BEAGLE

Background : Hound group. Originated in England as a hunting dog.

Life Expectancy : 12-15 years.

Coat Type : Short, dense. Medium shedder.

Grooming Requirements : Brush weekly.

Size : Two sizes. 10 to 13 inches (25-33 cm) at shoulder, weighing 8-9 kg and 13 to 15 inches (33-38 cm), weighing 9-14 kg.



Exercise Needs : Four exercise periods totaling 80 minute per day, including the occasional run. Can adjust to both city and country living.

Temperament : Moderate energy level. good natured, cheerful, gentle and eager to please. Loves everyone. Independent, inquisitive, curious, loves to roam and follow scent. Excellent with other pets and children. Average watchdog.

Health Problems : Some lines can be prone to heart disease, epilepsy, eye and back problems. Also prone to chondroplasia, aka dwarfism (warped front legs, like a Basset's).

Living Conditions : Beagles will do okay in an apartment if they get plenty of chances to be outdoors. They are very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

Background : Terrier group. Originally bred in Germany as ratter.

Life Expectancy : 12-14 years.

Coat Type : Double-coated. Harsh wiry outercoat with softer undercoat. Low shedder.

Grooming Requirements : Brushing 3 times per week with professional clipping every 2 months. May be hand stripped by groomer.

Size : Ideally 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) high at shoulder. May weigh from 6-9 kg.

Exercise Needs : Four periods totaling at least 1 hour per day. equally adaptable to city and country.

Temperament : High energy level, inquisitive and playful. Hardy, robust, stubborn and fearless. Alert and spunky, not a mellow lap dog. Generally good with other pets, but can be territorial. Good with children. Very keen watchdog.

Health Problems : This is usually a healthy breed. Although some are prone to suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, liver ailments and cysts. Also hereditary eye problems. Eyes of breeding stock should be checked for this. Do not overfeed the Schnauzer, for he tends to gain weight easily.

Living Conditions : The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

CHIHUAHUA

Background : Toy group. Originated in Mexico as companion.

Life Expectancy : 12-15 years.

Coat Type : Two types. Long & short. Single or double coat. Moderate shedder.

Grooming Requirements : Brush weekly.

Size : Up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Weight not to exceed 3 kg.

Exercise Needs : Three periods of exercise totaling 45 minutes per day. Not fond of outdoors. Ideal apartment dog.

Temperament : Moderate energy level. Alert, curious, lively and highly bonded to owner. Loves to snuggle. Sometimes very noisy. Can be hard to house-train. Must be socialized at an early age. Quite fragile. Best with older children. Must be protected from cold. Excellent watchdog.

Health Problems : Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore. His prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress, and rheumatism. Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate. Feed lightly as it tends to gain weight. Chihuahua puppies are born with large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled veterinarian. They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood. Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life. This makes the dog prone to injury.

Living Conditions : The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver. It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs for apartment life.

WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

Background : Terrier Group. Originated in Scotland to hunt vermin.

Life Expectancy : 14 years or more.

Coat Type : Double coat. Outer coat consists of straight, hard hair. Low shedder.

Grooming Requirements : Brushing 3 times per week. Professional clipping required 4-6 times per year. May be hand stripped.


Size : Males ideally 11 inches (28cm) high at shoulder. Females ideally 10 inches (25cm) high. Can weigh up to 10 kg.

Exercise Needs : Three periods totaling about 45 minutes per day. Good in both city & country conditions.

Temperament : High energy level. Feisty, bold and assertive, comical and playful. Charming, cheerful, alert, courageous, hardy. Not as stubborn as many terriers, but still quite independent. Good with everyone, accepting to other animals, but can be scrappy with other dogs.

Health Problems : Most are fairly healthy. Some are prone to chronic skin problems, Perthe's disease (hip problems), hernias, liver disease, and jawbone calcification.

Living Conditions : West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.