take a look..

[tikeyas_mom]

Dogs may be "man's best friend," but there's a lot human beings don't know about these complex and diverse animals.

If you're thinking about adopting a canine friend, or if you're just a fan of furry pals, you'll be glad to know some of these inside secrets about dogs.

1. King of beasts or pretty flower? Shih Tzu means "lion dog," but because the hair around their face grows in all directions, they are also called the "chrysanthemum-faced dog."

Hee hee lion dog, my shih tzu acts nothing like a brave lion.

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2. The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest known dog. In stories from early Celtic literature, these gentle giants were sidekicks to Celtic heroes.

That is soo cool. I never knew they were the tailest dogs I thought great danes were. humm
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3. Stolen goods? British soldiers brought the first Pekingese to the West in the 1860s. The dogs were looted from the Imperial Palace in Beijing.

they are like dimonds in the ruff.

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4. Don't crack any old-age jokes around greyhounds; they might be kind of sensitive about their age. According to ancient Egyptian tomb carvings, they've been around since the 3rd millennium BC.

I love grey hounds who knew they were the oldest dog.. wow

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5. Real-life life preservers. Newfoundlands are known for rescuing human beings from drowning. They have also been known to carry lifelines from shore to ships in distress.

These dog are very interesting, they rescue on their own turms not on command, that is soo cool.

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6. The dainty defender. The tiny Pomeranian, which weighs about 2 to 3 kg (about 5 to 7 lb), is said to make a good watchdog.

People always say the bark is worse then the bite

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7. Bulldogs were originally bred to be vicious, so they'd be good for the sport of bullbaiting. After the sport was outlawed 1835, however, they were bred to lose their viciousness.

Loose their viciousness? Wow, I dont think they need to loose anything, bulldogs are not vicious I think the owners rais them to be.

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8. The basenji, or African barkless dog, is not mute. It just doesn't bark.

Maybe its bite is worse than its bark.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9. They may be sensitive about their looks. Most dogs pant when they are hot, but the hairless Chinese crested sweat to release heat. Some are also born missing their teeth (most puppies are born with 28 temporary teeth).

These dog are soo cool, I learn something new and odd about them every day it seems.

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10. Not just another pretty face. The Weimaraner, photographer William Wegman's favorite subject, is one of the fastest domesticated animals. These animals have reached speeds over 61km/hr (38 mph).

I always thought the grey hound was the fastest dog? who knew? wow

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11. In Welsh, corgi means "dwarf dog," but this little dog has had some big responsibilities. Originally, the Welsh corgi was used to flush out game, drive cattle, and guard houses.

Being big isnt better then being small.

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12. Dalmatians have long held the honorable position of firehouse mascot. But did you know that due to their excellent memory, they also make great stage and circus performers?

Nope, didnt know that.
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13. Take this dog for a walk! Without exercise, border collies can be destructive and cranky.

Maybe thats why the dogs across the street are so mean, The owners never walk them.
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14. Cliquey Chihuahuas, which weigh 0.5 to 4 kg (1 to 8 lb), tend to prefer Chihuahuas to other types of dogs.

My freind owns a chihuahua and it loves her lil mini poodle. .

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15. These days poodles have fancy hairdos mostly for show; in the old days, they got their hair cut to make swimming easier. The two main styles of clipping are the Continental and the English saddle.

I had no clue about that, They were cut so they could swim better? wow!!

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16. Since the 17th century, Saint Bernards have had a designated, main breeding and employment center: the hospice of Saint Bernard of Menthon on the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Alps.

Thats cool.
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17. The Brussels Griffon is named after the mythological griffin, which it is thought to resemble. That's one crazy looking dog: a griffin has an eagle's head, beak, and wings, a lion's body and legs, and occasionally a serpent's tail.

wow, I didnt know dog had serpent tails ..

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I saw this info while checking my email. I thought you guys would like it. I did . ha ha Shih tzu mean lion dog. lol that was soo funny. . Did you liked it! ? !

[Porcy]

Yes, i did very informative.My shih-poo acts like she's a lion.She's not afraid one bit.

[tikeyas_mom]

*giggle* my oscar acts like he isnt affraid till they thing or person comes closer. lol then he runs like a baby, wich he is ..

[Cisco's Mom]

Hey that was pretty cool

[vinjashira]

that's interesting

[cali]

lol I knew most of that stuff

14. Cliquey Chihuahuas, which weigh 0.5 to 4 kg (1 to 8 lb), tend to prefer Chihuahuas to other types of dogs.

same with BCs lol most only like other BCs and cant stand any other breed.

15. These days poodles have fancy hairdos mostly for show; in the old days, they got their hair cut to make swimming easier. The two main styles of clipping are the Continental and the English saddle.

to protect their vital organs actually, the bif part around their chest protects the ribs and all organds conceled the the ribs, the rosetts were to protect the kidneys I think it was, the head and ears to proect well there head and ears lol and the feet was to potect the joints I believe , it was done yes to make swimming easier while at the same time protecting the vital organs.

[Suki Wingy]

Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
12. Dalmatians have long held the honorable position of firehouse mascot. But did you know that due to their excellent memory, they also make great stage and circus performers?

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15. These days poodles have fancy hairdos mostly for show; in the old days, they got their hair cut to make swimming easier. The two main styles of clipping are the Continental and the English saddle.

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Shih tzu mean lion dog.

They've also been used for hunting, guarding carrages, and are the only orriginal coach dog!

Poodles come from Germany, did you know?

I thought Lowchen meant little lion dog?! I guess in a different language.

[vinjashira]

Originally posted by Suki Wingy
Poodles come from Germany, did you know?

I have always thought that they are from France.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/standardpoodle.htm
Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont, is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place on the affections of the French....The name "Poodle" probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water.

[EssTer]

wow..that´s very intresting

[Giselle]

Actually, that "Lion Dog" bit is often debated between Pekingese and Shih Tzu. I just talked with my mother and she translated the words for me.
Shih Tzu (she said) literally means 'very pretty' or 'beautiful'. The Crysanthemum bit is undebated, however. The beard obviously has some connection with the crysanthemum flower. However...

Lion Dog- When Chinese people refer to 'Lion', they usually refer to the two Lion statues in Beijing/Peking (whatever you'd like to call it). As you know, Beijing/Peking houses many palaces and priceless statues and is a greyt area of ancient culture. There are two very famous Lion statues over there, and she said, literally, when people refer to Lion, they refer to Beijing/Peking. With that in mind, she said firmly that Pekingeses are Lion dogs. She says that without English, Chinese people called Beijing dogs/Peking dogs/Pekingeses, Lion Dogs. The word Peking Dog or Pekingese is an English translation, and she says that traditional Chinese folk call Peking Dogs/Pekingeses, Lion Dogs. Besides that, I've seen many many statues of lion dogs (often placed in front of the home or palace to enforce good luck and detract bad luck/spirits). Trust me when I say, 99% of those statues have NO beard. Their build is similar to that of a Peke (bulky, pear shaped, bowed front legs, short, squat, etc.). If you also look at an old photo of a Pekingese, you'll see that it resembles more of a Tibbie than a modern Peke. Compare that old Peke photo with a statue of a Lion Dog, and you can automatically see the similarities. Anyhow, just my op. By the way, I was told the Shih Tzu was a Lion Dog and have asked others and was then told Pekes were Lion Dogs. After doing a bit of research, I can't say I'm sure, but I think the Pekingese is still valid to be labeled Lion Dog.

[Aniland]

yay for fun facts!