Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a cocky, extraverted, devoted and affectionate little guy. They are intelligent, easy to train, and they love to please their owners. They like to keep their bright little brains busy and thrive on learning new tricks and commands. For this reason, they excel at obedience competition. They will seem to understand your every word. Add this trainability to their cuddle-ability and you will see why this is a popular choice for therapy dogs. They are excellent at comforting the elderly or ill. They just love to snuggle up and nap in a person's lap. They don't require much exercise, but will require lots of your attention. They will want to be included in whatever you are doing, and have been known to be a bit nosey. They make a natural watchdog and will bark a warning when anyone approaches your home. They are distrustful of strangers. However, they are also known to bark recreationally. They will do well with other dogs, but be aware that the Pom doesn't know that he is tiny, and will be fearless with a dog of any size, which can get him into trouble. You will have to supervise your Pom when he is interacting with other dogs. You will also need to supervise young children to ensure they are respectful and gentle with their Poms. Poms can resemble the cutest stuffed animal in the world, and small children can unwittingly trample them. A Pomeranian will make you an excellent, loving companion and will entertain you each and every day.The Pomeranian is very intelligent and easy to train. He learns new commands very fast. The Pomeranian is a very heavy shedder. He sheds an awful lot of hair! You'll find hair all over your home, stuck to everything! You'll probably even find it in the butter. The medium-length coat of the Pomeranian only requires an occasional brushing. But because he sheds you may find yourself brushing him once or twice a week to remove loose hair. What you get out with a brush doesn't fall out in your home.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a unique breed. Intelligent, active, energetic, they think pretty highly of themselves. They are famous for their spirited boldness and independent nature. If you are not careful, they will train you. Early obedience training is important, but even then, Shibas don't really enjoy being obedient. Off leash work is especially challenging and the recall might require a miracle. They love to run and they love to run away. They are escape artists and owners must be careful every single time they open a door because they will bolt. Some can even climb chain link fences. Shibas have been known to disappear for days at a time. They will hunt mice, squirrels, and other small animals if they can. Shibas need regular exercise but a spirited 30 minute walk each day should suffice. They are good watchdogs and only bark when there is a reason. They are reserved toward strangers. They tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, and can coexist peacefully with cats, but if a cat runs away, there's a good chance the Shiba will chase it. Shibas will do well with older, well-behaved children, but some are afraid of young children and alarmed by their squeals and quick movements. Many Shibas will run and hide from toddlers. If the toddler pursues the dog, it could easily result in a fear-biting incident. While a Shiba can be sweet, you will earn whatever affection you get. They are not lapdogs and prefer to sit beside you, not on you. They are not particularly cuddly and don't really like to be held. They spend a lot of time on their own, enjoying some quiet solitude. Because they don't really like to be touched or handled, grooming can be a real challenge. They are generally quiet, but do possess the Shiba scream -- a high-pitched banshee call. They let this scream go whenever they are unhappy, and it can be a bit embarrassing. They can be a bit of a drama queen. But despite all of the breed's idiosyncrasies, Shiba owners will tell you they are the best breed in the world: funny, loyal, playful and fast to housetrain. So if you want a dog who thinks he's smarter than you, and will try to push your buttons, then you might consider the beautiful, athletic, energetic Shiba.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bermese Mountain Dog was bred to be the farmer's companion, and today, a Bermese Mountain Dog will want to be by your side at all times. They make a great family dog, and usually single out one person in the household to be their best friend. They are loyal and devoted and will strive to please you. They are excellent with kind and gentle children. They are extremely intelligent, and are known for manipulating their humans. Because of their intelligence, they need to be mentally stimulated. They are gentle, easygoing, good-natured, affectionate, and docile. They are incredibly devoted to their own family, and generally aloof towards strangers. A tendency to be shy runs in the breed, and early socialization is important. Most Bermese Mountain Dogs do well with other animals, but some of them do chase smaller animals. They need daily exercise, but not as much as some more energetic breeds. They don't enjoy playing fetch and certainly don't make good jogging partners. In warm weather, they will dig holes to try to get at the cool earth, and this will often happen in your favorite flower bed. In general, they love to be outside, as long as you are there with them. They always want to be part of the family and will demand a lot of your attention. Inside, they are usually quiet and calm, though their wagging tail will often find your cup of coffee. They do not bark unnecessarily, but will announce a stranger at the door, so they make good watchdogs. They are very protective of the members of their family. They are slow to mature, and can act "puppyish" for several years. The younger Bermese Mountain Dogs are very active, and the older ones are pleasantly mellow, though they still take a lively interest in family business. In short, this is a devoted breed who will need to be right in the thick of things.

Chow Chow

One of the oldest breeds in the world, the Chow Chow is a fiercely loyal dog who is reserved with his affection. While cuddly little powder puffs as puppies, they often end up developing difficult behaviors at 5-8 months old. They can be food aggressive, aggressively protective of their owners and territory, and they can exhibit irritable aggression. These traits were bred into them, and it is imperative that a Chow owner starts obedience training when the Chow is very young, so that the owner can control these behaviors. The Chow is independent, stubborn, and pushy and his owner will have to earn his respect early. He is highly intelligent, so will learn from obedience training, but still may choose not to be obedient. They are not exactly eager to please. They make great watchdogs as they are naturally territorial. They are protective of their owners and their children and they only bark for a reason. They are reserved with strangers and families will need to make their visitors aware that Chows can be fierce if a stranger approaches "his" property. They do well with children if they are brought up with them, and if the children know how to behave around a Chow. They also have poor peripheral vision, so one must take care approaching them from behind or from the side. This could startle them and cause them to be defensive. Chows only need minimal to moderate amounts of exercise. They like to go for walks. They are not big on rain. They also don't like to play fetch. They need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area as they have no road-sense, and they will chase and potentially kill sheep, squirrels, cats, and anything else they see as prey. They also don't do well with same-sex dogs and can be very aggressive with them. However, they are usually quiet, exceptionally fast at housetraining, not prone to digging, and seem to have no interest in destroying furniture. (They are a little too high-brow for that.) They seem to have an innate dignity that they work to preserve. Some Chows breathe heavily and stress easily during heat, exercise and excitement. They will need access to water and protection from the sun and heat at all times. In short, these black-tongued, lion-like dogs make devoted companions, but don't mistake them for a lapdog. And be sure you are ready for a dog that wants to have his say.

Siberian Husky

Bred to be a sled dog, the Siberian Husky makes a great all-around dog. They are agreeable, alert, and outgoing. They have amazing endurance, and are always willing to work and want something to do, so they need at least an hour of exercise per day. They also need to be around people or other dogs at all times. They need companionship. A bored or lonely Siberian is a destructive Siberian tearing up couches and cushions. They can easily destroy your house and yard if they decide it's a good idea (and they probably will at some point). Siberians also love to dig! If you let them near your flowerbed, you will no longer have any flowers, or a bed. Siberian Huskies love to run and sometimes they love to run away. They cannot be trusted off leash. You will need a fenced-in yard, and you will need to make sure the fence is secure, because if there is any possible way out, the Siberian Husky will find it. They are excellent escape artists! (And they are not car smart and could get hit by one!) Huskies are also famous for escaping through the front door. If you've seen a crazy woman running all over town in her bathrobe, you now know that she was probably chasing her Siberian. They are not avid barkers, nor are they particularly protective, so they might not alert you when someone is at the door. They are not overly suspicious of strangers, and they are so indiscriminately friendly, that if a burglar breaks into your home, your Siberian might try to lick him to death. While they are not famous for the nuisance bark, they have been known to howl. Siberians are good with children, and love to play with them. They get along well with other dogs, and love to play with other Siberians. They do not however, in general, do well with cats. Sadly, Siberians have been known to kill cats, even ones they've lived with for a while. Siberians need to be supervised around any small animals. Siberians are intelligent and can be a bit stubborn. They can be challenging to train. They are bred to pull, so teaching them to heel can be particularly difficult. They are also usually reluctant to return to you on a recall. You will need to earn his respect and establish yourself as the pack leader. Siberian Huskies have a joyful demeanor, loveable facial expressions, and an exuberant love for life. They are friendly, loving, and enjoy attention. And they need a lot of it.

Akita

The Akita is a strong, courageous, and family-oriented dog. They have strong guarding instincts and are protective and territorial. They are quiet, large and powerful dogs who can be intimidating. Temperaments range within the breed. Some are calm, and some are aggressive, so the breed should always be supervised around children. They are not usually aggressive toward people, but they are wary of strangers. They are food aggressive, so they need to have their own food dish and a safe space to eat. Care needs to be taken to keep children away from the food while the dog is eating. The Akita is typically gentle with and protective of children, but isn't always tolerant of the erratic behavior of small children, and no child wants to be snapped at by a giant Akita. They can also be intolerant of other dogs and are often aggressive towards other animals. They have a natural hunting instinct and should never be allowed to roam outside of a safely fenced-in area. The Akita is bright and sensitive, but he is also independent, headstrong, and dominant, so it is important to start obedience training early. If you do not assume the role of pack leader, he will. However, with patience and perseverance, the Akita is highly trainable because of their intelligence. They are rather famous for being easy to housetrain. The Akita has moderate exercise needs and should get exercise daily. They are sensitive and responsive and will thrive on your attention. Your Akita will probably decide his purpose in life is to protect you and spend time with you. The Akita will only bark for a good reason, but they do "talk" a lot. They grunt and groan and mumble to communicate, which is endearing for the Akita lovers of the world. They also like to carry things in their mouths, and this includes your wrist. They might take hold of your arm and gently lead you to the food bin. While it takes the right person and family to raise an Akita, the rewards are rich. Your Akita will be a part of the family, a loyal protector with unparalleled devotion.

Samoyed

The Samoyed is an affectionate people-dog who will want to be the center of attention. He will crave your attention and will either behave or misbehave to get it, whichever seems to work better at the time. This is an energetic, athletic, working dog who enjoys hiking, herding, weight pulling, sledding, conformation, and agility. A Samoyed needs a job to do. Early obedience training is important because if you don't establish yourself as the pack leader early on, your Samoyed will take on the role. This is an uncannily intelligent breed who thinks independently. They will learn your command quickly but they will also attach their own interpretation to it. It can be especially difficult to train this breed to walk on a lead, because these dogs were bred to pull. The Samoyed is an energetic breed that needs exercise every day. They do best with a fenced-in yard, as they will chase a cat or squirrel that they find interesting. And once they get away, it can be very hard to get them to come back. Be careful that your Samoyed does not dig his way under your fence to escape, because he will. They are very talented diggers and many of them enjoy "gardening" and will dig and rearrange your garden. Some also enjoy eating foreign objects. The "chewing" phase for a Samoyed can last for years. They can be quite mischievous and are famous for the sparkle in their eye and their ability to smile. These are expressive, vibrant dogs who like to stay busy and like to be involved. They are quick-witted and inquisitive and remain playful for their entire lives. They love to play with and be with children. They are gentle with and very protective of children. The Samoyed makes a very good watch dog. He enjoys watching everything and he will bark a warning if something new and exciting is happening outside, whether it's a squirrel or a burglar. However, once the burglar is through the door, your Samoyed will show him to the silverware. Samoyeds are very vocal and love to bark, yap, yodel, holler, and sing. They truly love the sound of their own voice, but are usually not problem barkers. However, it's really up to your neighbors to define problem barking. The Samoyed is incredibly perceptive of human emotion. Lack of harmony in the home might upset him. He cannot be happy if you are unhappy, and he is known for giving extra cuddles to someone who is sad. They have been known to be extra attentive and loving to family members a few days before those people fall ill. They also seem to know who truly loves them, who just tolerates them, and who dislikes them and will respond accordingly. This is a dog who needs to be with you all the time, everywhere. Lonely Samoyeds are known for chewing the hair off their legs and tails. They need to be with you to be healthy. They will want to ride in the car with you and sleep in the bed with you. They are trusting, loyal, gentle, and loving.

Labrador Retriever

 
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States (and Canada and Australia). He's owned by millions of people! Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs. They are very loyal and loving to their families. Labs are friendly, happy-go-lucky dogs prized for their stable and reliable temperaments. Labs are good-natured and trustworthy. They're dependable and easy-going. Labs are very stable, they aren't easily upset or startled. They're eager to please you, always seeking your approval. Labs are very affectionate with their families and desire plenty of close physical contact, tummy rubs and behind the ears scratches. They thrive on human companionship and attention. They always want to be with you and will follow you around everywhere you go! They'll lie on your feet, sit on your lap, and lean against you! If you don't like being followed around and having a dog in your face all the time, then a Lab probably isn't for you -- because he just wants to be with you! He will greet you enthusiastically at the door with a wagging tail and kisses every time you arrive home. Labs are highly intelligent, highly trainable, and learn your commands very quickly. They also love to chew things! They'll mouth and chew anything they can get their mouths around. They also love to carry things around in their mouths. Labs are friendly with everyone! They get along well with other dogs and strangers. Labs aren't "one-man" dogs because they enjoy the company of everybody. Labs are gentle and patient with children, even if the child's behavior is bratty. They love to run and play with children but care should be taken as they may accidently knock over a small child while playing with them out of over enthusiasm. Labs physically grow very quickly, but continue acting like puppies until they're about four years old. So you'll need to give him plenty of obedience training if you want to keep him under control. He loves to play with and chew on his toys. He'll play with you at any opportunity he gets. His favorite game to play is fetch. He'll fetch a tennis balls for hours, and he'll fetch the morning paper for you too. He loves to swim and will fetch things out of water. If he spots a puddle or water or mud he'll probably jump in it and then lay in it. He doesn't mind getting dirty and he'll bring mess back inside the home, so if you're a clean-freak he might not be the best dog for you. He also doesn't mind getting his face wet when he has a drink from his water bowl so expect a wet floor and wet kisses after he's had a drink. If wiping up water with a towel doesn't amuse you then a Labrador isn't for you. He'll probably retrieve things like a dead fish or a dead squirrel and bring them to you (it's his instinct). Because he likes to take things into his mouth he's also prone to swallowing things that he shouldn't, like socks, toys, or bones which can cause intestinal blockage. His tail can swipe the items off a coffee table in one clean sweep. He is not a guard dog and is more likely to lick an intruder to death than to be aggressive with him. However, he will provide you with a warning when someone approaches by barking at them. He's athletic and strong and has plenty of energy. He makes a great hiking and jogging companion. If he gets lonely or bored or doesn't get enough exercise he might misbehave by digging holes, barking, or destructively chewing things. So each day be sure to spend time with him, play with him and give him some exercise (thirty minutes a day playing fetch and allowing him to romp around outside will allow him to release his pent up energy). A Lab can live quite happily in an apartment without a yard so long as he gets to go for a walk and a run outside every day. If you have a yard it needs to be fenced or he will wander away. Besides being a excellent family pet he also excels at therapy work, as a guide dog, in the agility ring, at obedience competitions, in hunting, as a search and rescue dog.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately called the "Sheltie," is one of the most trainable and loving breeds there is. They are incredibly intelligent and in tune to their owners thoughts and moods. They can be almost psychic when it comes to knowing what you are feeling. If you want to play, your Sheltie is ready to play. If you are sad, your Sheltie will show concern with a worried look and a few kisses. If you are not in the mood, your Sheltie will give you your space. They are sensitive and responsive to training, and sometimes respond to commands before they are given. They are one of the top breeds in the obedience ring, but they also excel in agility, herding, and flyball. They need a moderate amount of exercise every day, and they are happiest when they get this exercise outdoors. They are a working dog and they need a job to do. They need something to occupy their minds. If you don't give them something, they will think of something on their own, which is usually not a good thing. They are also devoted companions and family dogs and are especially fond of children. They will want to be involved in everything you do and go everywhere you go. They will follow you from room to room, including the restroom. They are also protective, especially of "their" children, and will bark a warning whenever someone nears your door. They are sound sensitive and bark at all strange sounds, even the ones you never hear. Barking can be a problem with Shelties, as they seem to have a lot to say. They are very expressive and talk to you with whines, groans, grunts and a thousand different barks. (They can also smile.) Not only will they bark at you, they may also try to herd you. But it's not personal. They will also try to herd children, bicycles, joggers, cars, ducks, and sometimes airplanes. They are usually naturally distrustful of strangers and should be socialized early in life. They are safest in a home with a fenced-in yard. They are peaceful other dogs and animals. A Sheltie needs to be a part of the family. They are an intensely loyal dog and will not do well if left alone. They love their families and crave human interaction. Owning a Sheltie is a 24-7 endeavor. They love attention. They love to learn. They love to please you. They also love to bark and to steal food from your children.