In some cases having a 200 pound dog in your home may take some getting used to, because mastiff pups are very clumsy until they mature enough to where they can learn to control their size. This gentle giant is known to be very mild tempered and not easily angered, although who would really want to provoke this huge dog?

The mastiff is known to be a very casual and calm breed. This dog will in most cases not attack anyone breaking into your home, but the fear factor alone makes this dog appear to be a threat to intruders. The Mastiff Dog Breed drools a lot and is very good with kids, although it may be too big to have around babies due to its size.

This dog type is very intelligent, so simple or complex commands can be taught very easily. These dogs only live to be about 10 years old due to sheer size. The mastiff dog breed has been known to develop CHD (Coronary heart disease). Also, other things such as elbow dysplasia and becoming over weight can become a problem if not treated. It is recommended that you take the dog for daily walks or for a run in the park. Exercise has been proven to keep your dog healthy and strong.

The mastiff dog breed requires little or no effort to keep maintained. Routine nail trimmings, baths, brushing, and dry shampooing will keep your dog looking like the champion that you know he can be. This dog does not react very well to warm weather, so it is not recommended to have these dogs outside before the temperature cools down.

The mastiff comes in many different breeds listing from English mastiff, British mastiff (bull mastiff), Victorian Bulldog, Fila Brasileiro, American Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and many more. Although each breed has its own distinct markings, sizes, and shapes, the temperament is generally the same throughout the history of the blood line. Mastiffs are very family oriented dogs, and are known to be playful as pups, gassy (flatulent) as adults, and most breeds have been known to snore loudly.

However there appears to be evidence to refute Bewick’s claims. As far back as 3,700 BC, king Cheops (or Khufu) was known to have owned a spotted pet dog; the first spotted dog on record. More compelling evidence perhaps is a 1700 BC fresco from Tiryns that illustrates a boar hunt with black and liver spotted hounds which today can still be found in the National Archeological Museum s. In Greece, Crete and Egypt are to be found numerous ancient friezes and murals depicting spotted white hounds (with liver or black spots sometimes both). Around 400 BC a spotted Cretan Hound was commonly employed in hunting antelope. That hound was later crossed with the White Antelope Dog from ancient Egypt creating a distinctly colored hound that loved running alongside horses.

How The Dalmatian Dog Got Its Name

As to how the Dalmatian Dog came to be named as such is a whole new twist altogether in an already highly convoluted and controversial history. Strangely enough the origins of the Dalmatian name in many respects resembles the controversial manner with which the Labrador Retriever, a Canadian dog breed that originated from Newfoundland, came to be associated with England and subsequently called the “Labrador” by an Englishman.

As things stand today the Dalmatian dog is widely associated with England and in fact got its name from Thomas Beswick, yet another Englishman. Apparent association of the Dalmatian with the region that bears the same name did not occur until around 1930 when the Consul General of Monaco to Great Britain who also happened to be a member of the British Dalmatian Club, took a pair of Dalmatian dogs to Dalmatia as a present for his stepfather Bozo Banac. Bozo Banac had previously expressed an interest in breeding the dogs there.

There is actually good reason to believe that the name Dalmatian is in all likelihood a corruption of the term “Damachien”; a term by which the dogs were known at the time and which in English translated as Deer Hound (a mix of the Latin and French words “Dama” and “Chien” which respectively mean Deer and Dog).

The preeminent French Naturalist Buffon also dipped his toes in the fray and referred to the Dalmatian dog in his writings circa 1749-1767 as “Le Braque Bengale” (hound of Bengal) which he later modified to the Harrier of Bengal in 1790. Strangely enough though there is no compelling evidence to associate the Dalmatian with India.

Thus as is abundantly evident, despite its distinct appearance the Dalmatian is a dog breed whose precise origins have eluded historians the world over to this very day. And when all is said and done it does not seem unreasonable to conclude that the Dalmatian is one dog breed with a highly spotted past indeed!

The Multi-Purpose Dalmatian Dog

Over the course of its history, the Dalmatian dog has adorned many hats of occupation which include the following: retriever, birddog, ratter, war dog, shepherd etc. But it was as a coach dog in Victorian England that the Dalmatian found its true calling. As a coach dog the Dalmatian served both a practical and aesthetic function.

The practical purpose of the Dalmatian as coach dog was to ward off marauding dogs and any other animals from harming or disturbing the coach horses. As for the aesthetic aspect, well let’s just say it looked cool to have those spotted dogs trotting by the carriage and quite likely it was probably a mark of affluence to have such dogs accompanying one’s carriage.

From the 1880s the Dalmatian was selectively bred for its fondness and affinity to run beneath horse drawn carriages, the ideal dogs being those that ran close to the hooves of the rear horses. However with the rise in popularity of the automobile the Dalmatian lost its prominence in society though it continued as a coach dog for horse-drawn fire engines, a tradition that transitioned into the Dalmatian being adopted as the contemporary mascot for firehouses.

The Dalmatian dog breed was formerly recognized by the AKC in 1888 but due to intense selective breeding for its characteristic spotted pattern soon enough the breed was plagued by genetic urinary problems; namely a predisposition to uric acid stones (kidney stones). To correct this problem the Dalmatian dog breed was subsequently crossbred with various Pointer breeds!

Breeds of small dogs have a reputation for being excellent companion pets for someone living alone or for an older couple. This is because these types of small house dogs are happy and energetic, making them a great pet for a family, but are also small enough to do well in a small apartment because they don’t require much exercise.

Another benefit of small dog breeds is that they have an average life expectancy of 14-16 years. While some are prone to ailments simply because of their size, many experience less health problems than large breeds that deal with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or joint problems. Before selecting a small dog breed, you will want to do some research regarding potential breed specific health issues.

Often small dogs, usually less than 15 pounds or so, are considered part of the “toy” or “miniature” group. Some small breeds like the Poodle, are actually a tiny version of the Standard Poodle. You may find some small dog breeds available in weighs as little as 4-6 pounds at full growth, while others will weigh closer to 14-16 pounds.

Although there are great benefits to owning a small dog, you will need to be especially careful with some of the smallest breeds outdoors in the cold, as well as around other large dogs, as they are more vulnerable to injury. If you live in a cold climate zone and are interested in a small dog, you might want to consider small fluffy dog breeds, like a Shih Tzu or a Pomeranian.

As well, just because these dogs are small does not always mean that they are instantly cute and sweet. Many small dog breeds, like the Chihuahua and Pomeranian, have a reputation for being temperamental, jealous and downright spoiled at times. Depending on the breed, some may also be difficult to train and housebreak, as they are often known for being headstrong to make up for their small stature. Before deciding on a small dog, you will also want to do some research, as some are better suited with children or other pets, while others may not be suited in these homes.

Their benefits as pets far outweigh any downfalls and this shows as they continue to rise in popularity. They are wonderful family dogs, as well as easy going companions that are usually content doing whatever their owners do. Most just enjoy snuggling up while their owners watch a movie and many are content with a little romp in the backyard.

Some of the most popular breeds of small dogs include…

Chihuahuas: This pup is known for being fiercely loyal, as well as having a big dog attitude. Although this works well for couples looking for a little watch dog, Chihuahuas may not do well with children because of this loyalty and attitude. Because of their short hair, they will do best in a warm climate zone or where they can be kept indoors unless they are of the long-haired variety.

Dachshunds: Most recognize the “wiener dog” right away and this has helped to make them one of the most popular small dog breeds in America. They are popular because of their fun and fearless attitude, a happy personality as well as being a great companion dog. Owners need to regularly exercise them and be careful of overfeeding because they are short and long.

Pomeranians: This breed loves to be spoiled, so will do well with a companion that wants to make their pet the center of attention. They don’t mind sitting on their companion’s lap all day long, although they are known for being jealous. Poms are one of the most popular small fluffy breeds that have more bite than its bark, making it a great watchdog.

Pugs: A sweet and lovable small dog with lots of energy, Pugs fit well with any type of family, although they will need regular exercise because of their tendency towards being overweight.

Shih Tzus: Often referred to as the little lion because of their lion face and big personality, this breed commands attention and respect. Surprisingly, although they are long-haired and require regular grooming, Shih Tzus are actually considered hypoallergenic.

Yorkshire Terriers: One of the smallest of the small breeds, Yorkies are actually pretty hardy and can stand up to a little rough housing. These dogs are extremely loyal companion dog that will usually pick their favorite owner, and have a tendency towards being jealous.

These are just a few of the many small dog breeds out there, and if chosen carefully, both you and your pup will benefit with years of love and companionship.