## Quick Facts

- The Löwchen is a small French companion breed in FCI Group 9, despite its German name.
- The breed standard gives a height of 26–32 centimetres, with a tolerance of one centimetre, and a weight of approximately 6 kilograms.
- The body should be square, meaning that the dog is as long as it is tall.
- The long, wavy coat has no undercoat and needs regular care to prevent matting.
- The lion trim is compulsory in the show ring, but a companion dog does not need to wear the show trim in everyday life.
- The breed is described as affectionate, attentive and responsive, but the Swedish BPH evidence is still too limited to support conclusions about traits such as barking or guarding.
- Patellar health, eye health and genetic diversity are particular priorities in Swedish breeding.

## Appearance & Coat

The Löwchen is small but sturdy, with a square body, proud head carriage and lively movement. Its official height is 26–32 centimetres at the withers, with a tolerance of one centimetre, and its weight is approximately 6 kilograms. The older idea that the breed should be longer than it is tall is therefore contrary to the standard: body length and height at the withers should be equal.

The coat should be silky, long, wavy and dense, without an undercoat. All colours and colour combinations are permitted. The lack of an undercoat does not make grooming optional. Hair that is not shed in the same way as it is in many moulting breeds can remain in the coat, while friction behind the ears, in the armpits and around the legs can quickly cause tangles.

A practical routine is to work through the coat in small sections and check it with a comb right down to the skin. The necessary frequency depends on coat length and texture, the weather and the dog’s activities. The comb should pass through without catching; do not wait until the surface looks matted. Introduce a puppy gradually to combing, paw handling, nail clipping, bathing and the hairdryer so that grooming becomes predictable rather than a struggle.

The traditional lion trim is the style described in the breed standard. The hindquarters and parts of the legs are clipped, while areas including the forequarters and the plume of the tail are left long. The trim is compulsory when a Löwchen is shown, and the long sections must not then be shaped. It is not a health requirement for a companion dog; a more practical pet length can make it easier to keep the skin clean and the coat free from mats.

The Löwchen is described as a breed that does not moult in the usual way, but that does not make it allergy-free. Dog allergens mainly come from skin and saliva, and the amount varies between individuals. Anyone with an allergy should therefore spend time with the particular dog on several occasions and discuss their circumstances with a healthcare professional rather than choosing a breed on coat type alone.

## Temperament & Personality

The breed standard describes the Löwchen as affectionate and obedient towards its owner, attentive and responsive, and calm and discreet when required. This is a useful picture of the breeding ideal, not a promise of how every individual will behave. Genetics, early experiences, the home environment and training all influence the adult dog.

It is particularly important not to treat barking, guarding instinct or fearlessness as fixed breed traits without sufficient evidence. In the Swedish breed-specific breeding strategy adopted in 2025, 37 Löwchen had completed the BPH behavioural assessment. The breed club itself considered that too few for evidence-based conclusions about the breed’s temperament. Ask the breeder how the puppy’s parents react to unfamiliar people, noises, handling, new environments and quiet time, and, if possible, meet at least the dam.

A small companion dog can enjoy being close to the family without always wanting to be carried or stroked. Teach children to let the dog move away, not to disturb it while it is eating or asleep, and never to pick it up without adult help. An adult should supervise all contact with young children. The same caution applies to other dogs and cats: a Löwchen may live happily with them, but its breed does not guarantee compatibility. Calm introductions, room to move away and separate resting places matter more than broad promises about how well animals will get on.

## Training & Exercise

The Löwchen needs daily movement, scent work, play and training, but there is no verified number of minutes that suits every adult of the breed. A healthy adult can have several walks with time to explore, combined with short training sessions and rest. Adjust the amount to age, fitness, health, weather and what the dog did the previous day. A suitable routine leaves the dog content and able to engage, rather than repeatedly stiff, lame or exhausted.

Reward-based training suits an attentive companion dog. Start with the skills that make everyday life safe: engagement, walking on a loose lead, recall, waiting, accepting handling and settling when nothing is happening. If the dog alerts to sounds in a shared hallway, reward the pause and guide it to a quiet place. Shouting over barking rarely provides the clarity you want.

For a puppy, varied, self-directed movement is more useful than the so-called five-minute rule. That formula — a set number of walking minutes for each month of age — does not tell you what your individual puppy can manage. Let the puppy explore at its own pace, provide controlled play and increase distance, surfaces and difficulty gradually. Stop and contact a vet if the puppy shows lameness, pain or reluctance to move. Do not try to prevent patellar luxation with an invented formula for stairs or jumping; work from the puppy in front of you and seek veterinary advice if you are unsure.

The breed’s size allows many activities to be adapted to it, including everyday obedience, nose work, rally obedience and agility. Choose activities to suit the dog’s interest and physical ability rather than assuming that every Löwchen enjoys the same things.

## Health

Before buying a Löwchen puppy, patellar status, eye health and a sufficiently broad breeding base are the three most important documented areas to check. This does not mean that every dog is affected, but the Swedish breed-specific breeding strategy for 2025–2029 shows why breeders should address them systematically.

The strategy recommends that a vet examines breeding dogs’ knees for patellar luxation after one year of age. Dogs graded higher than 1 should not be bred from, and the recommendation is that a grade 1 dog should only be paired with a grade 0 dog. Ask to see the official result for both parents and check the examination date and the dog’s identity.

For the eyes, breeding dogs should be screened and the result should be no more than two years old at the time of mating. The strategy also recommends screening breeding dogs up to eight years of age. A finding does not automatically lead to the same breeding decision in every case; the assessment depends on the diagnosis, symptoms and veterinary guidance. Reading the actual certificates is therefore more informative than simply asking whether the parents have been ‘tested’.

There is an important difference between an officially recorded result, a recommendation in the breeding strategy and a formal condition for registering puppies. Patellar and eye results can be recorded centrally by the Swedish Kennel Club for every breed. In the 2026 registration rules, however, the Löwchen has no special health condition. The examinations described above are therefore strong Swedish breeding recommendations; they are not something that can be assumed merely because a litter is registered.

The Löwchen has a small population internationally. The breeding strategy therefore stresses low relatedness between parents, avoiding repeat matings and not overusing individual breeding dogs. A puppy buyer can ask how the breeder assessed relatedness, why these particular parents were paired and how extensively they have already been used for breeding. Those questions complement the health certificates and show how the breeder is protecting the breed’s long-term genetic diversity.

Contact a vet if the dog is repeatedly lame, suddenly holds up a leg, or shows eye irritation, a change in vision or pain. Keep the dog at an appropriate body condition and use grooming sessions to check the skin, ears, teeth, nails and paws. There is not enough evidence to call other conditions typical of the Löwchen merely because they occur in small dogs.

## History & Origins

The Löwchen is officially a French breed, although its name is German and means approximately ‘little lion’. Its French FCI name is Petit Chien Lion and its English name is Little Lion Dog. France is listed as both the country of origin and the country responsible for the standard, and the breed belongs to the companion dogs in FCI Group 9.

The official standard refers to two small dogs of Löwchen type carved in stone in the cathedral at Amiens in the 1200s. The characteristic outline also appears in tapestries from the 1400s and in later European art. These documented images show the breed’s historical type. Stories that the dogs worked as water retrievers, bed warmers or status symbols do not have the same support and should not be treated as established fact.

The French breed club was formed in 1947. The FCI granted definitive recognition in 1961, and the current FCI standard was published in 2004. The lion-like outline therefore has a long documented history, but the modern breed is clearly defined as a companion dog with no working trial.

## Living with the Breed

A Löwchen can live in a flat or a house if its routine includes walks, enrichment, coat care, rest and planned training for time alone. Floor space matters less than the routine. In a building where sound carries, the owner also needs to teach calm behaviour around doors, lifts and noises in communal areas, because the breed cannot be assumed to be either silent or especially vocal.

Time alone should be introduced in very small steps when the dog has been exercised and is calm. Begin with brief, uneventful separations and return before the dog becomes distressed. Increase the time only when the dog can settle at the current stage. There is no evidence that every Löwchen has separation problems, but its role as a companion dog is a good reason to arrange daily life so it is not left for longer than it can comfortably manage.

The coat accounts for the largest recurring commitment. Anyone who wants a full coat or plans to show the dog will need to spend more time detangling it and maintaining the correct lion trim. A shorter pet trim reduces the amount of hair to work through but does not remove the need for combing, bathing, clipping and handling practice. Be prepared either to learn the care properly or to use a dog groomer, and remember to check the skin beneath the coat.

Before buying a puppy, ask for more than general assurances that the line is healthy and good-natured. Check the original patellar and eye results, confirm that the patellar examination took place after one year of age, and make sure the eye result was no more than two years old at mating and that any findings were properly assessed. Also ask about the parents’ everyday behaviour, any completed behavioural assessments and how the mating contributes to genetic diversity. The answers help distinguish a carefully planned breeding decision from a litter that merely meets the minimum standard for registration.

The Löwchen is best suited to someone who wants a small, active companion and accepts the work involved in maintaining its coat. It is a poorer match for anyone looking for a maintenance-free coat, a guaranteed allergy-safe dog or a predetermined temperament. Choose the individual dog and breeder as carefully as the breed.

Löwchen

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The Kennel Club (UK)

Svenska Kennelklubben (Swedish Kennel Club)

Dansk Kennel Klub (DKK)

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The Löwchen is a small, sturdy companion dog known for its lion-like trim, long wavy coat, and proud, lively demeanor. Affectionate, alert, and people-focused, it suits varied homes, needs regular grooming, moderate daily exercise, kind training, and close involvement in family life.

Smedbys är en uppfödare av rasen Löwchen med bas i Norrköping i Sverige. Uppfödningen av löwchen går tillbaka till 2011.

Smedbys

## Quick Facts

The Pomeranian is the smallest variety of German Spitz: a very small but lively companion dog with a dense double coat, an alert nature and a readiness to bark. It is best suited to someone who wants to train and engage a real dog in a small body, rather than someone looking for a dog that will mainly be carried.

- **Breed and origin:** German Spitz, Pomeranian/Zwergspitz, originating in Germany and later developed in England
- **Size:** typically 18–23 cm at the withers and around 2–3 kg; the breed standard specifies 21 cm with permitted variation and says weight should be appropriate for the dog's size
- **Expected lifespan:** approximately 12–16 years is a guide, not a promise for an individual dog
- **Temperament:** often alert, cheerful, affectionate and quick to learn, although the individual, upbringing and daily life all have a major influence
- **Activity:** daily walks, scent work and short training sessions, with time for calm and recovery
- **Coat care:** a thorough groom approximately every other week and more often during shedding
- **Points to consider:** barking, dental care, patella status and safe handling around young children and much larger dogs

“Teacup Pomeranian” and “mini Pomeranian” are not separately recognised size varieties. They are marketing terms that offer no more reliable prediction of adult size, health or temperament. The official variety is called Pomeranian or Zwergspitz. Assess the parents, adult relatives, health information and the breeder's aims instead of relying on a sales label.

## Appearance & Coat

The Pomeranian is compact and squarely built, with a small, pointed head, small upright ears and a profuse tail carried high over the back. Its abundant coat gives it a rounder outline than the body underneath.

The breed has a double coat. The outer coat should be long, straight and standing away from the body, while the undercoat is short, dense and soft. The coat forms a distinct ruff around the neck, breeches on the hind legs and a bushy tail. The standard describes a natural coat that should not look shaped by trimming. Recognised colours include white, black, brown, orange and wolf grey, as well as several other defined colours and combinations.

A thorough groom approximately every other week is a useful starting point according to the Swedish Kennel Club, but many dogs need more frequent brushing while shedding. Work through the coat down to the skin rather than merely smoothing the surface. Increase care as soon as small tangles begin to form. Frequency should follow the dog's coat, the season and its daily routine; one fixed schedule will not suit every individual.

Coat quality matters more than maximum volume. A correct double coat contains both outer coat and undercoat. An abundance of undercoat combined with a lack of outer coat is a recognised problem in the breed and can make the coat difficult to manage. When meeting a breeder, it is therefore useful to see adult dogs, not only a puppy's soft puppy coat.

## Temperament & Personality

Pomeranians are often alert, lively and strongly attached to their people. The breed standard describes a cheerful, affectionate and trainable dog without a pronounced hunting instinct, but this is a breeding ideal, not a guarantee of how every individual will behave with strangers, children or other animals.

The Spitz's watchfulness means it may react quickly to sounds, movement outside a window or someone arriving at the door. Barking has its roots in the breed's alarm role. The aim need not be a dog that never announces anything, but one that can stop, seek guidance from its handler and settle again. Limit opportunities to rehearse long bouts of barking, reward pauses and practise a calm routine around recurring triggers.

Socialisation is valuable but does not promise a particular temperament. Let the puppy meet people, environments and steady dogs at a pace at which it can still think, make contact and recover. More exposure is not necessarily better if the dog feels overwhelmed.

A BPH behavioural assessment can show how the dog being assessed reacted during standardised exercises, but the result is not a pass or fail and does not predict everything. The available Pomeranian data are also limited. Consider any BPH result alongside the parents' everyday behaviour and what the breeder can tell you about adult relatives.

## Training & Exercise

A Pomeranian needs physical and mental activity every day, but there is no universal number of minutes that suits every dog. A sound routine combines walks at the dog's pace with scent work, cooperation, play and undisturbed rest. Judge the balance by the dog's body condition, movement, concentration and ability to settle, not only by the distance covered.

The breed may enjoy nosework, rally obedience and agility when the tasks and setting are adapted to the dog's size and experience. Loose-lead work, recall, tricks and searching for food or objects can also provide worthwhile engagement. Let the dog's interest determine the length of each session rather than following a fixed five- or ten-minute schedule.

Reward-based training helps the dog understand what pays off without making it more uncertain. Prioritise the following early on:

- calm handling of paws, mouth and coat
- attention and recall even when something moves or makes a sound
- being able to withdraw and rest
- a learned pause after the dog has noticed a sound
- confidence on different surfaces and during everyday travel

The small body calls for safety, not inactivity. Pick the dog up when a situation presents a genuine risk, but also let it walk, sniff and solve simple tasks independently. Prevent falls from furniture or people's arms and stop rough play with much larger dogs before the difference in size becomes a problem.

## Health

When buying a puppy in Sweden, the parents' registered patella status, information about teeth and bite, and any coat problems in adult relatives are particularly useful. Identified dogs, registered results and open answers tell you more than a long list of possible diseases.

Patellar luxation occurs in Pomeranians and other small dog breeds. In Sweden, patella examination is not a compulsory health programme for the breed, but the Swedish Pomeranian breed club recommends examining breeding dogs. The club recommends that dogs graded 2 or 3 are not used for breeding and that grade 1 is only paired with grade 0. This is a breeding recommendation, not a guarantee of a puppy's future health.

Ask for the parents' registered names or registration numbers and check the results in the Swedish Kennel Club's Hunddata or Avelsdata databases. Verify the dog's identity, examination date and status for both parents. The statement “the parents have been tested” is not sufficient if the identity and result cannot be traced.

Hair loss is sometimes described as “black skin disease”, BSD or alopecia X. The breed's current Swedish breeding strategy stresses that BSD is neither a disease in itself nor a scientific diagnostic term, but an informal umbrella term for several conditions that can cause coat loss. Unexplained hair loss therefore needs veterinary assessment. Ask how the coats of the parents and older relatives developed, but do not demand definite assurances about inheritance when the causes are unclear.

Teeth, jaws and bite are also important in the breed. Accustom the puppy to having its mouth examined and start toothbrushing early; ideally, the teeth should be brushed daily. Seek help if the dog is in pain, has difficulty eating or if its bite appears to injure soft tissue in the mouth.

## History & Origins

The Pomeranian originated in Germany and belongs to the German Spitz family. Zwergspitz means Dwarf Spitz, while Pomeranian is the internationally familiar name for the same official size variety.

The breed's modern type was developed further in England. The Pomeranian Club was formed there in 1891 and an early breed standard was produced. Its documented history is therefore best summarised as a German Spitz background with important further development in England, rather than an unbroken, certain story about one particular prehistoric type of dog.

The breed's former alarm role helps explain its present-day watchfulness and tendency to bark. Today the Pomeranian is kept primarily as a companion, but it retains the Spitz's alertness and often enjoys tasks that involve cooperation and using its nose.

## Living with the Breed

A Pomeranian can live successfully with children, other animals and in a flat, but only when the adults adapt the environment to a very small, alert dog. Neither the breed name nor early socialisation makes interactions automatically safe.

Young children and dogs should always have an adult close by. The child should sit down for contact, allow the dog to leave and never carry it without help. The dog needs an undisturbed resting place. A Pomeranian is not a toy, and a fall from someone's arms or high furniture can have serious consequences even though the breed is lively and robust for its size.

With other dogs, controlled meetings matter more than numerous meetings. Choose calm individuals, practise calm contact at a distance and interrupt uneven physical play. Introduce a cat gradually, preferably beginning with scent and a barrier. The cat must have its own escape route, and chasing must not become a rehearsed behaviour. Do not leave the animals alone together until their interactions are stable.

Living in a flat can work when the dog receives activity outdoors and can relax indoors. The central issue is often noise rather than floor space. In a building where sound travels, the owner needs to prevent window and door guarding, practise calm routines and take the impact on neighbours seriously.

Pomeranians are often described as strongly attached to their people and should learn to be alone gradually. A puppy cannot be left alone from the outset. Begin with very short periods in a safe setting and increase them only while the dog remains calm. If it begins to bark persistently, pace, scratch or cannot settle, the exercise has become too difficult and needs to be simplified.

Before buying a puppy, check more than colour and a promised adult weight:

- meet the dam and, if possible, other adult relatives
- ask how they behave around sounds, strangers, handling and rest
- verify the identity and patella result of both parents
- ask about teeth, bite and lasting coat loss in the family
- ask the breeder to explain the aim of the mating and how previous offspring have developed
- reject sales claims that present “teacup” or “mini” as a health guarantee

A good match is a Pomeranian whose likely temperament and care needs suit your daily life, from a breeder who provides documentation, knows their adult dogs and can speak as openly about variation and risks as about the breed's charm.

Pomeranian

Norsk Kennel Klub (Norwegian Kennel Club)

Deutscher Spitz Club (Germany)

Tiny, fox‑like Spitz with a fluffy double coat in many colors. Weighing 2–3.5 kg, Pomeranians are lively, alert, people‑focused companions and good watchdogs. They need regular grooming, gentle positive training, daily walks, mental games, dental care and protection of their small joints.

Fluffy Soul's är en uppfödare av rasen Pomeranian med bas i Linköping i Sverige. Uppfödningen har en historik med rasen sedan 2021.

Fluffy Soul's

Parson Russell Terrier

Svenska Terrierklubben (Sweden)

Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V. (Germany)

Société Centrale Canine (France)

Parson Russell Terriers are medium‑small, long‑legged, athletic fox‑hunting terriers with smooth or broken white coats. Energetic, intelligent, bold, and affectionate, they need plenty of exercise, consistent training, mental stimulation, and clear boundaries in an active home.

Tinchens är en uppfödare av rasen Parson russell terrier med bas i Ljungsbro i Sverige. Uppfödningen av parson russell terrier inleddes 2005.

Tinchens

Maine Coon

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) - United Kingdom

Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) - France

Maine Coon-Katzen e.V. (German Maine Coon Club) - Germany

The Norwegian Forest Cat Club (includes information on Maine Coons) - Norway

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) - United Kingdom

Large, sturdy North American cat with a rectangular body, tufted paws, and a semi‑long, weather‑resistant coat that’s relatively easy to groom. Friendly, playful “gentle giant” that chirps and trills, enjoys family life and other pets, and needs space, stimulation, and regular care.

SE WildTail's är en uppfödare av rasen Maine Coon med bas i Mantorp i Sverige. Katter från uppfödningen har genom åren deltagit i utställningar i flera nordiska länder.

SE*WildTail's

Siberian Forest

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)

The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)

The International Cat Association (TICA)

Sverak - The Swedish Cat Club

Felis Britannica

The Siberian Forest cat is a strong, medium‑large Russian breed with a thick triple coat and many colours. Loyal and people‑focused, it is playful, athletic, intelligent and enjoys training and vertical space. Generally robust, it may face HCM or PKD and needs regular grooming and interaction.

SE Silvatica är en uppfödare av rasen Sibirisk katt med bas i Linköping i Sverige.

SE*Silvatica

## Quick Facts

The Great Dane (Grand danois) is a very large German breed now kept mainly as a companion. It combines power with an elegant build and, according to the breed standard, should be friendly, affectionate and confident. Its size affects every part of ownership: everyday manners, transport, housing, veterinary visits and costs all require more planning than they would with a smaller dog.

- **Country of origin:** Germany
- **Breed group:** FCI Group 2, Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- **Purpose:** companion, guard and protection dog in the breed standard; now primarily a companion
- **Height at the withers:** dogs at least 80 cm and preferably no more than 90 cm; bitches at least 72 cm and preferably no more than 84 cm
- **Coat:** very short, dense, close-lying and glossy, with no undercoat
- **Temperament:** friendly, affectionate and devoted; may be reserved with strangers
- **Questions for the breeder:** ask about hip dysplasia results, heart examinations in the family and any history of gastric dilatation-volvulus

The breed standard does not set a weight range. Figures found in breed guides should therefore be treated as estimates rather than a substitute for assessing an individual dog's body condition, proportions and health.

## Appearance & Coat

The Great Dane is tall, powerful and almost square in outline, without appearing heavy or clumsy. Dogs should be especially close to square, while bitches may be slightly longer in body. The head is long and clearly defined, the natural ears hang down, and the overall impression should balance strength with elegance.

The current standard divides the colours into three varieties: fawn or brindle; harlequin, merle or black; and blue. Merle is therefore included in the present standard, although older breed descriptions do not always reflect this. Each colour has detailed requirements, but a puppy buyer should place health, temperament and sound construction above a particular marking.

The coat is easy to care for but not maintenance-free. A soft brush or rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair, particularly in spring and autumn when shedding is often more noticeable. Bathe the dog when it actually needs it and use the opportunity to check the skin, nails, feet, teeth and hanging ears. With no insulating undercoat, a Great Dane may need protection in cold, windy or wet weather. Judge this by the individual dog, its activity and the conditions rather than by a fixed temperature.

## Temperament & Personality

A typical Great Dane should be friendly, affectionate, self-assured and willing to be guided. It may be reserved with strangers but should not be aggressive. Many people are drawn to the breed's close bond with its family, but the label “gentle giant” cannot guarantee how an individual dog will behave.

Size magnifies both good and bad habits. A dog that pulls on the lead, jumps up or charges towards a visitor is difficult to manage even when its intentions are friendly. Early work on calm greetings, loose-lead walking, recall, waiting and cooperative handling is therefore basic safety, not simply polished manners. Consistent, reward-based training suits the breed's intended willingness to cooperate. Harsh methods can create insecurity and do not make up for missing training.

Temperament varies between individuals and family lines. If possible, meet the puppy's mother and other close relatives, ask how they respond to strangers and unfamiliar settings, and request results from official behaviour assessments where available. Previous experience with dogs is useful, especially for anyone who has not trained a dog of this size before.

## Training & Exercise

A Great Dane needs daily physical activity and mental enrichment, but the amount should reflect age, health, fitness and recovery. There is no well-supported minute-by-minute formula that suits every adult or puppy. Regular walks, time to sniff and move over varied ground, and short training sessions provide a better foundation than occasional strenuous outings.

Puppies grow for a long time and should neither be overloaded nor kept inactive. Let them develop coordination and strength through free but supervised movement and gradually longer walks. While the body is developing, limit repeated jumping, sharp turns, long runs beside a bicycle or runner, and boisterous play on slippery floors. The appropriate rate of progression varies; consult a vet or canine physiotherapist if a puppy is lame, stiff or recovering poorly.

A giant-breed puppy needs a complete food formulated for the growth of large or giant breeds. The aim is steady growth and a lean, healthy body condition, not the fastest possible growth. Do not add calcium or other minerals to a complete diet unless advised by a vet. In giant breeds the skeleton may still be maturing at around 15–16 months, although the timing differs between individuals.

Prioritise skills that make the adult dog safe and manageable: standing still, stepping onto scales, accepting nail care and examination, giving up objects, and passing people and dogs without lunging. Scent work, practical obedience and problem-solving provide mental stimulation without placing the body under heavy strain.

## Health

Prospective owners should discuss several important health risks openly with the breeder, particularly gastric dilatation-volvulus, dilated cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. Great Danes also have a shorter average lifespan than many smaller breeds. Longevity figures, however, describe a particular study population and cannot predict how long an individual dog will live.

**Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV, is an acute, life-threatening emergency.** Seek veterinary care immediately if the dog repeatedly tries to vomit without bringing anything up, becomes restless, drools, develops a swollen abdomen, grows weak or collapses. Do not wait to see whether the signs pass. GDV is multifactorial and not fully understood, so no feeding routine can promise to prevent it. Ask whether close relatives have been affected and decide in advance which emergency hospital can receive the dog. A prophylactic gastropexy can be discussed with a vet. It reduces the risk of the stomach twisting but does not stop the stomach from dilating.

**Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, may be present before the dog shows obvious signs.** An echocardiogram, ECG or ambulatory ECG, and sometimes blood biomarkers, may form part of a veterinary cardiac investigation. A normal result describes the dog at the time of examination; it is not a lifetime guarantee. Ask which heart examinations the parents and older relatives have had, how old they were when examined, and whether the family has a history of DCM or sudden death.

**Swedish hip dysplasia requirements are not the same as the breed club's recommendation.** For puppies to be registered with the Swedish Kennel Club, both parents must have an official hip dysplasia result before mating; Great Danes can be officially radiographed from 18 months of age. The Swedish Kennel Club's general rules prohibit breeding from grade E dogs and allow a grade D dog only when paired with an A or B dog. Dogs with clinical signs of hip dysplasia must not be bred from. The Swedish Great Dane Club goes further and recommends that breeding dogs are hip dysplasia-free. Ask to see the actual results rather than accepting the description “health tested”.

The Swedish Kennel Club also notes tonsillitis in the breed. Assessments pay particular attention to loose eyelids, weak feet, the construction of the forequarters and hindquarters, exaggerated breed features and temperament. A responsible breeder should be able to explain both the strengths and the problems in the line, including how older relatives have fared.

## History & Origins

The Great Dane is a German breed, despite the English name and the French-derived name Grand danois used in Sweden and several other countries. In its country of origin it is called the Deutsche Dogge.

The official breed history describes predecessors including the Bullenbeisser and boar-hunting dogs of a type between the heavy mastiff and the faster sighthound. In Berlin in 1878, judges and breeders agreed to unite the different names under Deutsche Dogge. The first breed standard was established in 1880, and the German breed club was founded in 1888.

Organised breeding began in Sweden in 1908. Older accounts take the story much further back, but claims about Celtic war dogs or an unbroken line from antiquity are considerably harder to substantiate. The documented German milestones give a more reliable account of how the modern breed developed.

## Living with the Breed

A Great Dane can live in a flat if its needs for exercise, rest and training are met, but the home and daily routine must work for a giant dog. A house with a large garden does not replace walks or company, and a small home is not automatically unsuitable. The practical questions are more useful than a simple house-or-flat rule.

Is there room for a large, supportive bed where the dog can rest undisturbed? Are the floors non-slip? Will the dog fit safely in the car, and could it use a ramp when old or injured? If the lift breaks down, can daily life still work with the stairs? How would two adults take an ill dog to the vet if it could not walk? The answers reveal more than the address alone.

The breed can live in a family with children, but friendly intentions do not remove the physical risk created by its size. A young or excited Great Dane can knock over a small child accidentally. An adult should always supervise dogs with young children, and the dog needs a resting place where children leave it alone. An adult must take responsibility for walks and handling.

The same caution applies to other animals. No one can promise that a particular Great Dane will live safely with a cat or another dog. Make introductions gradually, prevent chasing and overly rough play, and give the cat dog-free spaces and high escape routes. Do not leave the animals alone together until their interactions are reliably calm and safe.

An adult dog that has been trained to be alone can often manage a few hours, but individuals differ greatly and a young puppy cannot be left alone. Begin once the puppy feels secure in its new home, increase the time gradually, and arrange a dog sitter or another solution if the working day is longer than the dog can manage. Distress in a giant dog can quickly affect the whole home, so time alone must be taught and monitored rather than assumed to come naturally to the breed.

Great Dane (Grand danois)

The Great Dane Club of Germany (Deutscher Doggen-Club 1888 e.V.)

The Great Dane Club of UK

The Danish Kennel Club (Dansk Kennel Klub)

Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The Great Dane (Grand danois) is a giant, elegant dog, among the tallest breeds. Once a boar‑hunting and estate guard dog, it is now a loyal, people‑oriented companion. Calm indoors with moderate exercise needs, it requires space, careful training, health care and close daily companionship.

Grandebyns är en uppfödare av rasen Grand danois med bas i Vikingstad i Sverige. Uppfödningen går tillbaka till 2017 och har genom åren omfattat både blå och svarta hundar.

Grandebyns

## Quick Facts

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small, athletic herding dog and a distinct, internationally recognized breed—not simply an informal name for a small Australian Shepherd. Although the breed was developed from small Australian Shepherds in the United States, it now has its own breed standard and is registered separately.

- **Origin and purpose:** United States; developed as a farm, herding and companion dog.
- **Breed group:** FCI Group 1, Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs.
- **Height at the withers:** males 35.5–46 cm and females 33–43.5 cm.
- **Weight:** the breed standard gives no fixed range. A healthy weight depends on the dog's height, sex and build.
- **Coat:** a medium-length double coat that may be straight or wavy.
- **Activity level:** high, with a need for physical activity, mental work and recovery.

This is a compact dog, but not an easy shortcut to herding-dog traits in a smaller package. The breed is best suited to someone who wants to train, spend time outdoors and also teach the dog to settle. It can work for a first-time owner who has the time, patience and interest in reward-based training. It is a poorer choice for someone mainly looking for an uncomplicated dog with low demands for activity and everyday training.

## Appearance & Coat

The Miniature American Shepherd should be well balanced, agile and strong without looking heavy or exaggerated. The body is slightly longer than tall. There is a clear size difference across the permitted heights, which is why a single weight range is misleading. Assess body condition, proportions and muscle with a veterinarian rather than comparing every dog with one number for the whole breed.

The coat consists of weather-resistant outer hair and an undercoat whose amount can vary by season and climate. Regular thorough combing is often enough for routine care, but loose undercoat needs more attention during shedding. Bathe the dog when it is actually dirty. The coat should generally be left natural; extensive shaping is not part of normal grooming for the breed.

Accepted base colors are black, red, blue merle and red merle, with or without tan points and white. White may occur in defined areas but should not dominate the head or body. Eyes may be brown, blue, hazel or amber, and a dog may have eyes of different colors or more than one color in the same eye. An unusual eye color is a permitted variation in appearance, not evidence by itself of vision, health or temperament.

The tail may be long or naturally short, known as a natural bobtail, NBT. A short tail is therefore not automatically docked. Docking is prohibited in Sweden, and a Swedish buyer should distinguish a natural bobtail from a surgically shortened tail on an imported dog.

## Temperament & Personality

The breed standard describes the Miniature American Shepherd as intelligent, biddable, adaptable and loyal, with herding and guarding instincts. It is often alert to its surroundings and quick to react. This can produce excellent responsiveness in training, but also a dog that notices movement, sounds and changes its owner barely registers.

The breed may be reserved with strangers. Reserve means that the dog may wait and observe without seeking contact; it is not the same as being shy, fearful or threatening. Forced greetings rarely make a reserved dog more confident. Instead, give it space, let it observe and reward calm initiatives of its own.

Swedish BPH behavioral-assessment data shows above all that variation within the breed is considerable. Some dogs greet readily, others show little interest, and reactions to surprises, noise and uncertainty differ between individuals. BPH describes the dog's reactions on that day and does not issue a pass or fail. When choosing a puppy, the behavior, recovery and everyday function of the parents and close relatives are therefore more informative than a single label such as “typical temperament.”

The breed's close attention to its family should not be romanticized into a claim that every individual is automatically confident, sociable and easy-going. Ask the breeder how the adult dogs manage visitors, new environments, handling, sounds and quiet inactivity. Request concrete examples and consider any BPH results in context.

## Training & Exercise

The Miniature American Shepherd needs an active life, but there is no fixed schedule that suits every individual. A good routine includes walks and free movement where safe, scent work or problem-solving, short training sessions and genuine rest. The dog's age, fitness, health and ability to recover should determine the workload.

Agility, rally obedience, tracking, nosework, obedience, search work, herding and trick training are examples of suitable activities. No particular sport is compulsory. What matters is that the dog uses both body and mind without every day escalating to a higher level of intensity. If the dog still struggles to settle after activity, clearer pauses and better-adjusted training may be the answer—not automatically more exercise.

Reward-based training with clear criteria suits a quick and responsive dog. Start early with engagement, recall, leash skills, handling and waiting calmly. Also train the skills that are easily forgotten: lying quietly while the family eats, disengaging from a task, watching people or dogs pass without intervening, and returning to calm after play.

In daily life, herding and guarding behaviors may appear as following movement, trying to control running or sounding the alarm when something happens. This does not mean that every dog chases children, herds cats or barks a great deal. Observe what triggers the individual dog and teach alternative behaviors before a pattern becomes a habit. Puppies need short, positive experiences and age-appropriate movement; they should not be exercised like fully grown dogs.

## Health

Hip dysplasia, HD, occurs in the Miniature American Shepherd, but the Swedish population is young and evidence for reliable frequency estimates for several other conditions is limited. Insurance coding, small datasets and the low average age of the dogs have made older summaries difficult to interpret. A long list of possible diagnoses therefore says less than verified results from the puppy's parents and close relatives.

It is important to distinguish the Swedish Kennel Club's formal registration rules from the breed club's breeding recommendations. The Miniature American Shepherd has no special breed-specific health program marked as a registration condition in the Swedish Kennel Club's current registration rules. The Swedish Miniature American Shepherd Club does, however, recommend that before mating both parents have:

- an HD result of A or B and an ED result of 0
- a clear eye examination no more than 18 months old
- known prcd-PRA status, with a carrier bred only to a genetically clear dog
- known NAD status, using a clear-to-clear or clear-to-carrier combination.

Ask to see the actual result, examination date and how the parents' results are combined. The word “health tested” is not enough. A DNA test can answer only for the variant it targets and does not replace a clinical eye examination.

MDR1, also known as ABCB1, is a gene variant that can affect how the dog handles certain medicines. If the dog has been tested, keep the result and show it to the treating veterinarian. Medication choice and dosage should never be decided from general online breed advice.

Merle must not be bred to merle because the combination can produce puppies with two copies of the merle allele and an increased risk of serious sight and hearing problems; such a mating conflicts with Swedish Kennel Club basic rules. A natural bobtail is associated with the NBT trait. The breed club urges caution with NBT-to-NBT combinations while the issue continues to be monitored, which should not be confused with the explicit prohibition of merle-to-merle matings.

## History & Origins

The Miniature American Shepherd was developed in California in the late 1960s by breeding small Australian Shepherds. The aim was a smaller, enduring herding dog that could work sheep and goats, among other livestock, while fitting into a mobile ranch and equestrian life. From 1980 the name Miniature Australian Shepherd was used in registration before the breed later received its current name.

The American breed club was formed in 1990, and the breed entered the American Kennel Club's development registry in 2011. Full American recognition followed in 2015, and the FCI recognized the breed in 2019. The first Swedish litter was born in 2006, while Swedish registration as Miniature American Shepherd began in 2017.

Sweden also has a controlled crossbreeding program in which Australian Shepherds may be used under Swedish Kennel Club registration rules and the offspring are registered as Miniature American Shepherds. This does not alter the dogs' status as members of the recognized breed; the program is a regulated breeding tool. For a buyer, it makes the pedigree and the breeder's aims especially relevant, because traits and size can vary even within the breed standard.

## Living with the Breed

The Miniature American Shepherd can live well in either a house or an apartment. The size of the home matters less than how daily life works: the dog needs to get outside, use its senses, train and be able to rest without constantly monitoring the stairwell, windows or garden. A garden can be convenient but does not replace shared activity or environmental training.

With children, adult supervision, clear rules and a resting place where the dog is left undisturbed are essential. Running and loud noise can attract the attention of a herding dog that is sensitive to movement, so calm interactions and breaks before the dog becomes over-aroused matter more than assuming the breed is “good with children.” Children should never be responsible for reading or handling a dog under pressure.

Living with another dog or a cat depends on the individual, previous experience and the introduction. Let meetings happen gradually and under control, give the cat escape routes and its own resources, and interrupt fixation or chasing early. The breed comes with no guarantee of compatibility, but its herding background does not make problems inevitable either.

Alone-time training should progress gradually when the dog feels safe, has been exercised and is ready to rest. Start with very short periods and watch how that particular dog responds; prolonged barking, pacing or an inability to eat and rest indicate that training has progressed too quickly. A closed crate may not be used as routine confinement or as a solution to separation problems in Swedish homes.

Before buying a puppy, check more than registration and color. Ask to see the parents' health results and dates, ask about MDR1 and other relevant DNA results, examine temperament and recovery in the family, and discuss how the breeder prioritizes working drive, noise reactions, reserve and the ability to settle. A responsible match is about the kind of daily life the dog was bred and raised for—not just finding the right appearance.

Miniature American Shepherd

Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK)

Compact, athletic herding dog bred in the U.S. as a smaller Australian Shepherd. Intelligent, devoted, and “velcro” with family, often reserved with strangers. Needs regular training, mental work, and exercise. Medium double coat in varied colors; generally healthy with 12–15 year lifespan.

Skäggtorpets är en uppfödare av rasen Miniature american shepherd med bas i Finspång i Sverige. Verksamheten under kennelnamnet går tillbaka till 2004.

Skäggtorpets

American Foxhound

Boxholmsjägarens är en uppfödare av rasen American foxhound med bas i Boxholm i Sverige.

Boxholmsjägarens

## Quick Facts

The Boxer is a sociable, energetic and physically powerful working breed that thrives when it can play an active part in family life. It suits someone who wants to devote time to shared exercise, training and play every day, and who enjoys an expressive dog with a strong desire for company and plenty of initiative.

- **Origin:** Germany
- **Role:** Working, companion and guard dog
- **Size:** males 57–63 cm and around 30 kg; females 53–59 cm and around 25 kg
- **Coat:** very short, fawn or brindle with a black mask; white markings may occur
- **Activity level:** high, with a need for both physical exercise and purposeful tasks
- **Lifespan:** roughly 9–11 years is a broad guide

The important question is not whether you like the Boxer's appearance, but whether you want to live with a lively, powerful dog that needs guidance. In an active household, a Boxer can be a close, playful and willing companion. It is less suitable for someone looking for a low-energy, independent dog.

## Appearance & Coat

The Boxer is a medium-sized, compact dog with a square outline, strong bone and clearly defined muscles. It should look athletic without appearing heavy or cumbersome. The distinctive head has a broad muzzle, a black mask and a natural undershot bite. The muzzle is short, but its proportions should be balanced and the nostrils open; an extremely short muzzle is not the aim.

Males usually stand 57–63 cm at the withers and weigh around 30 kg. Females stand 53–59 cm and weigh around 25 kg. That is enough dog for pulling on the lead, jumping up and unruly greetings to become difficult to manage if training is postponed.

The coat is short, hard, glossy and close-fitting. The base colour is fawn in various shades or brindle, always with a black mask. Small white markings may be present. Entirely or predominantly white dogs do occur, but white is not an accepted colour under the breed standard. When choosing a dog, health and temperament matter more than its markings.

Coat care is straightforward. Brush during periods of heavier shedding, bathe when needed and wipe the paws after wet walks. The short coat makes the skin easy to inspect, so check for redness, itching, sores and new lumps. Examine the ears, nails and teeth regularly too. Nails should be trimmed when they grow too long, and persistent skin or ear problems should be assessed by a vet.

## Temperament & Personality

A typical Boxer is sociable, alert, curious and playful. It seeks contact and likes to be wherever the family is, while retaining the watchfulness and confidence of a working dog. Many keep a youthful, physical style of play well into adulthood.

A Boxer can fit very well into an active family with children, but “good with children” is never a guarantee for an individual dog. The breed is strong, quick and often exuberant when excited. Small children can be knocked over accidentally, and play between a dog and a child should always be supervised by an adult. Teach calm greetings, settling on a bed or mat and ending a game from an early age.

Relationships with other dogs vary. The Swedish Kennel Club notes that aggression towards other dogs occurs within the breed, and encounters with other dogs are an everyday challenge for some Boxer owners. This does not mean that Boxers are generally unsociable. It does mean that controlled social training, lead handling and the ability to disengage from other dogs deserve serious attention. Match playmates to the individual and its style of play; a Boxer's physical play may be too intense for small or cautious dogs.

Some Boxers are open with strangers, while others are more reserved. Early, thoughtful socialisation gives the dog experience of people, places, surfaces and everyday sounds without turning every encounter into a greeting. The aim is a confident dog that can remain neutral when the situation calls for it.

## Training & Exercise

A Boxer needs to move and use its brain every day. Short toilet walks alone are not enough for a healthy adult, but the same time target will not suit every dog. Age, fitness, temperature, breathing and health should determine the workload. A good week includes a mix of walks in varied surroundings, free movement in a secure area, play and tasks such as tracking, search work, obedience or other dog sports.

Use reward-based methods. Reward the behaviour you want to see more often with food, play or social contact, and set up each exercise so the dog can succeed. Harsh or frightening methods are unnecessary. Short, focused sessions often suit a lively dog, but variety and a clear daily routine matter most.

Prioritise the skills that make a powerful dog easy to live with:

- walking on a loose lead
- returning when called and stopping play when asked
- passing dogs and people while paying attention to the handler
- greeting with all four paws on the ground
- leaving items and waiting at doors
- switching from activity to rest in a designated place

Lead walking, recall, encounters with other dogs and exuberant greetings were recurring challenges in the Swedish Boxer Club's 2025 owner survey. A puppy or adolescent training class can therefore provide useful help early on. Adapt exercise while the dog is growing and increase duration and intensity gradually instead of immediately taking a young dog running or cycling.

## Health

When choosing a Boxer and breeder, examine the health background carefully. Conditions found in the breed include hip dysplasia, spondylosis, renal dysplasia, knee problems in older dogs, and skin disease and allergies. Heart disease and tumours are also important areas in the breed's health programme. A Swedish study of insured dogs also found a markedly increased risk of mast cell tumours in Boxers.

The Boxer is short-muzzled, but not every Boxer has brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS. Even so, obvious breathing noise, laboured breathing, poor recovery or heat intolerance should not be dismissed as normal for the breed. The Boxer is included in special show guidance that draws attention to breathing, muzzle length and skin. Since May 2026, Boxers in Sweden have also been eligible for the standardised RFG-S breathing assessment. The test can provide more information about a dog's breathing, but it is not a general mandatory breeding requirement for the Boxer.

Ask a breeder to explain the results rather than simply saying that the parents have been “tested”:

- Check the parents' official hip dysplasia results and ask about the planned litter's HD index. The Swedish Boxer Club's strategy cites the Swedish Kennel Club recommendation that the estimated litter index should exceed 100.
- Review the parents' MH temperament assessment results and ask how close relatives behave in everyday life.
- Ask for a heart examination. The breed club recommends auscultation by a specialist or Doppler/ultrasound for both parents.
- Ask for spondylosis radiographs taken after 24 months of age, as recommended by the breed club.
- Ask whether RFG-S has been completed, and listen to the dogs' breathing yourself at rest and after light activity.
- Ask the breeder about cancer, kidney disease, skin problems, knees and longevity among close relatives.

Keep the dog lean and build fitness gradually. Seek veterinary advice for recurring itching, unusually increased thirst or urination, new or changing lumps, or clear breathing difficulty. Early checks cannot remove genetic risk, but they improve the chance of finding a problem promptly.

## History & Origins

The Boxer was developed in Germany from local dog types during the nineteenth century. Its closest documented ancestor is the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, a German bulldog type that worked with hunters. Its task was to seize and hold game driven towards it until the hunter arrived, which explains the importance of the broad muzzle and powerful jaws.

The modern Boxer became a versatile working, guard and companion dog. The first breed standard was published in 1902. The origin of the name Boxer has not been established with certainty, so the idea that it comes from the dog's use of its front paws in play should be treated as a story rather than documented fact.

The breed's background can still be seen in its enthusiasm for work, watchfulness and willingness to cooperate. A modern Boxer does not have to train in a particular discipline, but it benefits from regularly solving tasks alongside its handler.

## Living with the Breed

A Boxer can live in a flat, a terraced house or a detached house; the daily plan matters more than the amount of floor space. A garden is useful but does not replace walks, training and experience of different surroundings. Indoors, the dog needs to learn how to settle. Otherwise, the family may find themselves living with a large, highly aroused dog that continually invents its own activities.

Time alone must be introduced gradually. The Swedish Kennel Club notes that some Boxers struggle to be left alone, so arrange a dog sitter or other help if working days are long. Swedish Board of Agriculture guidance says adult dogs should be taken out at least every six hours during the day; puppies and older dogs need more frequent outings. Six hours is the interval in that guidance, not an assurance that every Boxer is comfortable being alone for that long.

Plan around the weather too. The Boxer's short coat provides limited protection in cold conditions, while the short muzzle calls for extra care in heat. Dogs affected by BOAS may find it harder to regulate their body temperature. Schedule more strenuous activity for cooler parts of a hot day, provide water and shade, and stop if breathing or recovery differs from normal. In cold weather, watch how the dog moves, whether its coat is wet and whether it shows discomfort when deciding if a coat is needed.

The Boxer is best suited to a family that can answer yes to four questions: Do we want to give the dog purposeful activity every day? Can we teach calm behaviour and everyday manners consistently? Do we have a sustainable plan for time alone? Are we prepared to examine health and breathing as carefully as temperament and appearance? If the answer is yes, the breed's energy, humour and strong desire for contact can become its greatest strengths in daily life.

Boxer

The Boxer Club UK

Boxer Klub e.V. Germany

Svenska Boxerklubben (Swedish Boxer Club)

The Boxer is a medium‑large, athletic dog with a short coat and expressive, broad head. Lively, playful, and people‑oriented, it bonds closely with families and is often gentle with children. Energetic and protective, it needs consistent training, daily exercise, and mental stimulation.

Jiao-Jiao's är en uppfödare av rasen Boxer med bas i Åtvidaberg i Sverige. Uppfödningen av boxer började 2007. Svenska boxeravkommor från uppfödningen har deltagit i svenska bruksprov.

Jiao-Jiao's

Mantorpgårdens är en uppfödare av rasen Miniature american shepherd med bas i Vikingstad i Sverige. Uppfödningen av miniature american shepherd har registreringar som går tillbaka till 2023.

Mantorpgårdens

## Quick Facts

The Shiba Inu is a small Japanese spitz and the smallest of the six native Japanese dog breeds preserved by NIPPO. It was developed to hunt birds and small game, but today it is kept primarily as a companion dog.

- **Size:** the ideal height is 39.5 cm for males and 36.5 cm for females, with a tolerance of 1.5 cm either way.
- **Weight:** as a rough guide, males weigh around 9–11 kg and females around 7–9 kg.
- **Coat:** a short double coat with straight, harsh outer hairs and a soft, dense undercoat.
- **Colours:** red, black and tan, and sesame varieties. All recognised colours must have pale markings known as urajiro.
- **Temperament:** alert, independent and loyal, and sometimes wary of strangers.
- **Activity:** needs varied exercise, scent work and short training sessions that feel worthwhile.
- **Lifespan:** many Shiba Inus live to an advanced age. A large UK study found a median of 14.6 years, although an individual dog's lifespan is influenced by factors including genetics, health and care.

The Shiba Inu is best suited to someone who appreciates a dog that takes its own initiative and can devote time to socialisation, a reliable recall and calm handling practice. Independent does not mean able to look after itself.

## Appearance & Coat

The Shiba Inu is compact, muscular and slightly longer than it is tall, with upright triangular ears and a strong tail carried curled or sickle-shaped over the back. Its movement should be light and brisk. There is a clear size difference between the sexes, but the breed should never appear heavy or exaggerated.

Urajiro is not a separate colour. It refers to the whitish areas required on the sides of the muzzle, the cheeks, beneath the jaw and neck, on the chest and belly, and on the undersides of the legs and tail. Understanding the term is useful when comparing a red, black-and-tan or sesame Shiba Inu.

The double coat provides protection through its combination of harsh outer hairs and a dense undercoat. Brushing about once a week is normally enough, but loose undercoat needs to be removed more often during heavy shedding. The timing and amount of shedding vary with the individual, season and environment, so do not expect an exact schedule. Bathe the dog when it is actually dirty and introduce brushing, paw checks and nail trimming early. The coat should not be routinely clipped or shaved to shape it.

“Mame Shiba”, “Mini Shiba” and similar names do not denote a separate NIPPO breed. Anyone offered an unusually small dog should check its registration and the size and health of its parents rather than relying on a marketing label.

## Temperament & Personality

The Shiba Inu is usually attentive, quick-witted and loyal to its family, yet independent enough to question a task that offers it no value. That is more accurate than simply calling the breed stubborn. It learns quickly, but cooperation must be built through trust, clarity and patience.

Some Shiba Inus are reserved with unfamiliar people and sensitive to intrusive body language. Early, positive experiences of different people, environments and surfaces help a puppy, but the goal is confidence rather than a dog that must greet everyone. Give it room to move away and never force contact.

The breed name cannot reliably predict how an individual will behave with children, dogs or cats. Upbringing, past experience and personality all matter. Ask to meet the puppy's mother, find out how the parents and previous litters cope with new situations, and do not choose a puppy on colour or sex alone. Claims that every Shiba Inu has problems with dogs of the same sex are too sweeping.

## Training & Exercise

The Shiba Inu needs daily physical activity and mental engagement, but a fixed number of minutes says less than the way that time is used. Vary the pace and setting of walks, allow time to sniff, and add activities such as mantrailing, blood tracking, scent work, agility or brief skills sessions. Match the workload to the dog's age, fitness and health, and make sure it can also settle and rest.

Reward-based training is particularly effective for a dog that likes to make its own decisions. Reward voluntary attention, staying with you and good choices before increasing the distractions. Several short, clear sessions achieve more than repetitive drilling. Harsh corrections can increase stress and damage trust without teaching the dog what you want it to do.

The breed's hunting background may show as an interest in scent and movement, but the strength of that interest varies between individuals. Build recall training gradually, and use a lead or long line wherever the dog cannot be recalled safely. A recall that works in the garden is no proof that it will hold when wildlife appears. Check gates, harnesses and fencing too; physical safety should never depend on a single cue.

Practise handling before it is needed. Start with very brief touches to the paws, ears and mouth, reward calm behaviour and give the dog breaks. Gradually extend the time and introduce the brush, nail clippers and examination positions. This makes routine care and veterinary visits easier, especially for a dog that dislikes restraint.

## Health

Swedish breeding guidance describes the Shiba Inu as a breed with generally good health, but that does not mean every dog is free from problems. When choosing a puppy, documented results and frank questions for the breeder are more useful than a general claim that the breed is healthy.

Under both long-standing policy and the Swedish Kennel Club's 2026 registration rules, both parents of a Shiba Inu litter must have an officially recorded hip dysplasia result before mating. The rule requires their hips to have been assessed; it does not restrict breeding to grades A or B alone. The general rules do, however, exclude dogs graded E and allow a dog graded D only with a partner graded A or B. Check the parents' results, and ideally those of close relatives, through the Swedish Kennel Club's Hunddata service and ask the breeder to explain how the pairing was assessed.

Skin and itching are also worth discussing. In the breed club's 2018 health survey, about 15 per cent of respondents reported recurrent or long-lasting skin problems or itching, and around 10 per cent of all respondents said a vet had identified allergy. A voluntary member survey shows what the club needs to monitor; it does not establish the exact prevalence in the whole breed. Ask specifically about persistent itching, paw licking and recurrent ear or skin trouble in the parents, siblings and previous offspring.

The breed-specific breeding strategy also reports elbow and kneecap examinations, but too few dogs were examined to draw firm conclusions about the whole breed. Eye, elbow and patellar examinations are therefore not general registration requirements for the Shiba Inu in Sweden. A breeder may still have carried out further tests because of the particular line; if so, ask to see the results and understand why those tests were chosen.

The 2024 UK longevity study included 423 Shiba Inus and found a median lifespan of 14.6 years. This is a population measure from the UK, not a guarantee for an individual dog elsewhere, but it supports the breed's reputation for often living well into old age.

## History & Origins

The Shiba Inu comes from Japan and was used in mountainous areas to hunt birds and small animals. Before the modern breed was established, regional lines included the San'in, Shinshu and Mino. The old word *shiba* has been associated with something small. Explanations linking the name to a particular coat colour or vegetation are interpretations rather than settled etymology.

As foreign gundogs were imported and crossed with native dogs, pure Shiba Inus became rare in their regions of origin. NIPPO was founded in 1928 to preserve the Japanese dogs, began compiling detailed pedigrees in 1932 and established a standard in 1934. In 1936, the Shiba Inu was designated a national natural monument in Japan.

The Second World War severely reduced the population, and preservation work gathered pace again after the war. NIPPO identifies Ishi Go as central to the development of the modern breed and Naka Go as a foundation dog of the post-war restoration. Today's Shiba Inu is therefore the product of organised preservation work, not simply an unchanged relic from ancient times.

## Living with the Breed

A Shiba Inu can live in a flat if it gets sufficient activity outdoors, can settle indoors and is not left to react to every noise in the communal hallway. The size of the home matters less than daily routines, the surrounding area and opportunities for safe exercise. A quiet resting place of its own is valuable in any home.

With children, the same basic rule applies as with any dog: a young child and a dog should always have an adult present. Teach the child to leave the dog alone when it is eating, sleeping or moving away. Never allow a child to hug or climb on the dog, or take things from it. If the household has a cat or small pets, make introductions gradually and use physical separation; assess the individual dog's response rather than relying on a breed label.

Independence is not the same as tolerance of being left alone. Start alone-time training only once the puppy feels secure in its new home, leave for a very short time and return before it becomes worried. Increase the time gradually and take a step back if the dog starts pacing, barking, scratching or stops resting as usual. A young puppy should not be left alone, and even a trained adult needs company and opportunities to relieve itself every day.

The piercing sound often called the “Shiba scream” online is not a diagnosis and should not be dismissed as comedy. Consider the situation and the rest of the dog's body language. A sudden cry when the dog is touched or moves, particularly alongside lameness, reluctance to move, a change in appetite or unusual behaviour, warrants contacting a vet. For routine handling, preventive, cooperative practice is better than restraining the dog until it gives up.

The right home for a Shiba Inu is therefore not necessarily the one with the longest history of dog ownership, but one that respects the individual dog's boundaries while working methodically on safety, cooperation and everyday handling.

Shiba Inu

Svenska Kennelklubben (Sweden)

Den Danske Kennel Klub (Denmark)

Ancient Japanese spitz-type hunting dog, small yet muscular with foxlike face, curled tail and plush double coat in red, black and tan or sesame with urajiro. Independent, catlike, loyal but reserved, strong-willed, high prey drive, needs early socialisation, firm positive training and regular exercise.

Kitsunemori föder upp shiba i Åtvidaberg. Den dokumenterade historiken för shiba under kennelnamnet går tillbaka till 2026.

Kitsunemori

S Topzy Tail's är en uppfödare av Maine coon i Motala och finns bland Östkattens uppfödare av rasen. Katter från uppfödningen har förekommit i utställningssammanhang under flera år. Bland dem finns en katt med titeln GIC från 2017 samt katter med titeln KCH från 2025. Stamnamnet förekommer även i Norge genom en katt med svensk SVERAK-registrering och Sverige angivet som uppfödarland.

S*Topzy Tail's

Uppfödning av hundar, katter, kaniner, höns och vaktlar. Djurintresset är livslångt och kärleken till djuren oändlig 💜

De första kaninungarna föddes 1981 då jag var 12 år. Sedan dess har det blivit många ungar av olika slag. Hundar, katter och kaniner har varit med hela tiden!

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