1) Origin
The Drever was developed from a short legged german dog breed called Westphalian Dachsbracke, which was amazing at tracking deer. This dog was first brought to Sweden in 1910 and they became quite popular among Swedish hunters in 1930s. The Dachsbracke was crossbred with some other hounds so it can easier adapt to Swedish weather and terrain. The new dog dog that was developed from the Dachsbracke and that was slightly larger became the Drever.​

2) Name
The name Drever was chosen in 1947 and it is derived from a Swedish word „drev“, which is reffering to a type of a hunt where the dogs drive the game towards the hunter. The dog is also known under another name, which is Swedish Dachsbracke.

3) Hunter
Even today, the Drever is mostly kept as a hunting dog breed, rather than just as a companion dog. The Drever is excellent at tracking the game and than driving it towards the hunter. The traditional purpose is hunting deers, but the Drever has been bred to hunt all sizes of game, including hares or foxes. These dogs are enthusiastic workers and they can hunt for hours. The Drever has a very strong tracking instinct.

4) Companion
When the Drever is not on the hunt, they make affectionate companion dogs. This is keen, loyal and even tempered. Just like almost all the hounds, the Drever is independent and know how to be stubborn. Because of that, they need a lot of patience and consistency during the obedience training, you should be prepared for that. The Drever can also happily live with other dogs, but other pets might be problematic, because of the Drevers high prey drive. They are also known for being good playful partners for kids, but the kid should be old enough to know how to treat dogs properly.

5) Coat
The Drever has a thick coat which is harsh, straight and close fitting to the body. The fur on the neck, back of thighs and back can be sligthly longer, but overall, the coat is short. Commonly, the Drever can be found in brindle, fawn, red, and tri-color with or without white or sable markings.

6) Size
The Drever is a dog with short legs, long body and drop hanging ears, which are typical for majority of hounds. The average height is between 30-38 cm, which is 12-15 inch and weight is usually between 35-40 pounds, which is 15-18 kg. The females tend to be slightly smaller than males.

7) Exercise
Despite the short legs and stature, the Drever has pretty high energy level with excellent stamina and they definitely need daily proper outdoor exercise to stay healthy and happy. Without enough physical exercise, they can develop some unwanted behaviour, such as excessive barking or digging. They will love longer walks or some active playtime.

8) Rarity
The Drever is quite rare dog breed and it would be very hard to find them outside Scandinavia. On the contrary, they are very popular in Sweden and they are one of the most popular dogs in Sweden.

9) Maintenance
The Drevers coat is generally pretty easy to groom. Even without any grooming, the coat will stay in good condition. But they do shed and if you want to minimize the shedding, you should brush them regularly. These dogs also do not need frequent bathing, only when its really necessary. Just like with all dogs, you should regularly check the ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed.

10) Health
The Drever is usually pretty healhty dog breed, but just like all dogs, they can be prone to some health issues, namely intervertebral disc disease, otitis externa, gaining weight or entropion. These dogs have a great long lifespan, which is between 13-15 years. 

1) Ancient Molossus
The Molossus of Epirus is a dog breed with a very long history. It is believed, that they were developed by a Greek tribe called Molossians in a region called Epirus, which can be found in northwestern Greece and Southwestern Albania. These dogs were used as skilled livestock guardians, but also as war dogs.​

2) Two types
Molossians bred and kept two types of Molossus dog. The first one was bred for hunting and it had broader muzzle. This dog is today considered to be ancestor of modern mastiff dogs. The second type was bred for protecting the livestock, which is the type of Molossus of Epirus we know today. BTW, the Molossus of Epirus is the only living descendant of the extinct Molossus and it is closely related to Greek Shepherd. This is truly very old and unique dog breed.

3) Size
This is very big and strong dog with massive head. On average, these dogs are 65-75 cm tall, which is 25-30 inch and weight is usually between 40-65 kg, which is 88-143 pounds. For such a large dog, the Molossus of Epirus is not cumbersome, this is quite agile dog.

4) Appearance
The first thing you will probably notice about this breed is its very very big head. But they also have muscular and powerful body. They have relativel small dark eyes, powerful jaw, small ears that hangs down and thick neck. The chest is deep and they have densely furry medium sized tail.

5) Guardians
These dogs were bred to guard livestock from very dangerous predators such as wolves or even bears and they still have high protective instinct even today. This is very confident and brave dog that would protect its people if needed.

6) Companion
The Molossus of Epirus is not only known as great protector and worker, they are also known as absolutely faithful and loyal companions. They love its people and is very friendly to its whole family. On the other hand, they are known to be suspicious and alert towards strangers and it can také some time before a complete stranger will gain a trust of this dog. The Molossus of Epirus is also intelligent and quite peaceful dog when it is at home.

7) Training
The Molossus of Epirus was bred to be able to work alone and make its own decision when protecting the livestock. This is why this breed is independent and they know how to be little bit headstrong. This does not mean they are not smart, they are very intelligent, but they are not total pushovers to train. This is not a dog for a novices or unexperienced owner, because they need proper patient, firm and consistent training and early socialization from the puppyhood.

8) Maintenance
This is pretty low maintenance breed. Even without any brushing and grooming, they will keep the coat in good condition. They also do not need much bathing, only if its really necessary. Of course, you should regularly exercise the dog, so it stays in good shape, healthy and happy. Just like with all dogs, you should also regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed.

9) Recognition
The Molossus of Epirus is not recognized by the largest kennel clubs such as FCI or AKC, but it is officially recognized by Kennel Club of Greece, where you can also find their breed standard. They also have a breed club since the 2006, which is trying to increase this breeds population. The club is called Molossus of Epirus Rescue Organization.

10) Health
Thanks to the long existence and development, this is usually extremely healthy dog breed, especially for its size. The average lifespan is around 15 years, which is just amazing in comparsion to other big dog breeds.

 Poodles and Schnauzers are quite popular breeds. One of the reason is, that both come in three different sizes. The Poodle comes in toy, miniature and standard and Schnauzer also have three sizes, miniature, standard and giant and you can see the size comparsion on the screen right now.

Another similarity is their coat. While the Poodle is marked as a hypoallergenic breed that does not shed at all, the Schnauzer sheds a little bit more, but it is still a very low shedding breed. If you suffer from allergies, there is no such thing as completely hypoallergenic dog breed, since they all produce some dander or salive, but the Poodle has a high chance to not trigger the allergies.

Both breeds require quite a lot of grooming. Even though they do not shed much, they need often brushing and trimming. Many people choose services of professional groomer, because the grooming can be little bit too much time consuming.

Both breeds are very intelligent, constantly ranking among the smartest of all breeds. Its impossible to say, which one is smarter, but it is not that important, both are very intelligent. It is said, that the Poodle is easier to train, which is mostly due to the Schnauzer independent mind. The poodle also be friendlier towards strangers, while the Schnauzer is naturally good watchdog and can be trained to be excellent guarding dog. The Schnauzer is very loyal and affectionate to its family. Both, Poodles and Schnauzers, especially the smaller varieties bark quite a lot and they should be trained from the puppyhood to not bark excessively.

I would say, that the Poodle is better choice for novices or unexperienced owners, because the Schnauzers independent mind need a trainer who know what he is doing. But just like with all dogs, the key to succesfull training is a lot of patience, consistency and lot of treats and affection for good behaviour.

Another thing, especially if you are thinking about standard poodle or schnauzer, is their energy level. Those are very active and high energy dogs, that need daily proper outdoor exercise. It can be long walks, jogs or swims! These dogs will enjoy almost any activity with their people. You should also challenge them mentally, for example by some dog sport, daily training sessions or some interactive dog toys.

With enough exercise, these dogs will happily live indoors. Especially the smaller varieties are excellent for apartment living. Larger types are better for living in houses with yard, but even them will like to live indoors, next to their people.

Great fact about both dogs is, that they have quite a long lifespan, which is typically between 13-16 years. Smaller dogs typically live longer, so it should not be a surprise that smaller the miniature poodle and Schnauzer normally live little bit longer than Standard types.

Just like all dogs, even the Poodles and Schnauzers can suffer from some health issues. Some poodles suffer from epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy or diabetes, while some Schnauzers can be prone to liver diesases, skin problems or von Willebrands disease.

There is also a cross between those two breeds, which is called Schnoodle. But just like all the crossbreeds, its impossible to predict its temperament and appearance, since it can inherit it from either of its parent.
If you are an active person who does not mind the extensive grooming needs, than both dogs have potential to be the best companion dogs. The main difference probably is, that the Schnauzer is more independent breed than the eager to please Poodle. It is impossible to say, which one is better, because it really depends on what do you expect from the dog!

1) Papillon
Even if you never heard about Phalene before, you probably the know the Papillon. And guess what. Those two are the same dogs with only one exception. The Papillon has erect ears and the Phalene has floppy ears. Interesting fact is, that both types can be born in the same litter. Some countries register these two as separate breeds, but for example AKC register both varieties as a single breed.​

2) History
It is believed that the Phalene its pricked ears relative and that it is older than the Papillon. The first paintings of dogs similar to Phalene are from 15th century from Belgium, France, Spain and Italy. The Phalene quickly became popular by European nobility and it is believed that Marie Antionette owned one.

3) Almost extinct
In the 20th century, the Papillon became more popular than the Phalene, which almost dissappeared. But the Phalene did not became extinct and the 21st century has seen renewed interest in the Phalene and its popularity is raising again!

4) Companion
Back in the days, these little dogs were used as ratters, but today, they are almost always companion dogs. But they are not typical lap dogs, because the Phalene is quite lively and active dog who definitely need some daily exercise. This is also very intelligent dog breed who is capable of learning a lot of tricks and commands. The Phalene is known for their always happy, outgoing and playful personality. They are best suitable for more active families, because these dogs will always be ready for some action.

5) Name
We are not sure, when exactly people start calling this dog Phalene, but it can be literally translated to english word moth. BTW, its relatives name, Papillons name can be translated as a butterfly. Those words should be describing the big fluffy ears.

6) Size
The Phalene is a small dog breed with elegant and slight build and intelligent and curious expression. The average height should be between 8-11 inches, which is 20-28 cm and weight is typically between 7-10 pounds, which is 3-5 kg. There are no big size differences between males and females.

7) Coat
The Phalene always has multicolored coat and it can be white with patches of any color. The most common combinations are white and black, white and lemon, white and red, white and sable and tricolor. The coat is single layered, pretty long, straight and fine.

8) Watchdogs
Phalene is not normally used as watchdog or guard, but they are very alert to its surroundings and they like to bark. Its very likely, that they will alert you by barking if they will see or hear something suspicious around them.

9) Maintenance
The Phalene is not the biggest shedder but they still do shed some hair and they do need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. This breed does not have much of the typical doggy odor and they do not need much bathing. Just like with all dogs, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, teeth and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.

10) Health
This is relatively healthy dog breed with average lifespan around 14 or 15 years. Of course, just like all dogs, even the Phalene can suffer from some health issues and those include patellar luxation, seizures, periodontal problems, progressive retinal atrophy or allergies.