Tag Archives: small dogs

French Bulldog

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Not surprisingly, the French bulldog has the English bulldog as an ancestor. During the late 1800s, English breeders sent a lot of toy-sized bulldogs into France. English bulldogs bred with various other breeds, resulting in the “Boule-Dog” (say it out loud, it sounds like bulldog). Early on, the French bulldog came it two varieties — one with rose ears (like an English bulldog) and one with upright bat ears. European breeders were inclined to breed for the rose ear, but American dog breeders objected. Eventually, breeders stuck universally to the distinctive bat ears. The breed got a lot of good … Continue reading →

Pekingese

For a month that comes in like a lion, I thought it a good idea to take a look at a dog that looks like a lion: the Pekingese! This little Chinese dog is bold, courageous, and independent — and comes with a long history. The breed was considered sacred in ancient China. Those Foo Dogs we looked at earlier this month? You can find Foo Dog representations that might just be Pekes. The imperial family kept the oldest, purest bloodlines; Imperial Dog Books were used as breed standards. Legend says that a lion fell in love with a marmoset … Continue reading →

Dog Breeds: Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a breed that most likely originated in China and moved to Japan as part of a royal gift. Images of a dog that resembles the Japanese Chin appear on ancient Chinese pottery, embroideries, and temples. They were bred to be companions and lap warmers for nobility; historical evidence suggests that the dogs could not be purchased. They were only given as gifts from one noble to another. There are two classifications of dog in Japan: Inu (working dogs, like the Shiba Inu) and Chin (the royal lap dogs). Japanese Chin were often given as gifts to … Continue reading →

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Group for the terriers this year was the Dandie Dinmont Terrier — owned by none other than Doctor William H. Cosby! This terrier is a long, low dog, bred for going to ground and rooting prey like badgers and otters out of their holes. The breed takes its name from a character in an 1814 book by Sir Walter Scott named Dandie Dinmont who kept six of these hunting dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recognized as a distinct breed of terrier around 1700, developed as a cross between native terriers in the … Continue reading →

Dog Breeds: Norfolk Terrier

The 2003 American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner was a Norfolk Terrier known as Champion (Ch) Cracknor Cause Celebre. This little pup was small enough to fit into his Best in Show trophy! Check out photos from the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in December 2003. What distinguishes a Norfolk Terrier (in terms of breed standards) are his ears. A Norfolk Terrier has what are called “drop ears” — ears that flop or fold over — and a Norwich Terrier has “prick ears” — ears that stand straight up. Both the Norfolk and the Norwich are small, sturdy dogs … Continue reading →