SAMOYED
Size: Approximately 20 to 25 inches at the withers and 40 to 70 pounds.
Origin: Siberia
Family: Working Breed
Exercise: Requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Grooming: Requires daily brushing. Has minimal odour but will shed occassionally (once or twice a year).
Character: Loyal, independent, playful, good-natured and easily trained. The Samoyed's nickname - "Smiling Sammy" most likely came about due to the fact that they look like they are smiling when their mouth's are closed. Possible problems include becoming restless and destructive when bored and excessive barking.
SCHNAUZER (STANDARD SCHNAUZER)
Size: Approximately 17 to 20 inches at the withers and 30 to 50 pounds.
Origin: Germany
Family: Working Breed
Exercise: Requires daily exercise.
Grooming: Daily brushing required. Wiry coat will need to be professionally stripped and trimmed at least once a year.
Character: Intelligent, loyal, playful and good with children. The Standard Schnauzer is also a good guard dog. However, they will need to be obedience trained from a young age to curb their domineering streak.
SHAR PEI
Size: Approximately 17 to 20 inches at the withers and 35 to 50 pounds.
Origin: China
Family: Non-sporting
Exercise: Needs daily moderate exercise.
Grooming: Brushing a few times a week is required. Puppies have more folds and "wrinkles" than adult Shar-peis.
Character: Brave, devoted and calm. The Shar-pei makes a good guard dog. However they may also be stubborn, aggressive with other dogs and resistant to training.
SIBERIAN HUSKY
Size: Approximately 20 to 25 inches at the withers and 35 to 65 pounds.
Origin: Siberia
Family: Working breed
Exercise: Needs lots of exercise in wide open spaces as the breed was developed to be a sledge dog. Not suitable for urban or more populated suburban environments.
Grooming: Daily brushing and combing is required.
Character: Affectionate, full of stamina, independent and reliable. More suited to be a working dog than a family pet. Possible problems include disobedience and resistance to training. May have a tendency to wander off if not properly supervised during walks.
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER
Size: Approximately 17 to 20 inches at the withers and 20 to 40 pounds.
Origin: Ireland
Family: Terrier
Exercise: Requires daily exercise.
Grooming: Daily brushing and grooming required. The Wheaton seldom sheds and their coats will need to be trimmed at least a few times a year.
Character: Playful, spirited, sociable and loves to be with their "pack". The Wheaten has a dominant and stubborn personality. However, they will respond positively to training if trained from an early age.
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
Size: Approximately 14 to 16 inches at the withers and 20 to 40 pounds.
Origin: United Kingdom
Family: Terriers
Exercise: Very energetic and requires plenty of exercise.
Grooming: Weekly brushing will be sufficient.
Character: Brave, intelligent and loving but may be aggressive towards other dogs as this breed was originally bred for dog-fighting. To tone down their dog fighting tendencies, the Staffodshire Bull Terrier must be firmly and consistently trained and properly socialised with children and other pets while they are still puppies. They should also be under careful supervision around unfamiliar people, children or other pets. Not suitable for first-time owners.
STANDARD SCHNAUZER
See SCHNAUZER.
SUSSEX SPANIEL
Size: Approximately 14 to 16 inches at the withers and 30 to 45 pounds.
Origin: United Kingdom
Family: Gun Dogs / Sporting
Exercise: Regular exercise is required in wide open spaces.
Grooming: Daily brushing and combing.
Character: Placid, gentle, hardworking and affectionate with family members but may be shy with unfamiliar people. Possible problems include excessive barking and stubbornness.
TIBETAN TERRIER
Size: Approximately 14 to 16 inches at the withers and 18 to 30 pounds.
Origin: Tibet
Family: Non-sporting breed
Exercise: Moderate amount of exercise is sufficient.
Grooming: Long tousled coat requires daily brushing and grooming to prevent tangling.
Character: Affectionate, cheerful and good with older or less boisterous children. Makes a good watch dog as they possess a loud bark but may be aloof with strangers. The Tibetan Terrier has a stubborn nature and could be aggressive towards other dogs.
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
Size: Approximately 17 to 19 inches at the withers and 35 to 45 pounds.
Origin: Wales
Family: Gun Dogs / Sporting
Exercise: Plenty of exercise in wide open spaces is needed to prevent destructive behaviour due to boredom.
Grooming: Weekly brushing and trimming a few times a year will keep their coat healthy.
Character: Hardworking, cheerful, active and full of stamina. Welsh Springer Spaniels love being with their family members. Possible problems include excessive barking and aggression towards unfamiliar people or pets.
WHIPPET
Size: Approximately 18 to 22 inches at the withers and 25 to 40 pounds.
Origin: United Kingdom
Family: Hounds
Exercise: An extremely fast runner that needs lots of exercise, preferably a good run everyday.
Grooming: Little grooming required.
Character: Gentle, quiet, adaptable, devoted and good with children. Not suited to being outdoors in cold weather due to their short coats. May be timid and do not make good watch dogs.
WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON
Size: Approximately 20 to 25 inches at the withers and 45 to 60 pounds.
Origin: France
Family: Gun Dog / Sporting
Exercise: Lots of exercise in wide open spaces needed as this breed was originally bred to be a hunting dog. Not suited for apartment living.
Grooming: Little grooming is required, a weekly brush is sufficient.
Character: Hardy, intelligent, obedient and loyal to their owners. This breed has a good sense of smell and performs best as a hunting dog. Possible problems include wariness of strangers, being hyperactive and barking excessively.
XOLOITZCUINTLI
Also known as Mexican Hairless Dog or Xolos or Xoloitzcuintle.
Size: Varies between toy, miniature and standard sizes. Miniature Xoloitzcuintlis are approximately 14 inches to 18 inches at the withers and 15 to 30 pounds. Standard Xoloitzcuintlis are approximately 18 inches to 24 inches at the withers and 25 to 45 pounds.
Origin: Mexico
Family: Hounds
Exercise Daily moderate exercise is needed. Puppies require more exercise due to their higher energy levels.
Grooming Xolos can be coated or hairless but the hairless variety is more popular. For the hairless variety, the occassional bath and mild sunscreen may be all that is needed. Sunscreen is needed during hot and sunny days to prevent sunburn. Sweaters or coats during cold weather is required as this breed does not have natural protection against cold. A gentle moisturizer may be applied if the skin becomes dry. Coated Xolos need daily brushing to keep their coat shiny and smooth.
Character: Intelligent, aloof, calm and attentive. Protective and an excellent guard dog. This breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners as these dogs require a firm yet gentle hand to bring out their best. Training and socialization from an early age is recommended. This breed is also very agile and may be master escape artists. The hairless variety has fewer teeth than other breeds.