dogs 101.

Damon Dahlen, AOL Dog Breed: Havanese Personality: "Havanese are a happy, playful sort, with immense charm," says Susan Siver, a member of the Havanese Club of America's breeder directory committee. "They are a small dog in stature with a big-dog attitude, and they are very people-oriented." "The Dog Breed Bible" describes the Havanese as "a busy, curious dog. It loves to play and clown and is affectionate with its family, children, strangers, other dogs and pets. Basically everyone!" Grooming: The Havanese's "wavy, silky coat is profuse," according to the American Kennel Club. It's a good thing that it's a nonshedding dog, and Havanese owners have options when it comes to "how much ...

AOL Dog Breed: American Eskimo Dog Personality: "Highly intelligent and eager to please" is how Thy Cavagnaro -- co-owner with her husband, Jimmy, of Atka the Eskie, a renowned performance and therapy American Eskimo Dog -- describes her breed of choice. "It adores its entire family, and often loves with its whole heart." The American Kennel Club calls the American Eskimo Dog "alert and friendly," noting that they can make equally good watchdogs, showbiz dogs and competition dogs. "The Dog Breed Bible" describes them as "bright, eager to please, lively and fun-loving -- but also independent and tenacious." ...

Dronir, Flickr Dog Breed Name: Norfolk Terrier Personality: As "one of the smallest working terriers," these dogs more than make up for their small size with their active, energetic personalities. According to the American Kennel Club, "farmers and hunters admire the breed's gameness, loyalty and great charm," dubbing the Norfolk terrier a "perfect demon" in the field. The American Norfolk Terrier Association describes the Norfolk as "a tiny dynamo who seizes every opportunity to tackle the seemingly impossible." Often associated with Benji (the most famous Norfolk terrier of all), the canine phenom often appears on screen running full speed down a sidewalk on an independent mission of ...

Damon Dahlen, AOL Dog Breed Name: Schipperke Personality: "Truly a big dog in a small body," says Melanie Coronetz, author of "Schipperkes: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual." "Schips have attitude. They're alert, active, loyal, inquisitive, clever -- and often stubborn." On its website, the American Kennel Club uses adjectives like "enthusiastic, joyful and sometimes willful" to describe this tail-less, headstrong breed. "The Dog Breed Bible" notes that Schipperkes were often kept as boat dogs and the name translates roughly to "Little Captain." They are "happiest when on the lookout for adventure." Grooming: Brush the coat daily, the teeth weekly, and clean out the ears "periodically," ...

AFP/Getty Images Dog Breed Name: French Bulldog Personality: Joyce E. Baker, a breeder and founder of Forever French Bulldogs in Tallahassee, Fla., notes that the breed "loves attention," but also lists "happy, playful, loyal, inquisitive" as their more admirable, endearing qualities. The American Kennel Club notes on its website that French bulldogs are "often described as 'a clown in the cloak of philosopher.'" Grooming: Only "an occasional bath and brushing" are coat-keeping requirements, says Baker. However, because of a the French bulldog's odd physical attributes, you'll need to do some maintenance around the head and face. "Ear cleaning is necessary," Baker says, and "some ...

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 ...