Quick Stats for the Lowchen Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 10 – 13 inches (25 – 33 cm)
• Weight: 9 – 18 pounds (4 – 8 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Non-Sporting – AKC recognized in 1996
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair; good for dog allergy sufferers
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; very active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Lowchen Dog

The Lowchen is a wonderful companion dog for a quiet family that enjoys having a lovable and high-spirited small dog around the house. With their high energy levels and friendly attitude towards people and other animals, this dog is a ball of fun to have around, always willing to please. They are considered to be easily trainable.

Additionally, the Lowchen makes an excellent watchdog, similar to most small dog breeds.

History of the Lowchen Dog Breed

Pronounced “Lerv-chun”, the Lowchen name means “Little Lion Dog”. This dog breed shares its roots with several other members of the Bichon family, such as the Havanese and Bichon Frise.

Where the Lowchen came from is still unknown, even though several countries have all claimed to have created the breed (France, Russia, and Germany). We do know that dogs which resembled the Lowchen, with its noticeable lion trim, were found in German artwork from the 16th century.

Traditionally, the lion trim look came with the coat clipped short from the dog’s last rib all the way down to the hock joint, including the hindquarters. The front legs are shaved from the elbow to slightly above the dog’s pastern. The feet are also clipped and approximately one half of the tail is shaved. Whatever long hair is left over is left ‘as is’.

The Lowchen dog breed almost vanished during the 1960s when its numbers had slipped down to almost none. Fortunately, through the help of two dog enthusiasts, the Lowchen was revived when this group of breeders imported a handful of related dogs from Germany and moved them to Britain. The animals were in such small numbers that they had to be interbred extensively which helped form the base for today’s Lowchen breed in both Britain and in the United States.

The survival of the Lowchen dogs proved to be successful and the breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1996.

The Lowchen Care and Grooming

Because of its small size, the Lowchen can have its exercise requirements fulfilled with a short walk or brief play sessions on a daily basis. These dogs also enjoy mental stimulation and fun games.

Lowchens are not meant to live outside but it does appreciate having the freedom to roam in an enclosed yard if possible.

Grooming does require a little work, with a thorough brushing every other day. To keep its traditional lion trim, Lowchen dogs will need clipping every couple of months.

These dogs shed little to no hair and great for people who suffer from allergies.

Health Problems of the Lowchen Breed

The average life expectancy of the Lowchen is about twelve to fourteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this dog breed.

Minor health issues include:

• patellar luxation

Image courtesy of Grant and Caroline’s pix via Flickr

• Height (at the shoulders): 8 – 11 inches (20 – 28 cm)
• Weight: 18 – 24 pounds (8 – 11 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1886
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; small yard okay

Personality of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is playful, affectionate and loyal. They have an independent personality, but yet they are loyal companions and devoted to their family. They make a great companion dog for people of all ages.

They are friendly towards other dogs and other household pets. They can be be overly playful at times, and are always on the lookout for an opportunity to play. However, they make excellent watchdogs. If a stranger approaches the house when the owners are not there the Dandie Dinmont will bark nonstop to ward off the intruder.

History of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed

The breed originated in area that bordered England and Scotland. Farmers originally used them to help hunt and kill small animals such as otters, fox, and badgers.

Before being called the Dandie Dinomont Terrier, they were called various other names – Mustard Terriers, Hindlee Terriers, Pepper Terriers, and even Catcleugh Terreir. Many of these terriers were owned by one man, James Davidson.

It is believed that Mr. Davidson used these dogs as models for the Dandie Dinmont characters that were used in a Sir Walter Scott book by the title of “Guy Mannering”. That book was published in 1914. Of course, these dogs were dubbed the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They were eventually recognized as a separate breed in 1873.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a member of the Terrier Group.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Care and Grooming

These terriers have very high levels of energy and require sufficient daily exercise. They are best for individuals and families who live and active lifestyle. They enjoy playtime outdoors and love to explore and hunt small animals around the yard.

Grooming requirements for these dogs include a good brushing with a high quality dog brush, at least twice weekly. Professional clipping and trimming is recommended about every three to four months to keep their coats well maintained.

This breed sheds little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed

The average life expectancy of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this dog breed.

Minor health issues include:

• glaucoma
• intervertebral disk disease
• epilepsy
• hypothyroidism
• overweight in older dogs

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• cheyletiella mites

Veterinarians recommend having the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed tested specifically for eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): 12 inches (30 cm)
• Weight: about 10 pounds (4.5)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1991
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The Chinese Crested dog is playful, gentle, and devoted. They are always on the lookout for fun and games, and yet are quite satisfied to enjoy quiet time sitting in your lap.

They are devoted to their families and always willing to please their owners. These dogs are friendly towards other dogs and household pets. They are even friendly towards strangers. They will warn you when strangers approach, but because of their friendliness, may not be such effective watchdogs.

They are great with children, but because they are hairless, they can get injured more easily than other breeds. For this reason children should be taught to be gentle with these dogs.

The Chinese Crested dog loves to jump and climb so you may want to keep an eye on them so they do not fall and hurt themselves.

History of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The breed is believed to have originated in China, but their exact origin is uncertain. Most of the hairless dog breeds are mutations that come from various parts of the world, particularly Central and South America. However, there seems to be some credible evidence that the Chinese Crested Dog originated in Africa and were then introduced to China.

Researches claim that the dog’s history can be traced back to as far as the 13th Century.

These dogs were introduced to other countries when the Chinese used them on their ships to catch rodents. They were then traded to local merchants in other countries. Over time, the breed was introduced in places like South Africa, Egypt, and Turkey.

The Chinese Crested Dog can be seen in paintings throughout Europe in the 1800s. In the latter part of the 1800s, Ida Garrett, an American woman, began spreading the word about these unusual little dogs. Dog breeders then adopted the breed and continued to pursue the bloodline.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a member of the Toy Group.

The Chinese Crested Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Chinese Crested dogs can get most of their exercise by running around the house. But like all dogs, they would love to take a nice walk and sniff around and explore. However, they do not fare well in very cold weather, so just keep them in mind when you are taking them outside.

They would also enjoy the opportunity to run around and play in a safely enclosed area.

Grooming these dogs is pretty simple. You should regularly trim the head, neck, tail, and feet. Rub moisturizer on their hairless body to promote healthy skin. When taking these dogs outside on sunny days, consider applying sunblock.

These dogs shed little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Chinese Crested Dog breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• lens luxation
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• glaucoma

Minor health issues include:

• seizures
• deafness
• patellar luxation
• can get sunburned
• prone to tooth loss and decay

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• Legg-Perthes

Veterinarians recommend having the Chinese Crested Dog breed tested specifically for knee, eye, and hearing problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 13 – 16 inches (33 – 41 cm) ; bitches: 11 – 14 inches (28 – 36 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 13 – 16 pounds (6 – 7 kg)  ; bitches: 11 – 14 pounds (5 – 6 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1930
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately inactive indoors; small yard okay

Personality of the Border Terrier Breed

The Border Terrier is one of the friendliest members of the Terrier Group. They are intelligent, energetic, and usually easy to train. They make great family pets and would do best with a family that loves the outdoors and live a fairly active lifestyle.

They are great with children and just love to play. Border Terriers are very affectionate dogs which makes them a great companion.

History of the Border Terrier Breed

This dog breed is believed to have originated from an area in the Cheviot Hills that bordered England and Scotland. Their history can be traced back as far as the 1700s. They were mainly used to chase fox and other animals. In the 1800s they also participated in the gentry’s elegant fox hunts, where their job was to dispatch the fox.

They were originally called the Coquetdale Terrier, but in 1870 their name was officially changed to the Border Terrier. In the late 1870s, the breed entered the show ring for the first time.

They are closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

The Border Terrier Breed Care and Grooming

These dogs have very high energy levels, but they can still do okay with a couple of brisk walks daily. If possible, they should be allowed to play in a safe enclosed area as well. Border Terriers also love to explore, so a long hike along a nature trail would be something they would just love to do.

Grooming requirements include a weekly brushing to remove any dead hairs from the harsh  wiry coat. A quarterly stripping is also recommended. This helps the coat to maintain a neat outline. You may want to have your Border Terrier professionally groomed twice per year as well.

The breed sheds little to no hair and is considered a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Health Problems of the Border Terrier Breed

The average life expectancy of the Border Terrier breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• patellar luxation

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• heart defects
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• CECS (Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome)

Veterinarians recommend having the Border Terrier breed tested specifically for hip and heart problems.

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 9 – 12 inches (23 – 30 cm) ; bitches: 9 – 11 inches (23 – 28 cm)
• Weight: 7 – 12 pounds (3 – 5 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 15 or more years
• AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1972
• Shedding: sheds little or no hair
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Bichon Frise Breed

The Bichon Frise is an energetic and playful member of the Non-Sporting Group. They are gentle, intelligent, independent, and friendly. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. They also get along just fine with other dogs and pets.

Because of their intelligence they are quite easy to train. And they should be trained to avoid problem behaviors such as obsessive barking and separation anxiety.

History of the Bichon Frise Breed

The exact origin of the Bichon Frise is not certain, but their history goes as far back as the 13th century. In the 16th century, these dogs became quite popular in the courts of French royalty. And sometime in the 19th century, they became popular as circus performers.

Today, the Bichon Frise is mainly a household pet and a great performer in the show ring.

It is believed that the breed is a descendant of the Barbet Water Spaniel and the Poodle.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1972.

The Bichon Frise Breed Care and Grooming

Don’t let their small size fool you, the Bichon Frise still needs plenty of daily exercise. Take them for a walk around the neighborhood, let them run around the yard a few times, or play a rigorous game indoors.

Brushing them every other day should take care of their grooming requirements. You may also need to trim and scissor the white puffy coat on occasion. It is recommended that you have these dogs professionally groomed, preferably monthly.

The Bichon Frise does not really shed. However, their hairs can become loose and get tangled in the coat, creating mats, so just be on the lookout for those. Some would say that they are hypoallergenic dogs.

Health Problems of the Bichon Frise Breed

The average life expectancy of the Bichon Frise is about fifteen years, but they can live longer.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• allergies
• Cushing’s disease
• patellar luxation

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• can be sensitive to flea bites

Veterinarians recommend having the Bichon Frise tested specifically for hip dysplasia, knee dysplasia, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 16 – 17 inches (41 – 43 cm) ; bitches: 15 – 16 inches (38 – 41 cm)
• Weight: 18 – 23 pounds (8 – 10 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1886
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment; fairly active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of Bedlington Terriers

These dogs are easygoing and friendly members of the Terrier Group. Some would argue that they are the friendliest dogs among terriers. For terriers, they are unusually friendly, even towards strangers. However, that does not mean that they are not great watchdogs.

Because of their mild and gentle temperament, they make great family companions and are perfect around children. They are always looking to play, and make quiet house pets.

They can get along with other other dogs and cats as long as they are properly socialized from they are young.

History of Bedlington Terriers

The exact origin of the Bedlington Terrier is a bit sketchy. We do know that they have been around England since the 1800s.

The breed is believed to have originated in the English town of Bedlington around 1825 and is the offspring of Rothbury Terrier crosses. It is believed that sometime later, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Whippet were used to refine the breed. However, this seems to be a largely unsubstantiated claim. No matter what breeds were use to create this unusual Terrier breed, the results are unforgettable.

The Bedlington Terrier is skilled at hunting rats, fox, badgers, and even otters.

These dogs entered the show ring around the late 1800s. Today, they are still very popular in and out of the show ring.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

Bedlington Terriers Care and Grooming

These dogs require plenty of daily exercise. Running and games that involve a lot of physical activity are great for providing them with the necessary exercise.

Their grooming requirements includes a good brushing at least twice weekly, using the proper dog grooming brush. Their coats should be trimmed monthly to keep it looking nice and neat.

The Bedlington’s thick double coat is a mixture of soft and hard hair which sheds little. This can make them a good choice for people suffering from allergies.

Health Problems of Bedlington Terriers

The average life expectancy of the Bedlington Terrier is about twelve to fourteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• copper toxicosis

Minor health issues include:

• distichiasis
• renal cortical hypoplasia
• retinal dysplasia

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• patellar luxation

Veterinarians recommend having Bedlington Terriers tested specifically for eye problems. They also recommend a liver biopsy, and DNA for copper toxicosis.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

One of the main reasons the Schnoodle dog breed was developed was to produce a hypoallergenic dog. However, there are no completely hypoallergenic dogs.

Since Poodles do shed less than many breeds, breeders do try to cross them with other breeds to try and create a dog breed that will shed much less. Schnoodles usually shed less than their Schnauzer parents, so this can make them a good choice for people looking for a dog who is less like to shed.

Schnoodle Coats

A Schnoodle may have the wiry coat of the Schnauzer, the soft, curly coat of the Poodle, or a way coat. They may also have different coat types on various parts of their bodies. For example, Mishap’s coat is very soft and curly. But she has a patch of very wiry hair on both rear legs.

The Schnoodle’s coat can be:

• black
• white
• brown
• gray
• apricot
• and any combination of those colors

Size of the Schnoodle

The truth is, the size of your Schnoodle will depend on the size of her parents.

Poodles can be Standard, Miniature, or Toy, while Schnauzers can be Giant, Standard, and the Miniature Schnauzer. So depending on which size of each breed were crossed, you can have a large variety of sizes in the offspring.

Their weight will vary depending on their parents as well. For example, Misha is a cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Miniature Poodle. However, the breeder selected smaller parents from both breeds so Misha is on the smaller end of the scale. She only weights 13 lbs.

Personality of the Schnoodle Dog Breed

Schnoodles are typically playful, intelligent, and very devoted. Like their Poodle parents, they can be very trainable. And like their Schnauzer parents, they can be extremely devoted. They are often fun-loving and energetic. They can also do well in obedience training and agility activities.

The Health of Schnoodle Dogs

When selecting a Schnoodle breeder, be sure to ask about what type of health testing the parents have had. Ask about hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Both of these conditions can be present in the Poodle and are sometime passed on to their offspring.

One of the arguments for mixed breed dogs is that they are less likely to develop conditions found in their pure breed parents. However, the possibility that the offspring will develop these conditions is still there, so it is still wise to ask your breeder.

Grooming the Schnoodle

Because of their coat type, Schnoodles may require professional grooming. They need to be brushed regularly with the proper grooming brush, and clipped every few weeks to maintain a good, healthy coat. This will also help to avoid matted fur.

These dogs may also grow hair in their ears which will need to be plucked or trimmed. You can have the groomer do this for you. But it is not too difficult to learn how to do it yourself.

Deciding on a Schnoodle

When deciding on the Schnoodle dog breed, be certain that both the Schnauzer and the Poodle would suit your lifestyle and would satisfy what you are looking for in a dog.

Remember that these dogs are a cross between two distinct breeds and there is no guarantee which breed the Schnoodle puppy will be like. They may be more like the Schnauzer, but they have an equal chance of being like the Poodle.

Schnoodles are becoming increasingly popular and this puts them at risk of being exploited by unscrupulous  breeders. If you decide to bring a Schnoodle puppy into your family be certain that you buy a new puppy from a responsible breeder, and that you are getting a puppy for all the right reasons.

And as always, never forget that there are many dogs out there who needs a family to adopt them, love them, and give them a home.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book: