Papillon

At a glance
Alert and sunny, with a royal appearance and a gracious attitude to boot, the Papillon is a hardy little companion dog that seeks to be the best friend it possibly can. Its ideal lifestyle includes heavy human contact, and being able to please the people around it is what makes its day. It originated from the Continental Toy Spaniel, and it took its name from the French equivalent for “butterfly,” since its unique head markings and ear feathering seem to resemble the wings of those beautiful insects. The Phalene, a separate variety of the breed with drop ears, adopted the French word for “moth.” Phalenes and Papillons can be born in the same litter, but Phalenes do not seem to have the same popularity as that enjoyed by their upright-eared siblings.

Summary

• Names – Continental Toy Spaniel, Phalene, Epagneul nain Continental, Pap, Butterfly Dog, Pap, Squirrel Dog (due to tail carriage)
• Group – AKC: Toy Group; KC: Toy
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – an average of 14 years and a range of 9 to 15 years, but some dogs will live even longer
• Cost of ownership – low to medium
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – medium
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – medium
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – low Read more

Shetland Sheepdog

At a glance
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as a Sheltie, is a small dog breed that came from the Scottish Shetland Islands. Affectionate, loyal and highly trainable, shelties are not only fabulous companion pets, but can also be utilized as herders of small livestock. The American Kennel Club believes both the Shetland Sheepdog and Collie originated from the Border Collie in Scotland.

Summary

• Names – Toonie dog, Shetland Collie, Dwarf Scotch Shepherd (all obsolete); Miniature Collie, Sheltie; Mini Lassie (slang)
• Group – AKC: Herding Group; KC: Pastoral
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – average of 13; range of about 12-15 years
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – medium to high
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium Read more

Shar Pei

At a glance
The Shar Pei, an ancient dog breed that originated from China 2,000 years ago, carries recognizable traits, such as distinctive deep wrinkles and a rough, near-abrasive coat. The breed was once so few in numbers that shar pei was labeled one of the world’s rarest dog breeds by Time magazine and the Guinness Book of World Records.

Summary

• Names – Chinese Shar-Pei, Chinese Fighting Dog
• Group – AKA: Non-Sporting Group; KC: Utility
• Size – medium
• Life expectancy – average of 12; range of 9 to 15 years
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – medium
• Ease of Training – medium
• Obedience level – medium
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium Read more

Cockapoo

At a glance
The Cockapoo is a hybrid cross breed between the Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. These dogs stand at 14-15 inches and weigh 6 lbs to 19 lbs. They were bred for the purpose of creating a dog that possesses high intelligence and almost no shedding. They are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Summary

• Names – Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, Spoodle
• Group – not available
• Size – small to medium
• Life expectancy – 15 to 18 years, though many can reach 20 years of age
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – high
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – low
• Amount of Grooming – high
• Ease of Training – medium
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium Read more

Havanese

At a glance
The Havanese is a non-shedding, Bichon type dog breed. They are very playful companion dogs and good friends for older, more considerate children. They love to be on furniture so they can keep an eye on everybody at home.

Summary

• Names – Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanês, Bichon Havanais, Havaneser, Havanezer, Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Habanero
• Group – AKC: Toy Group; KC: Toy
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – average of 13; range of about 14-15 years
• Cost of ownership – high
• Ease of ownership – high
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – medium
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium Read more

Border Collie

At a glance
Border Collies are medium sized, high-energy dogs. Traditionally, they are commonly used for work on farms. Healthy Collies require regular daily exercise, are popular participants in dog sports, and work closely and cooperatively with their human handlers, trainers and owners.

Summary

• Names – The Border, Farm Collies, Working Collies
• Group – AKC: Herding Group; KC: Pastoral
• Size – medium
• Life expectancy – 9 – 15 years, average of 13 years
• Cost of ownership – low
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – high
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – low
• Amount of Care Required – low
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – low

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