Dog Breed Information

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a brave little dog, highly energetic and eager for adventure and trouble. The breed is around 100 years old and was developed in Northern England to hunt rats. They were turned into a fashion icon in the late 1870's when women carried them around in their bags and under their arms. Due to their true terrier heritage, Yorkies can be aggressive toward strange dogs and smaller animals, so they must be socialized at an early age. They are very intelligent, and easily trainable, but can sometimes be stubborn. The Yorkshire Terrier makes an excellent watchdog, defending its territory. They like to bark, but can easily be taught not to. The breed is demanding and requires lots of human attention!

Maltese

The Maltese is very spirited, playful, and highly intelligent. Gentle, loving, and devoted to their masters, they are classical companion dogs! They get along well with other animals. The ancient breed was developed in Italy and became very popular, especially among the women, who even carried them around in their sleeves, and even to their beds. However, women weren't their only admirers! Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, prized his Maltese so much that he commissioned a portrait of the famous "Issa" and even had poetry written about her. Today, the graceful and glamorous breed is an adored pet and sought after show dog!

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the oldest breed on the American continent, and the smallest in the world! Native to Mexico, they were named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and were brought to the rest of the world by travelers. The breed was believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations. They are courageous, extremely lively, and proud. The Chihuahua gives and demands affection. They are strong-willed, intensely loyal, and very attached to their owners. Especially protective, when strangers are present, the Chihuahua will follow its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. They recognize their own breed and sometimes disapprove of others. Be sure to socialize your Chihuahua at a young age to avoid excessive aggressiveness.

Poodle

The poodle is an elegant, lively dog with a profuse curly coat. They are very sensitive and remarkably intelligent. In fact, they are one of most highly responsive and trainable breeds in the world! The Poodle is very perky, amusing, and clever, but quite reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. Originating from France, the word "poodle" comes from the the German word "pudel" which means "one who plays in water". Poodles were used as gun dogs in France and Germany as retrievers of waterfowl. Hunters would clip the dog's thick coat to help them swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold. They became royalty favorites in the 18th century.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a lively little dog, very intelligent and eager to learn. They are very loyal, willful, and bold, but sometimes temperamental. They make excellent watchdogs with their resounding bark! They think they are bigger than they actually are and do not hesitate to attack much larger dogs! They have a tendency to be reserved and bark excessively at strangers. The Pomeranian should be taught at an early age. They must know that the owner is boss, or they will not listen. They may become very demanding, but only if the owner allows it. Very proud and happy, the Pomeranian makes a wonderful companion dog! The breed was developed in the Prussian region of Pomerania, originally descended from the ancient Spitz breeds, which were bred to herd sheep. They were fancied by Queen Victoria in the late 100's.

Shih-Tzu

The Shih-Tzu is very alert and spunky and full of character! Very playful and courageous, they get along well with other pets. The breed originated in the late 1700's when dogs were brought from Tibet and bred in the forbidden City of Peking. They were most likely crossed with the native Pekingese and the Tibetan Lhasa Apso. They became a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court, and even for many years after the Chinese began trading with the West, they refused to sell or trade these little dogs. It wasn't until 1930 that the first pair was exported to England. They became recognized in the US in 1969.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a brave little dog, loyal, and very affectionate with its master,  loving to the point of jealousy. The breed was regarded as a manifestation of the legendary Foo Dog that was believed to drive away spirits and were venerated as semi-divine. Commoners had to bow to them, and if one were caught stealing one, they were punished to death. When an emperor died, his Pekingese was sacrificed so they could go with him and give protection in the afterlife. In 1860 when the British and French troops overran the palace during the 2nd Opium War, the Imperial guards were ordered to kill the little dogs so they would not fall into the hands of "foreign devils". Only 5 survived. They were taken to Queen Victoria, and from those 5, the Pekingese descended. They were recognized by the US in 1909.

Miniature Pinscher

The Min Pin is a hearty little dog. Very proud, demanding, and overly courageous. Spirited and alert, with high energy, they make excellent watchdogs! They are intelligent and lively, and they learn and obey extremely well. The breed was developed in Germany from terrier breeds including the German Pinscher, and are not related to the Doberman Pinscher at all! The breed is actually much older than the Doberman Pinscher. The word "pinscher" in German means "terrier". Their high spirit and bright personality make them a charming companion!