Animals

The Cocker Spaniel dates back as far as the 14th century. The breed originated from the English Cocker Spaniels, which were brought to the United States. The Spaniels were bred down in size and given the name American Cocker Spaniels, officially called simply the “Cocker Spaniel” by the AKC. The American Cocker Spaniel is more popular than the original English Cocker Spaniel, who are slightly different in appearance, with longer muzzles and larger bodies.

The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting-gun dog able to work in difficult terrain in both wet and dry land. Excellent at flushing and retrieving game with a gentle mouth. They listen to commands well. The name “Cocker” comes from the woodcock, a game bird the dogs were known for flushing. Some of the American Cocker Spaniels talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility and competitive obedience. The American Cocker Spaniel was first recognized by the AKC in 1873.

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Gundog Group. They will both point and fetch game and although still used as a field dog, are today more often seen in the show ring or as companion dogs.

American Cocker Spaniels are small-bodied, compact dogs. They are workmanlike dogs and well balanced. They are noted for their rounded head and full, silky coat with feathering on ears, chest, abdomen and legs. They move in a smooth, co-ordinated way and appear to cover the ground effortlessly.

The Spinone Italiano is an Italian dog breed. However, it should be recognized that the Spinone is a unique, indivisible breed and the correct reference is Spinone (Spinoni plural).
Its original purpose was as a versatile gun dog, which the breed is still a master of today. The Spinone is a loyal, friendly and alert dog with a close lying, wiry coat. It is an ancient breed that can be traced back to approximately 500 BC.

It is often used for hunting, pointing, and retrieving game (HPR), but the intelligent and strong Spinone can be used for practically anything ranging from companions to assistance dogs.

A versatile and popular hunting dog, they excel in pointing and retrieving. The Spinone Italiano is an excellent swimmer that is suited for hunting on all types of terrain and in all climates. In addition to their hunting skills this breed makes a lovely companion.

The Spinone Italiano is exceedingly intelligent, exuberant, and cheerful. They take their hunting duties very seriously, but are lively and entertaining in the home environment. They thrive on human companionship and do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time.

They will suffer separation anxiety and will become bored and destructive. Spinone Italianos are excellent with considerate children and other household pets, although they do have a tendency to chase after anything that runs. The Spinone Italiano is generally quiet and is not suited for use as protection. They have a very patient nature and will return respect they are given.

The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of medium-sized, short-coated dog whose early ancestors came from England. In the early part of the twentieth century, the breed gained social stature and was accepted by the American Kennel Club as the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are not to be confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s muscled build and protective instinct should make strangers beware, yet with their own family they are devoted, gentle and loving. A common question regarding the American Staffordshire Terrier is, “How is this breed different from the American Pit Bull Terrier?”. In the eyes of the United Kennel Club, they are the same breed, but many disagree.

Some AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terriers are dual-registered as American Pit Bull Terriers with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed. The AKC, on the other hand, does not allow a UKC-registered American Pit Bull Terrier to be registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT — but not vice versa… They are courageous and a tenacious fighter if provoked. Training can be a challenge because of their pushy yet sensitive character. Their natural temperament towards people is gentle and loving, unfortunately some have been improperly handled giving the American Staffordshire Terrier a bad rap.

The American Temperament Test Society conducts tests every year on thousands of dogs to determine the soundness of their temperament. The American Staffordshire Terrier routinely ranks well above many “popular” breeds such as the Beagle, Collie, Doberman Pinscher and the Cocker Spaniel. Intelligence, human attenuation, energy, and affection are characteristic of the breed.

The name Spaniel is a misnomer. This ancient breed from Tibet is probably the ancestor of the Pekingese. It has been kept by monks for over three thousand years. The little dog was trained to walk on a treadmill, which turned prayer wheels that the monks believed sent prayers to heaven. The holy dogs were given to the emperors of China as tribute gifts and surely figure in the backgrounds of many of the Chinese breeds. One of the first of the Tibetan breeds to reach the west, the Spaniels appeared in England about 1900 and looked much like the Pekingese of the time. Refinements in England have brought the two breeds to their present forms. The Tibetan Spaniel has much more leg under it and is not so exaggerated in form as the Pekingese. Tibetan Spaniels were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.

The Tibetan Spaniel is a highly intelligent breed and is deeply devoted to their family and friends. They thrive on human companionship, are extremely sensitive, and will respond to their owner’s moods, emotions, and feelings. They do best with older, considerate, well-behaved children. This breed is generally aloof with strangers but is never aggressive. They get along very well with other pets. The Tibetan Spaniel will vigorously alert their family to any unusual event, sound, or to visitors. They are excellent watchdogs that are neither nervous nor hyper. This breed is not only a lap dog but also likes to sleep in bed with their owners. The Tibetan Spaniel likes to be up high so they are able to survey their surroundings.

One of the three native Tibetan breeds in the Non-Sporting group (along with the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Terrier), the Tibetan Spaniel is small, active and alert. They are low to the ground, with a body slightly longer than tall. Popular primarily as companion dogs in their native Tibet, “Tibbies” are also now found in the conformation, obedience and agility rings in the United States. The breed can be all colors including cream, gold and sable, with white markings allowed on the feet.

A very intelligent breed, the Tibetan Spaniel thrives on human companionship and needs to be with its people. Although outgoing and friendly, the breed may be aloof with strangers. Tibbies need only moderate exercise, so they are excellent in apartments. Their double coats need weekly brushing.

Japanese Chins actually originated in China and are probably descended from the Tibetan Spaniel. The breed was introduced to Japan over 2,500 years ago and became a favorite of the Japanese Imperial Court. Chins were introduced to the U.S. in the 1850’s by Admiral Perry. The breed was ranked 67th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.

The Japanese Chin is sometimes called the Japanese Spaniel and is from the same family tree as the Tibetan Spaniel, the Pug and the Pekinese dog breeds. The lively and entertaining Chin is a toy-sized breed with a short and very wide muzzle. The Chin’s large eyes are set quite wide apart and it almost has an Oriental appearance. Chins stand about 8 to 10 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh about 6 to 7 pounds. These toy dogs have a long, thick and silky coat with straight hair. The Chin has extensive feathering on the legs, tail and body with a ruff around its neck. The Chin’s normal colors are black and white although red and white is also common. Japanese Chins are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Group.

The Japanese Chin is a devoted companion, relishing a warm lap as much as a boisterous game. He is sensitive and willing to please, tending to shadow his family. He is a friend to all: strangers, dogs and pets. His playfulness and gentleness make him a good child’s companion for equally gentle children. The breed has been described as almost catlike, some even climb.

The Japanese Chin is lively but small enough that his exercise needs can be met with a short walk, romp or game. This is not a breed that can live outside. He does not do well in hot humid weather. Some Chins tend to wheeze. The long coat needs combing twice weekly.

It has been said that the history of the English Coonhound is the history of all coonhounds. With the exception of the Plott Hound, most coonhounds can be traced back to the English Foxhound. In 1905 the English Coonhound was first registered by UKC under the name of English fox & Coonhound. Back then they were used for fox hunting much more than they are today.

The name reflected the similarity that the breed had to the American Foxhound and the English foxhound. While the Redbone and Black and Tan were given separate breed status, all other treeing coonhounds were called English after the turn of the century. These included both the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound. They were considered all the same breed. It was the variation in color which separated them. The heavily ticked dogs split off from the English and the Bluetick Coonhound was recognized as a separate breed in 1945. In 1946 the tricolored hounds separated into the breed called Treeing Walker Coonhounds. Though redticked dogs predominate, to this day there are still tri-colored and blueticked English hounds. The English Coonhound was bred to adapt to the rougher American climate and terrain. An English named “Bones,” owned by Colonel Leon Robinson, won one of the first National Coonhound Championships. The breed is still used by practical hunters and competitive hound owners throughout the USA.

The English Coonhound breed descends from Irish and French breeds brought to America. They were utilized to hunt fox by day and raccoon by night. The original Coonhounds were inadequate when hunting by American standards due to their inability to track quarry in trees. Therefore, the original breed was crossed with the Bloodhound to enhance their scent tracking ability. Today English Coonhound’s are used to track and hunt raccoon, oppossum, cougar, deer, boar, and bear.

Affectionate, assured, watchful, fearless, and loyal. The English Coonhound breed does best in packs rather than being the only dog. They get along with older, considerate children and other pets they have been raised with. The English Coonhound has a tendency to be high-strung, exuberant, and lively.

Considered to be one of the oldest breeds, the Thai Ridgeback originated in Thailand. Used as a hunter, watchdog, and family protector, this breed is exceedingly rare outside of their native country. Due to a lack of human interaction and isolation this breed remains largely undomesticated and independent.

The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized pariah-type dog with a wedge-shaped head, triangular-shaped prick ears, and a very short, smooth coat. It has a pronounced ridge on its back formed by hair growing in the opposite direction that extends from behind the withers to the hips. Puppies are occasionally born ridgeless. Thai Ridgebacks have a muscular and streamlined body, making them extremely agile. The tail is carried upward called a sickle or sword tail. Its forehead wrinkles with enormous expression. Like many eastern breeds, the Thai Ridgeback has retained a ‘scissor jaw’ where upper and lower teeth interlock when the jaw bones clamp down. The tongue can be black or have black marks. Eyes are almond-shaped and brown but may be amber in blue dogs. The ears are set low and point slightly outward. The ears stand up progressively during the puppy growth period, they are not cropped. The back is straight and level. The coat is short, hard, and straight. Due to the length and density of the coat shedding is minimal, occurring once or twice yearly.

Traditionally, the only other Ridgeback dog beside the well known Rhodesian Ridgeback has been the Phu Quoc Dog. Pho Quoc Island, now a part of Vietnam, is the major isle in the Gulf of Siam, about 200 km south of Bangkok. The ancestry of the Phu Quoc dog is undoubtedly the Thai Ridgeback which has existed in eastern Siam (near the Cambodian border) for at least four hundred years . Ridgeback dogs in cave paintings dating back 1000 years have been found in Cambodia and Thailand.
These Thai Ridgebacks were used for hunting (they are keen sight hounds) deer, tapirs and birds in dense jungle, as guardians for family homesteads and as companions for carts, the traditional mode of transportation in these areas. As a result of the isolation of the area, Thai Ridgebacks have retained their unique type and traditional usage until recently. However, today “civilization” has come even to these isolated areas. Roads have been built and autos have replaced carts as the major mode of transportation. Intense deforestation throughout Thailand has destroyed most hunting habitat. Thai Ridgebacks today are primarily kept as companions or guards for the family homestead and have been adopted by many Thai dog fanciers.

Thai Ridgebacks are medium-large sized short-haired dogs of high intelligence and great jumping ability. Males measure 22 to 24 ½ inches at the withers and weigh from 42 to 60 pounds: female measure 21 to 23 ½ inches and weigh from 37 to 50 pounds. The short coat , ranging from brush to horse coat comes in four colors, black, red (ranging from deep mahogany to light chestnut), blue (or silver) and fawn. The ridge pattern on the back comes in eight different patterns. Thai Ridgebacks bred by Thai fanciers are often kennel raised. Further few Thai’s keep house pets as do Americans. Accordingly, few Thai imports are well socialized. This is especially true since pups must be at least four months old (and have their rabies shots) to be imported into the United States. However, litters bred by American breeders and hand raised in households according to our traditional American socialization methods are very good people dogs, bonding closely to their families. They are usually gentle with their families and with people their families introduce them to, but are excellent watch dogs if people they do not know appear or sounds they don’t understand occur around the house.

Directly developed from the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature is a relatively new breed. Originating in the United States, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is rapidly becoming popular for their compact size and strong work ethic. They are extremely adept at herding, but are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is almost identical in appearance to the standard or full sized Australian Shepherd in everything but size. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is actually less than 18 inches tall (46 cm) at the withers when full grown, and there is also a smaller version of the breed known as a Toy Australian Shepherd which must be less than 14 inches or (36 cm) when fully grown. A still smaller variety known as the Tea Cup must be less than 12 pounds when fully grown.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an athletic dog that should appear solid and sturdy without appearing stocky. They have a medium length straight coat that can have a slight wave but never a curl. The coat is double with a somewhat thick and coarse outer coat covering a soft, downy inner coat. The outer coat is not coarse feeling but is rather smooth to the touch. The body is longer than the dog is tall at the shoulders, and the ribcage and chest is moderately developed. The topline is very straight from the withers to the hips. The legs are straight and the feet are slightly arched with the back legs having a well defined stifle that gives the dog its ready to jump into action appearance.

The double coat is of medium length and is very thick and full without giving the appearance of being fluffy. The hair is longer on the ruff, legs and rump and may be slightly wavy but never curly or kinky.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is loyal, affectionate, and easy going. They are lively, playful, and alert. They are deeply devoted and naturally protective. This breed gets along well with older children. Their exuberance and herding instincts make them unsuitable for homes with young children. They are wary and suspicious of strangers and will warn their family of danger or unusual noises. They are typically not aggressive to other dogs.

The Saint Bernard is a strong and powerful dog with a very tall and muscular body and a large powerful head. They have a wide skull, with high cheek bones and a distinct furrowing of the brow. The skin of their foreheads is very wrinkled, often giving them a rather stern expression, particularly if they also possess a dark mask.

The Saint Bernard has a short muzzle, and does not taper. The bridge is straight and sometimes slightly broken. They have strong sound teeth with either a scissors bite or an even bite. Their mouths often have a black roof.

The Saint Bernard’s nose is very broad with wide open nostrils. Their noses and lips are always black. They have medium sized ears, particularly when compared to the size of their heads. They stand slightly away from the head at the base and then drop sharply, clinging to the head. Their ear flaps are soft and tender and forms a rounded triangle which is slightly elongated toward the point.
The Saint Bernard’s eyes are set toward the front of the head, and are always dark brown. They are medium sized and deep set, giving the dog a friendly and intelligent expression.

The Saint Bernard has a somewhat sorrowful expression, but is actually very good-natured. They are excellent with children and other animals. They have a protective instinct for their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are sensible and loving and make a great family pet. They may display stubbornness, so owners must be very patient. They thrive on high amounts of love and attention. The Saint Bernard is prone to anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time and may destroy their owner’s home and belongings.

It was in the Cheviot Hills near the border of England and Scotland that the Border Terrier was first bred. The breed is possibly one of the oldest types of terriers in Great Britain. The farmers had problems with foxes killing their stock and the Border Terrier worked alongside them to drive the fox out of their dens and kill them. They were small enough to follow a fox into the ground but big enough to keep up with the horses. The dogs were often not fed by the farmers in hopes it would make their prey drive even higher and they had to hunt to survive.

Along with fox they hunted otters, marten, the fierce badger, mice and rats. Today while the Border Terrier is mostly a companion dog, he can still serve as a fine farm dog, helping to control vermin. The Border Terrier was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Kennel Club in 1930. Some of the Border Terrier’s talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Even though they are only 13-16 inches high at the shoulder, Border Terriers are giants when it comes to personality. Their compact size in conjunction with their ability to learn and learn quickly has made them the ideal breed for show business animals in recent years. A good number of commercials, TV and movies show not just a small dog that is well trained but a dog whose personality is big enough to come across the screen to an audience.

As lively as they are, Border Terriers are anything but overbearing. They may give a bark or two to express a readiness for action, but they are in no way a naturally aggressive breed, nor are they prone to a bark that is constant. As these working animals were bred to go on foxhunts, they are accustomed to working in packs. In this present day, this equates to being in the company of others, such as a family unit, and eagerly interacting with those around them. Their temperament is known to be an exceptional match for households with children. It is not uncommon for owners to have at least two Border Terriers, (one male, one female) as each has the energy to keep the other occupied while the owner goes about his or her daily business of running a household. Long periods of inactivity are not recommended for this breed.

The name of the Wetterhoun has been derived from the Dutch name for water dog. The Wetterhoun was first bred in the Friesland province about 400 years ago. These dogs are very rare, and are not seen often outside the Netherlands. The Wetterhoun are mainly responsible for locating and killing otters. They are also used to hunt small mammals, and they are also very good guard dogs.

Wetterhouns are very challenging dogs when it comes to their physicality – they can also be very sensitive. The Wetterhoun is very bright, and can also be very obstinate. These dogs are courageous and very dependant – and they love to swim.

The Frisian Water dog is reserved about strangers and an ideal guard-dog. Active, brave and fearless, with powerful teeth abd scissor bite, the dog can work many hours in the water. At the same time the Wetterhoun has a very affectionate and sensitive nature and becomes very attached to his family. If you consider make this breed your family companion, please know that this is a working breed with strong hunting instincts that and can be aggressive to other pets. The Frisian is an excellent retriever and hunts very close to his master. It can be stubborn and requires firm and consistent training.

For its own people the Wetterhoun is a good-natured and friendly dog – and this includes the children, provided they treat him properly. For unknown visitors the story is entirely different. In this case it will take up a cautious watch and will protect the home from intruders. Family friends on the other hand will get a hearty welcome. Other dogs and pets will be accepted without a murmur.

The Border Collie originates from the border country (between Scotland and England). Bred as sheep dogs, these are probably the best known and popular of the sheep herders.

Border Collies rare usually trained to respond to instructions by a series of whistle and visual commands, and can continue their herding responsibilities when not in the vision of the shepherd. Their herding ability is so ingrained in them that they will display their abilities as young as 6 months old when exposed to a flock of sheep. Like all sheep dogs they are intelligent and easy to train.

The Border Collie is a well balanced medium-sized athletic dog, bred for working and its intelligence, with either a smooth coat or is of medium length with a thick water resistant undercoat. It rather looks like an Australian Shepherd (without the bob-tail). The muzzle tapers elegantly to the all black nose and its ears are usually half perked.

Border Collie females range from 18 to 21 inches and males range from 19 to 22 inches when measured at the shoulder. There are two basic types of Border Collie (both acceptable by the AKC).
The longer haired variety has coarse straight hair, and the shorter haired variety has fine hair. The coloring of border collies can vary enormously. The only stipulation regarding Border Collie show dogs is that the white marking do not predominate.

Typical Health Problems: Genetic health disorders which can occur occasionally in Border Collies include: Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Canine Hip Displasia, seizures, hyperthermia. Accidental injuries are common due to high-speed athletic activities.

The Akbash Dog is one of the oldest of the flock-guarding group. The breed is the counterpart of the French Great Pyrenees, the Hungarian Kuvasz, the Italian Maremma and other white sheep guarding breeds. The Akbash Dog still carries the same mental and physical traits that characterized it thousands of year ago.

Akbash Dogs are large, lean, muscular and powerful with an elegant, racy appearance. Akbash Dogs characteristics are a combination of the Mastiff and Gazehound. They are powerful dogs with medium to long white fur, bred specifically to distinguish them from wolves.

The Akbash Dog can have either a long or a short coat, invariable white. In either case, there’s both an outer and an inner coat, the inner coat composed of soft, fine hairs to insulate against harsh weather. The short-coated Akbash dog’s fur is usually straight and flat with only slight feathering around the neck and legs, while the long-coated Akbash dog’s far is usually wavy with heavy feathering on the legs and a distinctive, lion-like “ruff” around the neck.

They have been bred as a guardian dog whose primary function is to protect sheep from predators. Akbash dogs are calm, quiet and brave. They deserve require respect in training and raising them.
They will protect you and be affectionate to their family as well. But to strangers, this dog is a good guardian and watchdog. If not socialized properly when puppies, they will be aggressive towards all intruders. The Akbash requires a firm and dog-experienced owner seeking a loyal guardian and friend.

The Akbash Dog is a proud beast, bred to be the undisputed leader of his or her pack of flocking animals. This is no doubt a good quality in a flock guard, since it ensures instant obedience on the part of the flock and a much easier time of protecting the dog’s charges from predators. But it can be an extremely challenging quality when it comes to training an Akbash, or simply for using it as a family companion dog.

The lapinporokoira is historicaly closely connected with the lapinkoira. The breed was used for centuries as herder for the Saami people to help with their reindeer. Where the lapinkoira was more of a guarding dog who stayed home with the tents the lapinporokoira was the real worker who could work day after day and run long distances. The dog is build as a typical runner, long in the body with very good angulations and a low carried tail. Today some lapinporokoiras are still used as herders in Lappland.

The breed is very strong in comparison to its size. It must never seem skinny. It should always have long and efficient movements as it was important in their original working field that they could run long distances and for a long time. It is also important for the breed to have a thick dence coat. Some people by mistake think that the breed is shorthaired. It is not. It has a thick waterproof coat like similar other arctic breeds. The coat must never be soft as the dog in its original climate would then get wet all the way to the skin. It is also important that the dog has coat everywhere on the body even in the ears as the dog would otherwise freeze in -30 degrees celcius and under.

The lapinporokoira is not a dog who will lie in the sofa all day it is a typical working dog who should be used for something. In Finland many people saw the breeds qualities and many dogs are doing very well in obedience, agility, tracking, rescue work etc. The breed is obedient if trained and it learns easily and remembers what it learned.

Furthermore it is not at all as stressed as many other working breeds. In Lappland it has been typical that it should work hard some days and not work at all some others. So the Saami people couldn´t use a dog who was going crazy in the times where there was no work to be done.

It is therefore usual for the breed that it is ready to work when you are ready, but when it is at home it is relaxing. The breed is quite strong mentally and we do not recmommend the breed to somebody who never owned a dog before or somebody who are not planning to work with their dog one way or the other.

The Koolie/Coolie also known as Australian Koolie or German Koolie is an Australian dog breed. Specifically, it is a herding dog, a subcategory of a working dog. Koolies have existed in Australia since the early 19th century, established through old photos owned by elder Koolie breeders and personal records such as diaries.

The German Coolie displays a temperament which is friendly, attentive, and outgoing. They are never aggressive and have usually never met a stranger. They are loyal, devoted with a strong bond to their owner and family. If properly socialized, they adore children.

Coolies are known for their intelligence and herding desire. They are exceedingly attentive, respond quickly and eagerly to training. They have the ability to adapt to any situation.

Coolies have impeccable work ethics, unsurpassed biddability and superior temperaments. They are a versatile breed and excel at any task that is set before them, rather it be herding livestock; performing in the sports arena; Search and Rescue; or just being a companion.

Coolies are confident all-round dogs with a natural ability to head, heel, gather and fetch, as well as drive, livestock. When gathering livestock together, they have the ability to keep them together quietly and confidently using speed and force when needed. They will also hold the livestock using their body language, when necessary. Some Coolies will “back” sheep (jumping on the back of the sheep to get the front ones moving). “Backing” isn’t commonly taught or practiced in the USA.

A similar dog to the Alpine Dachsbracke was utilized as a hunting dog in ancient times. Between the years of 1881 and 1885, Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg required that Alpine Dachsbracken be included on his hunting trips. The breed was officially recognized in 1932 in Austria as the third breed of Scenthound.

Austria is still considered to be the Alpine Dachsbracke’s country of origin.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a stout, hardy breed that was initially used as a hunting dog.

The head features a long, pronounced muzzle with a straight bridge and a proportional black nose. They have close-fitting, semi-curved lips with black pigment. Their well-developed teeth close in a scissors or pincer bite, and their eyes are very dark in color. Their straight limbs are short, well-muscled, and strong-boned. Their long, heavily muscled bodies feature prominent withers, a level back, and a deep chest.

Their belly is moderately tucked up and their hindquarters are powerful and well-angulated.
The Alpine Dachsbracke has a double coat that features a thick over coat and a dense under coat. While the coat exists in many colors, the dark deer red version is ideal.

The Alpine Dachsbrake is intelligent, kind, sociable, and courageous. Initially utilized as a working dog by mountain huntsman, this breed is hardy, possesses a good work ethic, and can tolerate extreme weather conditions. They make wonderful companions and they are very friendly by nature.

The Bergamasco is one of several breeds of sheepdogs believed to have descended from the longhaired shepherd dogs brought to Italy by Phoenicians. As these dogs spread northward through Italy and into the Alps, they became the foundation for the Maremma in central Italy, the Bergamasco in northern Italy, and the Briard in France.

The Bergamasco is an ancient shepherding breed which traces its origins back thousands of years. Believed to have originated in Persia (in the area that is now Iran), hardy, vigorous shepherding dogs worked with their nomadic masters, tending and herding flocks of sheep in the harsh mountain climates from Persia west to Europe.

Certain of these nomads ultimately settled in the Italian Alps and remained there; their dogs became what is now known as the Bergamasco.

The Bergamasco is a muscular, heavy-boned herding dog with a large head and a thick tail that hangs down to the hock and curves slightly upward at the end. The entire dog is covered with an abundant coat that forms mats. The Bergamasco is compact in profile but is just slightly longer than tall.
The Bergamasco’s characteristic feature is its unique coat, made up of three types of hair. The coat forms flocks (strands of hair weaved together creating flat layers of felted hair) or loose mats, which cover the dog’s body and legs, and protect the dog from weather and predators. The hair on the head is typically long and hangs over the eyes.

Solidly compact, Bergamascos shepherd dogs are lively, intelligent, always alert, determined, courageous and excellent guards. Their sweet face, with an almost languid expression, always makes you want to communicate with them. They know how to use their strength and control their behavior depending on the situation. They can be trained for a variety of tasks, like environmental services, man-work, obedience, agility and guarding and herding sheep. Bergamascos shepherd dog breed is resistant to all types of weather and does best in extreme cold climates.

Though these dogs are not instinctively aggressive, they do not like strangers invading their world. They build special relationship with children. Patient, tolerant, attentive and protective, the Bergamascos are used as therapy dogs for handicapped children. These dogs enjoy the outdoors and exercise on their own when living and working on a farm.

Yorkshire Terriers can be traced back to the Waterside Terrier and developed as a result of breeding with various other terriers throughout England.

Originally known as Scotch Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers were brought to Yorkshire by weavers in the mid 19th century. During the Victorian Era they became quite fashionable. The trendiness of this breed is still notable today, as Yorkies are one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a lovely lap dog that much prefers to be held on their owner’s lap all day. They have a dose of attitude combined with a bright and playful nature. The Yorkshire Terrier is a true and loyal companion.

This dog is intelligent, lively, and fearless. They focus entirely on their owner and are extremely affectionate. It has been said that a Yorkshire Terrier requires more human companionship and attention than any other breed.

Yorkshire Terriers, commonly called “Yorkies” are little dogs with big personality. Though categorized in the toy group, they take on many terrier traits as well – especially in personality. Early training and socialization with people and other dogs will help keep that “big personality” on track. Yorkies are well suited to apartment living due to their small size, but they are active dogs that still need regular exercise.

This ancient breed was primarily used as a guard dog. The Mastiff was favored by nobility as a hunting companion and revered by peasants as a family and livestock protector. They were also used as arena gladiators where they participated in bull, bear, and dog combat. The Mastiff was nearly extinct by the end of WWII, but was saved with imports from the United States and Canada.

The Old English Mastiff is a massive dog. The Mastiff has a large, heavy square head with a well marked stop between the eyes. The muzzle should be half the length of the skull. The medium-sized brown to dark hazel eyes are set wide apart with a black mask around them.
The nose is dark in color. The small ears are V-shaped and in proportion with the skull and are dark in color. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite but a slightly undershot bite is also acceptable in the show ring providing the teeth do not show when the mouth is closed. The tail is high-set with a wide base, tapering to a point reaching the hocks. Coat colors include golden fawn, light fawn, apricot, silver, tiger or brindle.

The mastiff is an agreeable, laid-back dog – a “gentle giant.” It is loyal, courageous, and confident. It is not a playful breed, but rather calm and dignified. It rarely barks, drools excessively, and tends to snore loudly. It is patient with children, but not recommended for toddlers due to its large size. It is possessive of its home and family and makes an excellent guard dog. It will not attack intruders, but holds them at bay with its large size. It will refuse to let strangers enter the house unless its owner accepts them. If properly socialized as a puppy, it will accept other dogs. It can be difficult to train.

The origin of the Alapaha Blue Blood dates to the 1800s. Developed in the Alapaha River region of southern Georgia by PaPa Buck Lane, the breed was initially used as a plantation watchdog and cattle dog. Like the American Bulldog, the Alapaha is a descendent of the original Bulldogs that came to the U.S. from England in the 1700s.

The breed was established in 1986 by the American Research Foundation, in the working dog category. From 1986 to 2001, ARF has registered or pedigreed just under 700 Alapahas.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a tall breed often measuring 24 inches at the shoulders. They have a good leg length and are powerful yet also lean and athletic in appearance. The hips are slightly narrower than the broad and deep chest giving the streamlined appearance.

The legs are well boned and muscled and should be straight and parallel on the front and well bent at the hocks on the rear.
The feet are large, cat like and well arched. The dewclaws on the front and back legs are always left on unless they become injured or there is some complication.

As a rare breed of dog the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is not commonly found in most areas. They are reported be an excellent companion dog as well as a protector that will loyally and fiercely protect their family from any type of danger.

Although they are a protective breed they are not considered to be aggressive and will not typically attack or protect unless they are provoked or are on their own territory.