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
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
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
American Foxhound
Alaskan Malamute
Afghan Hound
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