Author: cosmick

Big news in the dog world! The American Kennel Club announced that they are recognizing two new breeds of dogs. The Mudi and the Russian Toy. This was first announced a few months ago and we have some information about it. With this status, both of these breeds of dogs will now be able to compete in AKC-sanctioned events, such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Although these pups are new to the AKC, they have been around for a longtime and have a proven record of being great dogs. Both have very good personalities and warm and approachable demeanors.

The Mudi (pronounced “moody”) will compete in the herding group at confirmation shows while the Russian Toy will compete in the toy group. This is surely is an accomplishment for these breeds as the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes 199 dog breeds.

Let’s learn about the Mudi. This small- to medium-sized pup has curly hair and is an active, energetic, and fun pup to be around. They do well in K9 sports and also have the abilities to engage in search and rescue missions as well as herding livestock. They are a smart and alert breed of dog that share roots with two Hungarian dogs, the Puli and the Pumi. Mudis are “tough little dogs,” the breed club says. They do well with families that have children and other pets. They enjoy outdoor activity time and tend to be very social. They enjoy the attention of their family and other pets in the home.

Mudi Basic Breed Information

• Mudi Height: 15-19 inches tall at maturity
• Mudi Weight: 17-30 pounds at maturity
• Mudi Colors: Black, white, brown, gray, and yellow. Will also exhibit a merle pattern among those colors.
• Mudi Lifespan: 12-14 years

The Russian Toy is a much smaller breed of dog. They are known to be very loyal and loving to their family. They admire their owners and tend to crave a lot of one-on-one attention from them. Unlike most dog breeds who are either active or relaxed, the Russian Toy is a 50/50 mix. Some of these pups are energetic and always on the move while some are much more laidback and relaxed. This breed has roots that date back to the 18th century. They were originally known as Russian Toy Terriers and were bred to be companion dogs for the upper-class. In the early 1900’s they nearly went extinct but have since been saved after great efforts by Russian breeders were made. Russian Toys come in smooth-coated and long-coated varieties.

Russian Toy Basic Breed Information

• Russian Toy Height: 7-11 inches tall at maturity
• Russian Toy Weight: 5-8 pounds at maturity
• Russian Toy Colors: Black and tan; brown and tan; blue and tan; red; sable; and brown sable
• Russian Toy Lifespan: 10-12 years

Both of these breeds of dogs are very well-liked and are expected to be become even more popular in the years to come. With the recognition of the American Kennel Club, the world will begin seeing these pups as first-class dogs. Both dog breeds offer many great qualities and make great family pets. They are both also very good-looking pups!

Many of the cancers that affect humans can also affect their dogs. Our pups can develop tumors internally or can develop them on their skin and in their mouths. One such cancer, Melanoma, can occur on the skin or inside of your dog’s mouth. While the skin version of Melanoma can be relatively benign, the oral form is much more serious.

What is Melanoma in dogs?

Cells called melanocytes are designed to produce pigment colors of the skin. As diseased melanocytes grow, they form tumors. This is caused by a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. Skin that is overexposed to sunlight has an increased risk of developing Melanoma. Certain breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, and Schnauzers, have a higher risk of developing melanomas.

Oral Melanoma is the most common type of malignant tumor that can develop inside your dog’s mouth. It can appear pigmented or can have a non-pigmented appearance, which is referred to as amelanotic Melanoma. What makes it so serious is that it is capable of invading underlying bone and spreading to other parts of the body. This can lead to facial swelling and eventually make it difficult and painful for your dog to chew.

Medical Diagnosis

For those of us that have dogs who allow us to brush their teeth, this is a good time to check the inside of his mouth. At times it can look like a round tumor or just extra tissue growth coming from the gingiva or on the inside of the lips and cheeks. Tumors can also grow on the roof of your dog’s mouth or even under the tongue. Should you discover a new bump or lump inside your pup’s mouth, advise your veterinarian. If your pup experiences oral pain or bleeding from his mouth, this should be treated as a medical emergency.

A fine needle aspirate can be performed on the skin bumps by your veterinarian. This process involves the use of a needle and syringe to collect cell samples from the bump for further testing. This process generally requires sedation due to the sensitivity of the procedure.

Standard Medical Treatment

Biopsies can sometimes remove all the visible tumors, but with Melanoma, there is a good chance that microscopic portions of the disease are left behind. Further treatment will require additional surgery to remove the underlying disease. Procedures such as a CT scan will be able to provide even more detailed information. Should the tumor invade bone, then surgical procedures may need to include bone. For tumors that are inoperable, radiation therapy can help with treatment, especially with very small melanomas.

Road to Recovery

Dogs who go through surgery may need a special collar or cone to prevent scratching around their faces. Soft and moist foods or liquid diets are recommended for at least two weeks while the dog’s mouth heals. Dogs who need radiation therapy may appear tired and or have some nausea, but if the radiation is focused only on your dog’s mouth, the dog may show fewer negative signs from the treatment. Your dog will also require frequent follow-up visits with his veterinarian to monitor the condition. A repeat CT scan may also be suggested afterward to make sure that the cancer does not return.

Dogs who are not provided with care may eventually stop eating due to the pain associated with this. This generally takes place between three and six months after the initial diagnosis, which is why it is important to seek early care, which is also more effective. General well visits at your veterinarian are also a good way to make sure your pup remains healthy and catches medical issues before they transition into a more complicated issue.

Are you looking for a puppy? Trying to decide which is the right breed for you can be challenging. There are several things to consider before making a final selection. How big will the puppy get? How much daily care will this breed require? Is the breed of dog kid friendly? Or how well does the breed train? Some dog breeds tend to pickup on training much easier than others. Some actually thrive off of the interaction during training where other breeds may be a tad more stubborn. In either instance, training for puppies is crucial because as the saying goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Training a dog while he is still a puppy allows for an easier transition into his adulthood. It also prevents your pup from having to break old habits which can be tricky to overcome.

When a dog is still a puppy their minds are quickly developing which is the best time to teach them the rights and wrongs and rules of the house. If you are looking for a puppy that trains with ease, check out our list below, as we have compiled a list of puppies that you may want to consider.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Labradors are amazing dogs for dozens of reasons. Training with ease is one of them. The Labrador Retriever is a very social and interactive pup that is certainly mom approved! This breed is friendly and outgoing and enjoys the attention of his family. They are known to not only learn the basics well, but are capable and willing to learn some pretty nifty dog tricks. This breed of dog has been a favorite for generations and makes one of the best family dogs in town!

POODLE

Next on our list is the Poodle. These pups are highly intelligent and obedient dogs who year after year rank number one in smarts. They are highly interactive and thrive off of one-on-one attention with their family. They are known to train well and are capable of learning a large variety of tricks. They also make terrific family pets that come in three sizes.

BORDER COLLIE

The Border Collie is considered to be a very intelligent and outgoing breed of dog. This breed is known for its ability to train quickly and with ease. They have a lot of energy which allows them to stay alert long enough to learn a variety of tricks too! If you are looking for a quality pup that will win your heart, the Border Collie should be one to consider.

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

If a smart, affectionate and loyal dog is what you are looking for that is easy to train, consider a Miniature Schnauzer. This breed of dog has been a family favorite for generations and may be just what you are looking for. They do well in contemporary homes or apartments and enjoy human interaction. Being that they are smart and pose a degree of confidence, training them is generally fairly simple.

GERMAN SHEPHERD

German Shepherds are ready to work and very eager to please. They are a very smart breed of dog who train with ease. Because the German Shepherd trains so well, they have been used for a variety of things over the years. From law enforcement jobs, to military jobs, to service dogs, this breed can do almost anything. They are also very loyal to their family and happy when you are.

BEARDED COLLIE

The Bearded Collie has traditionally been used for herding cattle and sheep in the Highlands of Scotland. This breed of dog is very responsive, alert, and smart. Their success at herding is much thanks to their ability to train well. Their personality and mentality allow them to also be very good family pets. If a loving, smart, and easily trainable pup is what you seek, the Bearded Collie should be on your list of considerations.

As we age, we often find that we sleep less deeply at night which results waking up in the morning not feeling well rested. This causes many of us to try and sneak a nap in sometime during the day to regain some energy. The Sleep Foundation advised that healthy adults should receive between seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If it were only that easy to accomplish!

Most dogs don’t have that issue and generally spend twelve to fourteen hours each day dreaming about their favorite fire hydrant or tree! Dogs need an ample amount of shuteye to look and feel their best. Puppies need even more sleep as their bodies and minds are constantly growing and developing. The average puppy will sleep between fifteen and eighteen hours every day.

Although all dogs have different sleeping patterns, the following may cause them to need more sleep than normal.

● Age – Puppies and senior dogs tends to need more sleep.

● Dog breed – Certain dog breeds just enjoy extra sleep. (List found below.)

● Stress and anxiety – Separation anxiety, etc.

● Activity Level – Does the dog spend a lot of time burning off energy VS lounging.

● Thyroxine deficiency – Hormone related health issue.

● Diabetes – Health issue.

● Bacterial infection – Health issue which needs to be treated.

● Viral infection – Health issue which needs to be treated.

● Anemia – Health issue which needs to be treated.

● Poisoning – Emergency care issue which needs to be treated.

Which Dogs Sleep the Most?

• Mastiffs generally sleep eighteen hours a day.
• Greyhounds generally sleep eighteen hours a day.
• Lhasa Apsos generally sleep fourteen hours a day.
• Saint Bernards generally sleep fourteen hours a day.
• Great Danes generally sleep fourteen hours a day.
• Bassett Hounds generally sleep about fourteen hours a day.
• Chow Chows generally sleep thirteen hours a day.
• Shih Tzus generally sleep thirteen hours a day.
• French Bulldogs generally sleep twelve hours a day.
• Pekingese generally sleep thirteen hours a day.

A Dog’s Sleep Stages

Much like their human family members, dogs also go through different sleep cycles each day. The initial stage for a dog is a slow, quiet and peaceful sleep. Your dog’s body temperature will begin to lower as will his heartrate. This stage is the most relaxing stage for your pup. About ten minutes later, he will enter into a REM phase (Rapid Eye Movement). Dog owners may take notice that their pup actually appears to be trying to run or move around at this time. Their entire sleep cycle is fairly quick, lasting just under one hour.

Ways To Improve Your Pup’s Sleep

Here are a few very basic but effective ways to help your fur-legged friend establish a good bedtime routine which may help him achieve the sleep he needs.

Create a Consistent Nighttime Routine

Dogs tend to do best if they have a good and consistent routine. If their schedule is sporadic, getting used to things is more difficult. Try having your pup calm down by a certain time each evening by lowering the TV, not playing with him, and easing the overall activity time inside your home.

Exercise

Keeping your pup active will naturally allow him to burn off extra energy and feel tired at bedtime. A pup that has sat around all day may have trouble getting comfortable at night when everyone else goes to bed.

A Good Feeding Schedule Many dog owners find that keeping their pup’s feeding schedule on set times allows them to not only have healthy pups, but pups that have set potty times. Once a dog forms a good feeding time routine his potty times generally remain consistent. Normally once a pup does his business in the early evening hours, he is safe until the next morning. Feeding your dog later than normal may cause him to have to go outside later than normal which will keep him up.

All dogs enjoy the smell of fresh air, chasing a ball, and running in circles outside. After all, they are creatures who need exercise and sunlight, and the feeling of freedom. There are, however, some breeds of dogs that, despite needing some activity time outside, much prefer a day of relaxation on a couch with a blanket and their owner by their side. If you tend to fall in this category too and are considering a fur-legged friend, we have a list of pups that may be a perfect fit for you. The list we put together is wide in variety; however, they all share one common trait, the enjoyment of relaxation!

The Bulldog is, well, a relaxed pup! This breed is a very social dog but also very set in its ways. Although he will enjoy some fresh air and the sounds of birds, he will be excited to get back inside and just relax. This breed is great for those who feel the same way and is known to make a great family pet.

The French Bulldog is also a very laidback, let’s take a nap and relax kind of dog. This breed is known for his gentle snoring and happy-go-lucky personality. They do enjoy some outdoor activity time, however, do not do well in extremely hot or extremely cold climates. A few minutes of outdoor playtime and this pup will be headed right to his doggy bed (or lap) right after.

Basset Hounds are another great family pet for those who would rather spend more indoor than outdoor time. This breed certainly does enjoy his free time under a tree and smelling the scents that surround him, but he also equally enjoys a soft blanket and nap. They are not highly energetic dogs and will quickly burn off extra energy with a twenty-minute walk. This breed is a family favorite to many and has been for generations. Dachshunds are energetic pups that do like to play outside but will be excited to get back in and take it easy. They love the company of their family and to share couch time with them. This breed is very popular because they are very loyal and tend to be happiest when their family is. Although this pup is not large in size, he will take over your entire couch if allowed!

The Pug likes to rest and likes to be comfortable. This breed is known for its great companion qualities and amazing ability to snuggle! They do enjoy being outside within reason but tend to prefer being snuggled up and in dreamland. This breed has made a great family pet for generations and will surely win your heart (and lap) in no time at all.

Chihuahuas are adored by many and for many different reasons. This breed of dog is very easy to live with, does not require excessive amounts of exercise, and is a joy to be around. If you are more of a homebody and enjoy your Friday night with a movie at home and an early bedtime, this pup very well may be for you! With a warm blanket and soft couch, this pup will melt in happiness next to you! For generations, the Chihuahua has made an ideal companion for those who enjoy a couch over a late night out. No matter which breed of dog you end up choosing, expect many years of a loving companion who will quickly bond with you. It’s always best to learn more about a dog breed before bringing one home to make sure his style of living and yours are compatible.

The excitement, culture, and nightlife of living in a major city is something many people enjoy. Normally a major city is a fast moving and lively place to live. Due to how many people live in the city, very often, housing tends to be smaller than in more rural areas. Many residences in a city are apartments which do not have spacious lawns or many places for pets to play in. Although many dog breeds are able to adapt to this type of living environment, some breeds do better than others. If you are a city folk and looking to add a fur-legged friend to your mix, consider one of the below listed dog breeds. They are our picks of the best city dogs.

Basenjis

The Basenji is a calm, peaceful and quiet dog that is not known to bark. This is a great quality for those of us who share walls in an apartment. This medium-sized dog adapts well to his environment and does not need a tremendous amount of space to feel comfortable. This is an active breed of dog though who will need regular walks around the town to look and feel his best.

Boston Terriers

This Boston Terrier is known to be a very affectionate breed of dog that stand just over a foot high. They train with ease and tend to do well in apartments. Being that they are smaller dogs, large open rooms commonly found in contemporary houses are not needed. This breed is filled with energy, however, and will need to be walked for about thirty minutes each day.

Shih Tzus

The Shih Tzu makes a great city dog because they are small and do not require an excessive amount of outdoor time. They find comfort in the laps of their owners yet do enjoy a brisk daily walk to burn off extra energy. This caring and happy breed of dog adapts well to different living environments and is sure to be a good fit for those living in the city.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is happy just about anywhere. This pup is curious and will most likely spend time looking out your apartment window at all of the people and vehicles that pass. They are a smaller breed of dog who do not require enormous amounts of room. A daily thirty-minute walk around the block will help this pup explore while keeping her healthy too.

Poodles

You can never go wrong with a Poodle. These pups come in three sizes, standard, miniature and toy, with the last two being the best options for smaller living spaces. This breed is considered to be very smart and trains with ease. They do enjoy mental stimulation so expect them to study everyone and everything on the busy streets outside your apartment. A healthy thirty-minute walk each day will help this pup look and feel her best.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the “Yorkie,” makes a great family dog for those who live in apartments. They do enjoy learning new areas and being social which will make walks around the city blocks something enjoyable for him. They are not big dogs so smaller apartment style living will not be an issue for them. They also train well and are not overly loud dogs. City living may be different than rural living but for a dog, as long as he is given love and care, both places will make him happy. Taking the time to find the right pup for a busier environment will allow for many years of a relationship.

For a dog breed to find itself on the American Kennel Club’s registry, certain specific requirements must be fulfilled. This process is not an easy one, as the American Kennel Club is extremely selective. The below listed dog breeds may have been in existence for a very long time, but were all just recently added to their list. They range in shapes and sizes and origins, but the one thing they all have in common is they are amazing dogs.

Pumi Dog

The Pumi is a very curly-coated breed of dog that originated in Hungary. The compact size of this breed allows them to move flocks down narrow paths into pastures. The Pumi was registered with the AKC in 2016 despite having roots tracing back to the early 1800s. Although the Pumi may look like a relaxed and calm lapdog, they are hard workers with a very agile, quick, and athletic side. This breed, although very rare, does make a terrific family pet.

Sloughi Dog

The Sloughi is a North African dog which is very popular in Morocco. This breed has a very similar appearance to the Saluki, which was bred for hunting small game. Although the Sloughi has been around for centuries, it was not until 2016 that the American Kennel Club recognized it. This breed is best known for its speed, strength, agility, and endurance. They are very loyal, devoted, caring and outgoing dogs that make great pets.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog originated in Italy. They are well known for their curly and long coats and their ability to be master herding dogs. They are very outgoing, hardworking, and friendly dogs that are not known for being aggressive. Thanks to their build and coat quality, they do well working in cooler climates, such as the Alps. The Bergamasco Sheepdog makes a great family pet and is one the whole family will love.

Boerboel Dog

The Boerboel is a Mastiff-type breed of dog that is large and somewhat intimidating looking. They are very powerful and strong dogs that were used as guard dogs and to do work around the farm. The name, with its Dutch origins, translates to “farmer dog.” Many Boerboel owners would describe their dogs as very loyal and protective and are known not to leave their side. One of this breed’s top qualities is that is has an incredible level of loyalty and seeks your companionship. The Boerboel does make a great family pet and with training at a young age can do well with other pets in the family.

Lagotto Romagnolo Dog

The Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed originated in Italy. They are known for their ability to hunt and are considered by many to be top working dogs. They specialize as a water retriever and thanks to their dense and thick coats, are able to withstand cold temperatures. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a very old breed of dog that has roots that date back to the 1400s. The American Kennel Club did recognize the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015. This dog is a loyal and obedient breed which does well as a family pet.

Cirneco dell’Etna Dog

The Cirneco dell’Etna is an Italian hunting dog that has roots tied to the Italian island of Sicily. This breed is known for its amazing ability to hunt small game such as rabbits and squirrels. The Cirneco dell’Etna are very athletic dogs who are fast, agile, and very focused. Today’s Cirneco dell’Etna makes a fantastic family pet and a great companion dog. They are known for their short and smooth coat and large ears. Although this breed has been in existence for centuries, they were not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2015.

We all know that our pups are amazing and bring us a lot of enjoyment and love. There is a reason why they are referred to as “man’s best friend.” We’ve put together a list of some very interesting facts that we believe you will also find amazing!

Some Dogs Can Sniff Out Medical Problems

You read that right! Medical detection dogs are a real thing. Because their sense of smell is so strong, some dogs can be trained to sniff out certain medical conditions. Some experts suggest that animals such as dogs can help detect hypoglycemia in people. Researchers say that dogs may be able to detect changes in the composition of their owner’s sweat that occur when they are becoming hypoglycemic.

Some Dogs are Amazing Swimmers

Breeds such as the Newfoundland swim so well that they’ve been used as water rescue dogs for years. In 2016, a brave Newfoundland called Whizz was awarded the PDSA Order of Merit for saving nine people from the water. Certain dogs even have webbed feet which allows them to not only swim well, but at a quick pace.

Fur-legged Racers

We all know that most dogs could easily outrun a human. Afterall, they’re built to chase! The fastest breed of dog is the Greyhound. These amazing hounds are able to reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Even more impressive is that they are able to maintain a fast speed for several miles at a time.

No Sweat!

Dogs produce a pheromone laden oily substance that humans can’t detect. To cool down they pant and release heat through their paw pads and nose which regulates their body temperature. Panting is one of the first signs a dog is getting too warm and needs a cooldown period.

Lefty or Righty

There have been several dog studies that have shown your pup very well may be left paw dominate or right paw dominate. Are you curious which paw your pup prefers? You can find out whether your dog is left or right-pawed by giving them their favorite toy and seeing which paw they use to help them first.

Can Hear a Pin Drop (And a lot more)

Where dogs really shine is with high-pitched sounds. The average person cannot hear sounds above 20,000 Hertz (Hz). Hertz is a measure of the frequency of a sound, and the higher the frequency, the higher pitched the sound. Dogs, on the other hand, can hear sounds as high as 65,000 Hz. And we wonder how our pup can hear his treat bag being opened from across the house!

Eighteen Muscles Control Their Ears

You might have taken notice that dogs move their ears around a lot and in different directions. This is possible because they actually have eighteen muscles responsible for moving their ears. These muscles help them to change the direction of their ears which allows them to identify where a sound is coming from.

Dogs Are Said to Be as Smart as A Two-Year-Old

Multiple studies have shown that dogs can learn over 100 words. This put their intelligence and understanding in par with a two-year-old child. Certain dog breeds, such as the Poodle, is believed to be able to learn up to 300 words! Our pups are very smart and alert creatures! All in all, dogs sure are amazing creatures that can do so many interesting things. From actual jobs, to hunting, to human service assistance. Each dog breed has a unique trait but I think we can all agree that every dog is very special and has a place in our heart!

Some dogs are bred for hunting, others for herding, and some for just being adorable and wanting to cuddle up! These pups are known as companion dogs and generally have extremely lovable and caring personalities. They enjoy a lap and relaxation. If you are looking for a companion dog, consider one of the five below as they are our picks for the top companion dogs.

Papillon

The Papillon is small, soft and loving breed of dog. They are at times playful and active, but love the comfort of a lap. They make great family pets and do well with children. The Papillon is considered a toy spaniel and is sure to win your heart… And lap.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 8 to 12 inches

WEIGHT: 5 to 10 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long and straight coat that can be found in white with markings in red, sable, black, or lemon.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and desire to build a strong bond with their family. These tiny pups do well in all styles of housing. They are kid friendly and mom approved dogs that absolutely love a warm lap and blanket. They are also very social dogs who tend to do well with other pets in the home.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 5 to 9 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 7 Pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Short or long coat that can be found in black, white, fawn and blue.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most laidback dog breeds you can find. They adore their family and love to curl up and nap next to anyone who is willing to. They are not overly energetic and have very warm and approachable demeanors. They make great family pets who tend to get along well with children and other pets in the home. The French Bulldog is certainly a top companion dog and one to be considered.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 19 to 30 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Stocky build with a large head and short snout. Their smooth coat can be found in a variety of solid colors or brindle.

Golden Retriever

The Golden retriever is one of the sweetest and caring breeds of dog you will find. This breed is very eager to please his family and enjoys being around them. They are not known for any aggression and their warm and outgoing personality make them a great companion dog. They also do well with other dogs in the home as well as children.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 23 to 26 inches (male); 21 to 24 inches (female)

WEIGHT: 60 to 75 pounds (male); 50 to 65 pounds (female)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Large head with expressive eyes; Their medium length coat can be found in shades from light golden to red.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is believed to have originated in Tibet and originally owned by Chinese emperors. This small breed of dog is known for its ability to cheer just about anyone up. They love one-on-one time with their family and enjoy napping along side of you. This breed has a very welcoming personality and does well with families that have children. These are just some of the reasons the Shih Tzu is as popular as it is today.

Breed Facts

HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 9 to 19 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Can be found with a long double coat in many different colors.

Pug

The Pug is sure to bring a smile to your face! This adorable pup is a joy to be around and known for its companionship qualities. The Pug enjoys his family and looks forward to spending time with his family. They make great companion dogs much thanks to their personality and demeanor. Those looking for a loving and warm and gentle pup should certainly consider the Pug.

Breed Overview

HEIGHT: 10 to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 14 to 19 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Their smooth coat can be found in several different colors including black and fawn.