My Dog

stubby

A boxer has a short stubby nose.

A 'stubby' nose is short, wide and doesn't stick out far from the rest of the dog's head.  We can use 'stubby' for anything that fits this description. Notice the following:

1. He has really stubby fingers.
   
2. My cat has kind of a stubby tail.
   

loyal

Dogs are always loyal.

A person or animal that will always love you and be by your side is 'loyal.'  Like a good friend that will be there even when your life is difficult.  Notice the following:

1. You have been a very loyal friend, supporting me through all of my problems.
   
2. I am a loyal customer of the coffee shop near my house.
   

breed

Which breed of dog do you like besides boxers?

A 'breed' of dog is a type of dog.  Usually people who sell dogs make puppies with two parents of the same breed, two boxers instead of a boxer and a poodle.  Notice the following:

1. I have never seen a dog that looks like that.  What breed is he?
   
2. My favorite breed of dog is a pug.
   

associate

What costs are associated with keeping a dog?

Another way to ask this question is: What costs or expenses are connected with having a dog?  Or, If I get a dog, what will I have to pay for?  Things that are associated to each other are connected. Notice the following:

1. What responsibilities are associated with your new job?
   
2. What activities do you associate with a vacation?
   

pretty

Pretty cheap really.

If something is 'pretty cheap' it still costs money, but not a lot of money.  It costs more money than something that is really cheap.  'Pretty' is used with another adjective to mean 'kind of.' Notice the following:

1. You are actually pretty tall.
   
2. I will meet you at your house pretty soon.