems at this point. Some do have drug sensitivities, and caution must be used when using any chemical for the first time.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years.

Litter Size: 4

Country of Origin: Mexico History: The Xoloitzcuintli, also know as the Mexican Hairless, is among theoldest of purebred dogs. The breed was regarded as the earthly representative of the god Xolotl, from which its name is derived. His most important task may have been to accompany the souls of the dead to their final place of rest. However, he was also regarded as a source of food, protector of the home, family companion and healer of various ailments.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a strong and self-confident dog that is very loyal. The Rottweiler becomes so deeply attached to its human family that it would readily die to defend it!

Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He must be medium in size and his coat is black with rust to mahogany markings.

The Rottweiler's ancestors were the drover's dogs accompanying the herds the Romans brought with them when invading Europe. The controllable herding and guarding instincts were recognized by the Germans, and dogs were selectively bred for these traits. As need for its services diminished, the Rottweiler almost fell into extinction. In the early 1900s, a newly formed club established a breed standard. The breed has not appreciably changed since that time.

Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are musts. Rottweilers must be exercised daily, but require minimal grooming maintenance.

The picture of the rottweiler is my friend Brians' dog, he named him Chesty!

I won't be able to blog about dogs for a week because I am going on a week-long vacation, but if you have comments send them and I will get back to you as soon as we get back!