Pedigree

Almost every child wants to own Lassie, the wonder Collie. Unfortunately, if the child really expects one dog to be that incredible, a Collie puppy may be a bit of a disappointment. After all, in real life, Lassie is actually played by several hard working Collies.

The Cocker Spaniel is such a pretty, graceful dog in the show ring that it is hard to imagine that this breed was developed to be a working dog. However, before Cocker Spaniels were bred for their long, flowing coats, these bouncy little dogs were developed to be able to work tirelessly alongside hunters and sportsmen.

Normally, a blue tongued dog would be a cause for concern. However, when that blue tongue belongs to your Chow Chow, it is completely normal. Chow Chows have a black tongue with a distinctive bluish tint.

If you watch television, you've probably seen celebrities like Paris Hilton toting around tiny dogs with big poppy brown eyes. These dogs, called Chihuahuas, are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world.

Breeding dogs is a serious responsibility and entails risks and surprises for even experienced breeders. But, even in a world too crowded with unwanted dogs, there are positive aspects. Here are a few things to consider...

The Bull Mastiff is a cross between a Mastiff and a Bulldog. Originating from England, the Bull Mastiff was developed to work with the law to track down, tackle and hold poachers. The dogs are fierce and threatening to criminals.

If you want a dog that is a marshmallow with your children, but a strong deterrent to criminals, you may want to take a look at the Boxer. The Boxer gets its name from its habit of using its front legs to box when it is fighting.

If you are looking for a rare, distinctive looking longhair cat, then you may want to take a close look at the Turkish Van. This cat breed is also known as the swimming cat, since the Van, unlike other cats, actually enjoys taking a leisurely swim.

If you want a longhair cat breed that is as intelligent as it is beautiful, you may want to take a look at the beautiful Turkish Angora.

If you just can't decide whether you want a Burmese cat or a Siamese cat, then you may want to consider a cat that is the descendant of both of these wonderful breeds, the Tonkinese.