Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd originated in North America and was bred as a herding dog in the Western states around the time of the Gold Rush. This is a very active dog that needs a couple of hours of exercise each day. It has very high stamina levels, allowing it to work as a herder all day long.
It’s also bold, confident, alert, smart, and responsive as a herding breed. If these traits are not released with daily exercise, however, these dogs can make life difficult for humans. Another trait that is unfavorable to a family setting is its propensity to try to herd children and pets. It will nip and use other herding tactics.
Skye Terrier
This dog is a barker. Skye Terriers are also avid diggers. It’s tough, tenacious, and needs a lot of attention. The Skye is also a relentless cat chaser. These dogs are difficult to train, stubborn, and do not get along with other dogs. It has long flowing hair that needs to be groomed or becomes matted in tangles. On the upside, the Skye Terrier can be extremely loyal. One Skye slept on the grave of its dead owner for the rest of its life, fourteen years in all.
The Skye Terrier is a moderately intelligent breed from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Bred as a working terrier, it was used to hunt foxes, badgers, and otters. The breed enjoyed a highly respected station during the aristocratic Victorian period as fashionable pets of noble ladies after Queen Victoria acquired one. One Skye, named Rona II, even posed in a portrait with the Queen. Since then, the breed has become one of the least known terriers.
Dachshund
Dachshund is German for 'badger dog'. The short-legged, long-bodied dog was bred to hunt badgers. Chasing them down burrows, the Dachshund was somehow able to outmatch its foe’s tenacity. Dachshunds are fierce and brave. A 2008 study in an academic animal science journal found the Dachshund to be the most aggressive of all dog breeds. Good thing it only stands a few inches off the ground! It comes in three varieties.
The Dachshund is also an inveterate digger thanks to its badger-chasing breeding. The little dog known as the wiener dog, adored by all children for its funny physique, is not a good pet for kids, especially small children. As one of the more aggressive breeds, this little guy can be hostile to strangers and children.
Doberman Pinscher
These highly energetic dogs are big and strong and make outstanding guard dogs. But a Doberman Pinscher is not for anybody. It needs extensive training by a handler who is more dominant than the dog. Without the correct attention, a Doberman will become bored, destructive, and vociferous.
The breed was developed by a German tax collector who needed a powerful and dependable guard for the tax monies collected. It was first recognized at an Erfurt dog show in 1897. Dobermans are tall, shorthaired, and full of strength and stamina. They are loyal, tolerant, and dedicated to family. Though the breed is easy to train, few can deliver the consistent, confident, rule-setting guidance it requires. A Doberman can become willful and stubborn if left to its own terms.
Shar-Pei
A defining characteristic of a Shar-Pei is its wrinkly skin, a trait that is especially pronounced in puppies until they gradually grow into their folded flesh. The folds are cute but prone to infection. The folds need to be wiped out with a damp cloth. Like the Chow Chow, Shar-Peis have a dark tongue and were likely cross-bred at some point, as both breeds go back to ancient China.
The Shar-Pei is territorial and aggressive. Like all breeds, it can be trained for proper socialization, but with the Shar-Pei, you will need a professional trainer who starts with it as a puppy. The dog’s aloof attitude, however, may make it a disappointing pet for children. Shar-Peis are not interested in hugs or cuddles, yet need to live inside. It is an intelligent but stubborn breed. This is not the dog for a novice owner.