Size: Small - medium Height: Standard variety: 22 cm (9 in) Miniature variety: 12 cm (5 in) Weight: Standard variety: 6.5 - 11.5 kg (15-25 lb). Miniature variety: 4.5 kg (9-10 lb). Life Span: 13 years Grooming: Varies with variety Exercise: Reasonable Feeding: Undemanding Temperament: Independent & brave Country of Origin: Germany AKC Group: Hound Other Names: Zwergteckel (miniature), Normalschlag (standard)

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Low to ground, short legged and long bodied. Colour: Any solid colour is permitted. No white is allowed in Smooth-Haired variety. Coat: Smooth-haired breeds have a short, dense, smooth coat. The Long-Haired have a soft, straight and slightly wavy coat. The Wire-Haired variety has shaggy eyebrows and a beard. The outercoat is harsh and short and undercoat is dense. Tail: Set high, carried level with back and not curved. Ears: Set high, moderately long, rounded tips and hanging close to cheeks. Body: Long and low body, level back, tucked up belly, deep chest and short forearms.

Temperament: Active, hardy, courageous and independent. These dogs make good family companions and guard dogs. Dachshunds respond well to training, but they can also have a mind of their own and require firm discipline. This breed usually gets on with other dogs and can be overly-brave when approaching larger dogs. They should be socialised with other household pets at an early age to prevent difficulties later on.

Size: Medium Height: 46 - 51 cm (18 - 20 inches) Weight: 16 - 25 kg (35 - 55 lb) Life Span: 10 years Grooming: Medium Exercise: Medium Feeding: Medium Temperament: Independent but friendly Country of Origin: China AKC Group: Non-Sporting Other Names: Chinese Shar Pei, Chinese Fighting Dog

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Squarely-built, wrinkled and bold. Colour: Black, fawn, red, cream, dark brown and smoky. White markings are undesirable. Coat: Short, bristly and harsh. Tail: Set high and carried in a curl over back. Ears: Small, triangular, thick and lying flat against head. Body: The body is compact and muscular with relatively loose skin. The chest is broad and deep with a short, strong back.

Temperament: Friendly, independent, quiet and affectionate. Shar Pei's need confident handlers that are consistent and firm or these dogs will perceive themselves as boss and become overly dominant. Because Shar Pei's have natural fighting instincts they may not accept other dogs, but this can depend on their social upbringing. They get along with children and strangers but do need early socialization with other household pets to prevent any problems. This breed bonds closely with it's family and makes an excellent guard dog.