Dogs Article at wikipedia

German Shepherds are fierce but friendly, and have a calm confidence that may seem kind of aloof. Not to be left alone in the house too long, German Shepherds crave interaction and involvement. They are fiercely protective of their homes and families.

A healthy Shih Tzu can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, ear and kidney infections, and eye problems. The Shih Tzu is undoubtedly one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. Chinese paintings from the 6th century A.D. show Shi Tzu-like dogs.

Border Collies are loyal, trainable, whip-smart pets with an oversupply of energy; i.e. they won’t just hang out on the couch. They have natural herding instincts that can sometimes come into play in the household: Young children and small pets may get “herded” from time-to-time.

Having a Miniature Schnauzer can almost be like having a child—but in a good way. They are alert, perky and playful. Miniature Schnauzers need to be brushed regularly to avoid matting and a healthy Miniature Schnauzer can live as long as 15 years, aging gracefully.

Mastiffs rarely bark or make noise. When you come home, you’re likely to find yours stretched out on a bed or couch, their head perking up lazily to greet you. Mastiffs have few equals when it comes to protecting the family. They have been used as guard dogs for thousands of years.

It can be done at home as a DIY project but most dogs can benefit tremendously from a well-taught obedience class. However, not all dogs are ready for group class, and some may benefit from private training instead. Finding a good trainer and knowing what type of services your dog needs is key to setting him up for training success.