Posts tagged "breedoftheweek"

A member of the Toy Group, the Papillon is the 37th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. Papillon means "butterfly" in French, which refers to the breed's pricked, butterfly-like ears. Despite its history as a royal lapdog and its elegant appearance, this happy, lively dog makes an excellent pet, and loves to play and spend time with his family.

A Look Back
Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed. In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.

Did You Know...
Throughout history, the Papillon ranked Madame de Pompadour, Marie Antoinette, and Louis XIV among its devoted owners. The dogs were also depicted in paintings by artists such as Rubens, Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher throughout the years. But although the Papillon owes its name and much of its breed development to the French, it was Spain and Italy that gave rise to its popularity. The Bologna region of Italy sold many dogs to the court of Louis XIV, transporting the dogs through Spain on the backs of mules.

Is a Papillon the right breed for your family?
Papillons are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and exercised indoors as well. Because they don't have an undercoat, they don't require a lot of grooming but should still be brushed regularly.

Thinking about buying a Papillon?
Additional information for those considering an Papillon – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Papillon and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Papillon and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

A member of the Herding Group, the Norwegian Buhund is one of the newest AKC-recognized breeds. Despite its newbie status with the AKC, the fun-loving Norwegian Buhund has existed for centuries, sailing on Viking ships and working hard on farms in Norway. Their herding abilities are tops, but the Buhund also loves to hang out with his "people," playing Frisbee, chasing sticks and stealing the hose from the unsuspecting family gardener.

A Look Back
The breed as we know it today, with its prick ears and curled tail, was nurtured in the rainy western coastlands of Norway, where they herded sheep, guarded farms and hunted bear and wolf. Ancient versions of the Buhund traveling with Vikings on their many journeys have been documented as far back as the year 900.

Did You Know...
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. Bred as an energetic working dog, Buhunds have always been charged with the task of herding livestock and guarding home and family. Several early Buhund skeletons have been found in Viking graves, indicating their status as cherished possessions and that they were expected to continue their protecting and herding duties in the afterlife. Today, the breed is also trained to aid the hearing impaired, perform some types of police work, and perform in obedience and agility trials. Their thick coat is wheaten (pale cream to bright orange) or black in color.

Is a Norwegian Buhund the right breed for your family?
This breed makes a wonderful companion for active people or families and will thrive in a home where plenty of exercise is provided. As a herding dog, Buhunds will bark to communicate, keep a close watch on everything, and round up anything they can, even family members! Grooming is minimal – brushing will keep mats and tangles out of the breed's medium to short easy care coat. Training wise, the Buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the Spitz breeds, but obedience training is still very important.

Thinking about buying a Norwegian Buhund?
Additional information for those considering a Norwegian Buhund – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Buhund and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Norwegian Buhund and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

A member of the Working Group, the Saint Bernard is the 43rd most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. A true working dog, the Saint Bernard has been used to rescue travelers in the Swiss Alps for centuries and is still highly popular there today. Despite the serious nature of his work, however, this pooch has a big, loving personality. He became especially popular in the United States after appearing as the rollicking troublemaker Beethoven in the films of the same name.

A Look Back
It is generally believed that the dogs eventually called Saint Bernards were bred from dogs previously existing in the Swiss countryside. The original Saint Bernard was a short-haired dog and was introduced to the Hospice (a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy founded by Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon) in the 1660s as a guard dog, a carting dog and a companion to the monks that lived there. Eventually, the breed began working as an avalanche dog that rescued travelers trapped in the snow.

Did You Know...
During the three centuries that Saint Bernards have been used in rescue work at the Hospice, it is estimated that they have been responsible for saving well over 2,000 human lives. When training for rescue work, young Saint Bernards would go out on mountain searches with monks and older dogs. When the missing person was found, the young dog would lay next to him to warm him and lick his face to keep him awake, while the older dog would return to the Hospice to alert a search party and lead them back to the lost person. These original rescuers were short-haired dogs, but a long-haired variety appeared in the 1830s. The coats must be brown (ranging from deep brown to brown-yellow) and white in color.

Is a Saint Bernard the right breed for your family?
Both long-haired and short-haired Saint Bernards shed and need regular grooming. New owners should also be prepared for drool – there is no such thing as a dry-mouthed Saint! With obedience training and daily exercise, this breed makes wonderful family companions, however training and socialization must begin early because they grow so large. Due to their size, the breed may do better living in the suburbs or the country.

Thinking about buying a Saint Bernard?
Additional information for those considering a Saint Bernard – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Saints and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Saint Bernard and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

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From Tinkerbell to Taco Bell, the Chihuahua has its little paws all over American pop culture. A member of the Toy group, the Chihuahua is the 12th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club stats.

A Look Back
The Chihuahua's history is shrouded in mystery, but some believe he originated from the Fennec Fox, a very small animal with big eyes and ears, which could explain the tiny frame, luminous eyes and large ears on the breed today.

Did You Know...
The Chihuahua derives its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua. It's believed that the ancient Aztec culture of Central America may have used the Chihuahua for religious sacrifice, burying them with their dead masters so their sins could be transferred to the dog. Some people believe the Chihuahua's small warm body can be used to relieve stomach upset and arthritis, or to discourage asthma attacks. Whether true or tall tale, this folklore proves the Chihuahua has long been a cherished companion.

Is a Chihuahua the right breed for your family?
Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. Because of their small size, they require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Smooth coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair. Long coats need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming.

Thinking about buying a Chihuahua?
Additional information for those considering a Chihuahua – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site.