The pug is believed to have originated from China, where miniaturized mastiffs were produced thousands of years ago. By 18th century, Pug was a popular fashion accessory amongst the royal and the aristocrats. Though not used as an fashion accessory now, it is still a famous choice for companion.
The name “pug” is believed to have many origins. One interpretation is that the name “Pug” comes from the Latin ‘pugnus’ meaning fist which is a very probable interpretation as the dog’s profile resembles a clenched fist. Another theory is that the name comes from English word pug, an affectionate term for playful little monkey. Still the derivation of name is uncertain.
Happy tolerant and good- natured, Pugs make great companion. They are affable, playful, charming and yet stubborn. Sensitive to human voice, Pugs require great amount of human attention. In fact, they become anxious or agitated if their owners disregard them. They are clever and succeed in obedience skills making them easy to train.
Like all dogs, Pugs too have a number of health problems. Improper care of wrinkles may sometimes cause adverse health effects. Since they lack longer snouts and prominent skeletal brow ridges they are susceptible to eye injuries. They suffer breathing problem like all breeds with flattened face. Therefore, they should not be left in hot location (temperature +27˚C). Since Pugs are prone to obesity, regular exercise and healthy diet is necessary. When Pugs are over exercise, they have the tendency to “reverse sneeze” which they can work it out themselves. Fawn pugs shed a lot. But trimming keeps shedding down.
Easy to live with and affable with humans as well as other pets, Pug makes a wonderful companion.

One of the most famous family dogs, Golden Retriever is the most benign, good-natured, easiest to train and most willing to learn breed. Historically, Golden Retriever was developed as a gun dog to retrieve shot from water during hunting and shooting. Because of its intelligence and versatility, Golden Retriever is used for illegal drug detection and search and rescue in the present. They also make a brilliant gun dog and excellent guide for the blind.
Kind, friendly and confident, Retrievers are amiable with both stranger and those they are familiar with. Because of this trusting and gentle nature, they do not qualify as guard dogs. They are not aggressive at all, nervous and unduly timid. Adult Retrievers are active, fun-loving and love to work. So it should be kept in mind that they do not overwork. Renowned for their patience with children, they are also compatible with adults and other pets. In fact, Golden Retrievers make excellent surrogate mother and in some cases may produce milk even though it is not pregnant. Retrievers also require plenty of exercise.
Retrievers rank 4th in Stanley Coven’s “The Intelligence of Dogs” indicating that they are one of the brightest dogs ranked by obedience command trainability. Due to their intelligence, athleticism and desire to please handler, they are exceptionally trainable. They respond well to upbeat and positive training style.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is very common in the breed. However, according to 1998 health survey, 61.8% deaths of American Golden Retrievers are caused by cancer which is the biggest killer. Apart from these diseases, flea allergies, heart diseases, eye diseases also bother Retrievers.

One of the world’s most popular breeds, the waterproof and water loving Labrador Retriever descended from St. John’s Water dogs. Developed in the 19th century to be used as gun dogs, they are now used as guide dogs for the disabled, hunting, tracking and detection and therapy work. Well-balanced, friendly and versatile, Labradors make excellent family dog since they are good with children, adult and other animals as well.
The breed’s steady temperament may be its most important asset. Most affable breed, it is easy going and may even trust strangers which do not make good guard dogs. They are not excessively prone to being territorial, pining, insecure, aggressive, destructive and hypersensitive. Since they are fast and athletic, they require constant stimulation of body. They love retrieving games and swimming. Labradors only mature around 3 years and are extremely enthusiastic before that. Their fun loving boisterousness and lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times.
Labradors suffers from various health problems which appear in later in life. Like most breeds, Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Since Labradors have large appetite, they are prone to obesity as they get older which exacerbate any underlying joint problem and may lead to diabetes. they are also susceptible to ear infection as they have floppy ears which trap moist ear. Other than these, eye infection and exercised induced collapse are common amongst this breed.
This highly intelligent and gregarious breed will definitely make an excellent family dog if not a good guard.

Originated in Tibet around 800 B.C., Lhasa Apso is one of the oldest recognized breeds in the world today. In the past, Apsos were associated with ancient monasteries of Tibet where they were bred as companion for the monks and as barking sentinels to alert monks of intruders. They were believed to bring good luck and to have religious significance because of their association with the monasteries. The breed was hardly sold. In fact, this breed was treated with great respect and it was considered an honor to be given one as a gift. Originally, Lhasa Apsos were common only in wealthy homes of Tibet such as the royal palace and the palace.
After its recognition worldwide, Apsos have been classified into the non-sporting category. These dogs have a keen sense of hearing and have rich, sonorous bark which belies their size. Loyal only to those closest to them, this completely fearless breed is wary of strangers. They are entertaining and caring companions and want to please their owners. However, despite their small size, they are not traditional lap dogs. Owners should keep in mind to place their Apso in such a palace form where they can view all the activities in the house. Apso also do not enjoy bathing or swimming though they can remain patient while being groomed if trained properly. Generally, Apsos enjoy training. They require socialization with other dogs and people as early as when they are puppies and throughout their lives. Though they have long hair, the undercoat sheds only once a year.
Apsos have very few health problems and are actually one of the longest living breed. One problem is that their eyesight may deteriorate with age. Other than that, owners should keep in mind that Apsos should not be shaved as the hair naturally insulates and protects its eyes and skin.

Active, good-natured, sporting dog, English Cocker Spaniel is most efficiently designed of all the spaniels. Robust and strong but small enough to push through dense undergrowth, it has a neck that is strong enough to lift game that is large and heavy relative to the dog itself and long enough to keep the game lifted clear of the floor. The breed is still used as working and hunting and Cuban authorities train and use English Cocker Spaniel as sniffer dogs to check for drugs or food products in Cuban airport.
Known for optimism, intelligence and adaptability, Spaniels are very loyal and affectionate towards the family. It bonds strongly to an individual the family. However, it can be stubborn and does not prefer being alone. Males have greater tendency to be aggressive in comparison to females. Male oranges are considered to be the most aggressive and are not recommended as family pet. Despite being obstinate it can be easily trained owing to its obedience and intelligence.
Like many canines, Spaniels suffers from several problems which include bite problems, skin allergies, shyness, cataracts, deafness, hip dysplasia, aggression towards other dogs and benign tumors. According to 2004 UK Kennel Club Survey, cancer was the biggest killer of the dog accounting for 30% of the death. Other causes of death include old age and cardiac.
All in all, Cocker Spaniels make a good medium-sized family pet.

The national dog of Germany, is commonly referred to as the “Apollo of all Breeds.” According to the American Kennel Club, “The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with grand size and a well-formed body. One of the largest working breeds, it never appears ugly”.
Great Danes were originally bred to hunt boars. Later in the 19th century, they were found escorting the carriages of the wealthy and fashionable in the Great Britain. At present, it is used for guarding and as companions.
The Great Danes’ size betrays its amiability and gentleness. This friendly dog can actually be refered to as gentle giant! It is well disposed to other humans and canines it is familiar with. One of the world’s tallest dogs, Great Dane “combines elegance with power, grandeur with a good nature and courage.” [‘The Handbook of Dog Breeds’: Maria Costantino]
Great Danes suffers from relatively less health problems. They have slow metabolism which results in less energy and less food consumption, they are prone to hip dysplasia and suffer a high incidence of arthritis. Hence, they require daily walks.

Descended from mastiff dogs, St. Bernard is believed to have been brought to Switzerland by Roman legions as guard dogs. They were originally used as guide dogs and trail breakers marking safe paths through snowy mountain passes. Now they are no longer used for alpine rescues but participate in variety of dog sports including carting and weight pulling.
St. Bernards are generally very affable dogs. They are loyal and are eager to please their owners. They bark at strangers and their colossal size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders. However, they must be well socialized with people as well as other dogs while young if they are to be safely kept as pets. Both training and socialization should begin while it is still a puppy.
Most the breed health problem arises from its weight, hip and elbow dysplasia being the most common. They grow rapidly and their immense weight can lead to very serious deterioration of bones if they do not get proper food and exercise. Bone cancer, which is a rare occurrence, it shown to be hereditary.

Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breed whose history stretches back to the Roman Empire. In those times, the legions travelled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. The powerful and ferocious looking dog was used in both world wars as messengers, draught and guard dogs, search and rescue dog, assistance and guide dogs for blind and police dogs. Today they make a good working guard dog and also a family pet since they can be easily trained.
Though ferocious looking, Rottweilers are good natured and fond of children. They are very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work with an inherent desire to protect home and family. Self-assured and fearless, they do not lend themselves to immediate and indiscriminant friendships. Dangerous behavior only results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect or lack of socialization and training.
Rottweilers are relatively healthy and disease free. They can suffer from hip dysplasia like other dogs. If over fed and/or under-exercised, they are prone to obesity which can further lead to other health problems such as arthritis, breathing difficulties, diabetes, heart failure, reproductive problems, overheating caused by thick layer of fat under skin and so on.
This hardy and very intelligent dog as well suited as companion, guardian and is in general all-purpose dog.