A very attractive small/medium-sized dog, the Kooiker dog holds his head proudly and is slightly longer than he is tall, with adult dogs standing at 35-40cm and weighing 9-11kg. He has a medium-length coat that is straight or slightly wavy and is white with orange-red patches. The ears are tipped with black and have longer hair, known as 'earrings'.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The affectionate, jolly Lakeland Terrier is a small, hardy English dog bred to protect sheep from fox. His dense, wiry coat is longer on the legs and muzzle, which gives him a distinct beard-like appearance. Around people, this dog has a confident quiet demeanor, but he can be bold and aggressive toward other dogs. A lively, feisty breed, the Lakeland Terrier is an ideal fit for active families.

DID YOU KNOW? The Lakeland Terrier is one of the oldest working terrier breeds, having been developed in Cumberland County, England, in the 1800s. The breed descended from the Welsh Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Border Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Lancashire Heeler is a small, sturdily built dog. They are slightly longer than they are tall and the front feet turn slightly outwards. The ears are relatively large and stand erect. The short, thick coat comes in black and tan or liver and tan. Ideally adult males measure 30cm at the withers, and females 25cm. They range in weight from 3-6kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Often called “the gentle giant,” the heavy boned, muscular Leonberger is characterized by his lionlike mane and black mask. This German breed was developed in the mid-1800s as a multipurpose working dog and family companion. The calm, playful Leonberger has a stable temperament and is willing to please. His thick, water-resistant coat should be brushed daily to avoid mats and tangles.

DID YOU KNOW? A cross among the Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard, the Leonberger was founded by Heinrich Essig in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany, to exemplify the lion that was featured on Leonberg’s town crest.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Happy, assertive and clownish, the Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy dog bred hundreds of years ago in the Himalayan Mountains. Originally an indoor guard dog, the Lhasa Apso possesses intelligence, acute hearing and an instinct for distinguishing friend from stranger. An independent breed that enjoys daily walks, the Lhasa Apso thrives with adults and older children and does best with positive training. His beautiful coat needs frequent grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The original name of the Lhasa Apso was Abso Send Kye, meaning the "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog."

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

Distinguished by a lionlike appearance, the Löwchen is a compact, lively dog bred to be a family companion. He has a cheerful, happy temperament and lovingly cuddles with his human owners. A playful, intelligent breed, the Löwchen enjoys learning new tricks and will serve as a trusty watchdog. He appreciates daily exercise and walks, and his nonshedding, soft, wavy coat should be brushed weekly.

DID YOU KNOW? “Löwchen” is a German word that means “little lion.” The Löwchen originated more than 400 years ago in pre-Renaissance Europe, either in Germany or the Mediterranean, and was used as a foot warmer and comforter.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Lowchen, Little Lion Dog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

The gentle-mannered, glamorous Maltese is small in size yet bold and fearless in temperament. Bred to be a companion dog, this affectionate toy breed also will serve as a reliable watchdog. The lively, playful Maltese enjoys learning tricks as long as he is rewarded. His lush, flat, silky coat should be brushed daily and bathed frequently to prevent matting.

DID YOU KNOW? An aristocrat of the canine world for more than 28 centuries, the Maltese is known as the ancient dog of Malta, a Mediterranean island.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

The lively Manchester Terrier is an agile, compact dog originally bred to hunt rats. Sturdy yet elegant, the breed has two size varieties: Toy and Standard. He is loyal, courageous and alert, making him an excellent companion and watchdog. This intelligent, charming dog can be quite energetic, so moderate exercise on a leash is important. The sleek coat of the Manchester Terrier requires minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers have the same characteristics except for size and ear shape. The Standard’s ears can be upright or cropped, while the Toy’s ears are to remain erect. Developed by John Hulme in Manchester, England, in the 1800s, the Manchester Terrier is a cross between the Whippet

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

This is a large, sturdy, muscular dog with a coarse white outercoat and dense protective undercoat. The head is wide between the ears and narrows to the muzzle. The ears are small and high set. Adult males stand at 65-73cm and weigh 35-45kg, and adult females are 60-68cm in height and 30-40kg in weight.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Grand and dignified, the Mastiff is believed to have originated in Asia. A giant breed, he was bred in England as a watchdog for more than 2,000 years. Powerful, good-natured and docile, the Mastiff is a gentle, loyal companion best-suited for suburban or country life due to his size. Mastiffs require light exercise and minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? Famous Mastiff owners include King Henry VII, Marlon Brando and Bob Dylan.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Molosser

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Giant dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Alert, quick and spirited, the Miniature Pinscher is native to Germany where he was developed several centuries ago to rid barnyards of pests. A loyal watchdog, the Miniature Pinscher courageously challenges intruders with his bold, insistent bark. A good family companion well-suited for apartment life, the breed is intelligent but may be stubborn. Daily walks and playing fulfill the Miniature Pinscher’s exercise needs. His short coat only needs occasional brushing and bathing.

DID YOU KNOW? The Miniature Pinscher is nicknamed the “King of Toys.”

ALSO KNOWN AS: Zwergpinscher

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The spirited Miniature Schnauzer descended from the Standard Schnauzer and was bred to hunt vermin on farms. He has a stocky, muscular body with a distinct whiskered muzzle and bushy eyebrows. Alert and intelligent, he is an excellent watchdog, and his friendliness and eager-to-please personality make him an affectionate companion. The Miniature Schnauzer’s dense, nonshedding coat requires regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? Famous Miniature Schnauzer owners include Sens. Bob and Elizabeth Dole, actress Mary Tyler Moore, actor Bill Cosby, and martial artist Bruce Lee.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Zwergschnauzer, Dwarf Schnauzer

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog