A crossbreed like the Cockapoo is somewhat less likely to have many of the genetic problems that plague purebred breeds (something called hybrid vigor).

In fact, other than the normal care for a dog (grooming, cleaning ears, safety, exercise), Cockapoos have no particular health concerns — though it should be noted that without consistent care and cleaning of the ears, Cockapoos can easily develop ear infections, thanks to long floppy ears from the Spaniel side.

Cockapoos enjoy the poodle’s long lifespan, and can live 18-22 years. They come in several different varieties: Teacup Toy (height less than 10 inches and weight under 6 pounds), Toy (height 11 to 14 inches, weight under 12 pounds) and Standard (height over 15 inches and weight over 12 pounds).

Since the Cockapoo is a mixed-breed dog, thus falling under no breed standard, the dog sees variations in build ranging from slim to stocky. The Cockapoo can also be bred with three different coats: a tight curly coat, a medium curl, and a flat coat. Though different in style and color, all of these coats are less likely to shed, making them a consideration for allergy sufferers.

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Still, Cockapoos, like all dogs, aren’t free of dander (though they’ll shed considerably less than other breeds of dog), a potential allergen. The long-haired coat should be trimmed regularly to prevent matting.

Cockapoos enjoy being around people, and their intelligence makes them easy to train. Though active dogs, Cockapoos do not require large outdoor spaces to run around in, and are good in apartment settings, provided they get a walk at least once a day.

It’s their friendly personality — as well as forgiving nature and loyalty — that makes Cockapoos an ideal family pet for those with children and other animals. Even when left alone for extended periods of time, these dogs are generally not destructive. Though they can become anxious, so crating is recommend if leaving a Cockapoo alone for more than four hours at a time.

Well, skip the exotic animal issues and enjoy a little bit of both with the adorable, monkey-like Brussels Griffon!

These dogs have a sturdy, terrier-like body and come with either a rough coat (Griffon Bruxellois) or a smooth one (Griffon Braboncon.) Unlike a monkey, the Brussels Griffon smells just fine and won’t empty your cabinets for fun.

These little dogs have more than their share of “cute.” They stand 9-10 inches, and weigh a solid 9-12 pounds. Their faces somewhat resemble pugs, and some believe the smooth-coated Griffons come from pug lineage.

The Brussels Griffon has an excellent temperament. It’s often compared to a terrier, but without the excitability that can make terriers a bit difficult. They’re happy and affectionate, but not high-strung and neurotic. They’re also obedient, intelligent and loyal.

Physically, despite its cuteness, the Brussels Griffon looks like a little powerhouse. They were bred to be tough ratters in Belgium in the 18th and 19th centuries, until they caught on as attractive house dogs. This breed was just starting to hit its stride when World War I broke out. And then, like every aspect of daily life in their native Belgium, their progress was severely interrupted. Since then, they’ve spread throughout the world with only slight variations in breed.

Brussels Griffons make great watch dogs, and so tend to be a little reserved around stangers. They can also be slightly aggressive with other dogs if they’re not socialized early on in their training.

Training the Brussels Griffon is a little tricky. They require early efforts, and you need to be consistent and precise in conveying desired behaviors. It takes some patience, but the result will be a bright and energetic dog.

In terms of feeding and exercise, the Brussels Griffon is delightfully low-maintenance. They make great apartment dogs, as long as they’re walked daily. 6-8 ounces of raw meat and vegetables provides a healthy diet.

Grooming this breed is a little big trickier. Both rough and smooth type Griffons only shed a little, but need regular brushing and a clipping every 3-4 months. For show, it’s best to hand-strip to maintain the shine and texture of the coat. The nails should be trimmed regularly also.

One look at the Brussels Griffon, and you know you’ve got a little powerhouse full of love, energy and happy disposition. That’s not something you can be sure of if you opt for the pet monkey.

The similarities to Han Solo’s sidekick don’t stop at looks though. Like his Star Wars counterpart, the Affenpinscher is alert, gentle, intelligent, affectionate and always ready to defend his humans from strangers, making him a top-notch watchdog.

The Affenpinscher is on the smallest end of the Schnauzer and Pinscher’s breed, and has an adorable long-haired monkey-like face. In fact, the Affenpinscher’s name comes from ‘Affen’, which is the German word for Monkey. In some parts of Germany they’re known as Zwergaffenpinscher, which means “Dwarf-Monkey.” The French nickname for the Affenpinscher – “mustachio’d devil” isn’t quite so flattering.

Although the Affenpinscher is a great watchdog, strangers need not fear for their lives. Its average height is 9 to 11 inches, and the average weight between 6 and 9 pounds.

The Affenpinscher goes very far back in German History, being depicted in portraits by Van Eyck and Durer in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, some lineage experts believe the Affenpinscher believe them to be descended from the Brussels Griffon, while others argue that it’s the other way around. A third theory holds that they descended from the German short-haired Zwergschnauzer.

Up until 1896, Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinschers were classified as a single breed. But that year, for the first time, the Berlin Dog show decided to separate the breeds, dubbing the long-haired version the Affenpinscher.

The popularity of the breed caught on only slowly. They were introduced by the American Kennel Club in 1936, the United Kingdom in 1936 and finally made its appearance for the first time at the Crufts Dog Show in 1980.

The Affenpinscher certainly won’t “pinsch” your food budget. Breeders recommend 4-6 ounces of meat daily, with an equal part biscuit. If you prefer dry dog food, breeders recommend 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry food per day. As with all dry foods, make sure there’s an ample supply of water to help them choke it down.

The Affenpinschers are low maintenance. Like most small breeds, a short daily walk around the park will suffice, but they’ll be happy to walk as long as you want.

The long hair that gives their exceptional cuteness just requires regular brushing along with the regular regimen of dog grooming.

If you want a cute, loyal and often comical companion, the Affenpinscher is the breed for you.

Being the owner of a Pit Bull can be intense. It amounts to what the insurance companies call a “lifestyle change.” It’s anything but a sideline hobby that you do when you have the extra time.

Pit Bulls, put simply, are not dogs for inexperienced owners. They are smart, game, resourceful, and they will definitely vie for dominance. They are also incredibly protective of children and downright clownish. Unfortunately, they live under a cloud of ignorance, media hype and persecution. If you ever “outgrow” your Pit Bull or offload him because your circumstances have changed and you’ve had to downshift from the family manor into a studio apartment, in all likelihood you’ve just handed your dog a death sentence.

If you’re considering a Pit Bull, you need to ask yourself some tough questions. First of all, these dogs are bred for strength and stamina. They’re going to have to get those ants out of their pants somehow, and that means plenty of play and exercise. Because of their big brains and bodily strength and endurance, Pit Bulls are ideal candidates for demanding competition events, such as weight pulling, agility or Schutzhund. Do you have similar energy levels, and a big enough sense of fun and adventure to trot side-by-side through the world with this adventurous breed?

The ideal owner will jump at the chance to spend an afternoon romping at the beach, playing catch in the park, or jogging briskly down a long country road with their Pit Bull.

But if you’re honestly more of the sedentary type, then you need to think twice about taking on this energetic descendent from a long line of warrior dogs, and look at something more lap-oriented, like the toy breeds.

Simply getting out and running probably won’t be enough to fully occupy your Pit Bull’s busy brain, however. Remember, this dog was born and bred to outwit raging bulls with painful holes poked in them. He needs something to think about. If you don’t give it to him, he’ll probably have a tendency to get into trouble — although if you share his peculiar sense of humor, you may find yourself laughing in your sleeve.

Try to give your Pit Bull as many jobs as you can think of, such as training him to find your keys or collecting socks around the house. If you have a fenced yard, put your Pit Bull in charge of patrolling the perimeter for rabbits or other intruders. And agility training is ideal for his powerful, muscular and very quick body.

The creative Pit Bull is a classic escape artist, so keep an eye on his fencing and make sure it stays intact.

Also, while many dogs can safely accompany you off-leash, the Pit Bull is not one of them. It’s not that he poses a danger to people — he doesn’t, unless he’s a poor specimen bred by some exploitational backyard breeder.

But he does pose a potential danger to other dogs. Unlike most dogs, your Pit Bull simply doesn’t know how to back down. If he enters a fight, he will end it ““period.

No other dog in existence can fight like a Pit Bull, and no other dog has the heart to see it through to the end like he does. These qualities aren’t bad — they’ve led to the extraordinary, great-hearted creature that he is. But they do mean you need to take some simple precautions with your Pit Bull, and keep him under control when you’re out and about, even though with proper training you’ll probably never have an incident at all.

For these reasons and others, you’ll need to be a strong and experienced leader to train and guide your Pit Bull. Start with obedience training and socialize, socialize, socialize from the very beginning, especially with other dogs.

Contrary to their reputation, Pit Bulls are among the likeliest dogs to give their lives to protect their families — they have, and they do. Also contrary to reputation, they don’t make particularly good guard dogs, because aggression against humans isn’t part of their breeding.

Unfortunately, this world contains some sick people who are attracted to what happens when you breed two poorly-bred, unstable “Pit Bull” mongrels together and train them to fight. After all, Pit Bulls are the canine world’s premiere fighters. Now you have dogs going by the name of Pit Bulls that demonstrate random aggression against man and beast alike — and the press has a field day. What can we say? This much-maligned breed can’t defend itself against Ghetto-culture “breeders” who like to use the Pit Bull as an icon of uncontrolled violence.

The real American Pit Bull, properly known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, is a dog of another world entirely. Quite possibly, it will take our society a long time to figure out the difference. But the experienced dog owner already knows that given the Pit Bull’s creative fire, boundless energy and goofy humor, no other breed of dog can really offer up the same rewards to its owner.

While they may look just like a scaled-down Doberman, these dogs aren’t directly related. The Min-Pin developed long before the Doberman; it’s the product of breeding a German Pinscher with a much smaller breed. Even though American Kennel Club deems the Min-Pin breed to be a “˜toy’, they aren’t at all lapdogs. Bred to be a tough, aggressive ratter, the Min-Pin weighs between 8 and 10 pounds and stands 10 to 12 inches high.

Miniature Pinschers are compact and muscular. Their short coats can be any combination of red, black, and brown. The Min-Pins tail is docked (meaning it was developed not to be long and wag-able, but short and stubby). Also, some owners crop their dog’s ears, which is unnecessary, as most will develop upright ears as they mature anyway. A Min-Pin’s soulful eyes are very dark brown; almost black.

Even with their high energy level, these dogs will fare well in apartments if they get a long daily walk. Naturally, the Min Pin will also enjoy the freedom of a fenced yard. These dogs love to roam, and they’ll search high and low for escape routes, so make sure your fence is secure. A Min Pin’s escape could result in a quick tragedy, since they’re too small to be seen from cars.

Miniature Pinschers are genuinely loyal dogs, and completely devoted to their owners. Unfortunately, such loyalty doesn’t extend to young kids – they’re often nippy with glad-handling babies and toddlers. If you’ll frequently have any toddlers around, you should crate your dog while your visitors are over to avoid problems. Also, some Min-Pins are strung a little tight and can become mean towards adults, especially those in uniform, such as mailmen and deliverymen.

While they’re still puppies, they can be stubborn and hard to control. Attend obedience classes with your Min-Pin, and take care to follow up on each command. They’ll excel in agility training, and competition can give them their chance to shine. The Min Pin’s work ethic is strong, and he was bred to take vermin very seriously. If there’s a mouse in the house, your dog will work tirelessly to catch it.

Miniature Pinschers can develop some serious health problems, such as heart or thyroid conditions, or epilepsy. Also, they’re prone to hip dysplasia, which is rare in most small breeds. While Miniature Pinschers don’t consume tons of food, they can be little gluttons. You might need to find a food which controls weight gain to avoid seeing your pup turn into a walking blowfish.

Min Pins don’t need much grooming, but they can have nail problems. Be sure to check your dog frequently and trim them when they get too long.

Granted, Miniature Pinschers aren’t for everyone, but if loyalty in a sleek little package is what you seek, then they’re the dogs for you.

Newfies are massive dogs, weighing around 100 to 150 pounds and standing 26 to 28 inches tall. The Newfoundland’s trademark is its waterproof double coat, which can be black, brown, gray, or white. A Newfie’s eyes can be anywhere from deep chocolate to light brown.

The American Kennel Club naturally classifies these guys as Working dogs. Their thick, waterproof double coat and large size make them ideal for extreme sea rescues.

Their sheer size makes them a bad apartment/small room dog. But consider also that they’re not high strung and don’t need too much exercise, so a fenced-in yard will be sufficient. Of course, they won’t reject a leisurely evening stroll with their owners.

Due to their enormous size, these dogs need training so they won’t jump up on people. Strangely enough, though, they have inherent understanding of how delicate kids and animals are, and try hard to avoid hurting them. Newfoundlands will sit, as if on a throne, and take in the world around them. Right up until someone wants to play! Then they give up all dignity and happily romp around.

A Newfie’s exuberance and loyalty make it both a great dog and a handful to raise. These guys should attend puppy obedience class to learn their limits as well as basic commands, and to make some new puppy friends.

A dog weighing more than 100 pounds will eat a lot, so be ready for the hike in grocery bills. They’ll also need the right vitamins/nutrients to grow strong and healthy, so talk to your vet about getting the right food.

Hip dysplasia and a lesser-known problem, SAS or subvalvular aortic stenosis, are common to the breed, so be sure your breeder has checked for them before taking one of these giant furballs home. Between the Newfie’s membership in the endearing but short-lived class of “gentle giants,” and the problems that crop up with less-than-exacting breeders, the Newfoundland on average lives for only about nine years.

Yes, Newfies have long hair, but grooming them isn’t too time-consuming. The top coat doesn’t mat easily, so as long as you take time to brush as least once a week, your dog’s coat will always look great. Another grooming item you’ll need to keep on top of is his nails. Check them at least once a month to be sure they don’t need trimming.

If you just couldn’t ever own a romping pet dog the size of small pony, don’t buy a Newfoundland. On the other hand, if you’re okay with their size, you’ll have a loyal and fun-filled friend you’ll never forget.

Unique face indeed! The squashed face and curly tail gives a pug a downright piggish appearance. Pugs come in silver, black, or beige. They’re broad in the chest and muscular, despite their size. The American Kennel Club includes the Pug in their Toy Group because they only weigh in between 14 and 18 pounds.

Pugs are known for being so obedient that they’ll accept any action their owner takes, or any command he issues. Caution, however: they don’t mess around if an intruder threatens their human … they go from zero to mean in less than a second! Other members within the family are another story, however: they’re great friends to children and other pets. Actually, believe it or not, Pugs have been known to return escaped pet birds to their owners without disturbing so much as a feather. If you have kids, take the time to teach them how to interact with your potential pug puppy. Not only will this let you know whether your little ones are allergic to the breed, careful instruction of your children could also prevent injury to your obedient pug.

Pugs are perfectly happy living in apartments or town homes. Granted, the Pug doesn’t need loads of exercise — just make sure he gets enough to keep healthy. A daily stroll “˜round the block should be enough, but he’d be just as happy to go much further. Note that you should always use a harness on your Pug, instead of a collar. They have can windpipe trouble due to their inefficient squashed noses.

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Pugs can indeed pick up obedience in a class environment, but they aren’t the quickest learners. They might not learn commands as fast other breeds, but once they do, they’ll just burst with pride. It’s good if you can attend the classes with your Pug. If he just doesn’t pick up the commands, just try again in a few months.

Also, simply put: Pugs love food. They’ll happily eat whatever you give them, and will learn tricks if they know you’ll treat them. Try very hard to limit your Pug’s food intake in order to keep his weight down. These dogs can develop knee problems, which are worse if they’re overweight. Pugs can also develop demodectic mange, and frequently receive eye injuries, due to their slightly protruding shape.

If you don’t want to be always grooming your dog, a Pug is ideal. A quick, weekly brush of the old coat will do it. Also, keep an eye on his face wrinkles to make sure they don’t smell (indicating infection) or develop bacteria.

If you want a dog with a very big heart, the Pug is the breed for you. Let’s just hope you won’t mind him snorting and snoring in your ear all night!

These giant dogs weigh somewhere between 120 and 200 pounds, and stand 26 to 28 inches tall. They can be short-haired or long-haired, and are usually caramel-colored with white masks. Originally, Saint Bernards were short-haired to keep the snow from clinging to their coats and weighing them down. Later, in Victorian England, dog fanciers bred them to be long-haired and even more grandiose. Unsurprisingly, the American Kennel Club classifies the Saint Bernard in the Working Group.

Unfortunately, some modern breeders are more concerned with appearance than personality when it comes to the Saint Bernard. Before you buy a puppy, be certain to meet the parents so you can make sure they’re outgoing, well-tempered dogs. As with any other breed, a poor choice for parents can lead to a timid or over-aggressive dog. Never underestimate the importance of getting a puppy with a good temper … especially when it’s going to grow into a dog the size of a Saint Bernard.

The Saint Bernard is a true gentle giant, so they’ll play well with kids and other dogs. However, a St. Bernard puppy won’t mix with a small kid, despite their best intentions. Saint Bernard puppies are often clumsy, and toddlers can get hurt while trying to play with them. Older dogs are much more graceful and won’t knock your kids down.

Saint Bernards don’t fare well in apartments or town houses. They need lots of room to roam, and simply aren’t happy without a fenced-in yard. Without proper exercise, Saints can become truly mischievous … and a bored puppy this size can wreak some serious havoc! Similarly, Saints can be prone to separation anxiety … they aren’t a good choice for owners who leave for work all day and only return home for a short evening with the dog.

One thing to keep in mind when considering a Saint Bernard is the prodigious amount of drool and slobber that can come from the dog’s mouth … owners new to the breed are often unprepared for it. Another is the dog’s short lifespan. Although Saints have lived up to 14 years, they can be beset by breed-related problems in early middle age, and on average, they only live for eight.

Saint Bernards love to please their owners. Of course, due to their size it can be tough to control them. So, while you still outweigh him, enroll your pup in obedience classes. These classes won’t only teach him to behave, but also will socialize your puppy with other dogs. This is very important when your dog outweighs most other dogs, and your hard work will definitely show when your puppy grows up.

Saint Bernards eat their share of food (which is a hefty share, to be sure), so it’s not surprising that feeding one can spike up the grocery bill. They’re prone to suffering from hip dysplasia, so buy a food formulated to help them grow up healthy and strong. Saints can also develop heart disease and, in some cases, tumors.

Short-haired Saint Bernards don’t need much grooming. Even the long-haired type doesn’t need much work, since their coats don’t matt. Either way, just make sure to brush your dog’s hair weekly.

Are you one of those special dog owners willing to consider a canine bigger than most people? If you’re into that, go for the Saint Bernard! He’ll make a wonderful friend.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Husky as a Working dog. Like most workers, a Husky needs a job to do to keep him from making mischief. Huskies are less domesticated than many other dog breeds, and are quite wolf-like. The mature Husky weighs between 35 and 60 pounds and stands 20 to 24 inches tall.

These dogs have a very thick, two-layer coat, pricked ears, and wolfish faces. This breed’s coat comes in mostly black, white or silver (or any mix of the three). The Husky’s most striking feature is his almond-shaped blue or brown eyes.

Because of its partial domestication, the Siberian Husky is impulsive, and can get into more dangerous situations than dogs with a longer history indoors. Some Huskies need to routinely visit the vet’s office to get patched up. These guys are good with older children, but not as good with infants or toddlers. Huskies are often aggressive towards cats and small animals, and as a result shouldn’t be trusted with smaller children.

As a Husky is a very energetic breed, they’ll do poorly in apartments and small-yards homes. In fact, during colder months, Huskies often overheat inside, and will prefer to spend time outdoors instead. Just be sure you keep your yard well-fenced … huskies, like many wolfish dogs, are natural escape artists.

It’s really important to train your Husky, since these dogs are constantly on the lookout for weakness. You’ll want to go to the obedience classes with your puppy to help train him. If you don’t stay dominant, your dog will become a real terror and will take advantage of you. It’s suggested that only experienced dog owners take on the Husky challenge.

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Huskies can really put food away when they’re comfortable, but some don’t eat well if they’re nervous or tense. Of course, not all Huskies are prone to going off their food — some will eat everything they can cram down their throats.

A nice weekly grooming session is recommended in order to remove dirt and debris from your Husky’s coat. During the shedding period, you’ll need more frequent grooming to keep your pup looking sharp.

Huskies were bred to be hearty, and are therefore fairly healthy. Mostly the Husky’s problems are accident-related, although some can develop hip dysplasia or hypothyroidism.

If you’re looking for a challenge, and don’t think you’ll mind a dog who’ll keep you on your toes, then consider the beautiful Siberian Husky. They’re not only stunning dogs, they’re loyal, intelligent friends as well.

The Bull Terrier is a good breed which unfortunately gets a bad rap. Bred to fight, a mistreated Bull Terrier will become a very aggressive — even vicious — dog. Always keep in mind that a bull who has been mistreated may never be truly trustworthy again, so never let them near children. But just think: the right care and training will make the Bull Terrier a sweet and loving friend. In fact, these dogs can act absolutely silly. Their companionship amounts to hours of fun.

As a member of The American Kennel Club’s terrier group, the bull is usually pure white or brindle. For a dog to be considered “brindle” it cannot be predominantly white. Be careful! Don’t confuse the bull with its American counterpart, the Pit Bull. A solidly built, muscular animal, the bull terrier weighs in between 55 and 70 pounds. The dog’s broad chest and bullet-shaped head are the tell-tale traits of the breed.

These guys can live snug in an apartment just as long as they get their exercise. Their best case scenario, though, is a home with a roomy fenced-in yard. However you work out your dog, always make sure he can’t get loose. A Bull Terrier and another small mammal can be a deadly combination.

A properly raised Bull Terrier loves family and is quite good with children. They love to play and can easily spend hours with a Frisbee. However, if you haven’t got any children, and your Bull Terrier isn’t used to them, don’t ever leave the two together unattended. The dog might see the infants/toddlers as other animals, not people, and could become rough.

A Bull Terrier is simply not a dog for the first-time owner. They’ll boss around a passive human who isn’t sending out clear commands, and they’ll dominate you and your household.

Since Bull Terriers so powerful, be sure to tame your dog thoroughly before he gets too big for you to control. It’s a great idea to put your pup in obedience classes. You can make sure he gets correctly trained while still young. Plus, obedience classes will socialize your puppy so when he grows up, there’ll be fewer conflicts.

Bull Terriers really put away the dog chow and they’ll put a spike on the grocery bill. Ask your vet about feeding your pup a dog chow mixed to eliminate kidney problems. This can prevent heart disease and/or deafness in your tough little pal.

Your Bull Terrier won’t need much grooming. Just brush him weekly to remove the loose hair and dirt and keep him sleek and shiny. Rub him down with a soft cloth or towel and watch him really shine. Occasionally you’ll want to brush his teeth and trim his nails.

Calling all experienced owners: it might be time to consider the Bull Terrier. It will take patience and effort to mold him into a good citizen, but the end result is plenty worth it.