The Weimaraner was developed originally both for tracking large game, such as bears, and as a pointing breed. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Charles August, whose court enjoyed hunting. It has a lean, athletic build with a short, silver-coloured coat. It is very active, intelligent, and friendly in temperament. There is also a rare long-coated version which is the same except for coat length.
The Pharaoh Hound is a hound which has been classed variously as a member of the sighthound and pariah groups. It is the national dog of Malta, where it is called the Kelb-tal Fenek (plural: Klieb-tal Fenek), meaning "rabbit hound". Its temperament is intelligent, active, calm, and reserved. It is athletic and graceful in appearance, with a rich red/tan coat.
The Golden Retriever is relatively modern breed, and is very popular. It was developed as a retrieving dog to use while hunting wild fowl. Today it is one of the most common family dogs as it is easy to handle, being very tolerant and gentle. They are very friendly and intelligent, so much so that they are often used as therapy and assistance dogs. "Goldens" are usually compatible with people and other dogs.
A Border Collie is a hard-working breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. They are regarded by many as the most intelligent dog breed. Like most working dogs, they have a tendency towards neurotic or destructive behavior if not given enough to do. They are still frequently used on farms all over the world for assisting with the handling of livestock.
West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, are a breed of dog known for their spirited personality and brilliant white coat. They are friendly, good with children, and thrive on lots of attention. Like most terriers, they have plenty of attitude (some might say "spirit") for a dog their size. This breed is commonly recognized because it is used as a mascot for Black & White (a brand of Scotch whisky) and for Cesar brand dog food.
The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthounddogbreed. Distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where it was originally used to hunt wolves, foxes, and gazelles. The typical Afghan Hound can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when playing.
The Papillon is a small dog breed with distinctive large, fringed ears that earned it its name, the French word for butterfly. The Papillon is believed to be one of the oldest of the toy breeds. The Papillon has an abundant, flowing coat, short on the head but with a profuse frill on the chest. Even though the breed has the connotation of a dainty toy breed, many owners will claim that they act like big dogs in small dogs' bodies. It has been a popular pet of aristocracy throughout its history, and famous Papillon owners include Madame de Pompadour, Henry III and Marie Antoinette.
The Dalmatian is a breed of dog, noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots. Although other colour variations do exist, any colour markings other than black or liver are a disqualification in purebred Dalmatians. The famous spotted coat is unique to the Dalmatian breed; no other purebred dog breed sports the flashy spotted markings. The breed takes its name from the Croatian province of Dalmatia, where it is believed to have originated.
The Bernese Mountain Dog (also called Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois) is a versatile farm dog originating in the canton of Berne in Switzerland. Berners are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for their size when motivated.
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. It is one of the oldest terriers, originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognized as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs, used for hunting burrowing prey among the cairns. Cairn Terriers are intelligent, strong, and loyal. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and strong-willed, and love to dig after real or imagined prey. The most famous Cairn Terrier is perhaps Toto from the film adaption of The Wizard of Oz. The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors.
The Whippet is a breed of dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family. They are active and playful and are physically similar to a small greyhound. Their calm, friendly temperament has led to a great increase in their popularity. Because of their great speed, they are often used in dog racing. They make good house dogs and are content to sleep much of the day, despite their natural athleticism.
The Kooikerhondje or Kooiker Hound, is a small spaniel-type breed of dog of Dutch ancestry that was originally used as a working dog, particularly in duck hunting and tolling. Kooikers were popular in the 17th and 18th century and appeared in the paintings of Rembrandt and Jan Steen. The breed is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and Canada, where unfortunately it is still relatively unknown.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that was developed along the Chesapeake Bay to hunt waterfowl under adverse weather and water conditions, often having to break ice during the course of many strenuous multiple retrieves. It looks similar to the popular Labrador Retriever, but is more active and protective. "Chessies" (as they are affectionately known) have a distinctive thick, oily coat.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a type of small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting and rat catching. The name "Jack Russell" has been used for all of the several types of Russell terrier dogbreeds but is now most commonly used for working terriers. Their temperament is feisty and independent. They are very popular in television and cinema for their endearing appearance, and several notable "JRTs" include Moose, who played Eddie from Frasier as well as the title role in My Dog Skip, and Wishbone.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, otherwise known as the Qimmiq (Inuit for "dog") or what is considered to be the more politically correct Canadian Inuit Dog, is a larger breed of Arctic dog commonly found pulling sleds for their Inuit counterparts. However, as snowmobiles tend to be faster and more efficient, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is now a rare breed. It is intelligent, hardy, and gentle in temperament.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) is the most popular variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dogbreeds. In the United States it is recognized under the name Belgian Shepherd Dog or as the Belgian Sheepdog. Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Groenendael is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned breed of dog in the sheepdog family. The Groenendael is recognized by its distinctive black coat.
The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is a gundog that was developed in Canada. It has a unique, breed-specific hunting style known as "tolling". It is gentle, intelligent, active, and friendly. "Tollers" are one of the smallest retrievers, and are mildly fox-like in appearance. As its name suggests, it originates in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and has a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness.
The Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, is a breed of gundog and family dog. The term Irish Setter is commonly used to encompass the Show-bred dog recognized by the AKC as well as the field-bred Red Setter recognized by the Field Dog Stud Book. It is friendly, active, and intelligent (if somewhat stubborn). Originally, the Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or pointing upland gamebirds. Famous Irish Setters include Big Red and King Timahoe, pet of Richard Nixon.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a gun dog. It is one of several varieties of spaniel and somewhat resembles its American cousin, the American Cocker Spaniel, although it's closer to the working-dog form of the Field Spaniel. Outside the US, the breed is usually known simply as the Cocker Spaniel, as is the American Cocker Spaniel within the US. Due to the breed's happy disposition it has been given the nickname "merry cocker".
The Brittany is a breed of gun dog that is primarily bred for bird hunting. Although the dog is often referred to as a spaniel, the breed's working characteristics are more akin to a pointer or setter. The breed is noted for being easy to train, sensitive, and sweet-natured. Many enthusiasts agree that it takes little more than a stern look or cross word to chastise a Brittany.
The Coton de Tuléar is a small breed of dog. It is a playful, affectionate, intelligent breed. The Coton de Tuléar is the official dog of Madagascar where, in the past, only royalty and the upper-class could own one. The Coton's ancestors were thought to have been brought to Madagascar in the 16th century by sailors from Spain and Portugal. It loves life and is enthusiastic and lively.
The German Shepherd Dog or Alsatian is a breed of dog. GSDs are highly intelligent, agile and well suited to active working environments. They are often deployed in varied roles such as police work, guarding, search and rescue, and in the military. They are also used as assistance dogs, especially in Europe. GSDs also make loyal and loving pets for home. They excel at schutzhund and obedience competitions.
The miniature Australian Shepherd was developed by selectively breeding small Australian Shepherds. The dogs are rapidly increasing in popularity among those interested in a compact dog with a strong work ethic. They are especially popular in dog agility, and do well in other dog sports. Miniature Australian Shepherds are eager to work, which makes training and interacting with them a pleasure, but their intelligence and drive require obedience training and plenty of interesting activity.
The Boston Terrier originated in the United States. They are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned with erect ears, short tail, and muzzle. While originally bred for fighting, they were later down bred for companionship. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, and well-mannered. Many still retain the spunky attitude of the typical terrier. Because of their short snouts, they tend to snort and snore.
The Dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. The breed's name is German and literally means “badger dog,” from (der) Dachs “badger” and (der) Hund “dog.” In German the Dachshund is known most commonly as the Dackel or Teckel (in Dutch). The breed was developed to scent, chase, and huntbadgers and other hole-dwelling animals. Dachshunds are widely recognisable, and several notable Dachshunds include Waldi, the mascot of the 1972 Summer Olympics and Odie in the Garfield: The Movie.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a rare herding dog that was developed in the Netherlands. The Dutch Shepherd Dog comes in three varieties: shorthaired (pictured), longhaired, and rough haired . The Dutch Shepherd is intelligent, brave, and affectionate. It can have strong protective instincts, and excels as a guard dog. The Dutch Shepherd is used extensively throughout Europe and the United States as a working dog, primarily in police service, although they are also used in search and rescue as well.
The Old English Sheepdog was formerly used for herdinglivestock, and now primarily kept as a pet. They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. The long coat requires thorough brushing at least weekly, preferably from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat tangle free. Famous Old English Sheepdogs include Martha, pet of Paul McCartney and featured in the song "Martha My Dear", Farley from the comic strip For Better or For Worse and The Shaggy Dog.
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The Beagle is a medium-sized member of the scenthound group, similar in appearance to a Foxhound but smaller with shorter legs, and with longer, softer ears. Beagles were used primarily for tracking deer, bear, and other game, but are now mostly used as companions. They are a loyal breed and most often very well tempered. Beagles love exercise and being around people. The most famous Beagle is perhaps Snoopy from the comic stripPeanuts. Other famous Beagles include Porthos from Star Trek: Enterprise, Brian from Family Guy and Brain from Inspector Gadget.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier is descended from American dog fighting breeds and was intended to be a show strain of the American Pit Bull Terrier. American Staffordshire Terriers were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. They are a member of the terrier and molosser groups, and are loyal, courageous, and tenacious in temperament. Though dogs of the same type have a reputation for aggressiveness, "Amstaffs" are normally friendly and gentle.
The Brussels Griffon is a breed of dog, named for the city of their origin, Brussels, Belgium. Part of the toy dog category, the breed is generally small, with a flat face, prominent chin, and large wide-set eyes that gives the Griffon an almost human expression—and they are often compared to an Ewok. There are three different types of Burssels Griffon: Griffon Bruxellois (pictured), the Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabançon, which are identical except for coat type and colour.
The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is one of many spaniel breeds. The Springer is an affectionate and easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting. It has seemingly unlimited stamina and needs plenty of activity, as much as 2 hours per day, to focus its mind and to provide substantial exercise.
The Gordon Setter is a gundog, and a member of the setter family. Gordon Setters are intensely loyal to their owners, but can take a few minutes to warm up to strangers. They are good family dogs, laid-back and loving, though not recommended with small children as they can be boisterous. It is the heaviest of the setters, and is more substantial in build than its popular relative, the svelte Irish Setter. Rather than being built for speed, they move with determination and stamina.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature Schnauzers developed from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle, Miniature Pinscher, or Affenpinscher. While very good with children and most other pets, the Miniature Schnauzer does best when growing up with them. Owing to their use as ratters, they should not be trusted around small pets, as they will often attack and possibly kill them.
The French Bulldog is a dog breed that first emerged in France in the mid- to late 19th century. French Bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, snub nose and solid bone. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded at the top. The French Bulldog is a gentle breed that typically has a happy-go-lucky attitude. Like many other companion dog breeds they require close contact with humans. They have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require at least regular daily walks.
The Black Russian Terrier (or simply BRT) was developed in the former Soviet Union (in what is now Russia), and was originally used as a guard dog and police dog. It is rare outside its native country and is just starting to be recognized elsewhere; for example, it is one of the AKC's most-recently recognized breeds, gaining full status in July of 2004. BRTs are confident, calm, highly intelligent, brave and loyal. It will not hesitate to defend the people that it loves if it thinks they are threatened. The BRT may seem aloof, but needs human companionship and bonds deeply to its family.
The Basenji is considered by some to be a member of the sighthound family; most kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom classify it simply as a hound. The Basenji is a Congolese hunting dog that rarely (if ever) barks (due to its unusually shaped larynx), but does produce an unusual yodel-like sound. In behavior and temperament they have some commonalities with cats. Most Basenjis have a strong dislike for contact with water, and will go to great lengths to avoid getting wet. However, they are extremely inquisitive dogs, and can temporarily be completely oblivious to water if something piques their interest.
The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed in the 1800s in Germany for hunting. This gun dog was developed by crossing an older German Pointer breed with the English Pointer to create a lean, athletic, and responsive breed. Its intelligence and affectionate nature make it a good companion dog for active owners. This is one of the few breeds that can perform virtually all gundog roles. It is pointer and retriever, a bird dog and water dog, can be used for hunting larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a good sense of smell.
The Siberian Husky is a working dog that originated in eastern Siberia. "Sibes" are a resilient breed of dog, known for their ability to thrive in the arctic cold. They were originally bred by the Chukchi tribes for use as a village dog to accomplish such tasks as herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and keeping children warm. Despite their sometimes intimidating wolf-like appearance, Siberian Huskies generally have a gentle temperament. Being a working breed, Sibes are very energetic and enjoy the ability to explore and run. That, combined with their striking appearance, has made them popular as both family pets and as show dogs.
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The Italian Greyhound is a small member of the sight hound and toy groups. They are sometimes called an IG or "Iggy" for short. The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sight hounds, typically weighing 3 to 5 kg (about 7 to 10 lbs) and standing 33 to 43 cm (13 to 17 in) at the shoulder. The breed will be equally at home in a city and in the country, and it does not require as much exercise as larger breeds. The Italian Greyhound is hardy, rarely ill, intelligent and easy to teach.
The Doberman Pinscher (alternatively spelled Dobermann in countries outside North America) is a breed of domestic dog. Dobermans are sometimes used as guard dogs and police dogs, more so in Europe than North America. In many countries, Dobermans are one of the most recognizable breeds, in part because of their actual roles in society, and in part because of an undeserved stereo-type for being aggressive. However, Dobermans are, in general, a gentle, loyal, loving, and highly intelligent breed. A typical pet Doberman attacks only if it believes that its property or family are in danger.
The Kangal Dog is the national dog of Turkey. This large dog (which can often grow as large as 140 pounds, 64 kg) was originally used as a livestock guardian dog, but has been increasing in popularity as a guard dog. It has a solid, pale tan or sabled coat, and with a black mask; indeed, another name for the breed is Karabash meaning "black head". The breed is often referred to as a sheep dog, but it does not herd its charges. Instead, it is developed to live with the flock and protect it, fending off wolves and jackals.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the largest member of the toy family. The breed naturally grows a substantial silky coat of moderate length, and has a full-length tail (unlike most other spaniels) which is typically carried aloft when walking. Cavaliers are highly affectionate, and some have called them "the ultimate lap dog". Most Cavaliers are playful, extremely patient and eager to please. As such, dogs of the breed are usually good with children and other dogs. A well-socialized Cavalier will not be shy with much larger dogs.
The Spanish Water Dog or Perro de Agua Español was developed by the shepherds in Spain as a multi-purpose herder who was also used sometimes as a gundog, as well as an assistant to fishermen. The SWD is a medium size, athletic, robust dog that is slightly longer than tall. Their tails are usually docked in the US, but undocked tails are not a fault in show dogs. The SWD is diligent, loyal, affectionate, and intelligent. SWD’s thrive on work, play, and swim. Because of their athleticism they need a lot of exercise. They enjoy working, and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks. There are many different theories as to its origin. but one of the most popular ones is that it was introduced by the Turks who traded in sheep and used them as sheepdogs.
The Basset Hound is a scent hound characterised by its short stature, loose skin and long ears, developed in England in the 1890s. Originally a working dog utilised for hunting hare, Basset Hounds are now mostly used as companions due to their gentle disposition and outgoing temperament. "Basset" (meaning "low set") dogs originated in France prior to the French Revolution where they were valued for their short legs due to laws against hunting from horseback. The Basset Hound is known for its scenting ability which is second only to the Bloodhound, a close relative of the Basset. Their shortened legs are due to a form of dwarfism.
An Old English Sheepdog was formerly used for herdinglivestock, and now primarily kept as a pet. They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. The long coat requires thorough brushing at least weekly, preferably from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat hair mat and tangle free.
Done. :-) Rfrisbietalk 13:34, 26 November 2006 (UTC)
