Chihuahua

First discovered in Mexico, the Chihuahua is best known for being the smallest dog breed in the world. Extremely loyal to its owner, the breed has recently become a popular culture icon in the United States, most notably Paris Hilton's Chihuahua, Tinkerbell.
While the Chihuahua is reserved towards strangers, it is friendly with pets and other household dogs. The dog may also try to act protective, but this boldness is generally displayed as barking and is, therefore, not very effective as a guard dog.

This dog is so small, you can actually fit THREE a cup!!!

   

                                                            Even cats aren't afraid of them!!

There are around 151 varieties of dogs found all over the world. A few are listed below.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is courageous, fearless, even-tempered, calm and thoughtful. Very loyal to its own family. When owners make it absolutely clear they are alpha over the dog in a calm, but very firm manner, and the dog is well exercised, trained and socialized, it can be a very good family companion. A zoo in the central China city of Luohe attempted to pass off a Tibetan mastiff as a lion, state media reported. The large, aggressive breed has a trademark bushy mane that gives it a lion-like appearance, but its vocalizations are more woof than roar.

Doberman Pinscher

Noble and athletic, the Doberman Pinscher is a courageous guardian. He is also intelligent, alert, and loyal. He is a courageous guard dog as well as a beloved family companion. The Dobie's fierce reputation precedes him. He is feared by those who don't know him, stereotyped as highly aggressive and vicious. True, he is a formidable guardian, but he is usually a gentle, watchful, and loving dog.

History

Once upon a time, in the late 19th century, there was a tax collector named Louis Dobermann, who lived in the town of Apolda, in the Thuringia district of Germany. His job of collecting money was dangerous because there were bandits in the area who might attack him as he made his rounds. Since Dobermann was also the town dogcatcher, he often took along a dog for protection. Dobermann began breeding dogs with the idea of a loyal companion and protector in mind. The result of his breeding experiments was the early Doberman Pinscher.

Dalmation

The Dalmatian is highly active and intelligent and needs lots of exercise to stay happy. A former circus performer, he’s great at learning tricks and loves to show off his talents. Bred to be a coaching dog, he ran alongside carriages or horseback riders for miles, discouraging stray dogs from interfering with the horses, no fashionable lord or lady went driving without a pair of the flashy dogs by their side. One of the British nicknames for the Dalmatian is Plum Pudding Dog, because his spots look like the plums in a Christmas pudding!

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is among the most good-natured and easygoing of breeds. He is amiable with dogs, other pets and children. He is calm inside, but needs regular exercise to keep fit. He is the most charming of all dogs. One look in those eyes and anyone would melt.

Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shawn FREE-say) is a cheerful, small dog breed with a love of mischief and a lot of love to give. With his black eyes and fluffy white coat, the Bichon looks almost like a child's toy. And it doesn't take long to realize that the Bichon can be your happiest and most enthusiastic companion. Bichons are good family dogs and wonderful companions for children. They enjoy palling around with kids, joining in their games or sitting in their laps. They're very tolerant of the noise and commotion associated with children.

The Great Dane

The Great Dane has a good disposition, often called a "gentle giant." Charming and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. It is reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Courageous and loyal, it is a good watchdog. The Great Dane does not stay little for long and consistent training and rules should start right from puppyhood. This giant dog should be taught not to jump or lean on people.

Imagine taking him for walkies! George the Great Dane is 7 ft long, weighs 115kg and is the world's biggest dog.............but he's terrified of chihuahuas!!

                                                                                                                               

Maltese

A dog breed who's gentle and fearless, the Maltese greets everyone as a friend. His glamorous white coat gives him a look of haughty nobility, but looks can be deceiving. This is a sprightly, vigorous dog who excels not only as a companion but also as a therapy dog and competitor in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally, and tracking. It is the Maltese nature to be sweet, playful and easygoing, but their individual temperaments can be altered by how they are raised. While you may be inclined to treat a Maltese as if he were a helpless baby, it is important to let these dogs have some independence. Sheltering them, spoiling them or not training them to be well mannered can lead to bratty behavior. Treating your Maltese like an independent being and setting proper boundaries can help ensure that he's gentle mannered and playful.

The German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world's leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. The GSD may be most colors, but most commonly is black and tan.

Pomerian

Bouncy, bold and busy, the Pomeranian makes the most of every day. He is curious, playful, self-confident (even cocky) and attentive, ever ready for a game or adventure. Some bark a lot. One thing to keep in mind is that this breed is a lap dog. Does this mean that your Pom will want to sit in your lap all day??? No ! This is a term meaning that the Pom is a dog who is small (technically a toy size) and is meant to be an inside dog who loves to be in the company of their human family members.

Poodle

The Poodle is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it is stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. It is generally friendly toward strangers, and is excellent with children.

Saluki

The Saluki or The Gazelle Hound has a general greyhound-like build and combines grace, symmetry, great speed and endurance. It has the strength to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. Its expression is dignified and gentle, with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes. The Saluki tends to be aloof and reserved with strangers.This breed is very quiet and sedate indoors, seeking out a soft, warm spot. It is very gentle with children, but it may not be playful enough to satisfy most of them. Extremely sensitive, it does not take to rough-and-tumble play.

St. Bernard

Saints aren't suited to living outdoors with little human companionship. They need to live in the home with their family. They're not aggressive, but they'll bark when there is cause, and any threat to their people will bring out their protective instincts. Their size is usually a deterrent to any would-be attacker or burglar. If you consider yourself a neat freak, then the Saint Bernard is not the breed for you. They drool and their paws track in their fair share of mud. They are heavy shedders and shed, or blow, their coat twice a year.

The Bakharwal Dog

This one last specie is for my Indian viewers..............................


For generations, the Bakharwal dog, also known as the Kashmir sheepdog in the northern Indian Himalayan state, has been guarding the lives of its human masters and their animals. But the Jammu and Kashmir government has no clue about the numbers of this breed whose population has dwindled alarmingly over the years. Over the centuries the Bakharwal mastiff has become a legendary animal in the state, known for its loyalty and fierce guardian spirit. The Bakharwal dog is an ancient breed that has been bred by nomadic Gujjar and Bakharwal shepherds in Jammu and Kashmir for centuries. The dog's primary use has been as shepherding beasts and companions for the Bakharwals. Recent studies have suggested that the Bakharwal dog breed is dwindling. But nobody is paying heed to it.