Country of Origin: Japan.  Inu is the Japanese word for dog, but the origin of the prefix "Shiba" is less clear. The word shiba means "brushwood" in Japanese, and refers to a type of tree or shrub whose leaves turn red in the fall. This leads some to believe that the Shiba was named with this in mind, either because the dogs were used to hunt in wild shrubs, or because the most common color of the Shiba Inu is a red color similar to that of the shrubs. However, in an old Nagano dialect, the word shiba also had the meaning of "small", thus this might be a reference to the dog's small size. Therefore, the Shiba Inu is sometimes translated as "Little Brushwood Dog".

Size: Height: Males are 14 1/2 - 16 1/2 inches at the shoulders, Females are 13 1/2 - 15 1/2 inches.  Weight: Males preferred size is about 23 lbs, females preferred size is about 17 lbs.  

Coat: Short, straight-haired, with a soft and thick undercoat. The Shiba's coat may be red, red and white, red sesame, black and tan, or cream.

Character: Shiba Inu are curious, cheerful, and watchful. They bond closely with their owners. They are easily housebroken and bark infrequently.

Temperament: They are normally reserved around children and strangers but they normally get along well with all living things.

Care: Periodically remove dead hairs with a metal-toothed comb.

Training: It is best to make training seem like playtime, because this dog is very independent and thinks for itself.

Activity: This breed has remarkable stamina but will adapt itself to the exercise needs of its family.  

Country of Origin: The Siberian Husky (also known as the ‘Chukcha’, ‘Keshia’, or ‘Arctic Husky’) originated as a sled dog for the Chukchi tribe of Eastern Siberia (in northern Russia) several thousand years ago. It was imported to Alaska in the early 20th century during the Alaskan gold rush. The Siberian Husky attracted attention when it completely dominated native breeds in the 400 mile ‘All-Alaska Sweepstakes’ race from Nome to Candle in 1910, the second year in which it competed. It gained further prominence in 1925 when a gold miner named Leonhard Seppala used a now-famous team of Siberian Huskies to make an urgent delivery of diphtheria serum to Nome, saving thousands of lives. This delivery became known as the ‘Great Race of Mercy’ and attracted much attention to the Siberian Husky. A statue honoring Seppala’s team stands today in Central Park. In 1930, Russia allowed the last group of Siberian Huskies to be exported from Siberia; the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club that same year. Most Siberian Huskies today descend from the 1930 exports and Leonhard Seppala’s team. Today the Siberian Husky is one of the most popular northern breeds, serving as a pet, sled racing dog, and show dog. Siberian Huskies appear prominently in Disney films ‘Snow Dogs’, ‘Eight Below’, and ‘Iron Will’, all based to some degree on true stories of heroic Siberian Huskies. Siberian Huskies are the mascots of Northeastern University and Michigan Technological University. A female Siberian Husky mix named Laika became the first animal to enter orbit when she was launched into space on Sputnik 2.

Size: The Siberian Husky has a shoulder height of 51-60 cm (20-23.5 in) and weighs 15-28 kg (35-60 lbs). It has a round skull with almond-shaped eyes and triangular, erect, furry ears. Some Siberian Huskies have a ‘winter nose’ which fades to pink in the winter; the color change can be permanent in older dogs. The Siberian Husky’s eyes are blue, green, brown, or hazel. ‘Bi-eyed’ Siberian Huskies have one blue eye and one brown or hazel eye while ‘parti-eyed’ Siberian Huskies have irises of blue mixed with another color. The Siberian Husky is one of only a select few breeds which is allowed different-colored eyes in the show ring, and one of only a few breeds to commonly have blue eyes. Siberian Huskies have an arched neck, sickle-curved tail, and furry, oval feet. They have a wolf-like appearance.

Coat: The Siberian Husky has a dense, smooth undercoat and coarse outer coat of short, straight hairs. Every color and combination is acceptable; common colors are pure white or white with black, grey, or copper-red, all with possible blond markings. There are a variety of striking facial markings. Siberian Huskies shed twice a year.

Character: The Siberian Husky is adventurous, clever, and stubborn. It wants to be everyone's friend, a fact that makes it a less-than-ideal watchdog. Siberian Huskies love to wander, and they are full of energy and independence. The Siberian Husky is known to stage frequent and elaborate escape attempts by jumping over or tunneling under walls. It is very energetic and active when playing, and tends to make interesting whoops, yowls, and ululations.

Temperament: The Siberian Husky gets along well with other Huskies, but needs to be trained carefully to interact with other household pets. It tends not to get along with cats or other small animals. Siberian Huskies deal well with children. It is wise to have more than one Siberian Husky because they do not enjoy being left alone.

Care: Siberian Huskies require weekly grooming with a brush and comb, particularly on the rear legs, more often when shedding. Bathe only when necessary. The Siberian Husky has a lifespan of 10-14 years. It is generally healthy, but prone to eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts, and cancer when older. The Siberian Husky has a high propensity for obesity if under exercised, and requires less food than one might expect for its large size; consult your veterinarian for dietary information. Fish oil, which can be found in sardines or flaxseed oil, is a recommended part of the Siberian Husky’s diet. The Siberian Husky is not well suited to warm climates; it needs a cool place to sleep in the summer.

Training: The Siberian Husky will only obey commands that make sense to it. It is very independent-minded, so handlers need to have considerable patience and a good understanding of the Siberian Husky’s nature.

Activity: The Siberian Husky was bred to pull a heavy sled for countless miles; it demands to be involved in physical activities. If you can't have it pull a sled, let it run alongside you as you jog or ride a bicycle, ideally for at least an hour every day. Siberian Huskies that do not get enough exercise become destructive and loud. They have a low heat tolerance, so do not over exercise them in warm weather. The Siberian Husky is not suited to apartment life.

Size: Alaskan Malamutes have a shoulder height of 58-63.5 cm (23-25 in) and weighs 34-38.5 kg (75-85 lbs). With broad heads and heavy bones, they are built for pulling weight. Alaskan Malamutes have large muzzles, brown, almond shaped eyes, and triangular, rounded ears. They have straight backs and large feet, with plumed tails which curl over the back. “Giant” Malamutes which weigh over 140 lbs are sometimes bred, but not as show dogs. Alaskan Malamutes are slightly longer than they are tall.

Coat: The Alaskan Malamute has a dense double coat. The outer coat is thick and coarse and the under coat is greasy and wooly. The coat is either pure white or a mixture of white with grey, sable, black, or red, with white legs and muzzle. Alaskan Malamutes grow their coat in winter and shed in spring.

Character: The Alaskan Malamute is friendly, affectionate, and loyal, but can have a mind of its own. They are energetic like puppies for many years, but mellow out in older age. Alaskan Malamutes bond very closely with their master. They don’t mind living outdoors as long as sufficient human companionship is available. Alaskan Malamutes are generally quiet, but may howl, and are fond of digging.

Temperament: Alaskan Malamutes generally get along well with children, especially older children. Their friendliness makes them somewhat unsuitable as watchdogs. The Alaskan Malamute should be watched around smaller breeds or other pets due to a strong prey instinct. They may be aggressive towards other Alaskan Malamutes of the same gender. Early socialization is important to help the Alaskan Malamute get along with other pets.

Care: The Alaskan Malamute does not require frequent grooming, but a good comb-out with a coarse comb is required when shedding. Alaskan Malamutes have litters of 4-10 and a life span of 10-12 years. They are susceptible to musculoskeletal and dermatological diseases. They are generally unsuited to hot climates, and should be given plenty of shade, water, and cooling when living in warm areas. Alaskan Malamutes will eat whatever they are fed, so avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

Training: Although they are friendly and well mannered, Alaskan Malamutes need a firm approach in their training to achieve obedience. Some Alaskan Malamutes may be difficult to housebreak.

Activity: The Alaskan Malamute needs a lot of exercise. At least one hour a day of hard exercise is advisable. Alaskan Malamutes absolutely love to pull a sled or wagon, but also enjoy running and roaming. Alaskan Malamutes can become depressed and aggressive if not allowed to exercise.