MyDog

Affenpinscher

History

The Affenpinscher is an ancient breed, although its origins are not recorded. It was known in Germany in the seventeenth century and is thought to be the foundation breed for the more familiar Brussels Griffon and perhaps the Miniature Schnauzer as well. The American Kennel Club classifies the breed as a toy, but elsewhere it is considered a terrier. The original job of the little bristle faced imp was a traditional terrier task as stable rat catcher

Body Type:

Height: 10 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 7-8 pounds

Ears are erect and usually cropped to a point

Tail is docked and carried high

Personality:

A loyal and devoted pal, the Affenpinscher tends to be a one-person dog

A mark of its terrier blood is the tendency for the Affenpinscher to become hyper excited

The breed is headstrong and quite fearless against any size aggressor, carrying itself with a comical seriousness

Intelligent but not particularly trainable, the Affenpinscher has a mind of its own

Coat:

Harsh wiry coat is short on the body, longer on head and legs

A definite mustache and beard give the dog a monkey-face expression

Black is the preferred color but black with tan markings, red or gray mixtures are allowed

Moderate upkeep; should not be bathed too often as this destroys the crisp, wirehaired feel of the coat

Health Concerns

The tiny size and fearless nature can lead to broken bones

Teeth require special care

Slipped stifle (subluxated patella) can cause the dog to have a "hitch" in its movement

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Afghanistan/17th Century

The Afghan originated in an area along the Afghan border with Iran known as Seistan. Obviously from the same stock as the other Middle East gazehounds, the Afghan changed to better do its job- coursing gazelle and leopard in the cold, mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Its primary difference from the other coursing dogs is its long coat, which was developed to insulate the dog from the cold and protect it from scrapes as it hunted on rocky slopes. English soldiers returning home from the Afghan war brought these beautiful dogs home with them at the turn of the 20th Century. The first Afghans were registered in the American stud book in 1927.

Body Type:

An exotic appearing coursing dog of great athletic ability

The slim, muscular body is wrapped in a long glamorous coat

Height: 25-29 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 50-60 pounds

Hanging ears are not altered

Long tapering tail, curled at tip is not altered

Hipbones are very prominent

A "mandarin" beard is desired in both male and female Afghans

Personality:

Alert and aloof

Ignores strangers as if they are beneath acknowledging

Reserved nature does not make them suitable for active children

Intelligent, but can be difficult to train

Unusual in hunting dogs, Afghans have a low tolerance to pain - and they will let you know it

Very high strung and will become hyperactive if not exercised regularly

One of the first Afghans imported to the US belonged to Zeppo Marx of Marx Brothers fame

Coat:

Long and silky, the single coat tangles easily

The high-stepping gait is springy and the coat appears to flow out behind it

Very high grooming maintenance

Health Concerns:

Like most of the greyhound family the Afghan has a sensitivity to anesthetics, which can be life-threatening

Allergic to the chemicals on flea collars, and powders and sprays for fleas and ticks

Genetic cataracts are known in the breed

A progressive paralytic disease is unique to the breed

A tendency to give up fighting an illness; Afghans often just curl up and wait to die

Airedale Terrier

History:

Country/Date of Origin: England/19th Century

The king of terriers was developed to hunt otter in Yorkshire, England. The breed resulted from the crossing between the now extinct English Black, the Tan Terrier and the Otter Hound. The Airedale has the best of its hound and terrier ancestors. A breed of many talents, Airedales have been and are still used as bird dogs, big game hunters and military and police dogs.

Body Type:

Overall impression is of a large, robust, long legged terrier full of fire and spirit

Height: 22-24 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 44-50 pounds

Whiskers and a goatee

Button ears are folded forward and carried to the side of the head; they are not altered

Docked tail is carried high but not curved over the back Personality:

Legendary loyalty

Totally trustworthy with children

Eager to please and learns easily

Fiery temper shows when around other dogs Coat:

Harsh double coat that can be either straight or wavy

Airedales are all tan with black or grizzled saddle

Wiry coat requires professional grooming; pets are trimmed with clippers, but show dogs are hand plucked

Waterproof coat inherited from Otter Hound ancestors

Health Concerns:

Hip dysplasia

Skin allergies and hot spots

Gastro-enteritis

History:

Country/Date of Origin: United States/3000 BC

This is the sled dog of stamina and strength rather than speed. The Malamute gets its name from the Malamute tribe, an Inuit people of northwestern Alaska. These nomadic Eskimos used the dogs to haul their possessions between camps. The breed type was stabilized in the 1920s and accepted for showing in the American Kennel Club in 1935. After that the Malamute gained immense recognition because of its use as a war dog.

Body Type:

A sled dog of the Spitz family. Compact and muscular with a wolf-like expression

Height: 23-28 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 85-125 pounds

The tail is large, plumed and carried over the back. It is never altered

The ears are erect and are not altered. In line with what you would expect from a Northern dog, the ears are small and heavily furred.

Personality:

Quarrelsome with other dogs

Friendly by nature towards humans but really stubborn

Prefers to be outdoors

Not easily trained

Coat:

Thick double coat of short to medium length; the outer coat is coarse and the undercoat is oily and woolly

Permissible colors are various shades of gray to black with white underbody and white marking on legs, feet and face

Sheds heavily in the spring. At other times grooming is moderate

Health Concerns:

Usually very hardy

Possible hip dysplasia

Subject to anemia

Possible day blindness

History:

Country/Date of Origin: USA/18th Century

The ancestry of American Foxhounds can be traced back to the hounds owned by Robert Brooke in the 1650s. He brought English Foxhounds with him and bred them to be more suitable for hunting in the rolling hills of Maryland and Virginia. Later fanciers blended in strains of other English, French and Irish hounds. The result was a lighter-boned hound with a keener sense of smell than its English counterpart. The American Foxhound is considered a dog of the Southeastern states where fox hunting was considered a gentleman's sport.

Body Type:

A substantial hound of the chase with lines that reveal its great athletic ability

Height: 21-25 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 65-75 pounds

Hanging ears are not altered

Tail is carried erect with a slight curve and is not altered

Personality:

A sweet nature but not particularly people oriented; This is especially true of dogs raised in a pack; they tend to bond with others of their own kind instead

Not homebodies; American Foxhounds will roam if given the chance

Extremely active

Do not adapt well to confined quarters

Coat:

Short and harsh to the touch

Any of the hound colors are acceptable

The most commonly seen are black, tan and white tricolors or piebald marking of tan or lemon on a white background

Health Concerns:

Hip dysplasia

A blood disease found only in this breed is sometimes fatal

Some genetic deafness

History:

Country/Date of Origin: United States/1800s

The ancestors of this breed were brought to the United States by Irish immigrants in the mid 1800s. The breed was descended from the English "Bull and Terrier," which was already a cross of the original English bulldog (they did not look like today's bulldog -- it did not have acrondoplasty as does today's bulldog, which was developed for the show ring in the 1890s) and various English terriers, including the English white terrier, now extinct, and the black and tan terrier. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have basically the same origin as the APBT (and the Boston Terrier is closely related). They were bred specifically for dog-fighting, which was outlawed in most states in the early 1900s. Although the APBT is often associated today with aggressiveness, many people will also remember Petie, the dog of the Little Rascals, an APBT. Careful breeding, accurate training and loving care are important elements to maintaining a sweet nature in this breed. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI. The primary registry body for this very popular breed is the United Kennel Club. It was the first breed recognized by them (1898).

Body Type:

A powerful dog, with a broad, slablike head and immensely strong jaws

Height: 18-22 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 50-80 pounds

The medium length tail is carried low and is not altered

The ears are cropped short

Personality:

Tenacious and fearless

Has a strong assertive personality

Can be aggressive toward other dogs

Although this dog's name brings fear to the minds of many, mainly because of mis-informed media hype, when bred and raised by RESPONSIBLE breeders and owners, APBTs can be excellent family pets

Coat:

Short, close and stiff

Any color or combination of colors is allowed

Minimal grooming is required

Health Concerns:

Possible hip dysplasia

Generally very healthy

History:

Country/Date of Origin: United States/1800s

In spite of its name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. It was "made in the USA" from stock that immigrating Basque sheepherders brought with them. First and foremost this is a working animal and indeed the majority of Australian Shepherds are worked with stock today. The breed became stabilized in the early 20th century and was recognized first by the Canadian and Mexican Kennel Clubs and finally by the American Kennel Club in 1993.

Body Type:

A medium sized herding dog of the collie type

Height: 18-23 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 35-70 pounds

Has a bobtail - either naturally or by docking

The ears hang close to the head and are not altered

Eyes may be brown or blue or one of each

Personality:

Uncannily smart

Loyal and devoted to owner but wary of strangers

Strong herding instincts

Independent in nature, very much like the Border Collie

Coat:

Medium texture, weather-resistant coat is of moderate length

Four colors are permissible: blue merle; black; red merle; and all red. All can be with or without white markings and / or tan points. White markings are not permitted on the body between the withers and the tail, on the sides between the elbows or the back of the hindquarters. A white collar is permitted

Moderate grooming

Seasonal shedding

Health Concerns:

Generally robust

Possible eye diseases especially progressive retinal atrophy and collie eye anomaly

Basenji

History:

Country/Date of origin: Central Africa/4000 BC

Thought to have originated in the rain forest of Central Africa in what is now Zaire and the Sudan, but the Basenji was first depicted on the tombs of ancient Egypt. The dogs were most likely tribute offerings to the Pharaohs. The first pair brought to England in 1895 caused a sensation. Early attempts to breed Basenjis in Europe and the US were thwarted by distemper outbreaks. In 1943 the barkless dogs were registered by the American Kennel Club.

Body Type:

A medium sized, lightly built, compact dog with pricked ears and a curly tail carried to one side of the back

A wrinkled forehead is one of the most distinctive features of the breed

Height: 16-17 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 21-24 pounds

Erect ears are not altered

Tightly curled tail is not altered

Personality:

Proud, alert and intelligent

Loves to play and will entice you to join by rubbing a paw over its ear and down its face like a cat

Tends to be a one-family dog

Coat:

Silky coat has an unusual luster like burnished copper

Allowed colors are chestnut red, black, or black-and-tan - all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, white blazes and white collars are optional

Brindle coloring has been recently allowed

Short coat is low maintenance. Requires only minimal brushing and bathing

Health Concerns:

Overall a sturdy breed but heavily inbred

Prone to allergic skin diseases

Hernias can be a problem

Beagle

History:

Country/Origin: Great Britain/11th Century

The Talbot Hound, brought to Great Britain by William the Conqueror, is believed to be an ancestor of the Beagle, as well as the Irish Kerry Beagles. The origin of the word Beagle is not set in stone; it is thought that it may stem from the French begueule, which colloquially means "loudmouth." The nose of a hound is a statement with a good foundation, and a Beagle is no exception to it; Beagles have superb noses, friendly personalities and passive natures; these second two characteristics make them the dog of choice for thousands of people around the globe.

Body Type:

Beagles are a smaller breed

the AKC recognizes 13 and 15 inch varieties; both sizes feature a muscular build, a broad chest and a medium length, smooth coat

Personality:

Beagles have great temperaments, but they are spirited, intelligent, yet stubborn.

It is important to remember that their ancestors were used for hunting, and their keen noses have been passed down through generations; this terrific scenting ability can sometimes make walks interesting, as they try to follow every smell they encounter

Some individuals will exhibit the hound yowl, but others rarely bark

With the proper master, they are easy to train, being loyal and friendly

They are playful, and can be trusted even with small children

Coat:

Their coats come in tricolor (white with black areas and brown spots), lemon, red, liver and ticked varieties. All colors typically feature a white-tipped tail, which is called a flag that helps hunters locate them in the field

Health Concerns:

Most Beagles enjoy a life expectancy of 12-15 years. They are usually healthy, but, as a breed, they do have a few common health problems:

Ear Infections due to their long, floppy ears, which create the perfect environment for bacteria warm, dark and moist. This condition can be treated successfully by regular cleaning and medication

Distichiasis when the eyelashes grow into the eye, causing irritation. Sometimes requires surgery

Obesity the Beagle's playfulness and gentle nature often results in overfeeding; most Beagles will overeat if given the chance. This can lead to weight-related issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart trouble

Congenital Heart Disease some lines are prone CHD. It can sometimes be successfully maintained by medication

Seizures and Epilepsy these disorders are manageable with medication. Arthritis many Beagles, especially those who were active when they were younger, are afflicted with arthritis in old age

Bearded Collie

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1600s

It is thought that Bearded Collies are descended from Polish or Hungarian sheepdogs traded for Scottish sheep in the 1600s. These continental dogs were interbred with Scottish stock and worked the fields unheralded outside the mountain fastness for centuries. In the 1700s the Beardies had become popular with both shepherds and Scottish aristocracy. And by 1800 the breed was a favored pet of all classes. When dog shows were introduced in the late 19th century, the Beardies path was all uphill. In the years of World War I the Beardie hung on by a thread, kept alive by a few shepherds who recognized its working prowess. In 1944 a brown puppy was sent to Mrs. G. O. Willison, an Englishwoman who had asked for a Shetland Sheepdog. She knew it wasn't a Sheltie but by the time she was able to identify what it was, she was captivated and worked tirelessly to promote the breed. From this mystery puppy came almost all the Beardies of today. In 1967 the first American litter was whelped and the AKC granted the breed full recognition in 1977.

Body Type:

Resembles a smaller, thinner Old English Sheepdog

Arched eyebrows give it a quizzical expression

Height: 20-22 inches (at the shoulder)

Weight: 40-60 pounds

The tail is medium length, low set and never altered

Medium-sized hanging ears are not altered

Personality:

Unequaled as a family dog

Lovable and loving without discrimination; this however, makes them poor guard dogs

Intelligent and wants to please

Coat:

Shaggy, double coat with long, rough outer coat and soft undercoat

Permissible colors are black, brown, reddish-fawn, blue, sandy, or various shades of gray, silver or slate with touches of white

Requires regular brushing to avoid matting and excessive accumulation of dirt

In shows, the coat should appear natural with no traces of trimming

Health Concerns:

Healthy overall but with a tendency to be fragile

This breed is not a "fighter." When it becomes ill, it just gives up and dies when a stronger, tougher breed would pull through

Subject to hip dysplasia

Beauceron

History:

Country/Date of Origin: France/1500s

The Beauceron is one of the best-known sheepdogs in France. Like some of its compatriot breeds, the Beauceron has double dewclaws that enabled it to get a good grip in the sheep's wool when it climbed across their backs to get across a flock. Although it has been used as a herding dog for centuries, it is thought the original use was as a hunting dog. The Beauceron is also used successfully as a police dog.

Body Type:

A large dog that looks like a cross between a Doberman and a Rottweiler, although it is related to neither

Height: 25-29 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 66-85 pounds

Ears are cropped to a point and are held erect in the US

Long tail is carried low and is not altered

Personality:

Super intelligent and very trainable

Wary of strangers. Natural guarding instincts

Tends to be a one-person dog

Good with children if raised with them

Very independent nature

Wants to take charge of all situations; not recommended for the first time dog owner

Coat:

The coat is short but not smooth

Two color patterns are allowed: black with tan markings above the eye, on the side of the face and under the neck and forming stockings. The other color is black with grayish merle speckling which is described as harlequin. The harlequin is quite uncommon

Minimal grooming required

Health Concerns:

Hip dysplasia

Skin allergies

Belgian Malinois

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Belgium/1200s

There are three herding dogs known collectively as the Belgian Shepherds. They share the same standard and are identical except for coat and color. The most popular is the long-haired Tervuren, which is a rich mahogany overlaid with sooty black. There is another equally popular long haired variety called the Gronendael, which is solid black. The short haired variety is the Malinois, which is a brown or tan color with black mask and ears. They are shown as varieties of a single breed in some countries and as three separate breeds in others including their Belgian homeland. The American Kennel Club has considered them as three separate breeds since 1959.

Body Type:

Has a square muscular body

Height: 22-26 inches (at the shoulder)

Weight: 60-70 pounds

Medium length, bushy tail is carried low and is never altered

The ears are erect and are not altered

Personality:

Very intelligent

Trustworthy around people and property; A no nonsense dog with an innate sense of duty

Cautious of strangers; makes a fine watchdog

Loyal and affectionate to its family

Coat:

Short, straight coat with thicker hair on the neck

Minimal grooming required except when shedding in the spring and fall

Color ranges from rich fawn to mahogany, with black shading on the ears and muzzle

Health Concerns:

Generally healthy

Subject to hip dysplasia

Belgian Sheepdog

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Belgium/1200s

There are three herding dogs known collectively as the Belgian Shepherds. They share the same standard and are identical except for coat and color. The most popular is the long-haired Tervuren which is a rich mahogany overlaid with sooty black. The Gronendael, a long-haired solid black dog is usually referred to as the Belgian Sheepdog. The short haired variety is the Malinois, which is a brown or tan color with black mask and ears. They are shown as varieties of a single breed in some countries and as three separate breeds in others including their Belgian homeland. The American Kennel Club has considered them as three separate breeds since 1959.

Body Type:

Has a square muscular body

Height: 22-26 inches (at the shoulder)

Weight: 60-70 pounds

Medium length, bushy tail is carried low and is never altered

The ears are erect and are not altered

Personality:

Very intelligent

Trustworthy around people and property; a no nonsense dog with an innate sense of duty

Cautious of strangers; makes a fine watchdog

Loyal and affectionate to its family

Coat:

Long straight, moderately harsh double coat that lies flat to the body

Moderate grooming required except when shedding in the spring and fall

Color is a solid black. Small bits of white are allowed but not desired

Health Concerns:

Generally healthy

Subject to hip dysplasia

Belgian Tervuren

History:

Country/Date of origin: Belgium/1200s

There are three herding dogs known collectively as the Belgian Shepherds. They share the same standard and are identical except for coat and color. The most popular is the long-haired Tervuren, which is a rich mahogany overlaid with sooty black. There is another equally popular long-haired variety called the Gronendael, which is solid black. The short-haired variety is the Malinois, which is a brown or tan color with black mask and ears. They are shown as varieties of a single breed in some countries and as three separate breeds in others including their Belgian homeland. The American Kennel Club has considered them as three separate breeds since 1959.

Body Type:

Has a square muscular body

Height: 22-26 inches (at the shoulder)

Weight: 60-70 pounds

Medium length, bushy tail is carried low and is never altered

The ears are erect and are not altered

Personality:

Very intelligent

Trustworthy around people and property; a no nonsense dog with an innate sense of duty

Cautious of strangers; makes a fine watchdog

Loyal and affectionate to its family

Coat:

Long straight, moderately harsh double coat that lies flat to the body

Moderate grooming required except when shedding in the spring and fall

Color is a rich mahogany with sooty tipped guard hairs. This color is known as fauve de charbonne

Health Concerns:

Generally healthy

Subject to hip dysplasia

Berger des Pyrenees

History:

Country/Date of origin: France/1700s

The small sheepdog of the Pyrenees Mountains is considered the oldest of the French herding dogs. They were used in concert with the large white sheep guardian dogs of the region. The little dog herded the sheep. The big dog watched over them. The natural abilities of this shaggy shepherd are legend - flocks being entrusted to the two different dogs without a human handler. They were officially recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1921 but it has not made much of a name for itself outside its homeland.

Body Type:

A small shaggy sheepdog

Height: 15-19 inches

Weight: 40 pounds

Ears are cropped to stand upright or left natural

Tail is docked or is a natural bobtail

Double dewclaws are a hallmark of the breed

Personality:

Lively with quick reflexes

Intelligent with an excellent memory

Courageous, faithful and dependable

Herding abilities instinctive as are ratting prowess

Naturally protective

Coat:

Long shaggy coarse hair is water resistant

Hair on the tail and loins is woolly

There are two varieties: one has long hair all over the body and the other has shorter hair on the face

Permissible colors are harlequin or fawn with or without brindle markings

Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

Remarkably hardy

Particularly resistant to distemper

Bernese Mountain Dog

History:

Country/Date of origin: Switzerland/100 BC

One of four tricolored dogs from the Swiss mountains, the Bernese is the only long-haired member of the quartet, and the only one of the four that is not a herding dog. They were bred in the area around Berne as a draft animal. Their primary job was to haul milk down the mountains to market but it is also a superb guard and will drove cattle when necessary. This dog of the mastiff family whose heavy coat is well suited to its mountain home is a descendent of dogs that invading Roman soldiers brought as livestock guards and drivers 2,000 years ago. This is the most popular of the four breeds.

Body Type:

Have rather compact build for their size

Height: 23-27 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 87-90 pounds

The tail is of medium length and is carried low; it is not altered

The ears hang slightly forward and are held next to the face; they are not altered

Personality:

A very dominant "take charge" animal, although pleasant to be around

Cautious with strangers

Loyal and steadfast; a serious nature is innate

Good with children

Does not fawn

Learns slowly but it retains what it is taught

Coat:

Long and slightly wavy without being curly

It is exceptionally thick

Color is very important. There is only one permissible: jet-black, with deep tan or rust markings on all legs. A white blaze on the head extending between the eyes and a white chest marking known as a cross are essential. White paws are preferred

Moderate to heavy grooming needed

Seasonal shedding is heavy

Health Concerns:

Prone to hip dysplasia

Bloat

Serious metabolic bone diseases

Bichon Frise

History:

Country/Date of origin: Spain/1400s

The history of the Bichon Frise is like that of a mysterious and exotic stranger. Some claim a Maltese as the foundation stock, others see a dash of Poodle or Barbet. The truth is the breed is probably a mixture of the best qualities of a lot of little lap dogs. The breed is an ancient breed at any rate. Bichons have been the favored playthings of aristocratic ladies since the Middle Ages. They spread around the Mediterranean region because sea captains knew well the favors they could buy with one of the little canine charmers. But as royalty's fortunes declined, so did that of the Bichon Frise. However, for a dog that was bred to please, it had other ways to make a living. They literally joined the circus. For almost a century the little powder puffs have amused audiences as clown dogs or dancing companions of organ grinders. They remained popular in France but it wasn't until the 1950s that they began to attract an international following again. The American Kennel Club gave them full recognition as a member of the Nonsporting Group in 1973.

Body Type:

Small, fluffy dog with a poodle-like appearance

Height: 9-12 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 7-12 pounds

Tail curls over the back and is not altered

Narrow ears hang close to the head and frame the face. They are never altered

Personality:

Happy. Happy. Happy. This breed is Pollyanna in canine form. The Bichon lives to make you happy also

Loving and lovable

Requires little exercise so it is quite suited to apartment living

Intelligent although sometimes exhibits a stubborn streak

Coat:

An extremely thick double coat, which left to its own devices, would form short, corkscrew curls. However, it is usually brushed and trimmed to form a fluffy powder puff effect

The outercoat is silky and long ( 2" or more). The undercoat is soft and short

Hair on the ears and tail is longer than that on the body

Permissible colors are white or white in combination with buff, cream, apricot, or gray

Professional grooming is absolutely required for pets as well as show dogs

Plan on once every six weeks

Health Concerns:

Generally quite healthy

Subject to ear and skin ailments

Progressive retinal atrophy

Can suffer from low blood sugar

Black and Tan Coonhound

History:

Country/Date of origin: USA/1700s

Generations of breeding have produced this raccoon and possum specialist. Like the dogs it was created from, the Bloodhound, the Foxhound and the now extinct Talbot Hound, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a scent trailer and works with his head down. Coonhounds do not give excessive voice when trailing but when the quarry is treed, they break into a lusty chorus. One of the six breeds of American coonhounds, the Black and Tan was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1900 and by the American Kennel Club in 1945. Most are registered with the UKC which holds many more field events than the rival AKC.

Body Type:

A large distinctively marked hound with loose skin

Resembles a lightly built Bloodhound

Height: 23-27 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 55-75 pounds

Large droopy ears are not altered

Long tail is held upright when the dog is alert

Personality:

Very active dogs

Consequently do better in the country

Friendly and even tempered

Coat:

Short, smooth and glossy

Black is the predominant color and must be accompanied by tan patches above the eyes, on the chest and legs and on the sides of the muzzle, comprising about 10 to 15 percent of the total body area

Health Concerns:

Generally healthy

Ear cankers typical of breeds with pendulous ears

Hip dysplasia

Progressive retinal atrophy

Blood disorder known as Hemophilia B is sometimes genetically transmitted

Bloodhound

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Belgium/800s

An ancient breed whose exact origins are lost in antiquity, it is known that the Bloodhound was used by hunters in ancient Greece and Rome. However, it was in Belgium that it was refined to become the ultimate tracking dog. The name Bloodhound has nothing to do with following a trail of blood, although they can do that. It referred to the pure blood of the dog, as in blue blood. Bloodhounds have been exhibited in the United States almost from the beginning of organized dog shows.

Body Type:

A very large hound that has a solid, powerful physique

Height: 23-27 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 80-110 pounds

The ears, which are long enough to meet over the nose, are not altered

The hanging ears help to sweep scent into the Bloodhound's nose as it tracks

Tail is carried gaily over back and is not altered

Loose folds of skin on the head and neck and drooping eyes are necessary for the hallmark mournful expression of the breed

Personality:

Contrary to its reputation for fierceness, the Bloodhound is very friendly toward people

Not suitable for city life; bloodhounds are very active and need everyday exercise

Stubborn and may be hard to train

Coat:

Short, smooth, and glossy

Allowed colors are black and tan, red and tan, and tawny

Minimal grooming

Health Concerns:

Hip dysplasia

Bloat

Eye problems, many of which stem from infections or defects in the red colored lower eyelid called the haw

Ear canker

Border Collie

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1700s The early history of England's working stock dog is obscure. It is known that they were in present form by the 18th century. This is a breed that is first and foremost a working animal. Although a pet in Victorian England, most of the bloodlines were selectively bred for herding abilities and intelligence rather than looks. In the sheep-raising countries of Australia and New Zealand the breed reigns supreme in both numbers and prestige. In 1995, the Border Collie was accepted for registry in the American Kennel Club stud books.

Body Type:

A medium sized working dog that is slightly longer than tall

Height: 18-21 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 30-44 pounds

The long tail carried low is not altered

Semi erect or erect ears are not altered

Personality:

One-person dogs that are intensely loyal and protective

Super intelligent and trainable

Does not tend to wander and doesn't like owner to wander off property either

Reserved with strangers

Needs room to run; becomes hyperactive if not give exercise daily

Coat:

Medium length double coat is water resistant

Coat is longer around the neck forming a ruff

Allowed colors are black, blue, chocolate, red, blue merle, black and tan, with or without white markings. White however, should not predominate

Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

Generally healthy

Selectively bred for working abilities

Some progressive retinal atrophy reported

Border Terrier

History:

Country/Date of Origin: The border country between England and Scotland/19th Century

The Border Terrier, which had no particular name until the 1860s, was bred by farmers in the hill country that makes up the border between Scotland and England. Strangely enough, the terrier did not get its name from the border country but from a pack of foxhounds called the Border Hunt. The little "go to ground" terriers, which followed the hunters, were used to roust the fox from its lair. Working ability was favored above all, and to this day the rough-and-ready Borders retain the pluck and spirit necessary to go after a fox, badger or otter. Fearful that acceptance into the show world would diminish the supremely important working abilities, Border breeders did not join the English Kennel Club until 1920. Membership in the American Kennel Club came even later with the first dog registered in the 1927 Stud Book.

Body Type:

This "no frills" working terrier has a compact body and a head that is similar to that of an otter

Height: 12-13 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 12-15 pounds

Drop ears are not altered

Tail is not altered

Personality:

Unspoiled in looks and personality

Gets along well with children and other pets

Plucky and courageous although not as argumentative as some other terriers

Very upbeat and willing to please

Can be strong willed

Coat:

Harsh, wiry double coat is very weather resistant

Needs little grooming. Even shown in natural state

Red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, and blue and tan are allowed colors

Health Concerns:

Generally healthy

Glaucoma

Congenital heart problems

Border Terriers are prone to dry skin conditions if they are house dogs

Boxer

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Germany/late 1800s

This is a breed whose exact beginnings are known. In the 1880s, George Alt who lived near Munich, created a new working dog by crossing a Bullenbeisser--a mastiff type dog that is now extinct--with an English Bulldog. The first dog to be considered a Boxer was a second generation of that mixture. The breed is one that combines power and agility. There is also a good head on the Boxer's working shoulders. It is so suited to doing man's bidding that it has been a favorite of police departments, military trainers and guide dog organizations. Boxers in the United States are lighter and more refined than those on the Continent. The first Boxer was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904 but the first champion didn't finish until 1915. Boxers have had a slow and steady climb in popularity till they are now firmly fixed in the top twenty breeds.

Body Type:

Strong, muscular, athletic build

Has an undershot jaw and an upward-tipped muzzle

Ears are usually docked in the US and are carried erect

Docked tail is carried high

Height: 21-25 inches ( at shoulder)

Weight: 66-70 pounds

Personality:

Highly intelligent and willing to please

Loyal, and affectionate to family

Suspicious of strangers but makes exceptions for children

May be too possessive

Coat:

Smooth, shiny and short

Colors allowed are brindle or fawn generally with white markings and a darker face or mask. An all white dog is disqualified in the show ring

Minimal grooming required

Health Concerns:

The biggest problem in the breed and one which has almost wiped it out in England is a genetic nerve disease called progressive axonopathy

Hip dysplasia

Digestive disorders

Heart problems

Hypothyroidism

Cornea ulcers

Possible bleeding disorder

Braque Saint Germain

History:

Country/Date of Origin: France/1700s

This breed is said to have been created when King Charles X of France crossed an orange and white English Pointer that he received as a gift with a Braque Francais. This laid the foundation of the breed. Used for hunting large game, it was concentrated for a long time in the area around St. Germain, which gave it its name. It is a rare breed even in its own country.

Body Type:

Resembles the English Pointer, although rather leggy

Height: 20-24 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 40-57 pounds

The long tail is carried horizontally and is not altered

The hanging ears are set at eye level and are not altered

Nose is pink and the eyes are yellow in keeping with the coat colors

Personality:

Rather reserved with strangers

Obedient and loyal to its owner

Not noisy - rather quiet and gentle

A willing worker

Coat:

Short, fine, thick and glossy

The color is always white with a few bright orange patches

Does not provide sufficient insulation when wet, so the dog is not used for water retrieving

Minimal grooming required

Health Concerns:

Generally very healthy

May be subject to hip dysplasia

Briard

History:

Country/Date of Origin: France/1200s

The history of the Briard can be traced back to the time of Emperor Charlemagne. This very old French shepherd dog can be seen in eighth century tapestries. Its great courage and loyalty are mentioned in records from the 12th Century on. The French shepherd dog with the springy gait is both a herder and a flock guardian. A club of fanciers was formed in France in 1897 and the breed's fortunes followed the tides of war in the early twentieth century. The introduction of the Briard to America is not well documented. It is thought that the Marquis de Lafayette may have brought some to his friend George Washington. It is known that it took until 1922 for a US born litter of Briard puppies to be recorded.

Body Type:

A large, powerful dog whose body is slightly longer than high

Height: 23-27 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 75-90 pounds

Ears are set high on the head and are cropped in the U.S.

The tail is carried low with a small hook at the end called a crochet. It is not altered

Double dewclaws are required on each rear leg

Personality:

Loving and giving to those it knows but aloof and suspicious around strangers

Intelligent and easily trained

An independent spirit. Not looking for constant approval. Views itself as a companion rather than a servant

Coat:

The shaggy, coarse, double coat is slightly wavy about 4-6 inches long

Hair falls over the eyes masking the expression but not the prominent black nose

The outerhairs have a peculiar, dry feel and make a rasping sound between the fingers

Permissible colors are black, various shades of gray or tawny

Becomes matted and dirty if not brushed at least twice a week

Health Concerns:

Subject to hip dysplasia

Susceptible to bloat

Progressive retinal atrophy

Brussel Griffon

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Belgium/1800s

It is thought that the Brussels Griffon was created by blending Affenpinschers and other toy dogs, notably Pugs and Toy Spaniels. Its original job was as a ratter in stables and on farms. Nowadays it is primarily a companion and watchdog. There are three varieties of this breed. They are shown separately in Europe but as a single breed in the US. When they are divided, the smooth coated variety is called the Petit Brabancon, the red colored rough coated variety

Body Type:

Stocky little terrier-type toy with an athletic build and a rough coat

Height: 7-8 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 6-12 pounds

Ears are cropped in the US to a point and are carried erect

Tail is docked and is held erect

Jaw is undershot but teeth and tongue must not show

Muzzle is a distinctly upward turn and is decorated with a full beard and mustache

Personality:

Independent

This is not a quiet reserved lapdog. Griffs are active and exuberant

Intelligent but quite stubborn. Is not easily trained

A great bluffer; the Griff will pretend to be the aggressor in confrontations with much larger animals, although it usually backs down

Coat:

Harsh wiry coat is double. The undercoat is soft and short

Rusty red, black and tan, or solid black are the allowed colors

Hand stripping required

Health Concerns:

Tiny size and fearless nature can lead to broken bones

Teeth require special care

Slipped stifle (subluxated patella) can cause the dog to have a "hitch" in its movement

Prominent eyes are subject to scratches and ulcers

Difficulty whelping. Extremely high puppy mortality

Bulldog

History:

Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1800s

A member of the Mastiff family, the distinctive shape of the Bulldog enabled this butcher's dog to control unruly oxen. Later, the Bulldogs' skill was used in the so-called sports of bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting, where they exhibited the qualities of courage, tenacity and ferocity. The dog's courage and tenacity remain, but the ferocity has long been bred out. In fact, the sterling attributes of the breed were legend and it was used to give pluck and staying power to many other breeds such as Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Bull Terriers and even the Airedale Terrier. It has been popular as a show dog since these contests began in the United States.

Body Type:

Heavy, thick, low build with short forelegs set wide apart

The head is massive with a short face, round cheeks and an enormous undershot lower jaw

Height: 12-14 inches (at shoulder)

Weight: 50-55 pounds

Short, straight tail is not altered. It is described as like a pump handle. A screw tail is also acceptable

The rose ears are small, set wide apart and are held tightly against the neck. They are not altered. This tiny, tightly held ear was bred for so the ears would not be ripped in combats

Because the Bulldog is so wide and short, it has a four-track gait. This movement, with each foot never overlapping on another footfall, is unique among dogs

Personality:

Beneath the sour mug lies a heart of gold

An excellent breed with children

Snores up a storm

Not suited to hot climates

Loyal, steadfast, courageous, determined - and all those other good things you think a bulldog stands for

Great intelligence is not one of those qualities however. A Bulldog is willing to please and it will do your bidding - as soon as it figures out what it is that you want it to do

Coat:

Short, smooth coat lies flat and close to the body. There may not be much hair but there is lots of extra skin on a Bulldog

Wrinkles, as with most of us, are a fact of life with Bulldogs

Coat colors in order of preference are: red brindle, all other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn or fallow, and piebald

Minimal grooming required

Health Concerns:

Short-lived, usually less than 9 years

Prone to respiratory problems. Heat stroke a real possibility

Allergic skin diseases and skin tumors

Possible hip dysplasia

Congenital heart disease

Eye problems such as tear deficiency and eyelid abnormalities

Whelping difficulties

The big head of the breed usually requires the bitch have a cesarean

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Eskimo

History:

Country/Date of Origin: United States/1900s

The descendent of larger Spitz dogs imported from Germany in the 1800s, the American Eskimo was created by selectively breeding for a small size and a pure white coat. It was NOT descended from sled dogs as is popularly thought. There are three variations of the Eskie, identical in every way except size. The strong hunting instincts of the ancestors of the American Eskimo dog have been replaced with an inbred guarding skill. Primarily a companion animal, the little white American version of the Spitz has been recognized by the United Kennel Club since 1913. In 1995 the American Kennel Club granted the Eskie full status.

Body Type:

A small typically-built dog of the Northern dog group; looks like a miniature Samoyed

Three sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard

Height: 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature) or 15-19 inches (standard) (at shoulder)

Weight: Under 10 pounds (toy),10-18 pounds (miniature) or 20-35 (standard)

The long tail is carried high over the back and is not altered

The ears are erect and never altered

Personality:

Playful, intelligent and eager to please

A fine child's companion

One family dog

Wary of strangers

Slightly conservative

Will bark to warn of intruders

Coat:

Thick, plush undercoat with a harsher outercoat that should never wave or curl

Contains natural oil that repels soil so frequent bathing is not required

Permissible colors are white or off white

Sheds heavily in spring and summer otherwise grooming is moderate

Health Concerns:

Exceptionally healthy

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