Maltese
playful / charming / gentle
About the Breed
The tiny Maltese, 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,' has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions. Maltese are affectionate toy dogs weighing less than seven pounds, covered by a long, straight, silky coat. Beneath the all-white mantle is a compact body moving with a smooth and effortless gait. The overall picture depicts free-flowing elegance and balance. The irresistible Maltese face' with its big, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose' can conquer the most jaded sensibility. Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are hardy and adaptable pets. They make alert watchdogs who are fearless in a charming toy-dog way, and they are game little athletes on the agility course. Maltese are low-shedding, long-lived, and happy to make new friends of all ages. Sometimes stubborn and willful, they respond well to rewards-based training.
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
bright / spirited / keenly observant
About the Breed
The Manchester Terrier is named after the English city where it was first bred. Sleek, racy dogs who possess a terrier's ratting instinct and the graceful contours of coursing hounds, Manchesters are spirited, bright, and athletic. They combine the streamlined grace of a coursing hound and the instincts of a fearless rat terrier. These racy dogs come in two size varieties: Standard (not exceeding 22 pounds) and Toy (not exceeding 12 pounds). All Manchesters are similar in temperament, body type and athletic ability despite differences in size. They're easily recognized by a tight coat of rich mahogany tan and jet black. The head is long and wedge-shaped; tan spots above each eye point up a watchful expression. Manchesters can motor, running with good reach in front and propulsive rear drive powered by a muscular caboose.
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
intelligent / agile / spirited
About the Breed
The Manchester Terrier is named after the English city where it was first bred. Sleek, racy dogs who possess a terrier's ratting instinct and the graceful contours of coursing hounds, Manchesters are spirited, bright, and athletic. They combine the streamlined grace of a coursing hound and the instincts of a fearless rat terrier. Manchesters combine the streamlined grace of a small coursing hound and the instincts of a fearless rat terrier. These racy little dogs come in two size varieties: Toy (not exceeding 12 pounds) and Standard (not exceeding 22 pounds). All Manchesters are similar in temperament, body type and athletic ability despite differences in size. They're easily recognized by a tight coat of rich mahogany tan and jet black. The head is long and wedge-shaped; tan spots above each eye point up a watchful expression. Manchesters can motor, running with good reach in front and propulsive rear drive powered by a muscular caboose.
Mastiff
dignified / good-natured / courageous
About the Breed
The colossal Mastiff belongs to a canine clan as ancient as civilization itself. A massive, heavy-boned dog of courage and prodigious strength, the Mastiff is docile and dignified but also a formidable protector of those they hold dear. For the uninitiated, a face-to-face encounter with these black-masked giants can be startling. A male stands at least 30 inches at the shoulder and can outweigh many a full-grown man. The rectangular body is deep and thickly muscled, covered by a short double coat of fawn, apricot, or brindle stripes. The head is broad and massive, and a wrinkled forehead accentuates an alert, kindly expression. Mastiffs are patient, lovable companions and guardians who take best to gentle training. Eternally loyal Mastiffs are protective of family, and a natural wariness of strangers makes early training and socialization essential. Mastiffs are magnificent pets, but acquiring a powerful giant-breed dog is commitment not to be taken lightly.
Miniature American Shepherd
intelligent / good-natured / devoted
About the Breed
The Miniature American Shepherd resembles a small Australian Shepherd. True herders in spite of their compact size, Minis are bright, self-motivated workers and endearingly loyal and lively companion dogs who have an affinity for horses. The Miniature American Shepherd shares many physical traits with its forebear the Australian Shepherd'only on a smaller scale. Females stand between 13 and 17 inches at the shoulder; males range from 14 to 18 inches. Despite their size, Minis are every inch a true herding dog: energetic, versatile, rugged, and extremely bright. The eye-catching coat comes in black, blue merle, red, and red merle. (The merle will exhibit in any amount marbling, flecks, or blotches.) Minis move with the smooth and agile step of a dog built for hard work on punishing terrain.
Miniature Bull Terrier
upbeat / mischievous / comical
About the Breed
In most every way the Miniature Bull Terrier is a Bull Terrier, only smaller. These upbeat, mischievous dogs come equipped with terrier fire and fearlessness. If ever a dog could claim the title 'Clown Prince of Dogdom,' it's the Mini. Like the class clown or an adorable toddler, the Miniature Bull Terrier is full of mischief and high spirits. With square bodies and egg-shaped heads, no other breed looks quite like it. These small, muscular terriers are strong, active, fearless, and endlessly entertaining. As fun as he is, it's not a good idea to let your Miniature Bull Terrier puppy get away with too many high jinxes. He'll be at his absolute best with early socialization and patient training; you couldn't ask for a more amusing companion.
Miniature Pinscher
fearless / proud / fun-loving
About the Breed
The leggy Miniature Pinscher is known to fans as the 'King of Toys.' This proud, fearless, fun-loving toy breed of lustrous coat and a compact, wedge-shaped physique is a true personality dog, known for a high-stepping 'hackney' gait. Min Pins are sturdy, compact dogs standing no more than 12.5 inches at the shoulder. The smooth, shiny coat comes in two shades of solid red, or chocolate-and-rust or black-and-rust. The dark, slightly oval eyes and high-set ears help bring out a self-possessed, 'big dog' personality. A distinguishing characteristic is the Min Pin's high-stepping 'hackney' gait, reminiscent of a hackney horse at the trot.
Miniature Schnauzer
friendly / smart / obedient
About the Breed
The Miniature Schnauzer, the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, is a generally healthy, long-lived, and low-shedding companion. Add an outgoing personality, a portable size, and sporty good looks, and you've got an ideal family dog. Stocky, robust little dogs standing 12 to 14 inches, Miniature Schnauzers were bred down from their larger cousins, Standard Schnauzers. The bushy beard and eyebrows give Minis a charming, human-like expression. The hard, wiry coat comes in three color patterns: salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black. Created to be all-around farm dogs and ratters, they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive. The Miniature Schnauzer is a bright, friendly, trainable companion, small enough to adapt to apartment life but tireless enough to patrol acres of farmland. They get along well with other animals and kids. Minis are sturdy little guys and enjoy vigorous play. Home and family oriented, they make great watchdogs.
Mountain Cur
intelligent / reserved with strangers / strong-willed
About the Breed
The Mountain Cur is a hunting dog with a good treeing instinct. It is a very courageous fighter and extremely intelligent, doing whatever job its master desires. The dogs were a crucial part of the cultures of early pioneers, settlers, and homesteaders. The Mountain Cur is a fast, hard hunter that runs track with its head in the air. He can be open, semi-open, or silent on track and has a clear bark that can be heard a long distance. They will circle and drift on a cold track if a hot one is not available until they locate a hot track. They are courageous fighters when required and extremely intelligent, with strong treeing instincts, and can easily be trained to leave unwanted game. They respond best to training with a lot of human contact, and in addition to hunting, make great companions and watch dogs.