choosing a dog breed.

Dog.Show_Photos, Flickr Dog Breed: Tibetan Spaniel Personality: "Tibetan spaniels are very independent dogs," says Deb Henson, a member of the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America who is renowned for her rescue work with the breed. Both she and the American Kennel Club cite the Tibetan spaniel's intelligence, but also note that while these dogs can be outgoing and friendly, they may proove "aloof with strangers." "The Dog Breed Bible" says, "Tibetan spaniels are independent, bold and stubborn, but also sensitive, biddable and happy." Grooming: Tibetan spaniels have a medium-length double coat that will shed once or twice a year. This is known as "blowing coat," according to Henson. "The owner ...

Alamy Dog Breed: Gordon Setter Personality: When Jan Ruggles, manager of the Nodrog Gordon Setter Club of Michigan's website, recently polled the club's members for words that best describe the personality of a Gordon setter, the three most popular responses were friendly, loving and loyal. The American Kennel Club says on its website, "the Gordon setter was originally bred as a personal bird dog, but they are equally at home as companion dogs." Grooming: Nothing too fancy or arduous is needed. Most of Ruggles's survey-takers advocate "regular" brushing, which to many meant daily, but a few suggested brushings could occur as seldom as once every one or even two weeks. "The Dog Breed ...

Mary Dickson Name: Skye Terrier Personality: "A skye terrier has stamina, strength and courage," says Karen G. J'Anthony, president of the Skye Terrier Club of America. "They are good-tempered, loyal and sensitive to the needs of their owners. However, although they are sensitive, they do have a mind of their own." According to the American Kennel Club, "The skye terrier is an elegant dog and fiercely loyal to those he knows and loves." Grooming: A skye terrier's grooming needs change from puppyhood to adulthood, says J'Anthony. "The adult skye carries a double coat comprised of a harsh, outer coat, with a softer, wooly-textured undercoat," J'Anthony explains. "Weekly grooming using a pin ...

rse75, Flickr Name: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Personality: The Dog Breed Bible lists the breed's best qualities as "devoted, willing to please, amiable, and often comcial," though the book also notes that they are "reserved with strangers." Jay Hoth, president of the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association, adds that he tells prospective griffon owners that these dogs are "almost too smart for our own good." Grooming: The American Kennel Club describes breed's fur as a "coarse double coat." Jim Lorraine of Frog Hollow Griffons, a wirehaired pointing griffon breeder in Sauquiot, N.Y., says their coats are also "non-shedding and hypoallergenic." Not much unkeep is needed. "Using ...

Nelle Wyatt Name: Pharaoh Hound Personality: "Pharaoh hounds are intelligent, inquisitive, independent and energetic," says Nelle Wyatt, LVMT, CPDT-KA at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (and a proud pharaoh-hound owner). The American Kennel Club likewise says, "friendly and playful, the pharaoh hound is affectionate with its family." Wyatt adds, "Occasionally, individuals may be aloof until they befriend strangers." Grooming: As a breed without odor problems and with a "short, glossy coat," as described by the AKC, "pharaoh hound grooming is easy," Wyatt proclaims. "Frequent bathing is not necessary. In between baths, wiping with a damp cloth or grooming mitt is ...

Beverly C. Little Name: Irish Wolfhound Personality: There is an old Irish proverb, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) website, that best describes this unique and robust breed: "Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked." But relax -- that just means that IWs, anciently bred for duties like hunting and castle-guarding, still like to "instinctively give chase to fleeing prey." In fact, the AKC is quick to add, family-friendliness has likewise been in this breed's blood since as far back as 391 A.D. Though, they add, an IW could be counted on to "play with their [master's] children and lay quietly by the fire as family friends." The second edition of the "Encyclopedia of Dog ...