Top Dog

A few Basset Hound dog facts
The Basset Hound's temperment is gentle and non-confrontational. They're known for a strong sense of smell and hunting instinct. The breed was introduced to the USA by Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette, who gifted President George Washington Basset Hounds to use in his hunting expeditions. The Basset Hound is ranked #41 for 2011.

A few Beagle dog facts
Beagles were imported from England in 1870, and were used for hunting rabbits. There were Beagles in the USA before that time, but the breed was more of a straight-legged type of Basset or Dachshund. The Beagle dog is ranked #3 for 2011.

A few Border Collie dog facts
The Border Collie was first called the 'Scotch Sheep Dog'. The word 'Collie' is a Scottish word used to describe Sheepdogs, although the antecedents of the Border Collie were developed in the British Isles. They have a tendency to herd objects and people as the breed controls a farmer's stock with a stalking movement and an intense gaze. The Border Collie is ranked #45 for 2011.

A few Boxer dog facts
Boxers in the USA come from a line perfected in Germany during the past 100 years, although their descendants were known in Europe during the 16th century. The Boxer Dog was originally used for dog fighting in Tibet, and to run down and hold large game like wild boar or bison until the hunter could arrive. The Boxers from Germany are related to practically all of the Bulldog breeds, with an added Terrier strain. The Boxer is ranked #7 for 2011.

A few Bulldog dog facts
Bulldogs were first bred for fierceness. Eventually the breed developed into a line of fighting dogs. Dog fighting became illegal in England in 1835, so English Bulldog fanciers developed the breed to eliminate the undesirable traits and become the dog we know today. They are now known to be gentle and protective with a tendency to form strong bonds with children. The Bulldog is ranked #6 for 2011.

A few American Cocker Spaniel dog facts
The American Cocker Spaniel is recognized by their smaller, rounder heads and shorter muzzles. They are the smallest dog of the Sporting Group. The name 'Cocker' was derived from their talent in hunting woodcock. The American Cocker Spaniel is ranked #27 for 2011.

A few English Cocker Spaniel dog facts
Cocker Spaniel dogs descended from the original Spaniels in Spain. The AKC recognized the 2 separated breeds of Cockers in 1946. The English Cocker Spaniel is ranked #63 for 2011.

A few Dachshund dog facts
The Dachshund was bred in Germany to dig up badger burrows and fearlessly kill the prey. Their name is German for "badger dog". What we affectionately call the "Weiner Dog", "Wiener Dog", and "Doxie" today decends from history dating back to the 15th century through illustrations of badgers being hunted with elongated bodied, short legged dogs with hound-type ears. The Dachshund is ranked #9 for 2011.

A few Doberman dog facts
Doberman dogs are very intelligent, which puts the breed in demand for training as a police and war dog. Dobermans are loyal watchful guardians and companions that are obedient, fearless, and energetic. There is a life-sized bronze statue of a Doberman called "Always Faithful" in Guam's US Naval Base on display as a permanent monument for the War Dog Cemetary. The Doberman is ranked #13 for 2011.

A few Dalmatian dog facts
Spotted dogs have appeared in Europe, Asia, and African history. They have been found painted on walls of tombs running behind Egyptian chariots and mentioned in letters written in the mid-1500s.
The Dalmatian Dog is the only coaching dog who originally followed and guarded horse drawn vehicles. It's instinct and affinity to horses still remains, although the Dalmatian has proven itself to adapt and excel at many other roles. Throughout the centuries the Dalmatian has been used as a war dog, a draft dog, a shepherd, a ratter, a bird dog, fire-apparatus follower and firehouse mascot; a retriever, a trail hound, and a circus performer. The Dalmatian is ranked #73 for 2011.

A few French Bulldog dog facts
The French Bulldog's temperment is affectionate, active and alert, with even dispositions. "Frenchies" are the "Toy" Bulldogs with "bat" ears who were bred for companionship and as a lap dog. The French Bulldog is ranked #18 for 2011.

A few German Shepherd dog facts
The German Shepherd breed is a decendant of farm and herding dogs. They're well known for their stature, dignity, courage, and ability to be trained for police and guide dog work. The German Shepherd has a tendency to become seriously loyal to their owner or caretaker, a type of 'one-man' dog. For the 2nd year in a row, the German Shepherd is ranked #2 for 2011.

A few Golden Retriever dog facts
The Golden Retriever breed is from Scotland, and adept at hunting and retrieving both waterfowl and upland game. Their temperment is reliable companionship and intelligence to be trained for guide dogs or search and rescue dogs. The Golden Retriever ranks #4 for 2011.

A few Labrador Retriever dog facts
The Labrador Retriever breed started in Newfoundland and were called the "St. John's Water Dog". Original work was to help pull in the fisherman nets and catch the fish that escaped from fishing lines.

In the 1920's and 1930's British breeds were introduced to enhance their ability to retrieve game. The Labrador's temperment is one of intelligence and ability to be trained as a guide dog, search and rescue, or detecting narcotics. Labs are outgoing but even tempered, being non-aggressive towards other animals or man. They're eager to please and love being part of the family. The Labrador Retriever has been ranked #1 for the last 21 years.

A few Lhasa Apso dog facts
The Lhasa Apsos temperment is assertive but suspicious of strangers; both dignified and aloof; plus joyful and mischievous. They were bred to be an inside the household guards in Tibet. The Lhasa Apso is ranked #62 for 2011.

A few Papillon dog facts
The Papillon breed was started in France, but Spain and Italy popularized the little dog. Marie Antoinette was an ardent admirer, and Louis the XIV owned many Papillons. Their name is French for 'butterfly', a description of their ears. Their temperment is joyful and alert, but not shy or aggressive. Papillon's early use was as a 'ratter', although they are too small to kill a rat when first found, they will exaust it until they can kill it. The Papillon is ranked #38 for 2011.

A few Pomeranian dog facts
The Pomeranian's name is derived from a region called Pomerania, which is our present day Germany and Poland. Pomeranians didn't originate from Pomerania, but the breed was developed for their present size there.

Pomeranians temperment includes being an extrovert and eager to please; along with being alert and docile. In 1888 Queen Victoria of England received a Pomeranian from Italy. 'Marco' became her constant companion, and at her death it was noted that a Pomeranian was laying at her side. The Pomeranian ranks #17 for 2011.

A few Pug dog facts
The Pug breed is one of the oldest, evidence pointing to before 400 BC. Tibet in China is the earliest known source for Pug dogs. It was the House of Orange in Holland's official dog in 1572, called "Mopshond", a Dutch description of "to grumble".

In 1860 British soldiers took them from Peking's Imperial Palace and introduced them to England.

The name "Pug" most likely is derived from the Marmoset monkeys that were called "Pugs" and were popular pets of the early 1700's, because of their similar facial experessions.

In 1790 the Pug Dog became popular in France, called "Carlin". Josephine, the wife of Napoleon, used her Pug to carry secret messages to her husband while imprisoned at Les Carmes.

The Pug's temperment is outgoing, playful, dignity, and a special affinity towards children. They are eager to please and love being part of the family. The Pug is ranked #26 for 2011.

A few Poodle dog facts
There are drawings of the Poodle dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. In Spain during the 18th century most popular dog breed was the Poodle, and France favored the Toy Poodle as the most popular during Louis XVI's reign.

Originally from Germany and used as a water retriever, hunters would trim portions of the Poodles coat for more effective swimming, leaving hair on the parts of the dog that could get cold fast. The German words 'Pudel and Pudelin' are descriptions of 'to splash in the water'.

The Poodle's temperment is that of having a feeling of distinction and dignity while carrying himself proudly. The breed comes in three size varieties. The Standard Poodle, which is the oldest, stands over 15 inches tall at the shoulder. The Miniature Poodle's size is over 10 inches but under 15 inches. The Toy Poodle stands 10 inches or under. The Poodle has been ranked #8 for 2011.

A few Rottweiler dog facts
The Rottweiler breed started out as a Mastiff type of Roman herding dog, used by the Romans to conquer Europe. Roman soldiers were accompanied by large groups of animals for sustainment during their marches and fighting, and the Rottweiler took care of the animal herd while also guarding the supplies at night.

In 700 A.D. in what is now Southern Germany, excavations of the red tiles of Roman villas were unearthed, and to distinguish the villas from each other, one was named "das Rote Wil" meaning "the red tile". The "das Rote Wil" town prospered and Butchers used dogs to drive the cattle to and from the markets. The dogs were called "Rottweil Metzgerhund", meaning "Butcher Dog". Cattle driving wasn't outlawed until the 19th century.

The Rottweiler was bred for protection, and desires to protect their home, family, and territory. They are very intelligent, courageous, and a devoted loving companion.

The Rottweiler's temperment is aloof and reserved. They do not welcome strangers or lend themselves to immediate or indiscriminate friendships until properly introduced. Rottweiler's are self-assured and confident, although they may behave in a more clownish/fun manner towards their family and friends. The Rottweiler is ranked #10 for 2011.

A few Schnauzer dog facts
There are 3 Schnauzer breeds, and all of them originate from Wurttenberg and Bavaria. Their name is derived from the German word "Schnauze" describing a beard and moustache. The Schnauzer was used to help the shepherd drive livestock to the market, and as a guard dog of Butchers and Breweries.

A few Miniature Schnauzer dog facts
The Miniature Schnauzer was developed to be a small farm dog, and used as a ratter. They have been recognized in 15th century German paintings, and are the most popular of the 3 Schanuzers. The Miniature Schnauzer's temperment is of being cheerful, intelligent, protective, willing to please, and fondness of children. The Miniature Schnauzer ranks #12 for 2011.

A few Standard Schnauzer dog facts
A 14th century statue of a hunter with a Standard Schnauzer crouching at his feet stands in Mechlinburg Germany. Rembrant painted several Standard Schnauzer's during the 15th and 16th centuries.

90% of the guard dogs in marketplaces and breweries of Germany before World War I were of the Schnauzer blood line. During the war, the German Army used Standard Schnauzers as dispatch carriers and Red Cross aides, referring to them as "the dogs with the human brain"

The temperment of the Standard Schnauzer is affectionate and sociable, fondness of children, intelligent but can be strong-willed, and protective. The Standard Schnauzer is ranked #91 for 2011.

A few Giant Schnauzer dog facts
In Germany the Giant Schnauzer was called the "Munchener" being a prominent cattle and driving dog. Their name is now "Riesenschnauzer", meaning "The Giant".

The Giant Schnauzer received Germany's nationwide attention when they deemed it suitable to receive Police training just before World War I. The Giant Schnauzer's temperment is composed, courageous, intelligence, reliability, easy trainability, and loyalty to family. The Giant Schnauzer is ranked #95 for 2011.

Does your dog sleep in their own bed or YOUR bed? Dogs need the security of having a place that is comfortable and designated 'theirs' to take a nap or retire for the night. The dog bed link below presents numerous styles that may be 'just right' for your Top Dog. If your dog sleeps with you...well, I can't help you there, because mine sleep with me! Oh, they've got 'security' alright, they're bed hogs!

Dog accessories like dog collars and leashes are necessary to keep within the statutes of the law, but that doesn't mean they can't be dazzling! The link below also has a daily update on the top ten dog collars from Amazon.

Dog accessories are essential for tiny dogs during the winter to keep them warm while they're outside doing their 'duty walk'. Dog Clothing can be much more than a frivolous whim; Rain Coats, Jackets, Hoodies, Coats, & Sweaters will protect your dog, especially the one's with safety reflector strips. Dog boots will keep your dogs paws healthy and trouble free from winter snow chemicals and the summer's hot pavement.

I love watching my dogs unwrap their Christmas presents, don't you? My 2 dogs are so funny, and get so excited knowing they won't get in trouble for ripping up the wrapping! Or do you fill a Christmas stocking for them? Check the page out below for Dog Stockings and 'already filled' Christmas Dog Stockings.

Dress them up for the day in a beautiful Christmas Sweater, it will make those holiday photos precious lasting memories. Christmas dog clothing will also accentuate your Top Dog from all the others at the dog park!

Dogs LOVE to be part of any 'action' in the home, and the holiday is no exception. Dog apparel for Christmas will liven up the dullest of festivities when your Top Dog prances among the guests wearing their Christmas Costume.