YORKIE
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 The country of origin for Yorkies is England. The first record of a Yorkshire Terrier being born in the
United States was 1872. Yorkies see in color. Color blindness in dogs is a myth. Although they do not see color in quite the same way as us, they do most certainly see it. Color simply appears in a slightly more bland or dull fashion than it does to a human. The smallest dog in recorded history was Sylvia, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier owned by Arthur Marples of Blackburn, England. The dog died in 1945 when she was fully grown and almost two years old, at which point she stood only 2.5 inches tall at the shoulder, measured 3.5 inches from nose tip to tail, and weighed 4 ounces. She was approximately the size of a matchbox. |
For 1995 through 2002, Guiness World Records listed a Yorkshire Terrier named Big Boss as the smallest dog in the world. Big Boss was listed at 4.7 inches tall when his owner, Dr. Chai Khanchanakom of Thailand, registered the toy dog with Guinness. A Yorkie named Thumbelina, 5.5 inches tall & 8 inches long, held the Guinness World Record for smallest living dog prior to 1995.
Tricia Nixon had a pet Yorkie named Pasha who lived in the White House during the Richard Nixon presidency. A Yorkie's sweat gland is located between its paw pads. Can you imagine having all of your sweat come out from between your toes? During the first two weeks of a Yorkie's life it will be asleep somewhere around 90% of the time. That comes out to more than 21 1/2 hours.
Yorkies have been owned by such famous people as Audrey Hepburn (Mr Famous), Joan Rivers (Spike & Veronica), Justin Timberlake (Bella & Bearlie), Missy Elliott (Poncho), Mariah Carey (Ginger), Richard Nixon (Pasha), Bruce Willis (Wolfie) and Paris Hilton.
MALTESE
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Maltese dogs were bred originally to be companion dogs for the rich and famous or those who just needed some company in their life. The Maltese dog breed dates back to the ancient Island of Malta. It was the favored companion dog to the wealthy in Greek and Roman times. Greeks from that period constructed tombs dedicated to the Maltese and you'll often find this breed featured on art from that period. They made their way to the United Kingdom around the 16th Century and later to North America in the 1800's. Sometimes, without exposure to sunlight, a Maltese's nose may fade to pink or light brown. This is sometimes referred to as a "winter nose". However, with more exposure to the sun, the nose may become black again. |
The Maltese was originally called the Melitaie Dog. Through the years, it has also been known as Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, the Roman Ladies' Dog, the Majestic Creature, the Comforter Dog, the Spaniel Gentle, the Bichon, the Shock Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, and the Maltese Terrier. In the 19th century, The Kennel Club decided to call the breed the Maltese.
Maltese have been owned by such famous people as Halle Berry (Willy & Polly), Heather Locklear (Harley), Elizabeth Taylor (Sugar), Anna Nicole Smith (Marilyn), Eva Longoria (Jinxie), Marilyn Monroe (Mafia Honey), Elvis Presley (Foxhugh), Liberace (Charmin, Solo & Leah), Britney Spears (Lacy Loo), Barbra Streisand (Babs), Ashley Tisdale (Blondie), Miley Cyrus (Sophie Cyrus), Jessica Simpson (Daisy), Kristin Chenoweth (Maddie), and Lindsay Lohan (Chloe).
SHIH TZU
Around AD 624, it is believed that Fu Lin of the Byzantine Empire gave the Chinese royal court a pair of dogs. The temple dogs were believed to have been Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu along with the Lhasa Apso and the Pekinese dogs were regarded as temple dogs and were treated as holy.
Throughout the Tang and Ming Dynasties, the Shih Tzu were kept in the forbidden city. They were bred only for companionship to be kept in the house and around people. Thus the Shih Tzu temperament is extremely gentle in well trained dogs.
The Shih Tzu did not arrive in England until the 1800s, and it did not arrive in the United States until after World War II.
American solders stationed in Europe brought this dog home after falling in love with its unique look.
Shih Tzu have been owned by such famous people as Mariah Carey (Bing & Bong), Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Taylor, Betty White (Panda), Kim Bassinger (7 Shih Tzus!), Phyllis Diller (Fang), Queen Elizabeth of England (Choo Choo), Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, Geri Halliwell (Ginger), Joy Behar, Frank Sinatra, Maurice Gibb (Brownie), Vanessa Williams (Sebastian), David Hasselhoff (Rusty), Nicole Richie (Honey Child), Anna Nicole Smith (Puppy) and Beyonce (Munch-Munch).
LHASA APSO
Lhasa Apsos originated in Tibet. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and apso is a word in the Tibetan language meaning "bearded," so Lhasa Apso simply means "long-haired Tibetan dog."
The Lhasa Apso was bred as an interior sentinel in the Buddhist monasteries, who alerted the monks to any intruders who entered.
Lhasa Apso are said to bring luck, hence the saying "Lucky Lhasa"."
The Lhasa Apso have been given a prominent role in the Tibetan flag because of their fearless, resilient nature.
On a 1972 episode of The Price is Right, a Lhasa Apso puppy was the first item up for bids.
BICHON FRISE
The Bichon Frise descended from the Barbet or Water-Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbichon", later shortened to Bichon.
The Bichon was developed in the Mediterranean area.
Appreciated for their disposition, Bichons traveled much through antiquity, finding early success in Spain and were frequently used as items of barter internationally, particularly by sailors. Bichons were later rediscovered by the Italians in the 14th century and became great favorites of Italian nobility.
The Bichon was a favorite in Spain, becoming a favorite of Spanish painters. This breed is featured in a number of Goya's paintings.
The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973. The first
US-born Bichon litter was whelped in 1956. In 1959 and 1960, two breeders in different parts of the USA acquired Bichons, which provided the origins for the breed's development in the USA. The Bichon Frisé became eligible to enter the AKC's Miscellaneous Class on September 1971. In October 1972, the breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book.
In April 1973, the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.
Bichon Frise have been owned by such famous people as Barbra Streisand (Sammy).
LAP DOGS
Lap dogs are among the earliest types of dogs to live with people.
Historically, lap dogs were kept by members of the upper class society. They served no working purpose, and were kept as companions.
In the past, lap dogs have been used as pets, status symbols, and fashion accessories. They have also been used to provide warmth for the wealthy.
In historical times, lap dogs were sometimes used to attract fleas away from their owners.
