Archives: Breeds

The Maltichon is a cross between the Maltese and the Bichon Frise. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all designer hybrid dogs are 50%…

A toy dog covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful, and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness, and portability make…

The Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy breed with a beautiful cloak of hair that parts down their back from head to tail. Their temperament is unique: joyful and mischievous, dignified, and aloof. An independent breed, the Lhasa’s goal in life is not necessarily to please their master. Popular in the show ring, the breed…

The Lakeland Terrier has a dense, wiry coat with longer hair on the legs and muzzle, often giving him a distinct beard. Small, sturdy, and workmanlike, the breed’s narrow frame allows him to squeeze into rocky dens to chase after vermin. While generally a show dog or family companion today, Lakelands can also be found…

The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed of dog derived from breeding a Labrador Retriever and a poodle. At their best, Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature (weighing 15 to 30 pounds), medium (30 to 45 pounds), and standard (45 to more than 100 pounds). Because they are a crossbreed…

A large, muscular breed, the Komondor is mostly known for its unusually dense, protective coat of heavy white cords (which make him look like a giant mop!) that form naturally as the breed matures in age. The coat serves to cover vulnerable body parts in case of attack, helps him blend in with his flock,…

Intelligent and game, the Kerry Blue Terrier is truly an all-purpose dog. Originally bred to hunt and retrieve, Kerries can be found today in the show, obedience, agility, herding, and earth dog rings. The Kerry’s trademark soft, wavy coat can range from deep slate gray-blue to light blue-gray. Kerry Blues are born black and, if…

A medium-sized, sturdy dog, the Keeshond possesses the characteristics of other Northern breeds a fox-like expression, stand-off coat, and richly plumed tail carried over the back. His coloring is a mixture of gray, black, and cream, with variations from light to dark and distinctive “spectacles” markings and shadings in the eye area, including a delicate,…

The Japanese Chin is a sensitive and intelligent breed whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion. Agile and playful, they can be taught to perform tricks and like to show off to an audience of friends. Their coat varies in size and length, but most are white with black markings. They can…

The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but has all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. There is debate as to whether they were originally bred for hunting small game or meant to be simply a companion. In all likelihood, both are true, as they are adaptable…