If you’ve seen Men In Black or Milo and Otis, you probably have fallen in love with the charming Pugs who acted in these movies. While the distinctive appearance of this breed may be the first thing that attracts people to the Pug, it is the Pug’s personality that wins the lifelong devotion of dog fanciers.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Pug as a member of the Toy Group. Pugs weigh in at fourteen to eighteen pounds. Their distinctive squashed face and curly tails gives them a slightly pig like appearance. Pugs come in silver, black, or beige colors with a black mask. They have broad chests and are very muscular despite their small size.

Pugs have a reputation for being so good natured that people can literally walk on them. However, don’t let this breed’s laid back attitude fool you. This dog will turn from a lover to a fighter in an instant if an intruder threatens his human. Pugs are wonderful with children and other pets. In fact, Pugs have been known to perform feats such as gently carrying an escaped parakeet to his owner without disturbing even a feather. However, Pugs are more likely to cause allergies than some other breeds. Pugs and children with allergy induced asthma are not a good combination.

Pugs are perfectly content to live in apartments or town homes. Although the Pug doesn’t require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. A daily walk around the block should be enough exercise, but he will be happy to walk much further, as well. Just be sure that you use a harness on your Pug instead of a collar, as these dogs don’t need to develop problems with their windpipes, since they already have pushed in noses.

While Pugs can learn obedience, these little guys aren’t the fastest learners. Your Pug may not learn to sit or heel as fast as other breeds. However, once he learns he will be extremely proud of himself. You may want to try attending puppy obedience classes with your Pug. If he just can’t grasp the commands, try again when he is a few months older.

Pugs love food. They are happy to eat whatever you give them and will learn undignified tricks if you reward them with treats. You should make every effort to limit your Pug’s food intake, since these dogs can suffer from knee problems, which grow worse if the dog is overweight. Pugs can also suffer from Demodectic mange and frequently receive eye injuries.

If you want a dog breed that does not need much grooming, a Pug is ideal. Just brush through your dog’s coat once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. You also should keep an eye on his face wrinkles to be sure the creases do not begin to smell or develop bacteria.

If you want a dog breed that is all heart and you don’t mind him snoring and snorting in your ear all night, then a Pug may be the perfect choice for you.

Ever since Rin Tin Tin became a famous television personality, the German Shepherd has gone from an already popular dog breed to one of the most well known breeds on earth. This versatile dog breed seems to be everywhere that a dog can be of help, from war torn countries to areas where natural disasters have occurred. The powerful German Shepherd will strike terror in the hearts of criminals one minute and endure the overly affectionate attention of little children the next.

German Shepherds were bred to be guardians and the breed still has a very strong protective instinct. A dog that is high strung or nervous should never be bred, as the resulting puppies can be untrustworthy. However, most German Shepherds are wonderful dogs and devoted to their families, including children and other pets.

The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog, weighing from sixty to seventy five pounds and standing twenty two to twenty six inches tall. This breed has erect ears, dark, intelligent eyes, and a graceful tail. The German Shepherd is most commonly black and tan, although gray and tan or black and gray dogs are also available. A striking all white dog, commonly called an Alsatian, is popular with many people. If you like the look of the Alsatian, be sure you meet the puppy’s parents, as these white German Shepherds can sometimes be a bit high strung.

Although German Shepherds are high energy animals, they can live in the city. Just be aware that you will have to exercise your dog frequently and that he will be miserable if you leave him alone for long hours without giving him a job to do. Of course, a house with a big yard in a rural area is ideal.

Since your German Shepherd will rapidly grow into a big, powerful dog, you may want to enroll him in obedience classes while he is a puppy. It is much easier to control a small puppy than a full grown untrained dog. In addition, puppy obedience classes also help provide another important benefit for your German Shepherd puppy, socialization to other dogs and people. Many people who own these intelligent dogs make the unfortunate mistake of thinking that their dogs need to be trained as guard dogs. However, this training can lead to aggression if your dog is not trained properly. Since German Shepherds are naturally protective, they do not need attack dog training to guard your home.

The German Shepherd’s coat requires little grooming. The dense coat is coarse and does not mat easily. Brush your dog once a week to remove dirt and debris. If you live in the city, concrete will probably wear down your Shepherd’s nails. However, if your dog lives in a rural area he may need to have his nails trimmed several times a year.

German Shepherds need to eat a nutritional food that is formulated for large breed dogs. If your Shepherd is a working dog, you may need to feed him a high protein food. A good dog vitamin is also a smart idea.

This loyal, smart breed commonly suffers from hip dysplasia or epilepsy. To see one of these dignified dogs suffering from either disease is heart breaking. Please be sure that your puppy’s breeder has had the parents tested to be sure they do not carry these diseases.

If you want a dog who will be protective and loyal, then a German Shepherd may be the right dog for you and your family.

Are you looking for a dog who is very active but still loves the company of people? If so, you may want to consider the Siberian Husky. This beautiful dog was bred to tirelessly pull sleds loaded with supplies over frozen terrain for miles on end. At the end of the day, Huskies provide companionship to their owners.

The Siberian Husky is classified as a part of the Working Group by the American Kennel Club. Like most dogs in this group, the Husky must have a job to do to keep him from getting into trouble. These dogs are less domesticated than many other dog breeds and are actually quite wolf like. The Husky is a thirty five to sixty pound dog that stands twenty to twenty four inches tall.

These high energy dogs have a very thick coat made up of two distinct layers. Huskies have prick ears and a wolf like face. This breed’s coat comes in a variety of colors, although most Huskies have black and white or silver and white coats. The most striking feature of the Husky is his almond shaped blue or brown eyes.

The Siberian Husky is a very impulsive dog and can get into more scrapes and dangerous situations than almost any other type of dog. More than one Husky visits the veterinarian’s office to be patched up on a routine basis. These dogs are usually good with older children, but may not be the best choice for families with infants or toddlers. Huskies have a reputation for being aggressive towards cats or small animals and may not be trustworthy with smaller children.

Since the Husky is so energetic, this breed does not do well in apartments or homes with small yards. In fact, Huskies often prefer to spend most of their time outdoors during the colder months, since their heavy coats make indoor temperatures uncomfortable. Just be sure that your yard is securely fenced, as these dogs have Houdini like tendencies.

It is important that you train your dog thoroughly, since the Siberian Husky is constantly looking for signs of weakness. You may want to attend obedience classes with your puppy to get some help in training him. If you do not maintain a dominant position, your dog will become a nightmare to own. Huskies are best for experienced dog owners.

Siberian Huskies can eat a lot, although some of these dogs do not eat well when they become nervous and high strung. Of course, other Huskies eat everything, including the house siding.

Siberian Huskies should be groomed once a week to remove dirt and debris. Of course, when your dog is shedding his coat, you may want to groom him more frequently.

Overall, Huskies are fairly healthy. The majority of the Husky’s health problems are accident related, although this breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

If you don’t mind owning a dog who will constantly keep you on your toes, then you may want to consider the beautiful Siberian Husky.