There are two varieties of Norwegian Elkhounds, one is black and the other is a soft gray.  For the gray type the height is about 20 inches from the shoulder for males and about 19 inches for females.  And for the black type 18 inches for males and females.  They both weigh in at around 44 pounds.

They have a short compact body with a moderate length muzzle with strong jaws.  They have dark brown eyes that express a friendly demeanor. Pointed mobile ears with a tail that’s rolled back onto the back.  The hair is thick and very coarse with a fine undercoat for protection.

This breed is specialized in hunting elk, hence the title for this dog, which can scent from a distance of several miles.  It is also highly prized as a sled dog and in case of war the Norwegian Defense Minister has the power to mobilize all privately owned elkhounds to service.

This breed loves the hunt and vast unconfined areas, but due to its outstanding character and it adaptability, it can be a perfect companion dog, especially with children.

Please consider this breed for a life long friend and pet.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

This is a very ancient breed, and probably closely related in blood line with the Kyushu and the Chow Chow breeds.  It was brought to Japan from China nearly two thousand years ago.

The height of the dog from its shoulder is approximately 15 to 16 inches for males, and 13 to 14 inches for females.  They weigh in at about 44 pounds and very firm.

It has a pointed muzzle, a broad forehead with a dark nose.  It’s eyes are small and usually dark brown. The ears are triangular and upright.  They have a sturdy neck with a tail that is thick and strong carrying it either over the back or a sickle curve.

They have a hard thick coat of hair with a fine undercoat. They range in colors of red, pepper & salt, red pepper, black pepper, solid black, tiger stripped, and pure white.

This is an amiable and much appreciated companion pet used also for hunting small game and for guarding.

This breed is a cutie and I hope you check into this dog for a great companion pet for you and your entire family.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

Until the nineteenth century, when the bulldog was still used in combats, it was very aggressive, ferocious and blood thirsty so much so in fact the Romans decreed to forbade taking the bulldog through the streets, even if it was held back with a chain.  Luckily more responsible breeders over the last hundred years, while maintaining the bulldog menacing look, has made the breed more good natured, reserved loyal, clean, almost domestically docile and aristocratic, and very beautiful in own ugliness.

As a guard dog it can’t be beat, it was used a police dog and an auxiliary in the armed services in the United States.  Astonishingly one bulldog was decorated with five ribbons and a Bronze medal for its war work and another was promoted to corporal.

The bulldog is small in stature, but wide and compact, with a thick massive head that is broad with cheeks that extend to the sides of the eyes. The skin on its skull and forehead falls in dense folds and its muzzle is short and pug with large nostrils.

The dog weighs in at around 53 to 55 pounds in males with bitches about 49 pounds. Its height ranges from around 12 to 14 inches from the shoulder. the Hair is short and soft, with tan or white or variegated white. I’ve never seen a black bulldog.

Although this breed started out on the rough side of the street because of the recent breeding measures this is a very good family pet. He’s cute and cuddly with a face only a mother could love.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

the Harlekinpinscher is  sturdy dog with a lean muscular and toned body around 12 to 14 inches (30-40 cm) high. Weighing in at approximately 22 to 26 pounds (10 to 12 kg)its demeanor is that of a playful puppy even into its golden years. Not temperamental in any form and loves children.

It has a moderately elongated head well fused with its skull and muzzle with a black colored nose.

Prognathism – the condition of having a projected jaw, and enognathism – a minor medical condition are the defects most common with this breed.  For these reasons best suited for indoor living.

The eyes are dark in harmony with the color of the coat.  The ears are small and carried upright with the points sometimes folded down. The tail is usually docked and carried slightly upright.  Hair is short, flat, and tight to the skin.

The background color is gray or white with black or very dark markings that justify naming this dog breed “Harlequin”.

Because of its unusual coat and the dignity of its carriage outstanding temperament this regal breed is an ideal companion dog.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

Controversially, the origins of this particular breed could have been developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont ? No one is sure but it is certain the poodle is descended from the now nearly extinct French water dog, the barbet.

The personality of the this breed, which makes this the reasons the poodle is an excellent companion dog is its overall good nature, cheerful, sensitive, bold and trainable traits.

In France, this breed is known as caniche, a name derived from canard (duck), amazingly due to its ancestry from the barbet it inherited the outstanding abilities to retrieve game from marshes and lakes.

Its beauty, intelligence and calming personality ranks this companion dog in the top 3, it has excellent hearing and a noteworthy sense of orientation. More than most other dogs. Their love of children and surprisingly ability to understand the spoken word and docile temperament regarding grooming is a big plus for a big family.

The poodle will not accept, however, heavy handed training, so a little tenderness goes along way.

The three types of poodle are:

1) The Standard: Height is about 15 inches or more at the highest point of the shoulder and weight about 49 pounds.

2) The Miniature: Height is about 10 inches and less than 15 inches and weight about 26 pounds.

3) The Toy: Height is under 10 inches and weight is about 15 pounds.

The poodle has a distinguished rectilinear head proportionate to its body. The poodle has a well modeled skull with flat cheeks.  The nose can be black, brown, gray, silver or cream colored. The eye color is usually black or brown with a lively expression and scissor like bite.

They carry their head proudly, the tail is set high and the hair is curly or corded.  it is always unicolored.

For reasons unknown to me the poodle had the reputation of being a snob but if you’ve ever owned one you will soon find out this myth to be false because the poodle is one of the best companion dogs aground.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

And since all this interest in the different types of dog breeds is due to President Obamas’ family obtaining a Portuguese Water Dog, I thought it a great breed to jump start my series of articles.

I love ALL animals, but especially dogs, and I know that the right selection for the right persons is key to a happy and healthy relationship with their pets, and I hope the knowledge I can impart on you readers through these series of articles will help anyone who’s thinking about adopting a dog and choose the right one.

Anyone whose ever owned a dog will tell you that you can’t beat “mans’ best friend” for companionship, he or she will never let you down and when trained in the usual social graces will be a blessing to the entire household.

When you’ve seriously decided to embark upon the most joyful journey of owning a dog, and know all the  kinds of responsibilities (financial, training, etc.) that are involved and that you are capable of handling, and KNOW you are up to the challenges, you are ready to choose the type of breed best suited for you.

Say, you love the outdoors and liked to hike mountains and would love a walking companion that could keep up with you, getting a Westphalian Basset Hound or chihuahua would not be a very good choice (legs are too short), this would hamper your hikes and could exhaust the dog which is very bad for their health.

Personally, I’d get a Yogoslavian Tricolor Hound or Smooth-Muzzled Pyrenees Sheepdog, they are great companion dogs that love the outdoors and can walk for hours if needed however, if you live in an apartment with limited space small dogs are the way to go, so you see it’s very important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle.

Now for the Portuguese Water dog: Origins are unknown but first discovered living on the boats of Portuguese fishermen hundreds of years ago.

This dog is a very lively, pugnacious,impetuous, pleasing, good company, physically hardy and very affectionate breed.  They are very protective of children, water loving and because of no undercoat less likely to cause allergies with persons who have that particular problem. They are very adaptable in all kinds of circumstances.

They are avid swimmers and can be taught to catch in their mouths and bring back fish escaping from the fishing nets. They are also useful at catching ropes and other objects thrown overboard. But because they spend so much time in the water, they may become prematurely deaf.

The Portuguese water dog is a very muscular, medium sized dog. Height is usually between 20 and 22 inches for males weighing anywhere from 42 to 55 pounds and 17 to 20 inches tall for females weighing about 35 to 50 pounds.

It has a proportioned head with a muzzle narrowing toward the end and strong jaws with very well developed canines. The eyes are slightly oblique, chestnut or black. The ears are heart shaped and close to the head.

The colors will vary from black, white, chestnut, and the mixtures thereof. Its coat it thick and strong, either wavy or curly, and to reiterate no undercoat.

I’m really glad the  United States First Family chose this breed of dog to own and care for, I believe it a good match for their entire family. I’m also glad they took their time at the choosing of their first dog and life long companion.

by Jasmine Beaupre, author

How do you know the best breeds of dogs for children? With many suitable options, it is hard to narrow it down to only one. Below are recommendations of breeds which have a reputation for making excellent additions to the family.

Labradors make the top of the list as they take on a mothering role with children. They are very gentle when they play as well as protective.

Second, are Golden Retrievers which make wonderful pets. Similar to the Lab, they are also quite protective. Their demeanor is great with little ones as they will let them climb all over them. They also always have a watchful eye to make sure harm stays far away.

Newfoundlands can best be described as real life teddy bears. They are ever eager for attention and long for someone to play with. Because of their massive size, it might be best to wait till the kids are a little larger. However, be assured that the kids will always have someone to play with.

While a Newfoundland might be a little large for small children, a Beagle will make a perfect fit. It is calmer and likes to curl up and cuddle.

Although often thought of as a hunting dog, an Irish Setter can make an excellent addition to a family. They love being around others, and the more love the kids give, the happier he will be.

Collies are patient, intelligent, and very eager to please. They are gentle yet love to play. They are a medium to large size and make an adorable pet.

Whippets have all the energy needed to entertain the kids. They will ware them out, and then come inside to curl up in a ball. They are ideal for very active children.

Pugs consider themselves one of the kids. They fit in great and love attention.

Although Basset Hounds have reputation as being lazy, they are not. If given the opportunity to play, they will eagerly take it. They like to be quite active. However, at the end of the day they will be glad to rest and relax with the rest of the family.

Boxers can look intimidating, but under that face is a soft heart. They are loyal companions and love to play.

These are only a few suggestions. There are many other breeds that will make wonderful pets as well. For more information, please visit http://www.sanantonioveterinarianclinics.com/
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

Companionship can be critical to children and it was found out that dogs can readily and efficiently fill that spot. Thats why it is often recommended that smaller growing children should have a pet of their own, if only to break barriers that inhibit growth like speech impediment. Or just instilling a sense of responsibility at an early age. And naturally, dogs that are good with children are the best candidates for this purpose.

Being sought more as a family pet, selective breeding practices over the years were aimed to iron out aggressive traits of some breeds of dogs. Now there are those breed of dogs are highly tolerant; they tolerate well the clumsy handling of older individuals and the rough handling and playing of small children. Those that have undergone training are able to resist any instinctive retaliation when pranks are played upon them – typical to small children at play. One example of a highly tolerant breed is mastiffs. A trained English mastiff can be very tolerant and gentle that it can suffer most rough playing before showing signs of aggression, and wont bite even then. Pointers are also famed for their low aggression level, though their playful nature can be harmful for very young toddlers. Another trite example is the St. Bernard. Depending on the level of play of youngsters, there are suitable and no suitable dogs. For growing children that loves playing outdoors, dogs that are good with children should be also adaptable for such activity. Thats why Labradors Retrievers, Dalmatians and American Eskimos are better dogs. But for those especially young children, who are more cooped up indoors, a St. Bernard or a mastiff would do nicely.

In a nutshell, there are dozens of breed of dogs that are good with children. Examples include but not limited to mastiffs, pointers, and some mossolers like the St. Bernard, and conventional toy dogs like poodles. However, breed is not a de facto standard for naming dogs that are good with children, as training is highly essential for dogs of this purpose.

If you are considering dogs that are good with children, you should choose a breed thats normally with gentle temperament like those mentioned above. And they should have the right training.

Henry Lee is a happy dog owner. Learn more about the fastest and most effective ways to train your dog so they can be even more friendly and good with children.