German in origin and dating back to the seventeenth century the Affenpinscher was bred to kill rodents around the farm. Average weight for the Affenpinscher is between 7-9 pounds. The average height is around 9-11 in. at the withers. His coat is rough, and wiry shaggy. Mane like around the face and shoulders and shorter in the back. The FCI and UK breed standards says the coat must be black; however, the AKC allows gray, silver, red, tan, and belge (belge is a mixture of red, black, and white hairs). Affe means monkey in German, and this dog is truly a little monkey faced dog complete with facial expressions. This compact little companion is well put together with a straight top line, and well proportioned head. The muzzle should be the same length as the distance between the eyes, and the the dog should have a slightly undershot bite. Level bite is o.k. as long as the monkey face is intact. Overbites are not acceptable for show. This is an adorable dog with tons of personality.

Temperament

The Affenpinscher is a happy, playful, and confident little dog that loves, and protects his family. Also does well with  other family pets. They are an active little dog curious by nature, but they can also be stubborn which makes housebreaking sometimes difficult. Your Affe may be bored if the training is not varied. Affenpinschers can be territorial when it comes to food and toys…so probably not a good breed for a home with very small children. They tend to be a fairly quiet dog unless they feel threatened or are attacked.These little guys are afraid of nothing.

Grooming

Affenpinschers need to be groomed two to three times per week in order to keep their coat in good condition.

Health

Possible issues

• Hip dysplasia
• Collapsed Trachea (avoidable if dog is walked with a harness instead of a leash)
• Cataracts (occasionally)

The Affenpinscher has a life span of about 11 1/2 years which is relatively short considering most small dogs live well into their teens. Overall a sound little dog with tons of personality and love.

Description

A large breed dog that was bred mainly for pulling freight sleds. The Alaskan Malamute averages around 23 to 26 in. in height at the shoulder, and the average weight is 75-85 pounds, but it’s not unheard of to have one larger or smaller than the dog breeds average. They have a thick coat of fur. The coarse outer coat (guard hair) and the woolly undercoat, which will keep them well insulated in harsh climates, and comes in a large variety of colors (red, white, sable, gray, black).  Beautiful almond shaped eyes in a range from light to dark and hazel to honey in color (Blue eyes are pretty but will disqualify your dog for show). The Alaskan Malamute stands over his shoulders and is a well built, compact dog (height to length ratio is slightly longer than tall),  with large bone structure. An Alaskan Malamutes tail curls up over the back and is very full. This tail serves a purpose by helping to keep the dogs nose and face protected from freezing temperatures when they sleep outdoors in the snow. The Alaskan Malamute has not changed much over the years, and is truly a magnificent dog.

Temperament

Genetically this dog is imprinted with all the skills to survive outdoors in all kinds of weather with humans. A owner that cannot accept an independent, free thinking dog, that may not always mind should perhaps choose a different dog breed. Wolves and Malamutes were once cross bred, and today that genetic link gives the Malamute the strong urge to hunt, so smaller animals in the home may be a problem if not properly introduced and monitored.  Malamutes get along well with their humans, and make good house pets being sure footed in and around  children and furniture. Not big on barking, but do enjoy “talking” Malamutes make a sound that resembles Chewbaccas vocalization from Star Wars. When a Malamute howls it resembles that of a Wolf.

Health

Possible issues

• Hip Dysplasia
• Hereditary Cataracts
• Inherited Polyneuropathy
• Chondrodysplasia
• Progressive  Retinal Atrophy

Recent DNA testing has shown that the Malamute is one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and genetically distinct from other dog breeds.

Description

The Italian Greyhouond is a very old breed of sighthound and he is without a doubt the smallest of the sighthounds. Skeletal remains of a small Greyhound have been found in a 6000 year old tomb, as well as in the remains of the city of Pompeii. They have been favored by Kings and Queens throughout history, even an African Chieftain was enamored of this dog. The Italian Greyhound stands between 12 and 15 in. tall at the withers. There are two weight classes with this breed…8 lbs max. and over 8 lbs. Greyhounds have a very short, silken coat that comes in a variety of colors red, fawn, black, blue, slate gray, light gray, or cream usually patterned with white.

Temperament

This is a soft spoken gentled natured dog. He has a sweet disposition and is very loving, and attached to his owner. The Italian Greyhound is a intelligent dog, and can be easily trained by a gentle pack leader. They are very capable of getting along with dogs, and cats with proper socialization. They will accept well behaved children as long as the children are mindful. The Italian Greyhound make a fantastic companion pet, and some people even suggest getting two to keep each other company.

Grooming/Exercise

Super simple to care for the Italian Greyhounds beautiful coat. Give it a rubdown with a chamois, and only bathe him when needed making sure to get him completely dry afterward and keep him warm. You will need to brush his teeth daily to keep the gums healthy, and to prevent decay and tooth loss. They need a great deal of exercise beginning with a long walk. They will also require a safe and secure area where they can be let off lead to run. You should find an Italian Greyhound play date group. They should be supervised in all play activities. They do great in apartment living as long as you provide the the needed exercise to keep him happy and healthy.

Health

Life Expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

Possible Issues

• Slipped Stifle
• Fractures
• PRA
• Epilepsy