1. Retrievers (Labrador) – The classic American dog.  Labrador retrievers are smart, lovable and great with kids.  They are the most popular “family” dog according to several breeder surveys.  Although they technically hail from the “Working Group” of dogs as classified by the AKC, Labs love to have fun and will knock you over in pursuit a good tennis ball.

2. Retrievers (Golden) – Golden Retrievers sit next to Labradors atop the “American Family Dog” pyramid of popularity.  Goldens are big, active dogs that love to play in the water with their favorite dog toys.  Males and females can grow as large as 90 pounds, so clear out an extra room in the house if you’re thinking about bringing one home.

3. Yorkshire Terriers – The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” as it is commonly called, is the smallest breed of terrier in the world.  These little pocket rockets are actually some of the bravest dogs you will ever meet, and are fiercely loyal when it comes to their home and family.  Knock on the door of someone with a Yorkie, hold your ears and you’ll see what we mean!

4. German Shepherd Dogs – One of the most loyal breeds in the world, German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and temperament.   The most popular police dog breed, Shepherds can sniff out a bomb, a criminal or a shipment of drugs with equal ease.  Overbreeding and genetic issues have caused a large percentage of these dogs to develop hip problems, specifically dysplasia, over the past several years.

5. Beagles – Ever since Snoopy became a national icon (and MetLife pitch-dog) the Beagle has been a staple in American households.  A medium-sized dog that was originally bred to hunt game such as rabbits and fox, the Beagle is a deceptively strong animal.  Don’t look for any beagle to be finding work as guard dogs any time soon – their kind, gentle demeanor just wouldn’t be suited for the job.

6. Dachshunds – Dachshunds or “Weiner Dogs” have always remained a fascination with dog owners because of their unique appearance.  But don’t let their odd look fool you, these dogs will run and play with the best of them, and can really get a head of steam going when in pursuit of a ball or another dog.  The Dachshund is one of the most aggressive dogs on this list, and has been known to nip or bite at strangers or other dogs with some regularity.

7. Boxers – This dog always seems to be wearing a serious expression, but in actuality it is one of the most fun-loving, energetic breeds on this list.  AKC reports extol the virtues of the boxer, stating that they have a great rapport with children, are relatively low maintenance and are “honest and loyal”.  Sounds more like a good husband than a great dog breed, but so it goes.  Boxers are extremely headstrong animals and as such require obedience training at a very young age.

8. Poodles – Standard and miniature poodles were the rich person’s dog of choice long before Paris Hilton ever stuffed a Chihuahua into a Fendi purse.  Now, these incredible animals are popular with all socio-economic groups because of the beauty and loyalty.

9. Shih Tzu - A dog everyone loves, with a name that only a fifth grade boy could love.  The Shih Tzu has been growing in popularity for years, and has finally cracked the “most popular breeds” list of the American Kennel Club.  This little wonder has even found a home in Hollywood, in both the mansions of the ultra-wealthy, and on the silver screen in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary Best in Show.

10. Miniature Schnauzers - Another miniature dog breed that is relatively new to the list of most popular breeds, having just cracked the top ten in 2008.  Miniature Schnauzers are obedient and rarely too-aggressive.  The generally engage in gentle play, which makes them ideal companions for children and chew toys alike.    The breed originated in Germany where they were originally raised as farming dogs used to chase mice and other vermin out of the area.

The behavior:  Pooping and peeing in the house

Why it’s so annoying:  Frankly, bodily functions released in your living room goes well beyond the annoying stage and can be categorized as downright rude, animal or not. Puppy housebreaking is one of the most challenging times in a dog-human relationship.  The stress level is high and can leave first-time dog owners feel like they are in over their heads.

Puppy housebreaking tips

1. Give your dog their last food and water a couple of hours before bedtime.  Then, take them your dog potty to go to the bathroom right before you go to sleep.  Remember to praise the dog when she does her business using the dog toilet.
2. Crate your dog at night.  Dogs love their crates!  It’s part of their cave-dweller past.  The more they feel like that crate is their home, the less likely they will be to use it as a bathroom.
3. Set a timer to ring every 30 minutes.  When the timer goes off, take the dog to her dog litter box (even if she doesn’t have to go).  Praise her when she comes follows you to the dog toilet.  This will help get your dog in the “flow” of making regular trips to go to the bathroom.
4. Consider a puppy litter box.   They’re not just for cats anymore and they can significantly help curb the behavior.

The behavior:  Barking into all hours of the night

Why it’s so annoying:   Because having your neighbors mad at you all the time is like living on the border of an unfriendly nation.  Maybe nothing will ever happen, but the more that dog barks, the more tension that builds below the surface.

Tips on how to stop problem barking:

1. When the dogs bark at night, come out and tell them “bad” in a loud authoritative voice.  When the dog does NOT bark at things in the night (and provided that you are still awake) always provide praise her immediately following the behavior.
2. Crate your dog at night, placing the crate in an area of your house that will minimize the noise your neighbors will need to hear.
3. If you are unable to control the barking after 2-3 weeks of trying to discipline the dog, you should probably consider a dog training school to control the behavior.

The behavior:  Unwanted “romantic gestures”

Why it’s so annoying:  Seeing a Jack Russell Terrier hump a vacuum cleaner is funny when it’s happening to someone else on YouTube, but in your world, not so much.

Tips on how to stop your dog from humping everything that moves:

1. If your dog is a male, you should really consider having him neutered.  It helps control the pet population and does away with most of the humping behavior.Get your dog more exercise.
2. This behavior is sometimes the result of pent up energy or restlessness.  Grab your dog leash and take her out to the park for a good long run, or at the least a nice walk every day.
3. If the behavior continues, visit your vet.  There are some cases where the humping behavior is caused by a serious hormonal imbalance that needs to be treated by a professional.

The behavior:  Aggressive behavior towards people and other dogs

Why it’s so annoying:    If you got a dog to try and attract members of the opposite sex, it’s kind of hard to grab their digits when they’re running away, stricken with fear.  Nope, dogs who lunge at other dogs, small children, attractive adults or clothing store mannequins are just plain no fun to be around.

Tips on how to curb your dog’s aggressive behavior:

1. Don’t punish aggressive behavior with additional aggressive behavior.  If you strike your dog for acting in a violent manner it will only perpetuate that cycle.  You might want to consider a special dog collar instead.
2. Reward your dog for submissive behavior.   Provide lots of praise when your dog lets a situation pass with growling or lunging.
3. If the problem continues, it is absolutely vital that you get professional help for your dog.  A dog training program can help you solve the aggression problem before it puts you, your family or your dog at risk.

The behavior:  Chewing up everything in the house

Why it’s so annoying:  How a dog can bypass everything you’ve ever bought at Target to specifically destroy your Louis Vutton purse or Lacoste shirt is a mystery of behavioral science, but whatever the value of your worldly possessions may be, you don’t want them chewed to shreds my your (mostly) loveable pup.

Tips on how to stop unwanted chewing:

1. Get your dog some chew toys!    Dogs love toys like Kongs and Nylabones, and will chew on them for hours.  They’re safe, good for the dog’s dental work and give them something else to do besides laying waste to all your material possessions.
2. Praise your dog when she uses the chew toys.  Tell her “good girl” when she starts gnawing on the toys your supply.
3. Teach your dog to drop things that are not hers.  In a low, assertive voice, tell your dog to “drop it” or “leave it” when they begin to chew on your possessions.  Praise her extensively when she does what you ask her to do.

Indoor dog games are a great way for your dog to enjoy physical and mental stimulation. Read on for some examples of fun games that you and your dog can enjoy. Some of these games offer dog training tips for the owner, so pay attention!

One of the noisier, yet more fun games is doggy hide and seek. Have your dog sit in a different room for a second while you hide, and then call the dog. Your dog can then run into the room and run around until he or she finds you! Certain dogs can be fooled for a while, and the excitement causes the dog to run around and get good exercise while hunting you down!

If you and your dog enjoy playing fetch, then consider playing hide the toy with your dog! Show your dog the toy (usually a squeaky one), and then hide it – perhaps under a rug or something similar. Just like the hide and seek game, the dog gets excited running around looking for the toy. You can even tease the dog by squeaking it with your foot if he or she is having trouble tracking it down.

If you want to combine an indoor dog game with a little obedience training, have your dog sit, and then go across the room (or to a different room if you don’t have enough space). Then, call for your dog to come running. Once the dog approaches, immediately tell him or her to sit – the excitement may be too much for your dog, but if well-trained, your dog can hold it in long enough to obey.

Don’t let a colder climate keep you from getting the dog you want. By combining some indoor dog games for stimulation and a UGODOG dog toilet, your dog can live a full and exciting life – just as much as an outdoor dog would!

Are you proud of your dog and want to share his or her qualities with the world? Here is your chance. While browsing CBS.com I found this new series which puts teams of dogs together in search for America’s Greatest Dog. We are obviously dog lovers so I thought it would be interesting to look into this new series that is beginning soon. It sounds like a hit to me, and I’m sure any other dog lover will agree. I am curious to see what type of exercises and games these dogs will participate in. I’m thinking the show will be similar to American Gladiators, but for dogs. There is no official starting date, but I have already submitted my application to participate, and I am looking forward to the show. Below is a overview of the show:

About the Show:

Calling all talented dogs! CBS is looking for the most extraordinary teams of dogs and owners across the nation to compete for the title of “America’s greatest dog.” From purebreds to mutts, show dogs to stunt dogs, Pugs to Great Danes and agility dogs to dogs who dance the Tango - we want all types of talented canines. The winning team will walk away with bragging rights and a significant cash prize!

Do you brag that you have the most talented dog in America? Well here’s your chance to prove it! CBS is looking for the most extraordinary teams of dogs and owners across the nation to compete for the title of “America’s Greatest Dog” (working title). Owners and their pets - from “pageant dogs” to those simply trained at home - will live together and compete against each other in games that put the dog’s rapport with their trainer to the test.

Event Overview:
See Spot surf during the Loews Dog Surfing Competition – the nation’s original surfing competition for man’s best friend. There’s no “dog-paddling” for these surf dogs. Canine counterparts are invited to hang 10 (errr, 20) for a great cause. Last year, 47 brave surf dogs took to the waves and more than 1,000 spectators gathered to watch the dog surfing event unfold. The competition garnered national and international media attention, and more than $10,000 was raised for a great cause. This year’s event should be even better.

Ugodog is an official sponsor of the 3rd Annual Loews Coronado Surf Dog Competition

Schedule:
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Optional surfing lessons by the Coronado Surfing Academy for less experienced canines
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Heat One: Small Surf Dogs (40 pounds and under)
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Heat Two: Large Surf Dogs (41 pounds and over)
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Heat Three: Tandem Surfing for Surf Dogs & Owners
1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Furry fashion show with doggie couture by Lucky Dog Boutique
1:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. Awards ceremony
Please RSVP by June 27, 2008 to avoid late fees.

2007 Loews Surf Dog Competition Event Video

This is the easiest and most efficient way of exercising your dog is taking him for walk. It is recommended that you take your dog for long walks twice daily. The length of the walk depends on the size, and fitness level of the dog. Find a local trail or park and progressively increase the length and speed of the walks on a weekly basis. Make this part of your daily routine because you owe it to your best friend.

2. Play Fetch

A fun and highly effective form of exercise is playing fetch. Grab yourself a frisby, tennis ball, stick, or any other dog toy and have yourself a blast! This provides great exercise for your dog, while not wearing you out.

3. Take a Jog

Next time you go for a run take your dog along. Keep yourself in shape, as well as your fellow canine. Hopefully you can keep up with your dog!

4. Take a Dip

With summer coming along soon take your dog for swim in your local pool, pond, river, or lake. Swimming is a great source of exercise for any canine or human. Next time you take your dog for a mid-day swim, join him!

5. Put your dog on a treadmill

If your going to be a couch potato, don’t let your dog suffer. I would have never thought of this 20 years ago, but there has been a recent trend in Dog Treadmills. You can purchase a treadmill specifically for your dog, or just put him on yours!

6. Take a stroll to the local Dog Park

Dog Parks have grown in popularity throughout the past years.

7. Cycle

Next time you ride your bike, take your dog along side of you jogging. This is not for your average canine, but for the more active and fit dogs.

8. Dog Classes

If your dog is getting bored with the exercises mentioned above, enroll your dog in a fitness class. This provides a competitive environment and can challenge your dog not only physically, but mentally.

9. Stair Climbing

This is one of the easiest exercises for your dog, and it can conveniently be done indoors or outdoors. Stair Climbing burns a high amount calories, and increases your dogs fitness level.

10. If you can’t do it, OUTSOURCE!

If you can’t dedicate enough time to your dog, hire someone to substitute for this missed exercising. Dog Walking Services have become popular in recent years and are easily accessible and convenient. Prices range for $10 to $30 dollars for a 20 minute walk.

A perfectly trimmed toy poodle, a top Sealyham terrier and prize-winning Akita were among the 2,627 entries. The dogs came in 169 breeds and varieties, and there were four newly sanctioned types — the Tibetan mastiff, Beauceron, Swedish vallhund and Plott.

Tri-colored and nearly 3, Uno moved into Monday night’s judging in the hound group. While best in show will be presented Tuesday night, the playful 15-inch beagle certainly earned one title at Madison Square Garden: noisiest in show.

Uno sounded off every chance he got and clearly became the early crowd favorite, wagging his white-tipped tail and taking a flying leap at one of Wilkerson’s cooked pork loin treats.

“He was being his merry little hound self,” Wilkerson said.

While the movie “Underdog” was a big winner last year, a beagle is always a long shot on the Garden’s green carpet.

The best in show award has been presented 100 times by the Westminster Kennel Club and a beagle has never won. Part of the problem is the breed’s engaging, friendly nature.

“Great show dogs often have an air about them. It’s like this is their world and we’re just living in it,” Westminster TV host David Frei said. “But beagles want to be in our world.”

They also have another disadvantage: They’re far from the fancy-cut, froufrou dogs that often win.

“To some, a beagle may not look as spectacular as the Afghan hound, flying around the ring with all that hair,” Frei said.

With pleading, golden-brown eyes and plenty of tail-wagging personality, Uno could break out of the Westminster doghouse. No beagle has even won the hound group since 1939.

“To have the general public see an average dog going and competing and actually winning would send a signal that everyone can do it,” said Eddie Dziuk, one of Uno’s co-owners.

Uno came with his favorite stuffed frog toy and the fluffy pillow he sleeps on, the one with a Hollywood star. His official name is K-Run’s Park Me in First, and he bested 12 other entries in the 15-inch category.

Beagles also come in the 13-inch variety, though both types can come from the same litter. In show parlance, Uno is a “big beagle.”

Judge J. Donald Jones, former a dean at Emory University, will point to his choice as the champion right before 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Uno already has earned 32 best in show titles, and finished 2007 as the sixth-ranked show dog in the country. He took the hound group at the AKC/Eukanuba show in December.

A Sealyham terrier with a gray splotch over his left eye won that big competition in Long Beach, Calif. Called Charmin, he wound up as the No. 4 dog last year.

Also in contention will be a neatly primped white toy poodle born in Japan. Vikki has won 83 best in show ribbons and enters as the nation’s top dog.

An Akita that reached the best in show ring last year in New York will return. Missing will be James, an English springer spaniel who retired after winning last February.

USA Network and CNBC will split the coverage the first night, with USA doing the second night alone. Frei was hesitant to pick a favorite, though he did offer a prediction.

“What better choice could there be to win America’s dog show than an all-American dog?” he said. “A beagle winning would bring down the house.”