The Brussels Griffon, also referred to as the Griffon Belge, the Griffon Bruxellois, and the Belgian Griffon, is a small Belgium dog breed that was used to kill vermin in horse stables. This interesting looking little fellow stands between 7 and 8 inches tall and weighs in at a whopping 6 to 12 pounds. They come in two varieties, rough hair and smooth hair. Both versions can be found with black, black and tan, or red colored coats.

To care for this little dog you will want to brush their coat several times a week to prevent matting and to remove debris and dirt. They can usually get enough exercise to stay healthy by playing indoors, however, they also enjoy spending time frolicking outside and going for short walks. This dog will need to be trained and you will need to be consistent with your praise and corrections. If you plan on breeding this dog you should understand that they have a very difficult time whelping and only about 60 percent of puppies make it. In addition to reproductive problems, this breed also has respiratory issues and eye problems.

A painting by Jan Van Eyck portrayed the Brussels Griffon in 1434. At one time the Brussels Griffon was known as the “Belgian street urchin” and was often found killing rats in stables. Bred for their ratting abilities, their heritage is probably largely due to the Affenpinscher, as well as the Dutch Pug, Ruby English Toy Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier and Irish Terriers.

Brussels Griffons were often kept in stables as rat catchers. Gradually they became regular members of most Belgian households. Old folk songs and tales of the period mention “bearded dogs” in reference to the spunky Brussels Griffon.

These days, the breed is still considered rare, putting a strain on available breeding stocks, especially when it comes to unscrupulous or amateur backyard breeders. To ensure purity of line, breeders now require signed contracts obliging new owners to have their pup spayed or neutered by a certain date.

The Brussels Griffon is known to be a wonderful companion dog. They fair quite well with children and other dogs even cats. They are small so apartment living would be just fine. They are affectionate but at times can be a bit stubborn. They enjoy the companionship of humans and are known to be very charming. This breed would be perfect for an individual looking for a friend or a family looking for a lovable dog to keep the children company.

To keep their wiry coat free of mats, Rough Brussels Griffons require regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months.

There are two coats in this breed, the rough and the smooth. The smooth coat, like any smooth coated dog, has a seasonal shed. That means that in the spring and fall, the dead hairs fall out. The shed lasts maybe two weeks and is encouraged with warm baths followed by brushing. The second coat is rough and experiences less shedding but still requires regular brushing.

The Brussels Griffon is very active indoors and is capable of exercising on his own. They are happy in a small household or apartment and are content to live without a yard.

Due to the shortened snout that Griffons have, heat stroke is a major concern for the breed. To be left outside for any lengthy period of time can be extremely devastating for a Griffon. The breed’s smashed face may cause serious respiratory issues in extreme heat. Because of this danger Griffons are not favored for walking or living outside in warmer climates.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the smartest, most athletic, and most affectionate dog breeds in the world. They are highly trainable and can excel at just about any training activity you give them.

American Pit bull Terrier is by far the most misunderstood breed of dog. Its origin, which is full of brutality and violence, has played a big role to the public confusion. In reality, American Pit bull Terrier is a loving, very obedient, and loyal breed.

During the nineteenth century, Europeans experimented by crossing bulldogs to terriers in hopes to result in a breed having the gameness of terriers and the strength and athleticism of bulldogs. They did just that and the Pit bull Terrier was developed. Unfortunately, the purpose of their breeding was to feed the desires of man to witness bloodshed and violence.

Originally, they were used in bull baiting, a brutal animal spectacle where dogs are used to submit enraged bulls. Eventually, this was banned but the fight instincts of Pit bull Terriers remain intact. When Pit bull Terriers reached America, American breeders increased its weight and gave him a more powerful head. Eventually in America, they were commonly used for dogfighting because of their high prey instinct.

They have smaller British cousins in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Some, especially the UKC, see them as the same breeds but most disagree and asserted that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed.

Today American Pit bull Terriers are no longer bred to fight. Although, some irresponsible breeders may still develop American Pit bull Terriers solely to fight in underground dogfighting arenas. Often, these “mis-bred”, improperly trained dogs were left in the streets and became harmful to the populace contributing to the poor public image of the breed. Any dog who is trained to fight and kill will act unruly and unfortunately some bad breeders picked the American Pit bull Terriers to be that dog.

American Pit bull Terriers are strongly built, and athletic looking. They have short and smooth coats. Their eyes are round to almond shaped, and their ears are small to medium in length and can be natural or cropped. The tail is thick, medium to long, and tapers to a point.

American Pit bull Terriers are loyal and very eager to please. They are intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, they thrive in obedience contests. They are fun-loving and never aggressive to children. But most of the time, they can be overly active and they are prone to accidentally knock people down.

American Pit bull Terriers need to be socialized extensively as early as seven weeks old. Lack of socialization will make them aggressive, aloof, or territorial. Proper obedience training is must for American Pit bull Terriers. They need to be taught how to be calm and mild-mannered when prompt. As they get older, they can be trained to do more fun tricks.

American Pit bull Terriers must be handled with a firmly but also with gentle sensitivity. They are hurt easily when shouted at and respond poorly when spanked. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train American Pit bull Terriers.

Through this method you can teach American Pit bull Terriers different tricks that will surely entertain your friends.

The Cane Corso has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years. While this breed can make a great family companion it is important to choose the right dog and start obedience training right away.

Because of their popularity there are many breeders of this breed who contribute to health and temperament problems due to a lack of breeding skill. Seek out reputable breeders when choosing your Cane Corso.

Origin

The history of the Cane Corso breed is shrouded in mystery. The Cane Corso is likely to have descended from the same root stock as the Neapolitan Mastiff, the infamous Roman war dog “Canes Pugnax”.

This breed was used originally on farms for stock control and as watch dogs and they were sometimes used as hunters for larger game animals.

The breed nearly went extinct but was saved through the efforts of enthusiasts for the breed in the 1980s.

Appearance and Abilities

The Cane Corso is medium to large molossus dog. Compared to other mastiffs, it is leaner and more finely muscled. They are considered athletic with a balanced combination of speed, agility, and strength.

They have big, strong bones. The male Cane Corso is about 27.5 inches in height at withers and 26 inches for females. They have an alert and attentive expression and oftentimes their face wrinkles to a frown when they are observing.

The Cane Corso has a short and shiny coat that is stiff, dense, and adherent. They have a light undercoat that thickens when in cold weather. Acceptable coat colors are black, lighter and darker shades of gray, lighter and darker shades of fawn, and red. Brindling is allowed on all of these colors.

Temperament and Tendencies

The Cane Corso is a naturally docile breed with an even temperament. They are alert but steady and calm and they will not spring into action unless real threat is present. Their guarding instincts are high and they may seem indifferent at first but they will warm to you as time goes by. The Cane Corso are wired to be suspicious especially to strangers but they will usually remain quiet until provoked.

They are very intelligent and easily trained and they are loyal and devoted to their master and will protect their family at all costs. They are noble and majestic in their actions; their presence is imposing. When they are with his family, they are warm and affectionate even with little children. The Cane Corso is a dependable and faithful companion.

The Cane Corso has an impressively high tolerance to pain. They are bred to guard; but they are not considered a fighting breed but they will not back down to any challenge. They are very courageous and they believes that it’s their purpose to protect their masters and their master’s property.

Training and Care

With strong guarding instincts, the Cane Corso requires early and extensive socialization. Socialization will not make it less of a watchdog but it will make the dog less aggressive and more tentative to spring into hostile action. A poorly socialized Cane Corso will become too aggressive and may lose its composure even to the most trivial things. Lack of socialization will make the Cane Corso believe that almost everything is a threat.

Natural authority must be imposed to the Cane Corso. Always assume the pack leader status. The dog will be happy to serve his leader. If the Cane Corso knows his place in the pecking order it will be easier to train and manage. Well-trained Cane Corsos are wonderful to be around. Owners will feel secure and blessed to have a Cane Corso at their side.

The Bearded Collie is a British breed that descends from the Polski Owczarek Nizinny Dog and the Highland Collie. It is a working dog that was bred to work with sheep and cattle. It is a mid-sized dog that grows to be between 20 and 22 inches tall and it can weigh up to about 60 pounds. It is known for its long, silky, fluffy coat. Its coat colors come in slate, blue, gray, brown, white, black, and sand.

This is a very sweet dog that makes a great family pet. They also work great in multi-pet families. Their protective nature makes them a great watch dog.

To care for this breed you will need to brush their long coats daily to keep them free of matting and debris. They will also need a haircut every two months. This is an active breed that needs a lot of regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. In addition to proper grooming and exercise they also need to be trained. The best training methods for this breed are ones that are firm but not overly domineering. This is a relatively healthy dog breed, however, they are prone to hip dysplasia.

The Boston Terrier is an American breed that was created by crossing the French Bulldog and the White English Terrier. This breed originally developed as a fighting dog, however, this breed is not aggressive towards people.

The Boston Terrier is a small dog that only stands between 10 and 16 inches tall. Its weight usually stays between 11 and 24 pounds. Their coats are short and silky. This breed comes in two color varieties: a black coat with white markings or a brindle coat with white markings. Some of the health issues that this breed is susceptible to are cataracts, breathing problems, and whelping difficulties.

The Boston Terrier can often have a large variety in personality with one member of a litter having certain traits and another with completely different traits. As these dogs can have dominant personalities it is important to start early with obedience training.

Boston Terriers originated in the United States. They are small but compact dogs. They determined and tough. However, they are also faithful and affectionate companions.

Origin of the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier originated in the United States in 1870. Originally, it was a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. They were made smaller down in size by interbreeding the original lines with smaller females until finally, an offspring was interbred with one or more French Bulldogs. The resulting offspring became the foundation of the modern Boston Terriers.

Boston Terrier Appearance and Abilities

The Boston Terrier is a lively and highly intelligent breed with an excellent disposition. They are tough as nails but known to be warm and loyal. The Boston Terrier is a very strong dog and has great stamina.

Their build is compact and well-muscled and they have very distinct faces. The muzzle is short and wide and their large round eyes are set apart from each other. Their neck is slightly arched and their chests are broad their limbs are straight and muscular.

The coat of a Boston Terrier is usually short with a fine texture that comes in brindle and white, or black and white, and some are brown and white.

Temperament and Tendencies of the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a fairly active dog. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence. They are enthusiastic but usually very well-mannered.

Boston Terriers are very eager to please and learn. They thrive on positive reinforcement but are especially sensitive to harsh methods of training. Boston Terriers are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. Don’t shout at them, it will make them feel miserable and may produce anxiety. They may try to take the alpha role if you are not clear with who is the leader.

They are very friendly creatures and are great with children and other animals as well. However, the breeds’ behavior may vary a lot. Since they are bred to fight, they can become stubborn and aggressive, but with extensive socialization, they can become very pleasant companions.

They may bark but they will usually only bark if they sense something unusual. Barking at strangers incessantly is not a natural Boston Terrier trait. Usually, they consider everyone a potential friend.

Boston Terrier Training and Care

In order to train Boston Terriers effectively, the owners must display leadership. With meek and inconsistent owners, they tend to become too willful. They will begin to believe they are running the show. They will become dominant and treat their owners as subordinates.

Socialization is also very important for Boston Terriers. Highly socialized Boston Terriers turn out to be affectionate, friendly, and refined. Boston Terriers are very alert dogs. If trained to be guard dogs, they can excel with no problem.

Make sure to correct unwanted behavior and establish leadership as early as possible.

House training Boston Terriers may be challenging. Generally, they have difficulty because of their small bladders, especially when they are still young. Yet, with consistency, they can adapt not to urinate or defecate in inappropriate places.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British breed that originated from the King Charles Spaniel breed. The British breeders achieved a longer face and a heavier build by crossing the King Charles Spaniel with a Cocker Spaniel. The resulting dog breed stands between 12 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 18 pounds. They come in a variety of color combinations including black and tan, ruby and white and Blenheim (chestnut and white and tan.)

To care for this breed you will need to brush their coat weekly. Like most breeds with long floppy ears you will need to check their ears regularly and make sure that they stay clean. This breed doesn’t require a lot of exercise. You can keep them healthy by simply playing with them in the backyard or by taking them for a walk around the block once a day. Some of the health issues that you will need to keep your eyes open for include heart murmurs, patella luxation, ear infections, and eye conditions

History and Origin

There has been much speculation about the origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as we know it today. This breed is widely believed to be the direct descendant of the small Toy Spaniels seen in so many of the pictures of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

It is possible that the Cavalier developed from a red and white spaniel indigenous to Malta or Italy, which was crossed with a spaniel type from the Far East in the 13th century.

The royal name, ‘King Charles Spaniel’ was bestowed during the reign of King Charles II, who was so fond of his spaniels he could not be parted from them.

This breed was known as a “comfort dog” and doctors even wrote prescriptions with this little dog as the remedy

Appearance and Abilities

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has expressive, large, dark round eyes set in a slightly rounded head. This member of the Toy Group, although built along the lines of a small gun dog, this breed is the smallest spaniel.

It has a height of 12 to 13 inches at the withers; its weight proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. A small, well balanced dog within these weights is desirable, but these are ideal heights and weights and slight variations are permissible.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat is long and silky and very soft to the touch; free from curl, though a slight wave is permissible. Feathering on ears, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed.

Temperament and Tendencies

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delightfully affectionate, playful, intelligent little dog that repays his owner’s care and attention with an endearing devotion and a wagging tail. The Cavalier is very happy, active and fearless despite its diminutive size. It is very loving to its family and a good companion for both children and seniors.

This is an active, graceful, well-balanced breed of spaniel, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and friendly.

They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavaliers love their family so much and enjoy companionship.

Training and Care

It often takes longer for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy to be housebroken than for most other small breeds. The breed needs time and maturity to get the muscle control in order to perform where they should.

These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training.

The breed is adaptable in their need for exercise, happy with either sleeping on the couch or taking long walks.

The Cavalier does require regular grooming. A great deal of time and effort is not necessary if the dog is brushed and combed thoroughly at least once a week. Cavaliers do shed, particularly in spring and fall.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an American breed that is known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are a mid-sized breed that can grow up to 19 inches tall and weigh up to about 50 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that can be brindle, fawn, black, blue, white, or red. Some of the health issues that you will need to watch out for with this breed are hip dysplasia, hives, and insect bites. If cared for properly and given the right nutrition this breed can live to be about 12 years of age.

Even though this breed developed as a fighting dog they make loving pets. If you are interested in this breed and have small children then you will want to get your American Staffordshire Terrier as a puppy and raise it with your kids. This breed does not get along well with small pets like cats, ducks, and rabbits because it has a natural hunting personality.

To care for this breed you will need to brush only occasionally. Dry shampoo is a good option with this breed as they are prone to skin conditions. They will also need daily exercise that challenges their muscle strength and endurance. Also, because of their natural hunting behavior they need to be trained properly to reduce negative confrontations with children and other animals.

The Fila Brasileiro is a rare dog that should only be owned by a very specific type of dog owner.

Noted for extreme territorialness this breed must be handled with heavy supervision. They should not be allowed to roam areas where they will have access to neighbors or passers-by, they must be kept safely contained when not under direct supervision.

Originally developed as a herding breed in Brazil this dog still excels as a working and guarding dog.

The Fila Brasileiro is a rather tricky dog to own. They are strong and powerful dogs with a tremendous guarding instinct. Proper training and socialization is vital.

In spite of this, Filas are great companions because they are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners.

Origin of the Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the “Brazilian Mastiff” or “Brazilian Molosser”, is believed to have been evolved from a number of breeds, the English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros. A Molosser breed, they were developed in Brazil, and specifically in Sao Paolo.

They was once used to track fugitive slaves in Brazil and return them to their masters. It is reputed for its size and aggression. Consequently, they are unfairly banned in some countries.

Fila Brasileiro Appearance and Abilities

Fila Brasileiro’s general appearance is a typical molossoid breed with powerful bone structure, rectangular and compact figure, but harmonious and proportional.

It can reach the height of 29.5 inches and can weigh up to 110 pounds. It has a short and smooth coat. Solid Black, Brown, Chestnut, Yellow, Reddish and Brindled are the permitted colors. White markings on the feet, chest, and the tip of the tail are permitted but should not exceed 1/4 of the coat surface area based on FCI standards.

The Fila Brasileiro have superb tracking abilities. They got their excellent noses from the Bloodhound bloodline. They also have tremendous guarding instinct which makes them very useful as a guard dog.

Their muzzles are heavy with pendulous upper lips giving it a typical Mastiff appearance.

Temperament and Tendencies of the Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is a courageous and loyal dog. They have a strong instinct to protect their owners without hesitation.

Naturally, Filas are very devoted and loving companions to their masters and even to children. They are patient and amazingly gentle with kids and can take abuse from them without provoking any hint of aggression. They are docile and obedient to their owners and family.

Filas can bond with other animals if socialized properly. They always seek companionship and they will serve and protect at all costs. Filas think of these tasks as their life’s primary purpose.

They are confident and self-assured and they carry themselves with a calm disposition. However, their guarding and hunting instinct make them very wary of strangers and they are also inclined, by instinct, to hunt big game and to herd cattle. Their instincts gave them the reputation as vicious and aggressive dogs but in actuality, they are only aggressive to apparent threats. They won’t spring into action without being provoked.

Fila Brasileiro Training and Care

Fila Brasileiro breeds are not for everyone. If you want to own one, you must be aware of their characteristics and you must do your research on the breed.

If your main objective is to own a dog to protect your household and guard property, Filas are great dogs for the job. However, you must also consider the frequency of people that come in and out of your house. Filas are wired to guard and if there are a lot of people always nearby, you should consider another breed. Your lifestyle must suite the Fila Brasileiro’s characteristics because you can’t deny this breeds instincts.

Socialization is very important to Filas. This will not make them like strangers but it would rather make them think that not everything is a threat. Lack of socialization will make Filas dangerous to the public.

On top of all these, do not let Filas become dominant. Assume the pack leader status always. Dominant Filas are extremely dangerous.

The Beauceron is a French hunting dog that was bred to track large game animals like stags, bears, and boars. They have also been used as a shepherd for sheep flocks. This is a mid-sized dog that grows to be between 25 and 28 inches tall and they usually weigh between 66 and 85 pounds. Their coat is course, short, and thick. They also have a little fringe of fur near the thighs and under their tail. Their coats are usually dark and range from tan and black merle to solid black.

The natural temperament of this dog is protective and loyal. They work well as a family pet, however, it is a good idea to start with a puppy and raise them around children instead of introducing an adult Beauceron into a family with children. If you have other pets in the house then you will need to train your Beauceron to co-exist with these pets. This breed is territorial so they do not always mesh well with other pets and other dogs.

This is a low maintenance dog breed. They require only minimal brushing and bathing during most of the year. When they start to shed their coats you will need to increase the amount of brushing that you do to keep their coat free of matting. They are an active and agile breed that needs exercise of both their mind and body on a daily basis. To improve their ability to function is a family setting you will need to introduce obedience training and socialization early in their lives. This breed has a few health issues that you will want to watch out for, bloating, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.

History and Origin of the Beauceron

The Beauceron is still best known in its native France particularly in the plains region, between the Seine and Loir, but can also be found in Belgium, Holland and Germany. It is an old and distinct French breed of herding dog and the largest of the French sheepdogs.

The Beauceron was bred as a general-purpose dog. It has been bred down and selected for a very long time, the Beauceron was used to drive and protect the herd (sheep or cattle), guard the house, and defend the family.

The breed has a history that dates back as far as the sixteenth century. It is also known as Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge or French Shorthaired Shepherd. While relatively unknown outside of France, the breed is famous within the country.

Beauceron Appearance and Abilities

The Beauceron is an exceptionally athletic and strong breed with a body structure that is similar to that of the Belgian Malinois. It gives an impression of strength, freedom of movement and liveliness.

They look stern and imposing and make a vigilant watchdog. Beaucerons bear a passing resemblance to German Shepherds. As part of their value as watchdogs, they depend on their fairly large, threatening appearance.

It has a distinctive double dewclaw on its hind legs that causes it to have six toes on each rear foot. The ears of this breed are usually cropped and stand erect, and their eyes are dark, chestnut-colored, and possess a solemn, proud expression.

They are used quite successfully in Search and Rescue work, as well as drug dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.

Temperament and Tendencies of the Beauceron

Beaucerons are noted for their excellent memory and instinct to guard all persons, property and animals of their home. The breed is a brave, faithful and highly intelligent dog. It is friendly, very calm, protective of children, and fearless. It is perfect for both inside and outside the house and can be trained for different activities.

The Beauceron display an extreme sense of loyalty and an eagerness to please their master. They are happiest when they are working or exercising in wide-open spaces.

The breed should appear self-assured. They should never be aggressive, timid, or worried. Although reserved with strangers, the character of the Beauceron should be gentle and courageous. Any display of fear or unjustifiable aggression is not to be tolerated.

Beauceron Training and Care

One of the keys to successfully training a Beauceron is to train it early. Early socialization is required as well. Beaucerons must have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored. They usually express their boredom by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Beaucerons can make a mess of your house and yard.

Beaucerons are prone to bloat; 2 to 3 feedings per day with small portions is best.

The Beauceron’s coat requires little grooming or maintenance. This breed’s coat should be groomed occasionally and given some extra care during shedding season. Beauceron are average shedders.

The Bulldog also referred to as the English Bulldog, is the national symbol for Great Britain. Originally this breed was used to manage oxen, to guard property, to hunt, and to bait large game. Today this breed is mostly a fun-loving family dog noted for their clown-like personality and goofy antics. They can be dominant, however, and should receive early training.

The Bulldog is a small dog that only stands about 12 to 14 inches tall. However, even though they are short they are a relatively heavy set dog weighing in around 55 pounds when fully grown. They have a short smooth coat that comes in both solid colors and variegated color patterns. The most common colors found in this breed include black, red, brown, brindles, and piebald. Although they have a short coat they do shed as much as any other dog.

Because of the build of this breed they have a tendency to over heat, have problems breathing, and have a difficult time whelping. Be careful to keep this dog at a healthy weight and keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Be sure to ask your veterinarian what level of exercise would be appropriate for your bulldog.