Puppies are floppy little love bugs that leave puppy kisses and paw prints on your heart. Dogs that keep their puppy looks into adulthood are particularly adorable, like Akitas and Shelties.
Shetlands look like smaller rough collies and have lion’s mane-like ruffs around their heads, which is probably why Queen Elizabeth II loves her corgis so much. They have cuteness and personality in spades.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is famous for its sledding capabilities, but it has also become popular as a household pet. Known for their sweet personalities and playful demeanors, these dogs make great companions if they are exercised daily and given a strong level of consistent training.
This breed enjoys the outdoors and needs to be on a leash during walks, runs or hikes. They can be a bit destructive indoors and need to be kept away from digging areas in the yard. Some have even been known to dig under or chew through a fence!
This breed ranks 54th in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs. While they are easy to train, this requires a consistent approach and strong leadership. These dogs are highly intelligent and can quickly learn new commands but will not obey unless they see their handler as a pack leader. They are not good watchdogs, however, and tend to love everyone, including strangers.
American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs, or Eskies as they’re more commonly known, are incredibly smart and highly trainable. They became popular circus trick dogs in the late 1800s and early 1900s because of their ability to perform impressive agility stunts.
Despite their clownish personalities, these little dogs are very loyal to their humans and make excellent family pets. They’re naturally wary of strangers and are best suited to homes with confident, consistent owners who will establish themselves as the pack leader.
These high-energy pups need plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay happy. If they don’t receive enough daily exercise, they may resort to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Young Eskies are prone to a painful hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, in which the femoral head of the thigh bone becomes displaced from its normal groove. They’re also susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a group of eye diseases that gradually cause blindness. Other common health issues include ear infections and arthritis.
Dachshund
Known for their long-backed bodies and vivacious personalities, these little dogs are true icons of purebred dogdom. Dachshunds are playful, feisty, and independent but still devoted to their people. They thrive in households with children and other pets but may require extra training to remain calm around strangers.
Whether standard or miniature, a dachshund can be smooth or wirehaired and come in several colors and patterns. Their grooming needs are modest: They shed moderately and require only occasional bathing.
Dachshunds are prone to certain health problems, such as hereditary epilepsy and granulomatous meningoencephalitis, dental issues, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid and autoimmune disorders, and various eye conditions. Because of their elongated spines, they’re also susceptible to herniated discs and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). When selecting a puppy, choose one that appears healthy, curious, and eager to meet you and other family members. Be sure to ask a breeder or rescue about any available parents and siblings for health information.
Miniature Pinscher
A terrier-like dog, the Miniature Pinscher is confident and independent. It is loyal to its family and aloof with strangers. This energetic dog loves toys and adores playing with its person. However, it may become so engrossed in its own activities that it ignores commands. This breed can also be quick to bark at any perceived threat, which may make it unsuitable as a watchdog.
The Miniature Pinscher requires abundant exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, a fenced yard, and play sessions will help satisfy the dog’s physical needs. It is a very intelligent breed and enjoys training sessions. It does well with children, although very young or unruly children can hurt the dog with rough play. The Miniature Pinscher has a tendency to climb over fences and other obstacles, so it is important that it lives in a secure yard. It also has a tendency to develop or inherit several orthopedic and ocular diseases.
