If you're told to envision an alpine rescue dog, you'll likely conjure up a mental image of a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd. A long-haired Chihuahua probably would not spring to mind.

Long-haired Shepherds also shed a lot more, so be prepared for daily vacuuming, too. Many people think that long-haired German Shepherds are larger than their short-haired counterparts, but it's a ...