Breed Spotlight

The Neapolitan Mastiff is truly a dog that looks out of place and time no matter the setting. This Italian breed is straight out of the history books as its ancestors can be traced back to ancient times.  Learn more about the Neapolitan Mastiff in the BestBullySticks Breed Spotlight!

History & Background: The Neapolitan Mastiff has ancient origins by way of its ancestor, the molosser-type dog, which was known to live around 3000 B.C. and originated out of Asia. Alexander the Great helped in developing the mastiff type and eventually the dog made its way to Italy during Roman Conquest. Molosser-type dogs were used as war dogs as well as in circus combats where they would fight lions, tigers and men. Mastiff is derived from the Latin word “masssivus” meaning “massive.” The Italians also call this dog the Mastino Napoletano. Over the centuries, this dog was bred to be a guard dog for Italian homesteads and earned the description “big dog of the little man.” Some even say the dog was bred to look alarming enough that their appearance alone would deter intruders.

During WWII the number of Neapolitan Mastiffs diminished greatly but by 1948 a group of dedicated Italians had built up the breed and qualified the Neo’s characteristics into a breed standard. In 2004, the AKC recognized the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Height: Males 26 to 31 inches; Females 24 to 29 inches

Weight: Males 150 pounds; Females 110 pounds Read more

When you think “toy breed” what do you think? Pampered pups? Petite and dainty? High maintenance? While all these things may be true for some toy breeds, they’re not true for all; especially the Brussels Griffon. BestBullySticks.com thinks you’ll be impressed with this highly affectionate, intelligent and unique looking pup. Read on to learn more about the Brussels Griffon in the BBS Breed Spotlight!

History & Background: Hailing from Brussels, Belgium the Brussels Griffon’s ancestors were used as stable workers to keep rodent populations down. This Affenpinscher-like dog was later bred with the Pug, King Charles Spaniel and Ruby Spaniels to produce two distinct varieties of dogs—smooth and rough coated. This dog is also called the Griffon Bruxellois. Gradually the Brussels Griffon became a regular member of the family. There are old folk tales and songs telling of “bearded dogs” which refer to the spirited Brussels Griffon. Through WWI and WWII the Griffon largely decreased in numbers yet was brought back from the brink of extinction by dedicated UK enthusiasts. To this day the Brussels Griffon is a rare dog yet in the past decades has enjoyed a little more popularity in the United States. This is due to Griffons appearance in the movies and TV shows such as As Good as It Gets, Gosford Park, Sweet November, Spin City, and First Wives Club. The general interest in toy breed dogs has also heightened the interest toward the Brussels Griffon.

Height: 7 to 8 inches

Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

Coat: The rough coated Brussels Griffon has dense, wiry and hard fur. The coat shouldn’t be overly long and should have no silky hair. The head is covered with slightly longer hair, especially around the eyes, nose, cheeks and chin. This gives the Griffon a fringe. The smooth coated variety has short, straight and glossy hair with no wiry fur. These dog are referred to as Brabancon.

Color: Griffons only come in 4 colors/color combinations.

1. Red: This color combination is a reddish brown and can feature black at the whiskers and/or chin.
2. Beige: Black and red/brown mixture make up the beige coloring, which can also show a black mask and whiskers.
3. Black & Tan: This combination is black with consistent red/brown markings under the chin, on the legs, above the eyes and around ear edges and vent.
4. Black

Appearance: Small, but sturdy, the Brussels Griffon is a square and short dog with strong bones and a proud head. Large, black eyes and small, erect ears give this dog an alert expression. The Griffon has a domed head and short nose. Straight and well-muscled legs hold this dog’s thick body. Griffons have level backs and deep ribs. This dog’s tail is high and is usually docked.

Temperament: The Brussels Griffon has lots of personality. This cheerful, highly affectionate dog is naturally curious, spunky and very intelligent. These dogs are highly sensitive and should be socialized early but carefully. Griffons usually bond with one person more than others.

Health & Grooming: Griffons usually live 10 to 15 years and are generally healthy. Some health issues this breed may experience can be eye and respiratory problems, heat sensitivity and difficulty whelping.

The rough-coated variety of the Brussels Griffon will require more maintenance than dogs with smooth coats. Griffons shed little hair to none at all.

Product Suggestions: For a rare dog, try a well-known favorite—the 6 inch standard bully stick. A perfect daily dental dog chew for your toy-sized, this half-foot of free-range, grass-fed beef will have your Brussels Griffon hooked!

For a great dog toy, check out the Pet Qwerks Small Jingle X-Tire Ball dog toy. It's made out of rugged tire that's easy for dogs to pick up and fetch. The jingle bell hidden inside the tire will keep your pet enthralled for hours!

Do you know or own a Brussels Griffon? Tell us your Griffon story in the comments section below!

Curious about a dog breed? Check out our full list of Breed Spotlights to learn about some amazing dog breeds!

Just like a little brother doesn’t like being introduced as “John’s little brother,” the Miniature Pinscher doesn’t like being confused for a “miniature Doberman.” Any Min Pin lover or fancier will tell you, this dog is a breed all it’s own. With a lot of attitude packed into a tiny body, the Min Pin is both a delight and a doozy. Read more about this rambunctious little dog on the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight on the Miniature Pinscher.

History & Background: Despite popular belief, the Miniature Pinscher isn’t simply a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher. This small breed, German dog has its own origins through the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound. However, both the Min Pin and the Doberman most likely share the German Standard Pinscher as an ancestor. In Germany, the Miniature Pinscher is called the Zwerg Pinscher (Dwarf Pinscher) and Pinscher translates Terrier. Colloquially this dog is called the “King of the Toys.”

It’s thought the Min Pin is an ancient dog breed, though factual evidence of the existence of this particular breed dates back less than 200 years. What is known is the Min Pin enjoyed life in solely in Germany and Scandinavian countries for many years serving as a ratter. It wasn’t until 1919 that this dog was introduced to the United States. In 1930 the AKC reclassified this dog from the Terrier Group to the Toy and in 1972 this club changed the dog’s name from Pinscher to Miniature Pinscher.

Height: 10 to 12.5 inches

Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

Coat: The Miniature Pinscher has a short, hard coat that is smooth and straight. The coat clings tight to the body and covers the Min Pin evenly. Read more

Foxy-like and mischievous, the Schipperke may be the closest one may get to owning a fox itself. This smart and energetic Belgian breed dog enjoys life on a boat and life with a family. BestBullySticks.com introduces you to the Schipperke in today’s BBS Breed Spotlight! Read more below!

History & Background: Though it’s similar in appearance to the Spitz or Pomeranian, the Schipperke is actually related to the black Belgian sheepdog the Leauvenaar. This dog is the predecessor of the Schipperke and the Groenendael. This dog was bred down to a much smaller size and became the guard dog to barges in Belgium. The Flemish sailors became calling this dog “schip” which means boat and they quickly earned the name “Little Captain” and “Little Skipper.” To this day Schipperke’s are at ease on a boat. The AKC officially recognized this breed in 1904. In WWII this dog was used as a messenger between various hideouts of the Belgian Resistance. The Nazi’s never found out.

Height: Males: 11 to 13 inches; Females: 10 to 12 inches.

Weight: 12 to 18 pounds

Coat: This dog has particular patterns of hair that include short hair on the face, medium hair on the body and longer hair in the ruff, cape, jabot and culottes. Behind the ears and circling around the neck makes the ruff. The cape is a strip extending past the ruff down the middle of the back. Jabot is the area extending across the chest and down the front legs. The fur on the back of the thigh forms the culottes. The texture of the Schipperke’s coat is slightly hard and is dense and straight and it stands off from the body. Read more

A little dog with a  feisty personality and the resemblance of a monkey? It might sound a little funny, but the Affenpinshcer is one of the oldest toy dog breeds. And though this small dog has been around for a while, he’s finally getting recognized in a big way. Read more about the Affenpinscher on the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight below!

History & Background: The Affenpinscher hails from Germany and is seen in history as far back as the 17^th century. This toy dog’s name literally translates as “Monkey Terrier.” In France, this little dog also earned the name Diablotin Moustachu or “little devil with a moustache.” The Affenpinscher was kept as a ratter for farmers and then later breed to be smaller to serve inside the home to keep mice at bay. This dog has been used in the development of many other breeds such as the Brussels Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer. In 1936 this breed was recognized by the AKC and this year the Affenpinscher Banana Joe won Westminster Best in Show. This was the first year the Affenpinscher has won at Westminster.

Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches

Weight: 7 to 8 pounds

Coat: An Affen’s coat is described as “shaggy, but neat.” A thick, wiry coat is found on the shoulders and body about 1 inch in length. Shorter hair can appear on the back and tail. The fur on the head, neck, chest and stomach is longer and not as hard in texture. The longer hair on this dog’s head, especially the eyebrows and beard heightens the monkey-like expression of the Affen. Read more