The Miniature Pinscher is a wonderful little dynamo of a dog – spirited, clever and very alert. The “Min Pin” (as these dogs are affectionately called) was originally bred in Germany to hunt vermin in stables. This required pluck and speed and Miniature Pinschers have both in spades.

Although they resemble the Doberman Pinscher, these dogs are not miniature versions of the Doberman but a breed in their own right. Like many other small dogs, Miniature Pinschers seem to have a personality bigger than their physical size.

Miniature Pinschers can weigh about 4kg, and reach up to 30cm tall. They have a short and sleek coat that comes in black, blue, chocolate and red, and they are distinguished by their large, upstanding ears.

Miniature Pinschers need little grooming – a quick brush every now and then will suffice. You can even give these dogs a wipe down with a facecloth instead of a bath. In fact, Miniature Pinschers should not be bathed often because it strips the protective oils of their coats. Miniature Pinschers suffer the cold greatly, and really should live indoors.

Miniature Pinschers are one of the most energetic dogs around. These canines are always on the go! This may make them too chaotic as pets for small children or the elderly. The playfulness and high spirits of a Miniature Pinscher means they can get the exercise they need in a small area, so they are the perfect dogs for those living in a flat or small house. These dogs can also burn off some extra energy with a quick walk.

It’s important that Miniature Pinschers are trained and socialised very early on in their lives. If they get the upper hand, these dogs will keep it, so make sure they know what the house rules are – and who set them. Fortunately, these dogs are very bright and take to obedience training well. Miniature Pinschers can be suspicious of strangers and other animals, so it’s a good idea to have them interacting outside their immediate circle from a young age.

It is recommended that you check puppies and their parents for eye or knee problems before you buy, as these can be the breed’s problem areas.

These little charmers can live up to 16 years and are active and playful well into their later years, so be prepared for many years of fun with your loyal friend.

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The British Shorthair is a cat with a humble past. After arriving in Britain in Roman times, the cats were tolerated by humans as handy mousers. The cats ran wild until the 19th century when author and artist Harrison Weir decided he liked these street cats for their looks and smarts. Weir began a breeding programme using the best specimens he could find.

The result was the British Shorthair – a cat distinguished by its big, round head and short, cobby, heavy body. These cats have a dense, double coat which is springy to the touch. British Shorthairs come in a rainbow of colours, with the classic British Blue (a steely, dark grey) and black being perhaps the most well-known hues.

What makes the British Shorthair so appealing to people is their temperament. These cats don’t know the meaning of stress. Relaxed, even-tempered and unflappable, British Shorthairs do not demand a lot of attention. They’re happy to live the good life at home and are not the most active cat around. If they do venture outdoors, they usually don’t roam too far from the homestead.

These cats are the perfect companions for people who live the quiet life. They enjoy the lifestyle of older people, although they are fine with children and other pets – it takes a lot to disturb the composure of the British Shorthair. Although they are not needy, British Shorthairs are affectionate and loyal to their owners, and can be somewhat reserved with strangers.

British Shorthairs are easy to care for – their thick coats just need a good grooming once a week to get rid of excess hair. Due to their street-tough origins, British Shorthairs are hardy felines and can easily live more than 15 years. Buying a kitten from a reputable breeder can cost up to $500.

Fully-grown, a British Shorthair can weigh approximately 7kg. Growing cats need more food than other breeds due to their larger size, but owners should be careful not to overfeed mature British Shorthairs – their laid-back lifestyle makes them good candidates for obesity.

British Shorthairs are suitable apartment cats and like nothing better than a nice place to sleep. With this dignified presence in your home, you will grow to appreciate the British Shorthair as a calming, comforting influence to have around.

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The Ragdoll cat has a tendency to go limp when picked up, hence the breed’s unusual name. This relatively new breed originated in America in the 1960s and today’s Ragdolls have inherited more than their fair share of gentle characteristics. Ragdolls can be very dog-like, following their owners around the house like a lovesick puppy. These cats don’t like to let you out of their sight!

The Ragdoll doesn’t like conflict and unlike many cats, may allow a complete stranger to pick them up and give them a cuddle. They may be very tolerant and sweet-natured but this doesn’t mean the Ragdoll is a dull feline to have around. Like many kittens, they are very active and these cats continue to be playful as adults.

Ragdolls are large cats and males can weigh up to 10kg or more. Their unique coat is semi-longhaired; soft to the touch yet they don’t shed as much as some of their long-haired cousins. Not much grooming is required (a good brush once a week should do) and their coat does not matt easily. Once a year they shed heavily, and need to be brushed every day.

Ragdolls are very suitable for flats or small houses as they are not really meant for the outdoors – their peaceful nature makes them too vulnerable in the big world. They can be trained easily and are a quiet breed with a rarely heard, soft meow.

These cats come in a lovely variety of colours such as chocolate, seal, lilac and blue-grey. Ragdolls also have contrasting colours on their points (a cat’s paws, ears, face and tail). All Ragdolls have gorgeous big blue eyes. Easy-going and companionable, the Ragdoll is the perfect cat for families, singles and the elderly.

A Ragdoll cat can cost upwards of $500, and can live up to 15 years. Ragdolls have been known to be susceptible to heart disease, and make sure the parents of any kittens you are interested in have been screened for kidney problems.

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These gorgeous wiry redheads are certainly not shrinking violets. Irish Terriers are confident, brave dogs, skilled at guarding and hunting, and they have a sensitive, affectionate side as well. Not a very common breed in Australia, Irish Terriers are definitely underrated as a fun-loving family dog.

Irish Terriers are known as daredevils because of their reckless pluck. When you have been bred to chase rats and badgers down holes, guard properties and even be messengers during the First World War, there’s not a lot of room for cowardly hesitation!

They are medium-sized dogs, standing 46-48cm tall and weighing 10-12kg. Irish Terriers have a stocky, muscular build with moderately long legs and a deep chest. They have a long, flat head, dark eyes, forward-flopping ears and a black nose.

These terriers have a wiry, double coat – a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat – that is coloured ginger or ‘red’. A weekly brush will keep their coats in condition, and many owners have the coat clipped for a smoother appearance. This involves “stripping” or hand plucking – often breeders will do this for you as a service. If their coat is left longer, Irish Terriers lose their “racy” appearance and look like big teddy bears.

Apart from the occasional problem of their eyelids rolling inward slightly and irritating their eyes, Irish Terriers are a very hardy, healthy breed. As terriers, they do need a lot of exercise and stimulation, or else they will make their own entertainment by barking, chewing and digging.

Irish Terriers love to chase things, so there may be some initial problems that the cat will soon sort out. These dogs also don’t mind being bossy with other dogs if given a chance – training, socialisation and plenty of playtime will help this.

Great with older kids and anyone who can give them an active lifestyle, these loving, loyal dogs will cost around $600 and grace your home for up to 15 years.

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The Pomeranian is a favourite among toy dogs and it’s easy to see why. Lively, bold and intelligent, ancestors of this fluffy dynamo were companions for Marie Antoinette, Mozart and Michelangelo. The Pomeranian is part of the Spitz group of dogs and the breed’s family tree begins with larger sled dogs from Iceland and Lapland.

Queen Victoria was a great fan of the breed and made the ‘Pom’ popular in the late 1800s in England. The Queen liked her Pomeranians smaller and the dogs were bred down from their original size to the little fellows we know today.

Distinguished by their fluffy appearance and a feathered tail that hovers merrily over their back, Pomeranians have a keen, alert expression on their fox-like faces. Their impressive double coat comes in a variety of bright colours. Poms are very loyal to their owners and very independent at the same time. It is important to let them know who is boss from an early stage, as Poms can exhibit selective hearing when it comes to doing what they’re told!

Poms are best suited to adult households or families with older children, and need gentle handling. They are perfect for smaller abodes as they are very active indoors, although they enjoy a good walk as well. An excellent watchdog, they should be taught to be quiet after initially barking at strangers or visitors, since Pomeranians can be noisy. Fortunately, these little dogs are very quick to learn and easy to train.

Pomeranians are curious, always on the go and definitely not lacking in self-esteem – they can be quite the little Duchess. They love the company of humans and enjoy being pampered. Their long double coat needs to be brushed frequently and they shed hair. It’s important for a Pomeranian to have regular dental check-ups because the breed is prone to teeth problems.

The average Pomeranian lifespan is 10 – 12 years but many of these dogs live longer than this. The average weight of a Pomeranian is two kilograms, and a puppy can cost upwards of $500, depending on breed quality. With a warm-hearted and busy Pomeranian by your side, you can be assured that life will be anything but dull.

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