What's Up With That Doggie in the Window?

Dogs may be "man's best friend," but there's a lot human beings don't know about these complex and diverse animals.

If you're thinking about adopting a canine friend, or if you're just a fan of furry pals, you'll be glad to know some of these inside secrets about dogs.

Articles marked with a (*) are available to those with access to MSN Encarta Premium. Learn more.

1. King of beasts or pretty flower? Shih Tzu means "lion dog," but because the hair around their face grows in all directions, they are also called the "chrysanthemum-faced dog."

2. The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest known dog. In stories from early Celtic literature, these gentle giants were sidekicks to Celtic heroes.

3. Stolen goods? British soldiers brought the first Pekingese to the West in the 1860s. The dogs were looted from the Imperial Palace in Beijing.

4. Don't crack any old-age jokes around greyhounds; they might be kind of sensitive about their age. According to ancient Egyptian tomb carvings, they've been around since the 3rd millennium BC.

5. Real-life life preservers. Newfoundlands are known for rescuing human beings from drowning. They have also been known to carry lifelines from shore to ships in distress.

6. The dainty defender. The tiny Pomeranian, which weighs about 2 to 3 kg (about 5 to 7 lb), is said to make a good watchdog.

7. Bulldogs were originally bred to be vicious, so they'd be good for the sport of bullbaiting. After the sport was outlawed 1835, however, they were bred to lose their viciousness.

8. The basenji, or African barkless dog, is not mute. It just doesn't bark. Maybe its bite is worse than its bark.

9. Not just another pretty face. The Weimaraner, photographer William Wegman's favorite subject, is one of the fastest domesticated animals. These animals have reached speeds over 61km/hr (38 mph).

10. In Welsh, corgi means "dwarf dog," but this little dog has had some big responsibilities. Originally, the Welsh corgi was used to flush out game, drive cattle, and guard houses.

11. Dalmatians have long held the honorable position of firehouse mascot. But did you know that due to their excellent memory, they also make great stage and circus performers?

12. Take this dog for a walk! Without exercise, border collies* can be destructive and cranky.

13. Cliquey Chihuahuas, which weigh 0.5 to 4 kg (1 to 8 lb), tend to prefer Chihuahuas to other types of dogs.

14. These days poodles have fancy hairdos mostly for show; in the old days, they got their hair cut to make swimming easier. The two main styles of clipping are the Continental and the English saddle.

15. Since the 17th century, Saint Bernards have had a designated, main breeding and employment center: the hospice of Saint Bernard of Menthon on the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Alps.

16. The Brussels Griffon is named after the mythological griffin, which it is thought to resemble. That's one crazy looking dog: a griffin has an eagle's head, beak, and wings, a lion's body and legs, and occasionally a serpent's tail.

Encarta Encyclopedia has plenty more information about dogs.

Also on MSN

The Pets channel is the place to go for a doggone good time! Visit eShop's Pet Center.
Join one of the thousands of existing pet communities, or start your own.