This little dog comes in two sizes and three different coats - standard and miniature sizes, smooth haired, long haired, and wirehaired. Both are considered a small dog breed.
Standard Dachshunds weigh 16-22 pounds and stand about 9 1/2 inches. Miniature Dachshunds weigh less than 10 pounds and stand 5 inches high.

There are many permissable colors but black and tan is the most common. My dad had a Dachshund when he was growing up that was all red. Sophie got a long fine with all the family members, even the toddler.

Normally, though, these dogs are not good with children, so they are not recommended as a family dog. But they make excellent companions for older people who want a small dog that doesn't require a lot of physical exertion.

Dachshunds can be very long-lived.

They learn quickly, are very alert watchdogs, but not suited to guarddog. In training, they may be hard to housebreak.

Dachshunds are one-family dogs, reserved with strangers, and no problem with strange dogs.

They are very active, even indoors, and may bark more than most other breeds.

Dachshunds are subject to spinal disc problems, but besides that and the possibility of paralysis, they are an easy breed to care for, unless you get a wirehaired. The wirehaired requires daily brushing for about 10 minutes and trimming once in awhile.

Overall, they are a great little dog breed for families without young children or for older people who want a small housepet that is easy to care for.

This video tells you all about the Dachshund, including their history, their temperament, and more.

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The Chow Chow is one of the varieties of dogs that come from China. Other China dogs include the Shar-Pei and the Pekingese. Each is very different and very unique.

Chows range in weight from 45 to 75 pounds and are about 17-21 inches at the shoulders. They have the strength and will to be an excellent protector of family and home.

They are one-person or one-family dogs and need to be socialized at an early age to understand that you are the boss. Since Chows are hunters, unless they grow up with a cat they might view cats as game. Other than that, they usually get along with other family pets.

Chow Chows are very easy to housebreak, are very rarely destructive of household furnishings, and are not diggers or barkers. When they do bark, it is wise to investigate. They are by nature guarddogs, are very alert watchdogs, and suspicious with all strangers.

They do not do well with young children but do quite well with older and considerate children. If cornered or in a strange situation they will bite, which often happens at animal shelters. The shelter personnel often don't understand this reaction and euthanize the dog.

Even though they are devoted to their family, Chow Chows are highly independent and will often retire to a corner of the house that is out of the way. They are not for people who want an overly affectionate lapdog. Anyone who desires a dog that needs to be with the owner at all times should not get a Chow.

Chows do need to be with their family for socialization. These dogs, like most, should not be locked outside alone. Dogs are companion animals and need interaction with people.

Chows shed heavily once a year and require frequent, thorough brushing. There are actually two different type of Chow, the rough coat and the smooth. The rough coat Chow has longer fur and needs brushing every other day year-round, and every day during the time of heavy shedding. The smooth Chow needs to be brushed once a week.

They do not require a lot of exercise and do very well in apartments. They are quiet, clean, and can be reserved.

Since they have a heavy coat and they do not do well in hot climates but do very well in cold. Some Chows have extra skin in the back of their throats that causes them to become stressed from heat, exercise and excitement.

If they become stressed, this extra skin in their throat can put a strain on their heart so it is very important to provide these dogs with air conditioning during hot weather, and not exercise the dog in the heat of the day.

The Chow Chow, rather than specializing in one thing, is good at a variety of jobs. These include hunting, herding, pulling and protecting.

Overall they are a wonderful dog for families with older children, and for people who do not want or need a dog that is always at their side. They are a devoted dog breed with the strength to be good protectors of their family and home. Perhaps this is the dog for you.

Some interesting facts:

Energy level - 1 (out of 5)

Affection level - 2

Friendliness towards other pets - 3

Friendliness towards strangers - 1

Watchdog ability - 5

Protection ability - 4

Heat tolerance - 1

Cold tolerance - 5

Here's a very informative video about the Chow Chow.

As the name infers, the Chinese Shar-Pei originated in China. There is evidence that they have existed since around 200 B.C.

The name Shar-Pei literally means "sand-skin" or "sand-paper-like coat" and refers to the two distinct qualities of their coat which makes this dog breed unique - roughness and shortness.

Following the communist take-over of China the breed was essentially eliminated from the country. Dogs were seen as a luxury and were heavily taxed. So it is not surprising that by 1950 the breed was in danger of surviving.

A few Chinese Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and it was one of these breeders who appealed to dog fanciers in the United States in 1973 to save the Chinese Shar-Pei. Due to their rarity, and because of such an enthusiastic response, a small number of Shar-Pei were brought to the United States in 1973.

The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc., was formed when the recipients of these dogs got together and decided to form a national dog club and registry, and the first meeting was held in 1974.

It wasn't until August of 1992 that the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club.

The Shar-Pei has made an amazing come-back, numbering 15,000 by 1994.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a regal, alert, intelligent and dignified dog. They are standoffish with strangers but extremely devoted to their family.

This breed can be difficult to train unless he is well-socialized as a pup and taught at a young age that you are superior. If that is achieved, they will be a dependable, devoted companion and get along fine with children.

The Shar-Pei has several health problems that could discourage prospective owners. They are susceptible to eye problems, mouth problems and ear problems and because of the folds of their skin infections and pyodermas are difficult to control.

They weight 40-55 pounds and are 18-20 inches at the withers, making it a medium dog breed. Colors include fawn, cream, black, red, chocolate, sable, apricot, a dilute shade of red, silver, and a dilute shade known as blue in other breeds.

When visiting a breeder make sure to ask if they x-ray their pups to check for hip dysplasia, which is a problem for this breed, and check to see if they give the young dogs plenty of human interaction. These dogs are very people-oriented and needs lots of interaction.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great guarddog and watchdog. They combine a great sweetness and loyalty with dedicated protectiveness of both person and property.

They are a one-family dog.They are wonderful with children, so they make a great family dog. They are gentle with everyone except strangers.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a large dog breed, weighing  55-75 pounds.

Stubborn and bold, yet fairly easy going. They learn somewhat slowly and require firm, consistent training from puppyhood. But the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is well worth whatever effort it takes to train, for he will reward you with his loyalty and protection.

This breed is reserved with strangers but no problem with strange dogs.

They love to swim so if you have a pool or nearby pond or lake expect to take them to enjoy the water.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need regular exercise but does fine in the city.