The Lakeland Terrier dog breed has an appearance that is very similar to that of the Welsh and the Airedale Terriers. These dogs are considered to be a first-class family pet that is considered to be excellent with children. Because this dog is of a sound temperament and convenient size, he makes for a great guard dog with an excellent warning bark.

The Lakeland Terrier has been used in the past for both fox hunting and badger hunting. In today’s world this dog is kept mainly as a loving family pet as opposed to hunting. In addition to all of the fine qualities listed above, the Lakeland Terrier has in recent years been a very successful contender in the show ring.

Size: The average weight of this dog is just over seven Kg (or 17 lbs). The female Lakeland Terrier has an average weight of about six Kg (or just over 15 lbs). The height should not go over the size of 37 centimeters (or 14.5 inches).

History: The Lakeland Terrier originated at the Lake District of England, hence the word “Lake” in its name. However, this does was originally known as the Patterdale Terrier, named after the place it was first worked with for the local hunts. This dog was also known as the “working dog”. Having made its first appearance in the show ring in 1912, the Lakeland Terrier was recognized in 1921 and well established by 1931.

Feeding: The feeding advice for this dog is very common to most its size. Simply serve him up to one can of any type of branded meaty dog food choice, with biscuit added in equally. Another choice is to create meals that contain 1 1/2 cupfuls of a dry complete food, mixed with 1 cup of feed and 1/2 cup of cold or hot water.

Exercise: This is one animal that has plenty of energy and is fast on their feet. So if you choose to have a Lakeland Terrier as a family pet, be ready to move a lot. This dog is always ready for a quick run or a brisk walk. And so long as you can provide plenty of outdoor exercise, this pet is ideal for apartment living.

Grooming: Trimming this dog breed does take some skill, but only if your goal is to trim him for the show ring. Otherwise, a simply daily brushing and a professional stripping in spring will do just fine.

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The Kerry Blue Terrier, also known as the Irish Blue Terrier has a strong, sturdy body and a short and curly coat. He is an active, athletic terrier that is affectionate with his owners, marvelous with children, a great watchdog, and a tough competitor in the show ring. His Irish descent has made him a rugged workman who is capable of a day’s ground chores. The Kerry Blue is stubborn and needs a consistent and firm training method. The “Stay” and “Come” commands are usually the most difficult to teach. In addition, early socialization is important. This breed has a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs as well as small animals and suspicious of strangers. It may be difficult to keep small pets such as cats or rabbits in a home with this breed. He needs to be well trained and be able to learn to respect his owner’s leadership. This breed needs an owner who is confident, firm, patient, and persistent. The Kerry Blue Terrier may be restless and noisy if left alone for too long. Overall, he makes an ideal house pet and lives an average of 15 years.

Size: The Kerry Blue Terrier stands 17 to 20in at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 40lb.

History and origin: The Kerry Blue originates from the county of Kerry in south-western Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries. He was believed to be a cross between the Irish Terrier and Bedlington Terrier, and some think that the Bull Terrier may have also contributed to the breed’s make-up. He was considered as an all-around utility dog. He started his life as a hunter of foxes and badgers. Being a keen and strong swimmer, he has also been used for otter hunting. This breed has also guarded livestock and saw Army service during World War II. Nowadays, he is mostly kept as one of the most popular pet and show dog.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Kerry Blue Terrier is 1 � 1 1/2 cans (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in same amount or 3 cupfuls of complete dry food.

Exercise: He is a working dog that needs and deserves plenty of exercise. The ideal place for this breed is a house with a fenced-in yard. However, he can easily adapt to an apartment living as long as he gets enough exercise. With proper training, the Kerry Blue Terrier is an excellent breed to jog with.

Grooming: The Kerry Blue Terrier has a short, curly coat that sheds very little and needs to be brushed daily with a stiff brush and metal comb. In addition, the coat needs to be clipped every 2 to 3 months.

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The Japanese Chin (also known as Japanese Spaniel) has a small and square body with a face that is pushed-in and puggish and protruding eyes. This breed can be easily mistaken for the Pekingese, and some believed that the 2 breeds may have evolved from a common stock. What makes the Japanese Chin different from the Pekingese is his more graceful movement that is taller on the leg and has a much lighter body. This breed is a spaniel and shares common traits with the King Charles Spaniel that also originated in Japan. However, he has more of a perky confidence than the slower-moving spaniel. He is full of life but a very dignified little oriental that enjoys being the center of attention. He is happy, affectionate, hardy, playful, easy going, and a loyal family pet. He is wary of strangers and can be mildly stubborn, but he usually responds to patient and persistent training. He needs to be socialized at an early stage in order to help build his confidence. He is usually good with children, although he may not tolerate their commotion and roughhousing. Spoiling this breed creates a controlling, nippy, and insecure dog. He can be difficult to housebreak and can easily damage his protruding eyes on a leash or a door.

Size: This breed stands about 8-9in at the shoulder and weighs approximately 4-8lb.

History and origin: The Japanese Chin was developed in China and introduced into Japan centuries ago. For over 1000 years, he was a favorite of the Japanese emperors that one of them even decreed that all Japanese Chins should be worshipped. Some tiny varieties were even kept in hanging cages in the same manner as small oriental birds. The breed eventually found his way to Europe with returning seamen during the 19th century. However, the Japanese Chin did not make his appearance in the British show ring until 1862 and is not recorded as being shown in the United States until 20 years later. A couple of Japanese Chins were presented to Queen Victoria by Commodore Perry on his return from the Far East in 1853, which contributed to the popularity of the breed.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 6-8oz of cooked mince beef or 1/2 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality brand of dog food with plenty of dog biscuits. He also enjoys lean meat scraps and occasional non-splintery bones.

Exercise: This is an easygoing breed that is ideal for apartment living provided he is walked once or twice a day. He likes to climb and would need extra care to make sure he does not fall off from high places.

Grooming: His long, straight, and silky coat sheds and requires daily brushing with a pure bristle brush. He also needs an occasional trim to keep his coat in good condition.

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The Jack Russell Terrier has a sturdy, compact body with either a short, hard coat or a rough, wiry coat. He is handy size, full of character, and makes for a wonderful sporty companion as well as a house pet. Though he is intelligent, he can be difficult to train because of his stubborn nature and high activity level. This breed is very affectionate with his family and usually friendly toward strangers. He can be easily distracted, particularly by scent and should be kept on leash when taken outside. Training method should be consistent and firm from puppy hood.

Size: The Jack Russell Terrier stands 11-14in at the shoulder and weighs between 10-16lb.

History and origin: This breed was initially developed by Reverend Jack Russell in Devonshire, England who died about 100 years ago. He built up a strain of wire-haired fox Terriers that would hunt with his hounds. They would also go to ground and bolt the fox. Jack Russell not only bred these unique terriers but also judged terriers at West Country shows and was one of the earliest members of the Kennel Club.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 1/2 - 1can of high quality meat product (13.3oz size) with biscuit added in same amount by volume or 1 1/2 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.

Exercise: This breed is suitable for apartment life provided he gets daily exercise. However, this breed needs regular activity to curb his restlessness. He loves to play with a ball and can be a good retriever.

Grooming: A daily brushing with a stiff brush is recommended to keep his coat in good condition.

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The Irish Terrier has a strong, leggy body, and a short, dense, wiry coat that sheds a little and resembles a small Airedale. He is alert, courageous, curious, spirited, active, a bit sensitive, a great ratter, and not as snappy as most terriers. He is a good watchdog, a loyal protector, and a wonderful family pet. Because of his sensitive nature, puppy training should not be rushed or overbearing. Consistent and patient training method along with early socialization is important. An adult Irish Terrier is more confident and slightly stubborn, therefore requiring a firmer training attitude. He may be suspicious of strangers and may show aggression toward other dogs. He is good with children if he was raised with children from puppy hood. This breed is an outstanding performer in obedience competitions.

Size: The Irish Terrier stands 17-18in at the shoulder and weighs between 25-30lb.

History and origin: This ancient Irish breed was used as a ratter and hunter of small game. He also worked as a retriever on land and in water. During wartime, this breed was used as a messenger dog. Irish sources claimed that this breed was established in the country even before the arrival of their patron saint St. Patrick. Some say that the Irish Terrier is a smaller version of another one of their national dogs, the Irish Wolfhound, though the relationship seems somewhat remote. The breed is more likely a descendant of the Black and Tan Wire-haired Terriers whose purpose was to hunt fox and destroy vermin in Britain some 200 years ago. However, the standard breeding of the Irish Terriers did not start until 1879. It was also in that year when a specialist Breed Club was formed.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Irish Terrier is 1-1 1/2 cans of high-quality meat product (13.3oz size) with biscuit added in equal amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.

Exercise: The Irish Terrier is a small, sporty dog which has been successfully trained to the gun and is excellent at destroying vermin. He is suitable for apartment living as long as he gets his daily exercise in order to stay healthy and well behaved. A bored and restless Irish Terrier may bark and dig incessantly. Given his trim and athletic body, this is a good dog to jog with.

Grooming: The Irish Terrier requires only periodic brushing and an occasional clipping. However, show dogs must be hand-stripped several times a year and is best when done professionally. Hand stripping is a time-consuming hair-plucking procedure that preserves the texture and luster of the coat.

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The French Bulldog has a compact, muscular body with bat-like ears and a straight or screwed tail. He is a happy, affectionate and devoted dog who loves being around people and has a keen, clownish sense of humor. This breed gets along well with children, able to tolerate other dogs and even enjoy the company of cats. He is initially reserved with strangers but warms up to them quickly. He is alert, intelligent, and easy to train. He is perhaps the healthiest of all the Bulldogs and does not suffer from the over-developments of nasal difficulties of the Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog. Though mildly stubborn, he responds well to patient and consistent training techniques, although spoiling may increase his stubborn nature. He can be difficult to housebreak. He is a relatively clean dog that can get by with minimal exercise.

Size: The French Bulldog stands 10-12in at the shoulder and weighs between 18 and 28lb.

Health care: This breed may suffer from respiratory problems. Extra care must be taken in order to protect his protruding eyes. He does not cope well with extremes in temperature and may wheeze and snore.

History and origin: The French Bulldog was developed in England and France during the 19th century. However, it is unclear whether he derives from small English bulldogs taken to France by Nottingham lace workers or from crossings with dogs imported to France from Spain. In any event, this lovable breed is obviously the descendant of small Bulldogs and has always been primarily a companion dog. By the beginning of this century, he has been a favorite in both United States and Britain.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the French Bulldog would be 1 � 1 1/2 cans (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Exercise: An apartment is adequate for this breed. He needs minimal exercise consisting of short, regular walks once or twice per day. Do not overexert this dog, especially in warm weather.

Grooming: The French Bulldog has a short, smooth shedding coat that requires daily brushing and rub down with a silk handkerchief.

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The English Toy Spaniel or King Charles Spaniel as he is referred to in the United Kingdom has a small, compact body, a domed head, long ears, protruding eyes, and a docked tail. He has a short nose with a very short muzzle, a broad square jaw, and a slightly undershot bite. He is a sturdy dog despite of his delicate and small stature. He is sweet, shy, quiet, and easygoing, very affectionate with his owners and with those he is familiar with, and gets along well with children. Though timid at first, he quickly warms up to strangers. Patient and consistent training should begin early from puppy hood. If he is pushed too hard, he may become passive-resistant, taking a head-in-the-sand attitude. It is important for you as his owner to go slow and to socialize him as early as you can. Spoiling may encourage this breed to develop a bossy, pushy behavior and may reduce his confidence level. In addition, a nervous or overbearing owner will also reduce his confidence level. Housebreaking can be difficult with the English Toy Spaniel. Because of his spaniel instincts, this dog enjoys a game of retrieving a toy or a ball. This breed is susceptible to ear infection. In addition, be careful of his protruding eyes because they can easily be damaged by rubbing against a wall or a leash. This breed is sensitive to extremes in temperature.

Size: The English Toy Spaniel stands 9-10in at the shoulder and weighs between 8 and 12lb.

History and origin: The English Toy Spaniel was first thought of as a British breed but was in fact an ancient breed that can be traced back to Japan in 2000BC. He was introduced into Spain and then England by traders in the 16th and 17th centuries. This breed has been associated with many royalties, including one that was found hidden in the folded gown of Mary, Queen of Scots, right after her execution. In 1903, the United Kingdom tried to change the breed’s name to Toy Spaniel. However, King Edward VII, a devotee of the breed, opposed the change and the breed name remained as King Charles Spaniel.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the English Toy Spaniel would be 1/2 - 1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or 1 1/2 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Exercise: An apartment is fine for the English Toy Spaniel as long as he gets 1 or 2 walks a day.

Grooming: The English Toy Spaniel has a long, silky, and wavy shedding coat that requires daily brushing with a bristle brush. Keep in mind that his coat mats easily, particularly if the dog is left outside in wet weather. His eyes need to be wiped everyday with cotton wool dipped in a weak saline solution to keep them clear of unsightly tear streaks.

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This ‘merry’ Cocker, as it is sometimes called makes an excellent family pet. Being considered as an excellent gun-dog, he is a great dog for Dad to take out shooting with. And because he is also a good playmate for children, he is the ideal dog for them to romp with in the garden. He is intelligent, manageable, affectionate, gentle natured, and has a merry temperament.

Size: His ideal weight should be about 28-32lb. Full grown height for the male should be 15 1/2-16in and 15-15 1/2in for the female.

Origin and history: The Cocker Spaniel is very popular in Britain, and in the United States where he is known as the English Cocker. He is also sometimes referred to as the ‘merry’ Cocker because of his happy and lively temperament and constantly wagging tail. Other titles that he has been referred to were the Cocking Spaniel or simply “Cocker” because of his one-time prowess at flushing out woodcock. The Cocker Spaniel was originated in Spain where the name ‘Spaniel’ and his ancestry can be traced all the way back to the 14th century. He is believed to have been used in various countries in falconry. Today, however, he is in his element while rabbit hunting, flushing out game for his master. The larger Field Spaniel is of a similar origin to the Cocker.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed would be 1-11/2 cans of a branded meaty product (13.3oz size) with biscuit added in equal part by volume; or 3 cupfuls of dry food. Rations will need to be stepped up if the dog is taking vigorous exercise. This is a breed that will plead endearingly for small meals, which should be denied to avoid it from becoming overweight or smelly. With correct diet and exercise, he proves to be one of the healthiest and most long-lived of dogs.

Exercise: He is a very active dog that needs plenty of exercise. He adores the country and is likely to return from a walk with tail wagging and covered with mud so he is not perhaps the ideal choice for town living

Grooming: This breed requires daily brushing and combing. Extra care is needed to make sure that his coat does not become matted and his ears do not become tangled. Also, make sure that his ears do not flop into the feeding bowl. You might want to tape them back while he is eating or you may use a special ’spaniel’ bowl.

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Although once popular as a badger and fox hunter, the Dandie Dinmont is now kept mainly as a household pet. However, they fare batter living indoors as a single pet than living with their fellows in kennels. They do, however tend to be a little suspicious of strangers, giving all their devotion to their owner. They are excellent guard dogs with a bark that should deter any burglar. The size of this dog breed may reach a height of 11 inches at the top of the shoulder. The ideal weight for a Dandie Dinmont in good condition is approximately 18 pounds.

Brief History: Most Dandies can be traced back to the late 1700s, to an individual named Piper Allan, something of a character of his day. He had two Dandie Dinmonts, called Charlie and Peachem. Also well known is James Davidson, who was renowned for his “pepper and mustard” terriers, so called because of their color. It was from Davidson that Sir Walter Scott Acquired his dogs, and indeed it was from a character in his novel called “Guy Mannering” that the breed received its name.

Feeding: The Dandie Dinmont is recommended to be fed 1/2 to 1 can of a branded meaty product (376g, 13.0oz size), with biscuit added in equal part by volume; or 1 1/2 cupfuls of a dry, complete food mixed in proportion of 1 cup of feed to 1/2 cup of water.

Exercise Requirement: The Dandie Dinmont is an adaptable dog and will be happy outside moving around regardless if he is in action killing foxes, or enjoying a slow walk in the park. It would be unfair to keep this naturally active dog breed at home locked inside without the ability to move about.

Grooming: Grooming this dog is not difficult to do at all. All you need for equipment is a stiff brush and a comb. Old hairs should be removed with your finger and thumb, allowing the undercoat to come through. Incidentally, don’t use a trimming knife, because this will ruin the coat. For a healthy look, brush your Dandie Dinmont daily.

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