Field Spaniel
sweet / fun-loving / sensitive
About the Breed
The sweet and sensitive Field Spaniel is famously docile, but vigorous and game for anything when at play or in the field. These close cousins to Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels may be small in number, but their charm is enormous. Field Spaniels bear a family resemblance to Cocker, Springer, and Sussex spaniels. The distinctive glossy coat is either black, some shade of liver, or combinations of the two. They stand 17 or 18 inches at the shoulder and should present the picture of well-balanced, moderately proportioned hunting companions. The long, feathery ears frame a facial expression conveying a grave, gentle intelligence. Field Spaniels are sweet, sensitive souls with just enough independence to make life interesting. They are trustworthy with kids, tolerant of their fellow mammals, and responsive to training. The U.S. breed standard calls these tranquil house dogs 'unusually docile,' but they are nonetheless playful and enjoy a good backyard romp.
Finnish Lapphund
alert / friendly / agile
About the Breed
The weatherproof Finnish Lapphund is a tough and substantial reindeer herder from north of the Arctic Circle. This remarkably empathetic breed is among the friendliest of all dogs'once he's satisfied that you aren't a reindeer rustler. Finnish Lapphunds, with their luscious coat, sweet spitz-like face, and profusely coated tail that curves over the back, are instantly recognizable as Nordic dogs. Lappies stand about 20 inches at the shoulder and are surprisingly muscular and substantial for their inches. Quick and agile, they move effortlessly and can go from a trot to a full gallop in a second flat. Lappies are friendly and submissive companions, though a bit wary of strangers. They crave companionship and will be miserable when neglected. A distinctive breed trait is a strong 'startle reflex,' the result of centuries spent ducking the antlers of ornery reindeer. Despite their propensity for shedding and barking, Lappies are popular pets in their homeland.
Finnish Spitz
good-natured / friendly / lively
About the Breed
The lively Finnish Spitz, the flame-colored, foxy-faced breed from the 'Land of 60,000 Lakes,' is a small but fearless hunting dog whose unique style of tracking and indicating quarry has earned him the nickname the 'Barking Bird Dog.' The balanced, squarely symmetrical Finnish Spitz will stand not more than 20 inches at the shoulder and are easily recognized by their foxy face and prick ears projecting a lively expression, and a curving plumed tail. Their dense coat of glorious golden-red which is never monochromatic gives them the Finnish Spitz 'Glow.' Finkies or Finns, as they are nicknamed, move with a bold and brisk gait. Finkies make excellent alertdogs, wary but not shy with strangers. This is a vocal breed ' in Finland, owners hold contests to crown a 'King Barker' ' and true Finn lovers are more delighted than annoyed by their breed's yodeling and range of vocalization. Finkies are eager canine athletes and eye-catching show dogs known to be smart, sensitive, and captivating companions.
Flat-Coated Retriever
cheerful / optimistic / good-humored
About the Breed
The Peter Pan of the Sporting Group, the forever-young Flat-Coated Retriever is a gundog of relatively recent origin. Happy, self-assured, and willing to please, a good Flat-Coat will retrieve a duck or a show ribbon with equal aplomb. The Flat-Coated Retriever's eponymous flat-lying coat comes in lustrous black or liver, with feathering at the legs and tail. A distinctive breed hallmark is the long head'unique among retrievers'which projects a smart and kindly expression. A Flat-Coat will stand as tall as a Labrador Retriever, but in silhouette they present a leaner, more elegant look. Dogdom's champion tail-waggers, Flat-Coats are among the happiest of all breeds. They mature slowly; some owners say that they never grow up at all, retaining a puppyish taste for rambunctious mischief into old age. This can be either delightful or exasperating, depending on your tolerance for such monkeyshines. This highly energetic breed requires lots of outdoorsy exercise.
French Bulldog
playful / smart / adaptable
About the Breed
The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world's most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. The French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect 'bat ears' that are the breed's trademark feature. The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose. The body beneath the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and muscular. The bright, affectionate Frenchie is a charmer. Dogs of few words, Frenchies don't bark much, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families, and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety. It is no wonder that city folk from Paris to Peoria swear by this vastly amusing and companionable breed.
French Spaniel
intelligent / sociable / gentle
About the Breed
The French Spaniel is balanced, frank, gentle, calm and docile. He is an enthusiastic hunter, sociable with other dogs and an ideal companion in all circumstances. An excellent pointing dog, he also has a talent for retrieving. The French Spaniel is the Epagneul FranÃais in his native country of France. A medium-sized dog, he is elegant, muscled and of medium proportions. His balanced construction provides the energy and toughness essential for his utilization. Highly intelligent in nature, his enthusiasm and willingness to work hard are his heritage. He is very easy to train.