The ancestor for the Bichon is the French breed known as the Barbet, or Water Spaniel. The name, “Barbichon,” probably came from the French name for beard, “barbiche,” and was later shortened to “Bichon.” Originally there were four recognized Bichons: the Bichon Maltais,(now, the Maltese), Bichon Bolognaise,(now, the Bolognese), Bichon Havanais,(now, the Havanese), and the Bichon Teneriffe, who later became known as the Bichon a Poil Frise, hence the current Bichon Frise of today.Originating in …

The Chinese Crested is a Hairless dog with decorative trim! These small, affectionate dogs stand nine to thirteen inches in height, weigh twelve pounds or less and live approximately thirteen to fifteen years. That's a long life, and therefore, a HUGE doggie commitment. I have had mine for almost 12 years, and she's still acting like a pup! Although there is little information available on the origin of this breed, it is believed that they originally descended from African hairless dogs and were …

Named by the perceptive Teddy Roosevelt, the Rat Terrier, also known as Feist, American Rat Terrier or Ratting Terrier, originated in Great Britain in 1820 as a cross between Fox Terriers and other European Terriers that include Manchester Terriers and Bull Terriers. They were then brought to the US during the 1890’s.In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt moved into a white house that was infested with mice and rats that seemed to be immune to traps and poison. Little did he know he was naming a …

The Great Dane, also called the Deutsch Dogge or the German Mastiff, is a breed of dog one can easily identify. They are known for their giant size and are even referred to as the: "Apollo of all breeds." To date, a Great Dane named Zeus holds the record for the tallest dog! He stood 44 inches from paw to shoulder and around 7 feet 4 inches from head to tail.Great Danes are wonderful dogs, but are very large in stature - making them not for every family. They require enough room to live in …

When it comes to maintaining and cleaning dog's ears some breeds require a bit more effort than others. Generally dogs with "hair", as opposed to fur, require removal or "plucking" of hair from the ear canal prior to cleaning. "Plucking" ear hair in dog breeds like Poodles, Bichons, Lhasas, and Schnauzers is necessary because these breeds have hair that grows inside the ear. These ear hairs regularly need to be removed in order to provide for better ventilation of the ear canal, preventing wax b …