Choose Your Perfect Pet and Dog
In this category, you will get different small breed dogs who are between 12 to 18 inch ( 30-45 cm). A number of the larger members of the terrier group are featured here, along with dogs such as the Shar-pei and Basenji that are relatively new introductions on the international canine scene. The shorter hounds, such as the Beagle, are also included, as well as smaller spaniel dog breeds. When considering the size of dogs, it is worth remembering that the height of male dogs may be fractionally more than that of bitches. Where this affects the divisions on this website, the breed is grouped within the smaller size category.
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Developed for its speed in the north of England, the Whippet dog used to be known as the poor man’s racehorse. These dogs were reached over straight tracks, which were typically 200 yd (183 m) long, being thrown into the course by their owners. The fastest individuals could reach the finish within 11 ½ seconds, […]
This dog breed of spaniel was developed in the English county of Sussex during the 1790s. Sussex Spaniels have never been especially common, but their placid and hard-working nature made them highly valued both as gundogs and companions. The breed nearly vanished into obscurity towards the end of the last century, and it was only […]
Crossings of terriers with Bulldogs during the early years of the nineteenth century gave rise to the origins of this breed. It was developed for dog-fighting purposes in England, but when this activity was made illegal, breeders sought to remove aggressive traits from its nature. Recognition was slow in coming, however, the Kennel Club of […]
Affectionately known as the Sheltie, this breed is said to have evolved on the Shetland Islands, off the north coast of Scotland. Here they were kept by the crofters who scratched a living from this rather inhospitable terrain. The Shetland Sheepdog probably developed from a range of dogs brought to these islands over the years, […]
Having been in danger of extinction during the late 1960s, this ancient Chinese dog breed has since attracted the attention of dog fanciers throughout the world, and its future is now assured. Its origins date back over 2,000 years, and it may have a common ancestry with the Chow Chow, with which it shares the […]
Three different types of Schnauzer have been developed and all share a common ancestry. The Giant Schnauzer measures about 25 Inch (63.5 cm) at the shoulder, but these two forms are much smaller, standing approximately 14 Inch (35.5 cm) and 19 Inch (48 cm) tall, respectively,. They are of German origin, with the word Schnauze […]
Although it may appear that a Puli’s coat is somehow prepared by artificial means, its dreadlocks are actually quite natural. The dog breed originated in Hungary, and its name is derived from the words puli hou. This translates literally as ‘destroyer Huns’, and refers to a tribe of Magyar warriors who invaded Hungary from the […]
It appears that this dog breed has existed in Belgium for well over 300 years, although its precise ancestry is unknown. It has been suggested that it could be a miniature form of a black Belgian Shepherd Dog, or, alternatively, could have a spitz ancestry. The Schipperke was certainly very popular among shoemakers in Belgium […]
The Standard form of the Poodle, measuring over 15 Inch (38 cm) at the shoulder, is believed to be the oldest of the three breeds. It is a lively and intelligent dog, which first became known in Britain during the seventeenth century. Standards can obtained in all the usual Poodle colours, which vary from white […]
Another of the ancient Tibetan dog breeds, the Lhasa Apso used to be given as a gift to the Chinese court by the Dalai Lama who ruled Tibet. The unusual name of these dogs translates as ‘goat-like’, and it may have been that their ancestors were actually kept as guardians for herds of goats before […]