The friendly, lively Silky Terrier has a true terrier temperament with a zest for life. Originally bred to hunt vermin, this dog is quick and alert with a long, moderately low set body. He is playful, inquisitive and eager to please, making him an exceptional companion. The Silky Terrier requires little exercise but enjoys an occasional game of fetch or an outdoor walk. His fine, smooth coat must be brushed and bathed regularly.

DID YOU KNOW? In the 1800s, Yorkshire Terriers from England were imported to Australia and bred to Australian Terriers to improve the Australian Terrier’s coat colour. The end result was a type of dog known today as the Silky Terrier

ALSO KNOWN AS: Australian Silky Terrier, Silky

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

A versatile hunting breed, the Spinone Italiano is a robust, powerful, muscular dog known for his superior nose, soft mouth and thick, wavy coat, which protects him from extreme temperatures. In the field, he is determined and tireless, but at home, this naturally cautious dog is sweet and calm. The affectionate Spinone Italiano is happiest when near his human companions. He requires daily exercise.

DID YOU KNOW? This ancient breed originated in northern Italy as early as 500 B.C. Throughout history, the Spinone Italiano has also been called the Italian Pointer, Spinone, Italian Spinone, Italian Coarsehaired Pointer, and Italian Griffon. “Bella” and “Tris” were the first-known Spinone Italianos in the U.S. They were imported in 1931 by Dr. Nicola Gigante.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Spinone, Italian Spinone, Italian Griffon, Italian Wire-haired Pointer, Italian Coarsehaired Pointer

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

The Toy Fox Terrier has a feisty, animated personality packaged in a small, elegant, nimble body. The breed is sociable and friendly, making him a wonderful family companion. A worthy watchdog, he also is fearless, loyal and alert. The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to care for, requiring minimal exercise. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are required for his fine, satiny coat.

DID YOU KNOW? The Toy Fox Terrier originated in the 1930s to create a milder, calmer version of the Fox Terrier. This American breed was developed from crossing the Fox Terrier and various toy breeds, such as the Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua. The breed is commonly called the “Amertoy.”

ALSO KNOWN AS: American Toy Terrier, Amertoy

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

A versatile hunter from Hungary, the Vizsla is an active, energetic dog with great power, drive and determination. Lively, affectionate and tractable, the Vizsla thrives with an active family. Gentle-mannered and sensitive yet fearless and protective, the breed excels as a watch and guard dog. The Vizsla trains easily. His coat is low maintenance.

DID YOU KNOW? The Vizsla was all but extinct by the end of World War I.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Magyar Vizsla

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog