The Nonsporting Group

Bichon Frisé

The bichon frisé was developed in the Mediterranean during the 1400s through crosses between barbets and small lapdogs. Once common in the courts of European royalty, the breed saw a decline in popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries that was reversed when it arrived in America in the 1950s.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Lively, happy
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Playful, friendly

Appearance

• Size: Small (10–15 lbs, 9–12" tall)
• Color: White with cream shadings
• Coat: Medium, thick, curly
• Grooming: Brush every 2 days; scissor/trim every 2 months

Boston Terrier

The Boston terrier resulted from experimental crosses between the dogs of wealthy Bostonians in the 19th century. The crossbreeding involved primarily English terriers and English bulldogs.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Intelligent, playful
• Exercise needs: High
• With children: Sensitive, patient

Appearance

• Size: Small (10–25 lbs, 15–17" tall)
• Color: Brindle, seal, or black with white markings
• Coat: Short, sleek
• Grooming: Brush occasionally

English Bulldog

The English bulldog developed in England as a result of selective breeding for bull-baiting competitions. After 1835, the sport was outlawed, and the breed’s numbers dropped considerably. Proponents of the English bulldog continued to breed the dog and eventually produced the gentler modern version.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Easygoing, responsive
• Exercise needs: Moderate
• With children: Friendly

Appearance

• Size: Medium (40–55 lbs, 12–15" tall)
• Color: Any except black
• Coat: Short, thick, glossy
• Grooming: Brush weekly; clean wrinkles regularly

Chinese Shar Pei

Developed in China, the shar pei has served over the centuries as a dogfighter, herder, hunter, and watchdog. Today, it serves as a gentle companion.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Independent, dignified
• Exercise needs: Moderate
• With children: Not for households with small children

Appearance

• Size: Medium (45–60 lbs, 18–20" tall)
• Color: Any solid color, sable
• Coat: Short and stiff over loose, wrinkled skin
• Grooming: Brush weekly; clean wrinkles regularly

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is thought to have originated in Dalmatia, a region on the Balkan Peninsula in Europe. Over time, the breed has served a variety of functions, but is best known today as a firedog and as the star of Disney‘s 101 Dalmatians movies.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Enthusiastic, alert
• Exercise needs: High
• With children: Friendly but can be too energetic for small children

Appearance

• Size: Medium (40–60 lbs, 19–23" tall)
• Color: White with black or liver spots
• Coat: Short, thick
• Grooming: Brush 3–4 times weekly

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan breed that has been used as a watchdog in Buddhist monasteries since ancient times. The 13th Dalai Lama introduced the breed to the West in the 1930s, and it is now popular as both a pet and a show dog.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Active, determined, not suitable for inexperienced dog owners
• Exercise needs: Low to moderate
• With children: Playful, demonstrative

Appearance

• Size: Small (13–15 lbs, 10–11" tall)
• Color: Any
• Coat: Heavy, straight, hard
• Grooming: Brush every 1–2 days

Standard Poodle

Despite its pampered appearance, the poodle is descended from central Asian water hunting dogs. After the breed spread to Europe around the 15th century, various types of poodles began to spring up across the continent. Though the German variety is the most similar to today’s poodle, it was the French who first popularized the breed.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Intelligent, obedient
• Exercise needs: Moderate to high
• With children: Friendly and loyal

Appearance

• Size: Medium to large (45–70 lbs, 22–27" tall)
• Color: Various solid colors including white, black, and brown
• Coat: Medium, curly, thick
• Grooming: Brush every 1–2 days; clip monthly