Basenji - Really cool breed, I love the "barkless" aspect - the yodeling is a riot
Boston Terrier - Best attitude on a small breed.  They're smart, can do tricks, and they're beefy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Better as a neighbors dog.  The lapdog thing is cute, but gets old.
French Bulldog - Ehhhh.... good part is that they don't need exercise.  But do they play enough?  Don't know.
German Pinscher - Awesome dog!  Too bad I live in a condo, not enough excercise.
Jack Russell Terrier - Same problem as the Pinscher.  Would be great if I had a yard.
Pomeranian - Just kidding.  I hate these things and everything they represent.

 A Dog's Growl & What It Means

Growls can stand alone or be used to modify barking sounds to add a degree of threat. Below are 5 different ways a dog may grow and what the dog means by that growl:

1. Soft, low-pitched growling: "Beware!" "Back off!" This is used as a threat and usually causes the listener to move away, giving the dog more space.

2. Low-pitched growl-bark: This is a clear growl that leads to a bark. It means "I'm upset and I'm ready to fight!" This is a clear warning that pressing the dog will lead to aggression.

3. Higher midrange-pitched growl-bark: "I'm worried [or frightened], but I will defend myself." This is the threat of a less-confident animal who will, however, most likely fight back if pushed.

4. Undulating growl: This is a growl that goes from low midrange to high midrange with a kind of a semi-bark often added as the pitch rises. It means "I'm terrified. If you come at me, I may fight or I may run." This is the fearful-aggressive sound of a very unsure dog.

5. Noisy growl, with teeth hidden from view: "This is a good game!" "I'm having fun!" It is usually part of the play sequence and may be tucked in between a series of stutter-barks. It usually indicates intense concentration, as in a tug-of-war or play-acting aggression.

 Is your dog or puppy shy and leery of people; afraid of strangers, certain situations or objects? Is your dog fear snapping or is your puppy fear biting?

When grooming your dog, it is important for you to be firm but gentle at the same time. Being firm with your dog does not mean being harsh, but to let the dog know who the leader of the pack is. Most dogs respond to simple commands such as sit and stay.  

In addition, dogs respond to firm commands that are given in a gentle voice. In this way the dog knows that you are in control and that he will be treated kindly, which is the important part in grooming.  Once the dog has been frightened by shouting and harsh treatment, it is very difficult to reassure him that he is not going to be frightened again.

If a dog becomes a real problem and does not respond to the handling of a groomer or his owner, he should be taken to an obedience trainer for further instruction. There will always be some dogs that you will be difficult to groom for disciplinary reasons.  If a dog is a ''biter,'' he should be groomed by a vet who can administer a sedative.  Dogs should be started on a regular grooming routine from puppy hood so that he can become accustomed to the process.

Reaction to distraction testing requires a demonstration of the dog's confidence when faced with distracting situations, which can be any two of the following, usually one auditory and one visual:

1. A person using crutches, a wheelchair or a walker.

2. Sudden closing or opening of a door.

3. Dropping a large book, no closer than ten feet, behind the dog.

4. A jogger running in front of the dog.

5. Good-natured pushing and shoving or animated excited talk and backslapping by persons, with the dog and handler passing within ten feet.

6. A person pushing a cart approaching from the front or rear, passing within ten feet.

7. A person on a bicycle approaching from the front or rear, passing about six feet to the side of the dog.

8. Knocking over a chair, no closer than six feet from the dog.