The Pekingese is a bold and hardy toy dog with an independent spirit. With a long history as the pampered companions of nobles, it's no surprise that they act a bit on the regal side. The Peke can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty of China sometime during the 8th century. For many centuries, they were highly regarded by the Chinese as divine canines.

The Pekingese may be small, but the breed is not at all fragile. Lift one up and you'll notice a muscular frame and sturdy build. Those who do not know Pekes well may find them a bit aloof and distant. Indeed, some of these dogs take a little time to warm up to new people. However, once you bond with a Peke, you'll see a loyal and affectionate lap dog.

What do you have to say about the Pekingese? Tell your 'tail' and consider submitting a photo for future use on the Dogs site.

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What dog lover doesn't enjoy looking at adorable dog pictures? I must say that photos of sleepy dogs are among the cutest. There's something about seeing the relaxation of their slumber that warms this dog lover's heart. Sure, it may be a bit corny, but snoozing canines definitely top the "awww" factor in my book.

If you feel the same, then I've got some dog-nap pictures for you to enjoy. Check out my sleeping dogs photos gallery. These great pictures were submitted by readers like you. If you like what you see, you can help me grow this and other galleries by sending in your own favorite photos.

Photo © Jere Neikum

The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent and agile of all dogs. Sadly, this breed is often misunderstood - some think it is hyperactive, destructive and difficult to train. The truth is quite the opposite. The Border Collie, or BC is among the easiest dogs to train if you know what you are doing. If not, you will have a dog with so much pent up energy, that he must find another way to release it (perhaps by ripping up your couch or running off through the neighborhood). The key to keeping a BC happy is to give him a job to do. "Eager to please" hardly describes the dynamic BC. These dogs are driven! Plus, they make affectionate and loyal companions.

Border Collies are often seen as champion disc dogs, agility competitors and herders. Why? Because the combination of their smarts and fervor is the perfect recipe for success in dog sports. BCs are naturally athletic, agile and brainy. If you get a Border Collie and treat him right, you will have a canine soul-mate for life. BCs bond very closely with their humans, especially if they participate in activities together.

Are you enamored with the amazing Border Collie? Tell us about yours, and submit your photos!

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Independence Day is this Saturday, and many of us will be celebrating all weekend long. As fun as it may be to spend the holiday with your dog, make sure you are in a dog-friendly environment. There are various summertime hazards that can cause harm to your dog, so be aware of the following:

Fireworks: Besides the obvious danger of physical injury from fireworks, your dog can be very frightened by loud noises. This can cause her to become quite anxious, and she may even run away and become lost. Read what Dr. Janet Crosby, Guide to Veterinary Medicine says about noise phobias.

Dangerous Foods: The Fourth of July was made for grilling, and there will be many tasty morsels around that your dog wants. If guests don't know better than to keep their food to themselves and throw garbage in the appropriate places, your dog could get into something dangerous. Hot dogs, hamburgers and other fatty or rich foods can make your dog sick. Or, your dog could choke on discarded bones (especially chicken bones). There are also many people foods that are poisonous to dogs, so be careful.

Heatstroke: Despite all the precautionary words, dogs are still dying from heatstroke every day. You dog can overheat so much faster that you, so use caution when it's hot outside. Stay near her and watch her closely. If you're in doubt, leave your dog indoors and out of harm's way.

Now you are armed to protect your dog, so have fun this weekend and all summer long. You can still include your dog in your plans if you know how to keep her safe. So, what are your plans this weekend?

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