Finnish Spitz were originally used for hunting birds and small mammals. Their coat is harsh, straight and medium in length, coming in shades of golden-red (puppies are born with black overlay that disappears when they reach about 8 weeks).
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These are independent and somewhat stubborn dogs. They are alert, curious and playful and tend to be devoted to one person. They can be aggressive with strange dogs and reserved with strange people. They can also bark a lot. They need a long walk or vigorous run daily and their double coat needs brushing 1-2x weekly.
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No health concerns of note!
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Health concerns include brachycephalic syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, allergies and patellar lunation
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The Keeshond is an energetic, loving dog that lobes adventure, yet can also be easygoing. They learn quickly and are friendly to all, despite being an alert watchdog. They need a good daily walk combined with a vigorous game every day. Their double coat needs brushing twice a week.
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Health concerns include hip dysplasia, epilepsy and patellar luxation.
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The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed revered in Tibetan monasteries. They are independent and bold, but amenable to playing or sleeping. They need a short walk or vigorous play session every day and their long coat needs brushing and combing every other day.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation, eyelid problems, PRA and renal cortical hypoplasia
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Lowchens are a mixture of playful and easygoing. They are responsive to commands and devoted to family. They may bark or dig. Lowchens need a short to medium walk daily or an active game. The coat needs brushing or combing every other day (clipping to maintain lion trim must be done every month or two).
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The only major health concern is patellar luxation.
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Poodles are amenable and obedient. They are sensitive, tending to be devoted to a single person, whereas they are reserved with strangers. They love to run and swim and are excellent with other pets and children. Miniature Poodles need mental and physical exercise every day. Standard Poodles need longer walks, while the smaller variety can make do with shorter walks and/or indoor games. Grooming depends on the style you're going for.
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Health concerns include eyelid problems, Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, PRA, epilepsy and sebaceous adenitis (in Standards).
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These dogs are bold, energetic and headstrong, while reserved with strangers. Schipperkes need either a moderate walk or vigorous romp every day. The double coat needs weekly brushing.
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Health concerns include mucopolysacharidosis (MPS), Legg-Perthes and epilepsy.
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These dogs may have been used as early as 300 B.C. as hunting dogs. They are bold and full of self confidence. Some are even domineering and they can be aggressive with strange dogs. They are territorial and quite vocal. Shiba Inus need a vigorous game, long walk or a run daily. The double coat needs brushing 1-2 times a week.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation, allergies and cataracts.
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These Spaniels have a history that is entwined with Buddhist beliefs that saw the lion as an important symbol. They are independent and stubborn, but also sensitive and happy. They are good with other dogs and animals, but reserved with strangers. Tibetan Spaniels need games inside the house or yard or a short walk every day. Their coat needs brushing and combing twice a week.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation and cataracts.
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These are very companionable pets, willing to please. They are equally adventurous or snoozy as the mood strikes them. They need a moderate to long walk or vigorous game daily and the long coat needs brushing or combing every other day.
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Health concerns include patellar luxation and epilepsy.