Shiba Inu

Akitas were brought to the United States from Japan in the 1930s by Helen Keller. These beautiful, athletic dogs are intensely loyal and protective of their families. They have tightly curled tails, pricked ears and soft, double-coated fur, and come in three color patterns (solid, brindle and pinto). Akitas are large, strong, intelligent, and friendly with children. Their personalities are playful and affectionate. Akitas make wonderful pets and thrive on human companionship and attention.

The Keeshond is a friendly, lively and intelligent companion dog. The national dog of the Netherlands, this sturdy breed worked on river vessels in Europe as a companion and watchdog. The Keeshond is medium in size and has a dense, fluffy coat that is typically black and grey in color. Endlessly happy, this adaptable breed is known for its sweet, playful and eager-to-please nature. The Keeshond is full of personality, is very quick to learn and makes a wonderful family pet.

The Norwegian Elkhound is confident, independent, and friendly. Bred to hunt elk, bear and other large game, the Norwegian Elkhound has impressive stamina and loves to be active. This intelligent breed makes a good guard dog, but is good-natured, people-oriented and very loyal. They thrive as companions and bond closely with their families. The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized, hardy breed and has a thick, white, grey and black coat with a tightly curled tail.

This fashionable breed is more than 2,000 years old and stems from ancient China. The Chow has had several well-known owners throughout the years, including Elvis Presley and Martha Stewart. Timeless and loyal, the Chow Chow has several distinctive features: a blue-black tongue, a stiff-legged "stilted" way of moving, and a snobbish expression, along with the large ruff around the head and shoulders. This medium-sized lion lookalike enjoys exercise, thrives in cold weather, and also can do well living in an apartment or a home.