Rabbit Breed: American Fuzzy Lop

Origins: These rabbits were descended from Holland Lops, as a result of attempts to develop different markings (Holland Lops initially only had solid colors). Crossing with English Spots and French Angoras apparently had varied effects, such as the "right" markings but "wrong" fur type, and a "wool" fur type from a recessive gene. Around 1980, America breeder Patty Greene-Karl worked with the recessive "woolly" gene to breed "fuzzy" Holland Lops. From there, she developed a new breed, the American Fuzzy Lop, officially recognized in 1988.

Size: Small to medium, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds.

Physical Appearance: This cute bunny has a round and cobby body, short lop ears that hang about one inch below the jaw, and a flat wide face. It has a "no neck" appearance, with a proportionally large head. Fur is dense and long.

Characteristics: Affectionate, loving, sweet-tempered.

Colors: Nineteen recognized colors, including tortoiseshell, chocolate, lilac, chinchilla, squirrel, fawn, and others.

Special Facts: Adult American Fuzzy Lops are easier to groom than juvenile ones. Youngsters have soft coats that matt easily, so they need careful daily grooming. Once they mature and grow their "woolly" adult coats, these will be easier to care for.

Dog Breed: Shih Tzu

Origins: The Shih Tzu was bred from Tibetan and Chinese dogs, and kept as a pet by royalty and nobility.

Size: Small. About 26cm tall at the shoulder.

Physical Appearance: Double-coated, with a long, dense outer coat and thick undercoat. The hair is luxurious and flowing, usually straight but sometimes with a slight wave, and needs a tremendous amount of care. Owners are advised to tie the hair on the dog's head into a topknot to keep it neat and out of its eyes. Face has a sweet expression.

Characteristics: Intelligent, alert, active, happy, affectionate, friendly.

Colors: All colors.

Special Facts: Because Shih Tzus have similar origins to Lhasa Apsos the two breeds were confused in Europe adn the USA when they first reached the Western world in the 1930s. In the USA, Shih Tzus were even initially registered as Lhasa Apsos and interbred with them!

Dog Breed: Yorkshire Terrier

Origins: The "Yorkie" was developed in Yorkshire, England, most likely from various small terriers and the Maltese.

Size: Small. About 23cm tall at the shoulder.

Physical Appearance: Glossy-coated, with fine, straight, silky hair. Yorkies should have hair of a dark steel-blue covering the body from neck to root of tail. This contrasts with tan-colored hair over the head, chest, and front legs. The contrast is especially striking in flawlessly groomed show dogs. Show Yorkies' coats need a tremendous amount of care.

Characteristics: Affectionate, lively, alert, fearless.

Colors: Dark steel-blue and tan.

Special Facts: Although Chihuahuas are generally acknowledged as the smallest breed of dog, the smallest officially recorded individual was a two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier which was only two-and-half inches tall at the shoulder, and which died in 1945. Even the smallest living dog is also a Yorkshire Terrier from the UK which stands three inches tall.

Dog Breed: Australia Silky Terrier

Origins: "Silkies" resemble Yorkshire Terriers so closely because the latter were used in the development of the breed in Australia in the 1800s. Other dogs involved in the Silky Terrier's genes include Australian Terriers and Skye Terriers.

Size: Small. About 23cm tall at the shoulder.

Physical Appearance: Straight-coated, with fine, glossy, long hairs often kept neat by being parted down the middle of the dog's back. The tips of the hairs are usually darker than the roots, and in show dogs, these dark tips should contain black. Like the Yorkshire, "typical" Silky Terriers have tan-colored hair around the head, chest and feet, and darker-colored hair over the body.

Characteristics: Lively, friendly, alert, active.

Colors: Blue and tan, gray-blue and tan, sometimes even cream-colored.

Special Facts: These tiny, dainty little dogs considered a "toy" breed make surprisingly good watchdogs because they are so alert, and they are also quite efficient at hunting pests such as mice.

Dog Breed: Scottish Terrier

Origins: Developing in Aberdeen, Scotland, to catch vermin. It used to be known as the Aberdeen Terrier, or the Broken-haired Terrier.

Size: Small. A short dog at about 25cm tall at the shoulder, but substantially built.

Physical Appearance: Short-legged and thick-set, with a harsh, wiry outer coat. Also has a finer, dense undercoat. Noted for its long head, attractive beard and prominent eyebrows. Heat ears and a tail of moderate length.

Characteristics: Agile, sporty, playful, loyal, intelligent, independent, bold, affectionate to owner but may be reserved with strangers.

Colors: Most familiar in black, but also bred in wheaten and brindle colors.

Special Facts: The short-legged, bearded profile of the Scottish Terrier or "Scottie" is so distinctive that it is used in many designs for all kinds of items from fashion accessories to biscuits, especially for products relating to Scotland or the UK in general. Pet lovers who grew up reading Enid Blyton's "Five Find-Outers" books may remember that Fatty's little dog, Buster, was a black Scottish Terrier!

Dog Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Origins: Interbred with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi until the 1930s, after which the two became separate varieties. Originally used to herd cattle.

Size: Small. About 25 0 30cm tall at the shoulder, but very sturdily built.

Physical Appearance: Dense-coated, foxy-faced, and generally a "prettier" dog than the Cardigan, which has a bushy, long one. Otherwise similarly built, with upright, prominent, slightly rounded ears.

Characteristics: Alert, active, bold, outgoing, with plenty of stamina. As Pembroke Welsh Corgis were bred to herd cattle by nipping at their heels, most individuals of this breed are naturally rather nippy, even more so than Cardigans, so they do not make good pets for children.

Colors: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan, with or without white markings.

Special Facts: This is the favorite breed of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II!

Dog Breed: Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Origins: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an old British breed. Despite its small size, it has long been used for herding cattle. The Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh Corgis did not become separate varieties until the 1930s.

Size: Small. It may be short at just 30cm at the shoulder, but it is a long, sturdily-built dog.

Physical Appearance: Tough, heavy-boned, substantial in the body. Has a bushy long tail (unlike the Pembroke, which has a short tail), and upright and prominent ears which are slightly rounded. Water-resistant, hard-textured coat, with an undercoat.

Characteristics: Active, intelligent, outgoing, devoted, usually of calmer temperament than the Pembroke. Although the breed is normally not aggressive, Corgis do tent to be a bit snappy, so they are not good as pets for children.

Colors: All colors, with or without white markings.

Special Facts: In the Celtic language, "corgi" means dog. The coat must be brushed every day.