

PICKING the PERFECT PUPPY;

Advice from

The Match Maker

Copyright 2014 Katherine Lynn

Published by Katherine Lynn at Smashwords

Cover design by J Dayton Haflich.

Edited by Lindsey Hardin

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Chapter One – A Pledge & Promise

Chapter Two – It Takes All Kinds

Chapter Three – Past, Present and Future

Chapter Four – History of The Canine

Chapter Five – Narrowing the Search

Chapter Six – The Sporting Dog Group

Chapter Seven – The Terrier Dog Group

Chapter Eight – The Hound Dog Group

Chapter Nine – The Toy Dog Group

Chapter Ten – The Working Dog Group

Chapter Eleven – The Herding Dog Group

Chapter Twelve – The Non-Sporting Dog Group

Chapter Thirteen – The Miscellaneous Dog Group

Chapter Fourteen – Preparing for your new arrival

Chapter Fifteen – Poisonous Plants & Hazardous Materials

Chapter Sixteen – Some Final Thoughts

About the Author

# Acknowledgement

A dog is the only thing on this earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

~ Josh Billings

To my family members who have made concessions over the years; lost countless hours of quality sleep; watched where they stepped when puppies were around; put up with dog hair just about everywhere; you are all troopers. I thank you and I am forever grateful to you all.

I also thank the hundreds of people/families I've had the pleasure to meet and educate over the years. You have allowed me the opportunity to refine my craft of placing puppies in the right homes and the gift of giving each person a canine companion to fill their lives.

Mostly, I thank my dogs. These lovely creatures I've had the pleasure to meet, work with, love and live with throughout the years have done more to heal my soul than I ever thought possible. I've seen firsthand how dogs have helped heal others just as myself. I've had other people tell me their stories. The unconditional love and constant companionship they so freely give us, is truly a gift.

I have learned so much about life from observing and living with dogs. They are constantly reminding me of what's important at any given moment. They've shown me the importance of living in the present; not the past or the future, but in the now.

Watching them do just that, allows us to see the joy in the moment.

Loving unconditionally is part of their DNA. They show us that every day is new, so be happy. I've learned that taking frequent naps can be refreshing and meal time is an important time for social interacting.

Thank you, the reader for taking the time to educate yourselves prior to adopting a new canine companion. It is my sincere hope that this book will support you throughout your decision making process.

May only the best come your way.

Sincerely, Katherine Lynn

# Introduction

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies."  
- Gene Hill

Welcome readers and congratulations. You've made an important decision by choosing to read this book. Just about everything you'll need to know when thinking about adding a new puppy or dog to your home is here.

Together we will navigate the oftentimes confusing jargon and terminology used in the dog world. There are pitfalls to avoid and far too much misleading information floating around out there. By the time you have finished this book you will be well equipped to make an educated and informed decision as to what breed, type, sex, and disposition you want in your desired dog.

There is an abundance of material within these pages that you can refer to over and over as time go by. Periodically reading the poisonous plants and foods section is a great way to keep your home doggie safe.

Even if you're not yet ready to take the plunge into doggie adoption, you will be more informed and ready to act when that time does come. You'll gain from the information herein is confidence. Confidence helps you make good, educated decisions. Relax; you have come to the right reading spot. Now let's get you up to speed and onto your new life as a doggie parent.

About me

Let me share with you who I am and how I've come upon the knowledge in this book. As a longtime breeder of pure bred dogs, I've spent many years taking the time to find the right people for my own puppies. Some years ago, it dawned on me that the right puppies seemed to always find their right people. Shortly thereafter I came to the realization that I was more than a breeder; more than a student of pedigrees and conformational structure; I was a match maker. This book is written with that in mind. There is an art to finding the right dog. Choosing wisely will afford you the opportunity to have years and years of companionship with your chosen canine friend.

When considering adding a new furry family member, knowledge is power. I want to empower you and enable you to practice good doggie decision making. I have gathered input from breeders around the world and after pouring over the information, certain patterns emerged. I'll share a blended version of their valuable input with you.

This book will save you hours of research and provide you with the resources needed to make responsible choices. The vast majority of breeders, rescuers, volunteers, etc. spend countless hours endeavoring to successfully place their canine charges into the right homes.

Emotions are a large part of the equation when it comes to selecting our pets. We are fully engaged when cuddling a little puppy. In fact the biggest factor that goes into taking a new puppy home is the emotional one. Second to emotion is money, the financial aspect is a real consideration as well.

Presently, we are undergoing a global shift, if you will, that has us reconsidering the pet shop days of old. It was common to hear "Look at the cute puppy in the window, let's take him home." But we live in different times now. We are more educated and have better communication tools at our disposal. We now are aware of where those cute (oftentimes sickly) puppies come from. They come from 'puppy mills' which are typically large commercial operations where puppies of all sorts are churned out and delivered to pet stores around the country. The hard truth is that the less often we buy those adorable puppies, the less profitable the puppy millers are. Ultimately this is what will stop the inhumane and often cruel treatment present in those types of places. Emotional decisions are encouraged as long as you temper it with necessary knowledge.

I am a longtime breeder and my point of view is reflected in the content of this book. People wear different lenses in life, shaped by their experiences; as do I. Yet I do not exclude rescue workers, volunteers, and all of the workers in the dog world. So when I say puppies you may simply exchange it for rescue dog. When I say breeder you may replace it with rescue worker. Understand the semantics of it all and you realize the essence is the same.

Living your life with the added joy, love and entertainment you'll receive from your canine friend is invaluable. Often while watching my dogs, I am reminded by them to live in the moment. This is a lesson we often forget with today's busy lifestyle. If only we can remember to stop and smell the roses. This is what my dogs have taught me. I observe them living this way, with the right attitude, not in the past and not in the future, but in the present. I like that. It is a refreshing reminder to me that living in the moment is where we should all be.

I have been a lifelong lover and advocate of animals and have spent 30 plus years in the dog world. I have spent considerable time breeding, raising, showing, rescuing and generally being an advocate for animals, giving them a voice so they can be heard. They do need a voice and those of us who can speak for them, must do just that.

In conclusion, I am here to help guide and educate you; arming you with the knowledge to help you make responsible choices.

May your days be filled with canine companionship and all of the joy that comes to you.

Katherine Lynn
Chapter One – A Pledge & Promise

"Knowledge is power".

Francis Bacon - 1597 - English Philosopher

It all starts with you. The responsibilities of dog ownership should always start with good self-examination and a thorough lifestyle examination. There are many questions to consider before we bring a new puppy into our homes and lives.

Let's talk about the level of activity or exercise that your potential canine companion needs. There are many people who live an active lifestyle; on the go; athletics are part of the norm; physical most days. You know the type. In fact you may live this kind of lifestyle. If so you are going to want to look at breeds of dog that have a higher level of activity. Working dogs such as Huskies or Shepard's enjoy living active lifestyles and have the energy for it. If you happen to lead a quiet, more sedentary lifestyle you will want to look at breeds of dog that are happy snoozing on the sofa or following you around the house. It would be wise of you to look at your smaller breeds of dog. Even though many of these little ones are full of energy, a few runs up and back through the house along with some fetching will tucker them out. They'll be resting in no time.

Training in the basic commands is recommended for all dogs, especially with large dogs due to safety concerns. Training your dog to sit, stay, and come when called is the foundation of good behavior. You can even put your dog in obedience school. This is where they can learn new commands and you learn the tips and tricks to get them to listen to you. The American Kennel Club has a program called Canine Good Citizen whereby the dogs are testing for certain good behaviors and if they pass they are given a certificate denoting their success.

Socializing your dog is a critical aspect of training and will be rewarding when you take your pooch along with you to various places. Early exposure to new people, places, and things, will create a healthy, well rounded and socialized canine companion.

Leash laws should be researched and learned, so check your local laws and be a good canine neighbor. Support your purebred dog club, group or organization as they help support and keep alive, the wonderful world of dog sporting.

Taking pride in our appearance extends to proper grooming of our dogs as well. Some breeds are far easier to keep tidy than others. It is wise to identify your dogs' grooming requirements before you take on the responsibility of it all. For example, poodles are 'high maintenance' grooming dogs requiring clipping, shampooing, conditioning and blow drying every month or so. If this isn't an activity you are set up to do at home you will need to take your pup to the groomer on a regular basis and this is an expense that can add up quickly. Other breeds of dog are easy, like short haired Chihuahuas. All they really need is a quick shampoo in the kitchen sink followed by a good towel or blow dry and they're good to go.

The long term expense of caring for your dog needs to be considered. Veterinarian visits can quickly run in the hundreds if not thousands. With a new puppy there will be shot vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, micro-chipping, and a host of possibilities. The list can get exhaustive but at the minimum your dog will need to see the Veterinarian for annual health checks.

Here in the USA the oldest and most respected dog registry is the American Kennel Club. If your dog is a purebred you should register him with the AKC. Not only does this provide legal proof of ownership, you will also receive a complimentary first Veterinarian office visit and complimentary trial pet health care plan. You will also receive information on fun activities you and your dog can participate in. When you support the AKC you are also supporting their programs that benefit the future of so many dogs. They educate the public and have search and rescue teams. They have DNA profiling and a Canine Health Foundation that improves the health of dogs for the future. They also spend time in Washington monitoring legislation in order to help protect the rights of dogs and their owners.

Micro-chipping and registering with a database is the smartest way to help keep your pup safe. Also, this helps establish legal ownership of your dog if something were to ever happen where it would be needed. They also give you tag identification for your dog who should be wearing a collar at all times, unless harmful to the pup.

One of the most important areas where we can add to the health of any dog is nutrition. Nutrition is vital to having a strong and fit dog. The old saying "Junk in - Junk out" applies here. Just as with us humans we are what we eat. Some toy breeds of dog are prone to hypoglycemia and must be feed every few hours during the day. If you have a large breed dog then bloat is an issue. The best way to avoid this life threatening problem is to feed a high quality kibble. So avoid at all costs the cheap, bottom shelf, corn based dog food. It could prove fatal. Also there are food sources that are poisonous, toxic and lethal for dogs. The time and effort spent on the nutritional needs of your dog will save you time and money for years to come. The depth of this subject is broad and deep. I suggest you further research your new canine companions' nutritional needs. These needs change throughout the life of the dog and depend on a number of factors.

Please refer to the chapter on canine nutrition.

Now that we've mentioned some of the day to day functions of having a canine companion, let's take a look at where we can find our new best friend.

# Chapter Two – It Takes All Kinds

"You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals."

― Paul McCartney

The list of places we can find a puppy is long. There are breeders, brokers, puppy-millers, rescue groups, pet shops and more. I commonly tell my clients that I am (the breeder) on call for the life of that puppy. If you are at the Veterinarians' office a few years down the road and have questions with regards to the Veterinarians' recommended course of treatment, call your breeder. The breeder is someone you will have in your corner for years to come; you will go to them time and again for your specific dog related questions. No one really knows more about their dogs than the breeder.

Breeders are more than people who simply mate a couple of dogs. A good breeder is knowledgeable about their breed and about all of their dogs. They can tell you almost to the letter just how their puppies will be as adult dogs. They know the health history of their dogs which gives them good insight as to the future health of the puppies. There is no counting of the hours they've spent studying pedigrees.

If you go to the breeders' home (which I strongly advise) you will see where the pups were born and raised giving you the opportunity to better understand your selected breed. This will allow you to discern the type of environment they've been raised in. It is also a great time to see and interact with the adults allowing you to gain further understanding of the puppies' dispositions. By observing the adults, you will get a good idea of how the breed is when grown.

Are they friendly? Do they look generally well cared for? If you do not see or meet any adults, you are advised to run out the door you entered in. If there are no parents on site, ask yourself the question, where did the puppies come from? Or better yet, ask the person who has the puppies. "Where are the parents of these puppies"? The answer often is a creative one. But by no means should you stay or dare I say 'rescue' one of those unfortunate puppies before you. These people are called brokers and typically know nothing of the puppy's parents. Diminishing the demand and therefore the supply will eventually cause these brokers to quit. Puppy mills are purely in their positions because of the money and when it dries up, so will their business.

But let's get back on track and assume you are working with a reputable breeder.

Below is a list of questions you should ask the breeder before you take a trip out to see any puppies.

  * How long have you been breeding?

  * Are you a member in good standing with the AKC?

  * Describe the temperament and characteristics of the dogs?

  * Does this breed bark a lot?

  * Does this breed shed?

  * Does this breed do well with other animals?

  * How often will grooming be required?

  * How big will the dog get?

  * What age does this breed mature?

  * What are the exercise requirements for this breed of dog?

  * What are the best training methods for this breed?

  * What health screenings have been done prior to mating of the parents?

  * What is the health history of the parent's lineage?

The breeder should be willing to answer all of your questions fully. Breeders who care about their breed of dog will take a tremendous amount of time educating you and offering information on their breed to help you make a good decision. If you are looking for a watch dog then considering a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wouldn't be wise. Now on the other hand if you are looking for a companion dog and travel buddy a Fila Brasileiro would be a poor choice for such excursions.

Breeders know about the traits of their breed. They have a comprehensive understanding of whether or not it would be a good match for you and your lifestyle. You see, breeders are much more that people who produce puppies and go to dogs shows running around in a show ring after primping and posing their charges. Breeders understand that the puppies they are producing are the next generation of any given breed of dog.

A good breeder will spend a decade or more attempting to better their breed. They do testing on their breeding dogs to ensure healthy offspring without congenital defects. Breeders will study the lineage of their dogs with the same goal in mind. It takes many years to acquire the knowledge necessary to better a breed of dog. Passion is a key element followed by determination. Success is a calculated result of planning, study, and effort. Yet somehow there is a wonderful puppy for you to enjoy as a result of all the planning, research and homework. It is my hope that you'll be a fortunate recipient of one wonderful puppy.

Let's consider a different scenario. You are at the mall and there is a pet store there with an adorable puppy in the window. As you walk by you have to stop and look at the cutest puppy ever. Before you know it you are inside and a clerk is getting the puppy for you to hold. It doesn't hurt anything to just hold it, you say to yourself. The clerk, who is an hourly employee, tells you a lovely story about the puppy and its lineage and that it is a wonderful pup. After some paperwork is taken care of you are walking out of the store with that adorable puppy in your arms. This has happened to countless, unsuspecting people since the advent of Pet Stores. There is actually an ugly reality behind this picture.

As you can imagine any breeder, emotionally invested in their dogs will likewise be the same with their puppies. They consider the puppies their responsibility and that means getting those pups into the best homes possible. They will always take a puppy back regardless of the reason or condition of that now adult dog. It all falls under the duties of being a breeder. With that said, ask yourself "How did those puppies end up in a pet store sitting in Plexiglas enclosures."? Those puppies have been born, warehoused, shipped, and stuffed into tiny enclosures. The overwhelming majority of these puppies are sick from the trauma and stress already endured in their short lives. Not to mention the future health problems that arise from indiscriminate breeding and poor nutritional food available to pregnant/lactating mothers.

This is how the process works. Someone gets dogs that are unaltered and able to reproduce. They store them crate high in horrid conditions that I cannot even describe to you. The dogs are literally bred to death. When they are no longer able to produce they are tossed aside with the garbage. The young pups, oftentimes not even old enough to be weaned are removed from the mother dog and put in vari-kennels.

Once a week in a few 'nameless' places around the country, people line up in their cars outside of a gated property. This industrial property, owned by a giant Distribution Corporation, is where the warehouses sit. The persons at the gate have a clipboard with an up to date list of the wholesale value of the specific breeds of puppy. That such person briefly inspects the puppies; does a head count; writes a check for their purchase; places the vari-kennel on a flatbed; then said vehicle makes a U-turn leaving room for the next auto in line to pull up and the process starts again.

When the flatbed is full of crates stuffed with pups, it takes off to store them in the giant warehouses. The puppies are warehoused in enormous metal buildings until which time there is a pet store order they will fill. Then off they go into the back of a semi-truck to their next location, a pet store. In the USA every state receives these shipments as currently there is no state or federal legislation to stop it. This is an enormously profitable business for the distribution company and there are only a few who have the entire market covered.

This process, from beginning to end is the norm. More specifically that means there's a 99% chance that any puppy in a pet store has taken this harrowing journey. Reason enough to NOT purchase a puppy from a Pet Store? I'd say so.

Some pet stores do not have retail space. They operate out of their 'home'. They wholesale purchase an entire litter from a 'breeder' who sells wholesale litters of pups. Oftentimes the entire litter is shipped to them via airplane cargo. Once they retrieve the puppies, they proceed to advertise and sell (retail price) out of their homes. These people are commonly known as 'brokers'. Rarely, if ever will you see an adult dog 'in their home'. They will oftentimes show you a dog picture that is purported to be the parents of the puppies. Surprisingly they are on the cover of a dog magazine. How can that even make any sense? Do not be fooled by these brokers. Even as they tell you a great story they are simply pet stores without a storefront.

The only way we can break this cycle of abuse and disregard for life is to NOT support these abusers of animals. Rest assured that as soon as the money is gone, so are they. Let's support the people and organizations that honestly care about animals and dogs more specifically.

As you can read there are many wide and varied ways to get a puppy. I ask that you support ethical breeders and rescue organizations as the humane choice for picking a puppy or adult dog.

And off my 'soap box' I go.

Without knowing the details of a rescue dog's journey, we can only imagine their stories are as different and unique as the dogs are themselves. There are a great many local non-profit organizations that rescue and rehome dogs of all ages and type. Oftentimes, they are in front of a Petsmart or Petco. Years ago Petsmart decided to quit offering puppies for sale out of their stores across the country.

Petco and Petsmart do not sell dogs or cats. But, they do allow shelters and rescues to adopt their animals at their stores. Typically, weekends are when you can see and meet the dogs currently looking for new forever homes.

# Chapter Three – Past, Present and Future

"Animals are my friends...and I don't eat my friends."

― George Bernard Shaw

There are times in life when we take time to contemplate; make decisions and set goals for ourselves. We then set about achieving those set goals. Let's say for example you have always wanted to adopt a rescued Greyhound from off the race track. By the way, this is an admirable goal to have. By the time you are in a position to actually act on your goal, you might take a minute and re-think it. "I live in a condo and work at a job for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week". "It's not sensible bring home a greyhound." It appears that your living situation isn't favorable to your longtime dream of having a retired Greyhound.

As time goes by the goals we've previously set can become dated and even obsolete. In the present day check to see if it's a 'good fit' or a 'bad fit'. Is it really what we want in the present day? Occasionally, long term goals are at odds with our present situations. Sometimes we don't realize that we have outgrown our dreams and need to rethink them. In fact it is a good idea to every now and again, take stock of our goals and dreams. Are they still valid? Do you still want to pursue them? Personally, this is something I do every New Year's Eve. I've found that my decision making has more clarity when I give it some thoughtful time and attention.

Many times people who are married and childless desire dogs they can nurture and pamper. They want to have companionship and they enjoy taking care of and nurturing others. This is a great solution for empty nesters as well. These homes are best suited for well-adjusted dogs.

Many actively retired couples like to have a companion for their road trips. I personally have placed quite a few dogs with retired RV couples who love the companionship on the road. So if you're looking for this type of canine companion you will want to make certain that you don't end up with a highly active dog that needs loads of physical activity. This would not be ideal for either the humans or the dogs.

Those of you who enjoy outdoor actives such as camping, boating, water skiing, etc. would do best to stay away from fragile breeds of dog. Hearty and robust is what you should be looking for.

The dog world is like most specialty groups; small and getting smaller with time. The internet has made a great contribution to society by freely disseminating information. It is a great research tool, benefiting you as a consumer. Study and research breeds and breeders. This is how you will make good decisions about which breeder or rescue organization you want to work with.

Available resources abound; especially in the latter part of this eBook (shameless plug). I offer you information on all the different breeds of dog, a picture and a short description to help you better understand that specific breed and its' suitability for you.

Of all the choices we make on a daily basis, choosing what kind of dog works best for you and where you are in life, will be one of the biggest ones you'll make.

In order to consider our future with a dog we need to understand our motivations and desires before adding a new furry friend to the family.

# Chapter Four – History of The Canine

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."  
~Roger Caras

Domesticated dogs provided early humans with a guard animal, a source of food, fur, and a beast of burden; humans provided the dogs with food and shelter. The process continues to this day, with the intentional artificial selection and cross-breeding of dogs to create new breeds of dogs.

The earliest fossil carnivores that can be linked with some certainty to canids (wolves, foxes and dogs) are the Eocene Miacids some 38 to 56 million years ago. From the miacids evolved the cat-like (Feloidea) and dog-like (Canoidea) carnivores. The canoid line led from the coyote-sized Mesocyon of the Oligocene (38 to 24 million years ago) to the foxlike Leptocyon and the wolf-like Tomarctus that wandered North America some 10 million years ago.

Canis lepophagus, a small, narrow skulled North American canid of the Miocene era, led to the first true wolves at the end of the Blancan North American Stage such as Canis priscolatrans which evolved into Canis etruscus, then Canis mosbachensis, and in turn C. mosbachensis evolved to become Canis lupus, the Gray Wolf – immediate precursor to the domestic dogs. The particular subspecies of wolf that gave rise to the various lineages of domesticated dogs has yet to be elucidated, but it is thought that either an undiscovered extinct subspecies or Canis lupus pallipes, the Indian wolf, are the best candidates.

How exactly the domestication of the Grey Wolf happened is unclear, but theories include the following:

Orphaned wolf-cubs: Studies have shown that some wolf pups taken at an early age and reared by humans are easily tamed and socialized. At least one study has demonstrated that adult wolves can be successfully socialized. However, according to other researchers attempts to socialize wolves after the pups reach 21 days of age are very time-consuming and seldom practical or reliable in achieving success.

Many scientists believe that humans adopted orphaned wolf cubs and nursed them alongside human babies. Once these early adoptees started breeding among themselves, a new generation of tame "wolf-like" domestic animals would result which would, over generations of time, become more dog-like.

Promise of food/self-domestication: Early wolves would, as scavengers, be attracted to human field kills and refuse left at human campsites. Some experts argue the wolves that were more successful at interacting with humans would pass these traits on to their offspring, eventually creating wolves with a greater propensity to be domesticated. The "most social and least fearful" wolves were the ones who were kept around the human living areas, helping to breed those traits that are still recognized in dogs today.

Other experts believe that a behavioral characteristic called "flight distance" was crucial to the transformation from wild wolf to the ancestors of the modern dog. It represents how close an animal will allow humans (or anything else it perceives as dangerous) to get before it runs away. Animals with shorter flight distances will linger, and feed, when humans are close by; this behavioral trait would have been passed on to successive generations, and amplified, creating animals that are increasingly more comfortable around humans

Furthermore, selection for domesticity had the side effect of selecting genetically related physical characteristics, and behavior such as barking. Hypothetically, wolves separated into two populations–the village-oriented scavengers and the packs of hunters. The next steps have not been defined, but selective pressure must have been present to sustain the divergence of these populations.

As an experiment in the domestication of wolves, the "farm fox" experiment of Russian scientist Dmitry Belyaev attempted to reenact how domestication may have occurred. Researchers, working with wild silver foxes selectively bred over 35 generations and 40 years for the sole trait of friendliness to humans, created more dog-like animals. The "domestic elite" foxes are much more friendly to humans and actually seek human attention, but they also show new physical traits that parallel the selection for tameness, even though the physical traits were not originally selected for. They include spotted or black-and-white coats, floppy ears, tails that curl over their backs, the barking vocalization and earlier sexual maturity.

It was reported on average; the domestic foxes respond to sounds two days earlier and open their eyes one day earlier than their non-domesticated cousins. More striking is that their socialization period has greatly increased. Instead of developing a fear response at 6 weeks of age, the domesticated foxes don't show it until 9 weeks of age or later. The whimpering and tail wagging is a holdover from puppyhood, as are the foreshortened face and muzzle. Even the new coat colours can be explained by the altered timing of development. One researcher found that the migration of certain melanocytes (which determine colour) was delayed, resulting in a black and white 'star' pattern."

Archaeology has placed the earliest known domestication approximately 30,000 BC; yet most certainty at around 7,000 BC. Other evidence suggests that dogs were first domesticated in southern East Asia.

Due to the difficulty in assessing the structural differences in bones, the identification of a domestic dog based on cultural evidence is of special value. Perhaps the earliest clear evidence for this domestication is the first dog found buried together with human from 12,000 years ago in Israel and a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel with joint human and dog interments dating to 14,000 years ago.

In 2008, re-examination of material excavated from Goyet Cave in Belgium in the late 19th century resulted in the identification of a 31,700 year old dog, a large and powerful animal that ate reindeer, musk oxen and horses. This dog was part of the Aurignacian culture that had produced the art in Chauvet Cave.

In 2010, the remains of a 33,000 year old dog were found in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia. DNA analysis published in 2013 affirmed that it was more closely related to modern dogs than to wolves.

In 2011, the skeleton of a 26,000 to 27,000 year old dog was found in the Czech Republic. It had been interred with a mammoth bone in its mouth—perhaps to assist its journey in the afterlife.

Domestication of the wolf over time has produced a number of physical or morphological changes. These include: a reduction in overall size; changes in coat colouration and markings; a shorter jaw initially with crowding of the teeth and, later, with the shrinking in size of the teeth; a reduction in brain size and thus in cranial capacity (particularly those areas relating to alertness and sensory processing, necessary in the wild); and the development of a pronounced "stop", or vertical drop in front of the forehead (brachycephalic). Certain wolf-like behaviors, such as the regurgitation of partially digested food for the young, have also disappeared.

Before DNA was used, researchers were divided into two schools of thought:

Most supposed that these early dogs were descendants of tamed wolves, which interbred and evolved into a domesticated species. Other scientists, while believing wolves were the chief contributor, suspected that jackals or coyotes contributed to the dog's ancestry.

One man, who has conducted the most extensive study to date, has shown that DNA evidence has ruled out any ancestor canine species except the wolf. That team analyzed 162 different examples of wolf DNA from 27 populations in Europe, Asia, and North America. These results were compared with DNA from 140 individual dogs from 67 breeds gathered from around the world. Using blood or hair samples, DNA was extracted and genetic distance for mitochondrial DNA was estimated between individuals.

Based on the mitochondrial DNA evidence, most of the domesticated dogs were found to be members of one of four groups. The largest and most diverse group contains sequences found in the most ancient dog breeds, including the dingo of Australia, the New Guinea Singing Dog, and many modern breeds, like the collie and retriever. Other groups such as the German Shepherd Dog showed a closer relation to wolf sequences than to those of the main dog group, suggesting that such breeds had been produced by crossing dogs with wild wolves. It is also possible that this is evidence that dogs may have been domesticated from wolves on different occasions and at different places. They are still uncertain whether domestication happened once – after which domesticated dogs bred with wolves from time to time – or whether it happened more than once.

The most puzzling fact of the DNA evidence is that the variability in molecular distance between dogs and wolves seems greater than the 10,000–20,000 years assigned to domestication. Yet the process and economics of domestication by humans only emerged later in this period in any case. Based upon the molecular clock studies conducted, it would seem that dogs separated from the wolf lineage approximately 100,000 years ago. While evidence for fossil dogs lessens considerably beyond 14,000 years ago and ending 33,000 years ago, there are fossils of wolf bones in association with early humans from well beyond 100,000 years ago.

Tamed wolves might have taken up with hunter-gatherers without changing in ways that the fossil record could clearly capture. The influx of new genes from those crossings could very well explain the extraordinarily high number of dog breeds that exist today, the researchers suggest. Dogs have much greater genetic variability than other domesticated animals, such as cats.

Once agriculture took hold, dogs would have been selected for different tasks, their wolf-like natures becoming a handicap as they became herders and guards. Molecular biologist Elaine Ostrander is of the view that "When we became an agricultural society, what we needed dogs for changed enormously", and a further and irrevocable division occurred at that point. This may be the point that stands out in the fossil record, when dogs and wolves began to develop noticeably different morphologies.

A study by the Kunming Institute of Zoology found that the domestic dog is descended from wolves tamed less than 16,300 years ago south of the Yangtse River in China. An older report said that all dog mitochondrial DNA came from three wild Asian female wolves.

Suffice to say the verdict is still out on the domestication of the dog.

# Chapter Five – Narrowing the Search

 Dogs don't rationalize. They don't hold anything against a person. They don't see the outside of a human but the inside of a human.

Cesar Millan

The first and most important item in your collection should be knowledge. Hopefully you are getting just that while reading this eBook. Readying yourself with knowledge will help you make good decisions when the time comes for you to either; adopt at the Animal shelter, visit a breeders' home, or contact a rescue organization.

Ask yourself again if you really want a dog. Ask yourself if you are prepared to commit to caring for said dog ten+ years. No more sleeping in on the weekends for a while as you'll be up early taking your pooch out for a walk. Come rain or shine duty will call and you must be ready. Most of your free time will now be allocated to spending time with him/her. After all, dogs do need their exercise.

Consider the impact on your lifestyle. The most obvious is the financial impact of dog ownership. There are grooming requirements, nutritional and veterinary expenses, boarding or babysitting if you're called away from home and cannot take poochie with you.

Whether it's a puppy, an adult or senior dog you're considering adopting, the newness soon wears off, and then you're left with a loving companion for, hopefully, many years to come.

Size matters and must be considered. Quite a while ago I was chatting with a friend who also worked for Great Dane rescue. Surprisingly, she told me the number one reason that Great Danes were relinquished to rescue was because they were too big. If you think about it for a minute it doesn't really make sense. The owners had to know that they were going to be a very large dog when fully grown. They knew Great Danes got giant sized but they didn't foresee; the wagging of tail next to the coffee table, that expensive glass vase goes crashing onto the floor, shards of glass everywhere. Knowing something and practically applying that knowledge doesn't always go hand in hand. This is where a good experienced breeder comes invaluable as they will tell you of the good and of the bad regarding their specific breed of dog.

This is just one example of why after narrowing down a few breeds of dog you are interested in, contact breed specific breeders or breed specific rescue groups. Your Veterinarian should be another person who's full of advice on breeds befitting for your lifestyle.

The following chapters are by no means complete or comprehensive. It does give you a good overview of the different groups of dog.

Sporting dogs are much different than Toy dogs than are much different than Working dog. You get the picture I'm painting here, right?

The following chapters are your general interest. Please use them as a point of reference, now or in the future, when deciding on what breed of dog will fit you best.

The following information was taken from the American Kennel Club breed standards.

# Chapter Six – The Sporting Dog Group

The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals.

Author Unknown

Sporting dogs are naturally active and alert. The sporting dog makes for a likeable and well-rounded companion. Members of this Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most of the sporting dog breeds require regular, invigorating exercise.

Another consideration

  *    **American Water Spaniel** \- Although a very rare breed, the American Water Spaniel has its own state-wide fan club as the State Dog of Wisconsin! A truly dual-purpose dog, bred for companionship and top-notch retrieval ability, the AWS is active, muscular and medium in size. This breed's unique coat can be solid liver, brown or dark chocolate and ranges from Marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The American Water Spaniel developed primarily in the Great Lakes region of the United States in the mid 1800's, with ancestors that include the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. They were the first breed developed in the United States as an all-around hunter that could retrieve from boats. Breed enthusiasts kept the AWS out of the show ring for a short time in fear of ruining his reputation as a hunter, but the breed became recognized by the AKC in 1940. An excellent sporting and family dog, the American Water Spaniel possesses great energy and eagerness for the hunt yet is controllable in the field. Similarly, he loves his daily exercise, but also enjoys just hanging out with his family. Friendly and eager to please, the AWS responds well to obedience training. His short coat requires regular brushing.

  *   **Boykin Spaniel** \- The official State Dog of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, all-around hunting dog with a cheerful, energetic personality. Possessing a rich, chocolate-brown coat and charm to spare, the Boykin is a favorite of hunters due to its willingness to work all day as well as its smaller size, which allows the hunter to lift both dog and duck into the boat at the same time! In the early 1900's, a small dog was found wandering near a church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and one of the people attending services there, a Mr. Alexander L. White, took the dog home as a pet. Mr. White sent the dog to his hunting partner Mr. L. Whitaker Boykin of the Boykin community just outside Camden, South Carolina and the little stray developed into a superb turkey dog and waterfowl retriever. The Boykin has the stamina to stay by its owner's side during a full day of work, so it fits in best with an active family. The breed also thrives on companionship, enjoying the company of children and other dogs. Its coat requires only minimal maintenance beyond a weekly brushing and occasional bathing.

  *  **Brittany** \- The Brittany is a medium-sized, leggy, dual-purpose dog, equally suited for sport and companionship. According to AKC, it has surged in popularity in the last 50 years due to its talents as both a hunting and show dog. Originally called the Brittany spaniel, it is now referred to simply as the Brittany, as its hunting style more closely resembles that of pointing breeds. Its dense, flat or wavy coat can be orange and white or liver and white in either clear or roan patterns. The Brittany was named for the French province where it originated, but records of its development are largely lost. There is a great deal of resemblance between the Brittany and Welsh springer spaniel, which leads many people to believe that the two breeds share the same ancestors. It is possible that native Brittany spaniels mated with English pointing dogs around 1900, intensifying their hunting prowess in the process. The Brittany is strong, quick and agile, requiring exercise and activity to occupy his body and mind. He is a happy and alert dog who possesses willing attitude. Regular brushing is important, but their shorter coats need minimal maintenance.

  *   **Chesapeake Bay retriever** \- Developed along the Chesapeake Bay and named the state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a truly American sporting breed and the toughest water retriever. He is a strong, powerfully built medium-sized breed with yellowish or amber eyes and a distinctive coat - a short, harsh, wavy outer coat with a dense fine wooly undercoat. His color can be brown, sedge or dead grass and must be as close to that of his working surroundings as possible. In 1807, an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland and two Newfoundland's were rescued from the cargo. When bred to local retrievers, including the English Otter Hound, Flat-Coated and Curly-Coated Retriever, the "Chessie" type developed. Bred to work on land and water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originally hunted waterfowl in rough and icy waters, often retrieving several hundred birds per day. The Chesapeake is a happy and intelligent breed whose courage, working ability and love of water mesh best with active, outdoor-loving families. His coat is short, but owners must brush and maintain it regularly, as both the outer coat and undercoat contain oils for protection in harsh conditions.

  *  **Clumber Spaniel** \- One of the original nine breeds registered by the AKC, the Clumber Spaniel's long and low build is particularly unique among spaniels. Although not as speedy as other sporting dogs, the Clumber will work all day, trotting along in his signature slow and rolling gait. He may appear dignified and pensive, but he possesses great enthusiasm for both work and play. The breed possesses a beautiful white coat and may have lemon or orange-colored markings. Some doubt exists about the origin of the Clumber Spaniel, but most believe the breed originated in 18th century France with ancestors such as the Basset Hound and early Alpine Spaniel. The Clumber was prized for his ability to hunt in heavy cover and his quiet style, which allowed him to come up very close to the game. The breed received its modern name when a large French kennel moved Duke of Newcastle's Clumber Park at the start of the French Revolution in an effort to save its dogs. Playful and loving, the Clumber Spaniel fits in well with families and other animals. They enjoy daily walks, but they are not for those who want a jogging partner. Clumber's shed moderately year-round and tend to slobber and drool more than other breeds. An intelligent and independent thinker, the Clumber responds best to positive training.

  *  **Cocker Spaniel** \- Exhibited in the US since the 1880's, the Cocker Spaniel remains one of the most popular breeds according to AKC. The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels can be black, black with tan points, parti-colored or any solid color other than black (ASCOB). As far back as the 14th Century there is mention of the Spanyell, which came to be divided into water and land spaniels. "Cockers" are the smallest of the spaniels in the Sporting Group. The American Cocker has evolved somewhat differently in appearance from the breed now recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. His desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog; he covers territory speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command. He takes to water readily. Despite their small size, the Cocker Spaniel is still an active Sporting breed that needs daily exercise. Regular brushing and a trim every couple months helps keep the coat free of mats. Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family.

  *   **Curly-Coated Retriever** \- Distinguished by its coat of small, tight, water-resistant, crisp curls, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong, robust and agile breed. Developed to be a multi-purpose hunting retriever, the Curly will work for as long as there is work to be done, retrieving game in the heaviest of cover and iciest of waters. The breed's curly coat can be black or liver in color. Although the Curly's origins are unclear, he is one of the oldest of all retriever breeds, thought to have descended from the English Water Spaniel, the St. John's Newfoundland, the retrieving setter and the Poodle. Developed in England as both a waterfowl retriever and upland game hunter, this breed was a favorite of English gamekeepers for his innate field ability, courage and perseverance. An energetic and intelligent dog, the Curly-Coated Retriever is an excellent companion, but requires training and daily exercise or a job to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. One of the more independent retriever breeds, the Curly may appear somewhat aloof, but is always willing to please. Their coat is easy to care for, requiring only occasional bathing.

  *   **English Cocker Spaniel** \- An active sporting dog, the English Cocker Spaniel's compact, solid body practically vibrates with energy and enthusiasm, particularly when at work in the field. Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed is a tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. His coat can be solid-colored (black, liver or shades of red) or parti-colored, including ticking or roaning. One of the oldest types of land spaniel known, the Cocker descended from the original spaniels of Spain. They were used to hunt in dense cover, flushing and retrieving game. In 1935, The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America was formed in the United States to promote the interest of the English Cocker and differentiate it from the American-type Cocker that was emerging. The English Cocker was recognized as separate from the American Cocker Spaniel by the AKC in 1946. Merry and affectionate, the English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent family companion due to its even disposition and trainability. Whether working in the field or at home lounging on their owner's bed, their tails rarely stop wagging. The breed can live in any environment provided it receives daily exercise. Their medium-long coat does take some care, including brushing and regular stripping or clipping.

  *  **English Setter** \- A graceful and elegant gun dog. The English Setter today excels in the show, obedience and agility rings as well as in the field. Although similar in function to the Irish and Gordon Setters, the English is a distinct breed, differing personality and appearance. Their beautiful feathered coat is white with an intermingling of darker hairs resulting in markings called "belton." Belton markings can be orange, blue (white with black markings), tricolor (blue belton with tan points), lemon and liver. One of the oldest gun dog breeds, the English Setter was developed in England more than 400 years ago. Believed to have developed from Spaniel stock, the breed was originally called a Setting Spaniel. Before the use of firearms, this "Setting Spaniel" would find the birds and then crouch down on its front legs or "set" to allow the hunter to throw a net over the game. When guns became widely used, a more upright pointing stance was bred into the Setter so he could be more easily seen. This gentle, affectionate family dog loves to be with its people and does not thrive when isolated in a yard or kennel. Athletic and energetic, they also require daily vigorous exercise either on leash or in a fenced area. Their beautiful, feathered coat requires regular maintenance, including brushing and clipping.

  *   **English Springer Spaniel** \- The English Springer Spaniel has been endowed with style, enthusiasm, and an "eager to please" quality common to most spaniels. He is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body. He has long, hanging ears and a moderately long coat that can be black or liver with white, blue or liver roan, and tricolor. English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally born in the same litters; the smaller "Cockers" hunted woodcock while their larger littermates were utilized to flush, or "spring," game. In 1902 the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed (separate from English Cockers). The Springer Spaniel became even better known in North America after 1924, when the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed and field trials were started for the first time. Cheerful and affectionate, Springer's love their families and like to stick close to their owners. They make excellent house pets, but require daily exercise and need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats neat and free of mats.

  *  **Field Spaniel** \- Known for its level-headedness and perseverance, the Field Spaniel is a medium-sized flushing spaniel, built for activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. One of the rarest spaniel breeds (they nearly went extinct!); the Field possesses moderately long, pendulous ears and a single coat that is both dense and water-repellent. He can be black, liver or golden liver in color; tan points or white markings are acceptable. The Field Spaniel originated in England in the mid 1800's and was used to find, flush and retrieve both fur and feather from land and water. The breed was introduced to America in the 1880's but did not become a distinct breed from Cockers until the 20th century, when it was decided that anything above 25 pounds qualified as a Field Spaniel (the larger of the two types of land spaniel). A docile and fun-loving companion, the Field Spaniel sticks close to his family and wants to participate in any and all family activities. They may be initially reserved when meeting strangers, but quickly warm up to people. They require regular walks, but their medium-length coat (less than other Spaniel breeds) makes grooming fairly easy, requiring only weekly brushing and occasional trimming.

  *    **Flat-Coated Retriever** \- Although his tail never stops wagging, the Flat-Coated Retriever is suited for hard work. Originally bred to flush and retrieve both upland game and waterfowl, he transfers his determination, desire and verve on the hunting field to everyday life, enthusiastically participating in family activities and in the show, obedience and agility rings. Slightly racier and more moderate in bone than other retriever breeds, the Flat-Coat has a solid black or liver-colored coat that protects him from the elements and lies straight and flat. The Flat-Coat's ancestry includes the "Retriever Proper," a cross-breed emerging from the Large Newfoundland, setter, sheepdog, and spaniel-like water dogs. These retrievers were invaluable to fishermen and often traded between Britain and North America, where they became known as generic "Labrador" dogs. Eventually, a breed known as the Wavy-Coated (subsequently Flat-Coated) Retriever appeared and became distinct to these "Labrador" dogs. Described by all who meet him as cheerful, optimistic and good-humored, the Flat-Coat excels as a family companion. He requires regular vigorous exercise, however, due to his working heritage. Dog sports such as obedience, agility and hunt tests provide both mental and physical exercise. Among Sporting breeds, the Flat-Coat is easy to maintain, needing only occasional brushing and bathing.

  *   **German Shorthaired Pointer** \- A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color. The German Shorthaired Pointer thrives as part of an active family. He is an even-tempered, intelligent and loyal family watchdog that has enthusiasm for its work. An athlete, he can adapt to his living situation, but requires consistent exercise. The GSP's short coat sheds, but grooming is minimal.

  *   **German Wirehaired Pointer** \- When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all; they created the German Wirehaired Pointer, a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog. Strong and medium-sized, with a typical Pointer personality, the breed's most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat. Weather resistant and water-repellant, the outer coat is straight, harsh, and wiry and flat lying, which helps to protect the dog against rough cover while hunting. The coat must be liver and white in color. The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear, but the source of the breed seems to have been the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer, and various crossings with local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs. When the Germans introduced the English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer prototype, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting virtue with clean lines, good looks and sound temperament. Loyal and affectionate, the German Wirehaired Pointer craves human companionship and bonds closely with its "people." A high energy and high drive breed, the Wirehair must receive regular exercise or have a job to do; otherwise their creativity and independence may get them into trouble! Although they shed lightly year-round, Wirehairs with a correct coat require only minimal grooming.

  *  **Golden Retriever** \- The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States according to the AKC. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also makes him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed, and can range from light to dark gold. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800's and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game. He crossed his original "Yellow Retriever" with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integration of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today. This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt too many different living situations but requires daily exercise. His water-repellant double-coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own.

  *   **Gordon Setter** \- The heaviest of the three setter breeds, the Gordon Setter was originally bred as a personal bird dog, but they are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience competitors and show dogs today. Sturdy and muscular, the Gordon suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed while on the move. The breed's distinctive black and tan coat allows it to be found easily in light fields and early snow. The Gordon hails from Scotland, and his ancient lineage traces back to the early 17th century. Popular among hunters of Scotland, the black-and-tan Setter came into prominence in the kennels of the fourth Duke of Gordon in the early 19th century. As field trials became more popular, the Gordon's popularity waned in favor of Pointers and other flashy, fast breeds, but the breed remained unparalleled as a one-man shooting dog. Alert and confident, the Gordon Setter is devoted to his family. Although they are bright, they are not blindly obedient, so may appear stubborn. Gordon's are capable of adapting to a variety of living situations, but need plenty of daily exercise on leash or in a fenced area. Regular grooming is also necessary to prevent matting.

  *   **Irish Red and White Setter** \- Despite its name, the Irish Red and White Setter is a distinct breed, not just a different colored version of the Irish Setter. Bred primarily for the field, they should be strong, powerful and athletic, with a keen and intelligent attitude. The coat's base color is white with solid red patches. Known in Ireland since the 17th century, the Red and White is thought to be the older of the two Irish Setters. However, due to the overwhelming popularity of its solid red cousin, and separate breeding of the two breeds, the Irish Red and White Setter was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century. During the 1920's, efforts were made to revive the Irish Red and White Setter and by the 1940's, the breed began to reemerge in Ireland. Courageous, spirited and determined, the breed's energy in the field carries over to the home, so Red and White Setters require regular exercise. Their kind and friendly attitudes make them great family dogs. They need minimal brushing or trimming – owners prize a natural appearance and the breed tends to carry less coat than the Irish Setter.

  *  **Irish Setter** \- One of the most distinctive Sporting breeds, the mahogany red Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog. Originally bred to be red and white, the solid red color appeared in Ireland the 19th century and became a mark of quality and superior sporting ability. Over two feet tall at the shoulder, the Irish is known for his style, powerful movement and clown-like personality. The Irish Setter became popular in the 18th century throughout Ireland and the British Isles. Developed from a mix of Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and a dash of Gordon Setter, the breed was originally used to "set" game, crouching low near the birds so that the hunters could walk up and throw a net over bird and dog. When firearms were introduced, the Irish adapted into a gun dog that pointed, flushed and hunted in an upright stance. A rollicking breed, the Irish Setter is high-energy and requires regular exercise. His outgoing and stable personality makes him a favorite with families. Their long, glossy red coat, although beautiful, must be groomed regularly to prevent snarls or mats.

  *   **Irish Water Spaniel** \- The clown of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel will think of creative ways to accomplish even the slightest of tasks. Strong and intelligent, the tallest spaniel breed possesses several unique characteristics \- its liver-colored curly coat and signature "rat tail." The water-repellant double coat consists of dense, tight ringlets with a topknot of long, loose curls and a smooth face. The "rat" tail is thick and covered with curls at the base, tapering to a fine point covered with short, smooth hair. A dog of ancient

lineage, there is evidence of Irish Water Spaniel-type remains going back as far as the 7th and 8th centuries AD. In the late 1100's, dogs found in southern Ireland below the River Shannon were called Shannon Spaniels, Rat-Tail Spaniels or Whip-Tail Spaniels, among other things. Records document the "Water Spagnel" with "long, rough, curled hair and a tail somewhat bare and naked." Today's IWS is a true dual-purpose hunting dog, as qualified with upland game as with waterfowl. A typical Sporting dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is an active and energetic companion. He possesses the natural instinct to please, making him relatively easy to train, but regular exercise is important. Suitable for allergy sufferers, their hypoallergenic coats require brushing every few weeks and trimming every two months to neaten and shape the coat.

  *   **Labrador Retriever** \- The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States, according to the AKC. This versatile hunting breed comes in three colors - yellow, black and chocolate - and because of his aptitude to please his master they excel as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams or in narcotics detection with law enforcement. Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, were initially used in work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed's history, "Labs," as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to perform as an efficient retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting. An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed which sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet.

  *    **Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever** \- Medium sized, powerful and compact, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retrievers. He developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl. The playful action of the Toller retrieving a stick or ball along the shoreline arouses the curiosity of the ducks offshore. This lures them within gunshot range, and then the dog is sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds. Their water-repellant double coat is any shade of red, often with white markings. There is no authentic record of the development of the Toller, but present day thinking is that the basic stock was the red decoy dog, probably brought to Nova Scotia with the early settlers from Europe. Crosses with other breeds, possibly spaniel and setter-type dogs, retriever-type dogs, and farm collie, produced today's Toller. Originally known as the Little River Duck Dog after the district of Yarmouth County, or as a Yarmouth Toller, the Toller has now bred true for generations. Highly intelligent, alert and outgoing, the Toller is normally ready for action, desiring a job to do or some kind of activity. He is affectionate and loving with family members and is good with children, showing patience. A natural-looking breed, the Toller does not require much coat maintenance beyond occasional brushing and baths.

  *   **Pointer** \- A hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go, the Pointer is bred primarily for sport afield and definitely looks the part. He gives the impression of power and grace, with a noble carriage, an intelligent expression and a muscular body. His short coat can be liver, lemon, black, and orange; either in combination with white or solid-colored. Pointers first appeared in England around 1650 and were the first breed used to stand game. Before wing-shooting with guns became popular, Pointers were often used to locate and point hares in conjunction with Greyhound coursing. The Pointer's lineage is foggy, but there is no question that it includes Foxhound, Greyhound, and Bloodhound crossed with some sort of "setting spaniel," which played an important part in the creation of all modern bird dogs. The Pointer's even temperament and alert good sense make him a congenial companion both in the field and in the home, but he requires both physical and mental exercise. He should be dignified, but should never show timidity toward man or dog. The breed's short coat is easy to care with minimal effort.

  *   **Spinone Italiano** \- An excellent retriever by nature and an experienced hunter on any terrain, the Spinone is robust, sociable and docile. His wiry, dense coat and thick skin enable him to negotiate underbrush and endure cold water that would severely punish any dog not so naturally armored. The coat can be solid white; white and orange; orange roan with or without orange markings; white with brown markings, brown roan with or without brown markings. The Spinone Italiano, or Italian Pointer, is Italy's all-purpose hunting dog. The dog is a Pointer of the old school, that is, a rather slow-footed dog similar to those used before the era of wing shooting. It is estimated to be a cross of coarse-haired Italian Setters, bred with those left by Greek traders and others from the Adriatic coast, in addition to crosses with the White Mastiff and perhaps French Griffons. An active, energetic breed, the Spinone loves to romp in the field, but is happy as long as it's with its family. As a naturally cautious dog, owners should socialize the breed and begin training early. The Spinone is the ultimate wash and wear breed and should remain in a natural state, with just occasional brushing and hand-stripping. Owners beware, however - after a drink, their wet and messy beard may leave trail of water wherever they go!

  *   **Sussex Spaniel** \- Although the Sussex Spaniel originated centuries ago, the breed's appearance has remained virtually unchanged still today. The Sussex possesses a rich golden liver coat unique to the breed, and has a long, low and somewhat massive body. Although not as fast as other Spaniel breeds, the Sussex has a great nose and is well suited for working through dense underbrush on the hunt. While the Sussex Spaniel was one of the original nine breeds recognized by the AKC in 1884, it has actually existed as a breed for much longer. It originated in the 18th century in the county of Sussex, England, where it was used as a field dog. At that time, the custom of hunting on foot made the Sussex a popular hunting companion and very useful in flushing and retrieving upland game. Despite its somber and serious expression, the Sussex is friendly, with a cheerful and tractable disposition. They enjoy walks with their families and are good with children and other dogs. The Sussex requires weekly brushing, with special attention paid to anything that might have gotten caught in their long, thick ear hair. Owners should also be prepared for a large quantity of drool.

  *   **Vizsla** \- Originally from Hungary, the Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog that is essentially Pointer in type, although he combines characteristics of both pointer and retriever. They have attractive golden rust in color, this "dual" dog is popular in both the field and the show ring due to his power and drive while hunting and his trainability in the home. The Vizsla's ancestors were hunters and companions for the Magyar hordes, a tribe that settled in what is now known as Hungary. A favorite of early barons, Vizsla's are depicted in etchings as far back as the 10th century. The Vizsla thrives as part of an active family that provides daily exercise. He is lively and affectionate to his people, and possesses an above-average ability to take training. Although he sheds, his short coat requires low daily maintenance.

  *  **Weimaraner** \- Often referred to as the "grey ghost" because of the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat, the Weimaraner is a graceful dog with aristocratic features. Bred for speed, good scenting ability, courage and intelligence, he remains an excellent game hunter and active participant in other dog sports. Originally known as the Weimer Pointer (derived from the court that sponsored the breed), the Weimaraner is a product of selective German breeding and comes from the same general stock as other German hunting breeds. It is believed to be a descendant of the Bloodhound and was originally used to hunt wolves, deer and bear. Over the years because of the rarity of bigger game in his surroundings, the Weimaraner adapted to become a bird dog and personal hunting companion. Lauded for his ability to work with great speed, fearlessness and endurance when on the hunt, the Weimaraner is also known for being an easily trainable, friendly and obedient member of the family. This is a breed that loves children and enjoys being part of his family's "pack." Grooming maintenance is low due to his short coat.

  *   **Welsh Springer Spaniel** \- A compact dog built for hard work, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a distinct breed, not a variety of the English Springer Spaniel. With his excellent nose and slightly webbed feet, the breed is a versatile hunter, water dog and retriever. Their trademark coat is a striking red and white in color. During the Renaissance, the "Land Spaniel," a Welsh Springer-type dog with red and white markings, was used for retrieving, and tapestries of the time depict a dog very similar to the Welsh. Originally, he was bred to spring game toward a net or into the air prior to the invention and common use of the gun. Although the breed was fashionable with the nobility in the 1700's, the English Springer Spaniel soon replaced it in popularity. A small group of breeders kept the breed from becoming extinct. Active, loyal and possessing an even disposition, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is an excellent companion for families and hunters alike. The breed is a "Velcro" dog and prefers to be with its people. Welsh Springer's possess a stubborn streak, but respond well to training if it starts early. This athletic dog needs daily exercise and at least weekly brushing to maintain its coat.

  *    **Wirehaired Pointing Griffon** \- Medium sized and bred to cover all terrain encountered by the walking hunter, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has been called the "4-wheel drive of hunting dogs" as he will enter briars or underbrush without hesitation. Griffs excel equally as pointers in the field and as retrievers in the water. Their coarse double coat protects them in rough cover and gives them an unkempt appearance. It can be a variety of colors, most often steel gray with brown markings. Griffon-like dogs have existed throughout history, but exact origins are uncertain. The modern history of the breed, however, has been well documented. Dutchman Eduard Korthals was an avid hunter and desired a dog that could hunt over a variety of terrain, so he developed a breeding program to create a versatile new sporting breed. In less than two decades, Korthals had fixed the new breed he called the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon, wrote the standard and formed a Griffon club. The Griffon's easy trainability, devotion to family, and friendly temperament endear him to all. He thrives on human companionship and prefers to be a house dog. The breed's wiry coat will not develop fully until the dog is about 2-3 years old and is maintained with regular brushing and stripping. This sporting dog needs plenty of exercise to keep it physically and mentally fit.

When mulling over these generalized descriptions of the many sporting dogs you can understand why these dogs are more than accouterments. They need frequent activity to channel their physical energy and to keep alert minds. If you are the 'outdoorsy/active' type then a sporting breed of dog may suit you. If not then maybe another group of dogs will better meet your requirements. Let's take a look at the Terrier group.

# Chapter Seven – The Terrier Dog Group

"I used to look at my dog Smokey and think, 'If you were a little smarter you could tell me what you're thinking,' and he'd look at me like he was saying, 'If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to.

Fred Jungclaus

People familiar with this Group of dogs invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland white terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters. As with the previous group of dogs I will keep my personal favorites, opinions, and tastes out of your way, with the hopes of allowing you to make a decision that is best for your family.

  *  **Airedale Terrier** \- The undisputed "King of Terriers," the Airedale Terrier is the largest and hardiest of the terriers, and an all-around useful dog. The breed's coat is hard, dense and wiry, with a softer undercoat, and comes in both tan and black and tan and grizzle. This breed was one of the first used for police duty in Germany and Great Britain and has also been popular with Presidents, including Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge. The Airedale is thought to have originated in the valley of the Aire in England, descended from the now extinct black-and-tan type terrier. The first Airedales looked completely different from how they appear today, and were known as Working, Waterside and Bingley Terriers. Eventually, the Airedale became known as a dog that could do it all, and was used for wartime guard, messenger duty, rodent control and hunting bird and game. The Airedale has a sweet disposition, but when challenged, is not afraid to stand up for himself. Obedience training is important for these quick learners, but make sure to keep it interesting - they can get bored easily! They also thrive with daily exercise. Although relatively easy to maintain, the Airedale coat needs regular brushing and stripping.

  *   **American Staffordshire Terrier** \- Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff)'s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. He is often identified by his stocky body and strong, powerful head. The breed's short coat can be any color, and either solid colored, parti-colored or patched. Until the early 19th century, the Bulldog used for bullbaiting in England was more active and longer-legged than the breed as we know it today. It is thought that the cross of this older Bulldog and a game terrier breed created the Staffordshire Terrier. Originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half or Pit Dog, it became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England. When accepted for AKC registration in 1936, the name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to reflect the heavier American type and to distinguish them as separate breeds. The Am Staff is a people-oriented dog that thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do. Although friendly, this breed is loyal to his family and will protect them from any threat. His short coat is low-maintenance, but regular exercise and training is necessary.

  *   **Australian Terrier** \- The Australian Terrier is small and sturdy with a blue and tan, sandy or red coat that is harsh in texture. They have a keen and alert expression and confident spirit. They are versatile in their work and living situations, making suitable companions in most environments. The Australian Terrier was developed to assist its owner during work in the rugged Australian Outback. He worked side by side with pioneers to control vermin and snake populations, sound the alarm when intruders approached, and help tend livestock. It was the first breed to be recognized as native to Australia in 1868. The breed is described as spirited, alert and courageous, but also friendly and affectionate around humans. Australian Terriers can adapt to rural or urban dwellings and they do well with a family or someone living alone. The breed has a weatherproof double coat which sheds little and is suitable in any climate.

  *   **Bedlington Terrier** \- Graceful and lithe in appearance, the Bedlington Terrier has a big heart and loveable nature. The breed is best known for its curly, woolly coat which starts out dark in puppyhood and fades to a pale bluish gray, sandy or liver, giving him the appearance of a lamb. The breed is named for the Bedlington Mining Shire in the county of Northumberland, England, where it was developed. In the early 1800's it was used to quickly dispatch a variety of vermin, and coal miners enjoyed racing the dogs for sport. Its gracefully shaped body lends the Bedlington to great speed and endurance. The Bedlington has a mild and gentle temperament and is neither fussy nor mischievous. The breed is an energetic playmate for children but not overly rambunctious. Regular playtime and walks will keep the Bedlington fit and in high spirits. The coat requires trimming by an experienced groomer to keep it in proper form.

  *  **Border Terrier** \- Alert, active and agile, the Border Terrier is willing to squeeze through narrow holes and sprint across any terrain to capture his quarry: the fox. This persistence made him an excellent working terrier back in England, and allows him to succeed in Earth dog, Obedience and Agility trials today. Known for his "otter" head and game attitude, the Border is medium-sized with a wiry coat that may be red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten with a dark muzzle. The Border originated in the border country between England and Scotland, and may be one of the oldest kinds of terriers in Great Britain. Purely a working terrier, the Border was bred to protect the stock of their owners. They had sufficient length of leg to follow a horse, but were small enough to follow a fox to ground. Borders on the farm in the 18th century also had to find their own food, so they had to be good hunters to survive. While he is as hard as nails in the field, the Border Terrier is good tempered and affectionate in the home. He learns quickly and responds well to obedience training, but must be kept engaged and well-exercised, as he's an active dog. The Border's weather resistant coat requires occasional brushing and hand stripping approximately twice per year.

  *  **Bull Terrier** \- Playful and clownish, the Bull Terrier is best described as a three year-old child in a dog suit. Given his muscular build, the Bull Terrier can appear unapproachable, but he is an exceedingly friendly dog, with a sweet and fun-loving disposition and popular in the obedience, agility and show rings. The Bull Terrier can be all white (markings on the head are permissible) or colored. Bulldog-terrier crosses, of various sizes and colors, became popular as sporting dogs in the early 1800's. Around 1860, English dog dealer James Hinks developed a more refined version of these crosses, distinguished by its all white coat. These dogs soon established themselves as a new breed - the Bull Terrier. In Hinks' day they were often referred to as White Cavaliers. In the early 1900's Bull Terriers were back crossed with brindle Staffordshire's to produce a colored variety. Bull Terriers become much attached to their owners and families and do not thrive when left alone. The breed loves children, but obedience training is necessary and care must be taken that they don't get over stimulated around younger children. Their short coats are easy to care for, but the breed requires daily exercise.

  *  C **airn Terrier** \- Best known as "Toto" from the Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier is a small, hardy working terrier. Originally bred to aid Scottish farmers in ridding their properties of pests, Cairns today use their tenacity to excel in obedience, agility, terrier and tracking trials. Alert and active, this breed possesses a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be any color except white. The hair around the head gives him a general foxy expression. The Cairn originated in the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye, initially grouped in the "Skye Terrier" class alongside the Scottish and West Highland White Terriers. In the early 1900's, the three breeds began to be bred separately. The name "Cairn" refers to the rock dens that foxes and badgers lived in throughout the countryside. The dog would squirm down into these "cairns" and bark to hold the predator until the farmer killed it. Cairns love their families, but may try to test their owner's limits, so obedience training is necessary. Although they learn quickly, the Cairn may always have the instinct to dig and chase small animals, so new owners should be prepared for these behaviors. Regular brushing and exercise are also necessary to keep the breed fit and happy.

  *  **Cesky Terrier** \- The Cesky Terrier is a well-muscled, short legged and well-pigmented hunting terrier that was developed to be worked in packs. The breed originated in the Czech Republic and is considered one of the country's national breeds. As such, it has been featured on postage stamps, on television, in books and even in a movie. The Cesky has natural drop ears, a natural tail, and sports a soft, long, silky coat in shades of gray from charcoal to platinum. Mr. Frantisik Horak, an avid hunter and breeder of Scottish Terriers, had a vision of creating a terrier suitable for hunting in packs in the forests of Bohemia. In 1949, he completed the first breeding between a Scottish Terrier and Sealyham Terrier that would eventually become the Cesky Terrier. In 1950, he reported his record of these breeding's to the Czech Terrier Club (FCI) and made the request to name the new breed the "Cesky (chess - key) Terrier." Keen and alert, the Cesky Terrier has been used in hunting fox, rabbits, ducks, pheasants, and even wild boar. Cesky Terriers are loyal family members who require continued socialization throughout their lives due to their reserved nature towards strangers. They are an active breed and like most terriers, love to dig. Cesky's require a moderate amount of grooming with monthly clippings. A secure backyard where the breed can get regular exercise is strongly recommended.

  *   **Dandie Dinmont Terrier** \- The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is characterized by his long, low body and "scimitar" tail, which looks like a curved sword, as well as his large soulful eyes and fluffy head of hair. Though small in stature, the Dandie has the character of a big dog, possessing confidence, intelligence and an independent nature. The breed's allowable coat colors are described as "pepper" and "mustard." The Dandie Dinmont was first recorded as a distinct breed around 1700 and has been popular with both gypsies and the wealthy at various points in his history. Originally bred to go to ground, he was well known for his skill in catching otter and badgers. Dandies were made famous when Sir Walter Scott wrote about them in _Guy Mannering_ in 1814. Scott's farmer character was named Dandie Dinmont, after whom the breed was soon named. As a companion, the Dandie Dinmont is affectionate towards his family yet it would be characteristic for a Dandie to show little interest in a stranger. The breed would do well in a rural or urban setting with daily walks. The Dandie does not shed, but his coat must be stripped about twice a year and brushed daily.

  *   **Glen of Imaal Terrier** \- The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rough-and-ready working terrier that is the least known of the four terrier breeds native to Ireland. Longer than tall and sporting a harsh coat of medium length, the Glen is very much a big dog on short legs. The Glen is the only terrier breed of Ireland _not_ defined by a single color. Acceptable colors for the breed are various shades of wheaten, blue and brindle. Initially bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt badger and fox, these rugged dogs also had a unique task for which they were expressly designed to perform - they were turnspit dogs. The turnspit was a large wheel which, when paddled by the dog, would turn a spit over the hearth -- a canine propelled rotisserie. Today's Glens are very much the same as the Glens that worked the lowlands of County Wicklow 100 years ago, with very little refinement or influence by fashion. When working, the Glen is active, agile, silent and intent upon its game; otherwise, he can be a docile companion for families with older children. A real terrier of considerable substance and temperament, this breed is a harsh-coated breed that requires stripping twice a year. Hair should also be removed from under the tail, the ears, and from between the pads.

  *  **Irish terrier** \- The Irish Terrier sports a beautiful red coat, an alert expression and trim outline with piercing eyes that reflect a rare intelligence. He is a gallant picture of authentic terrier type and character. The breed is good tempered, spirited and game. The breed's coat is short and wiry in texture. His origin has been much debated, but there is indisputable evidence that he is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. Early Irish Terriers came in a variety of colors, including black and tan, gray, and brindle. It was only near the end of the 19th century that the solid red color became a fixture of the breed. In World War I the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger and sentinel. The Irish Terrier is a smart, quick dog that quickly adapts to new situations. He'll guard his home and family members with determination and pluck. This breed is great with children when raised with them and is deeply loyal to his owner. Pups require firm boundaries so they will grow into respectful adults.

  *   **Kerry blue terrier** \- Intelligent and game, the Kerry Blue Terrier is truly an all-purpose dog. Originally bred to hunt and retrieve, Kerries can be found today in the show, obedience, agility, herding and earth dog rings. The Kerry's trademark soft, wavy coat can range from deep slate gray blue to light blue gray. Kerry Blues are born black and, if correct, possess the dominant gene for coat fading. They will fade and acquire their adult color by 18 months. A native of County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier was used as an all-round working and utility terrier, responsible for hunting small game and birds, retrieving from land and water, and herding sheep and cattle. It is thought that the peasantry of Ireland developed the Kerry as an answer to the nobility using Irish Wolfhounds. The Kerry was used to help the peasantry to silently hunt the noble hunting grounds. Energetic and fun-loving, the Kerry Blue Terrier enjoys being part of a family. They possess a typical terrier personality though and require daily exercise and firm and patient training. Families with other pets should beware; as hunters, Kerries may not accept cats or small pets. Their coats are hypoallergenic, but still need to be brushed and trimmed regularly.

  *  **Lakeland Terrier** \- The Lakeland Terrier has a dense, wiry coat with longer hair on the legs and muzzle, often giving him a distinct beard. Small, sturdy and workmanlike, the breed's narrow frame allows him to squeeze into rocky dens to chase after vermin. While generally a show dog or family companion today, Lakelands can also be found utilizing their natural instincts at earth dog events or digging in the backyard. The breed comes in a variety of colors including blue, black, liver, red and wheaten with or without a patch of color over the back and shoulders called a "saddle". The Lakeland is an English breed dating back to the 1800's. One of the oldest living terrier breeds still known today, they were originally developed by farmers to accompany them on hunts and to prevent fox and other vermin from destroying their sheep herds. The Lakeland is bold, friendly and confident but has a quiet disposition. While he is well suited for a variety of living situations including rural and urban settings, the Lakeland's energy level makes him well suited for an active lifestyle. His coat shed minimally but requires periodic clipping by a groomer.

  *   **Manchester Terrier** \- The Manchester Terrier comes in two varieties: the Toy, which weighs up to 12 lbs. and the Standard, which weighs more than 12 lbs. but must not exceed 22 lbs. They are black and tan in color and have a short, sleek coat. They are neat and tend to groom themselves. The Manchester Terrier was developed in England and originates from the Black and Tan Terrier, the oldest known terrier breed. They were bred to hunt rats and other small vermin and still retain that ability today. The cuddly house pet quickly turns into an efficient worker whether in the backyard or field when it detects the presence of a rodent. The Manchester Terrier is a lively, sharp witted breed that is eager to learn. The breed is extremely loyal to its owner(s) and forms a strong bond early on. Since it is a terrier breed, the Manchester has a tendency to test boundaries, making consistency important in any form of training. This is not a "barky" or neurotic breed, but they are good watchdogs. They do well in rural and urban environments.

  *   **Miniature Bull Terrier** \- The Miniature Bull Terrier is in every way - except size - exactly like the Bull Terrier. Bull Terriers were first meant to be rough, tough fighting dogs but now exhibit a much gentler, playful personality. As a matter of fact, the jovial nature and the distinctive egg-shaped head of the Bull Terrier made it an apt choice for Target ads and Anhauser Busch's popular "Spuds McKenzie" ad campaign. The breed can be solid white or colored. When created in the early part of the nineteenth century from crossing a Bulldog with the now-extinct White English Terrier, Bull Terriers as small as the present day Miniature were common if not the rule. Early in the Bull Terrier's history, breeders thought he wasn't big enough, so they added some Spanish Pointer to the breed. Because of the variety in sizes that resulted, breeders began to separate the Bull Terriers into groups: Miniature (midsize), and Standard (the largest). The strongly built, active and determined Miniature Bull Terrier is often described as clownish and fearless. Although fond of both grown-ups and children, they may become too energetic for small children without the proper exercise and training. They are not recommended for families with other non-canine pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs. This easy to groom breed requires only occasional brushing.

  *   **Miniature Schnauzer** \- Known for his distinguished, handsome appearance, the Miniature Schnauzer is characterized by its whiskers and double coat, which has a hard, wiry outer coat and close, soft undercoat. Coat colors can be salt and pepper, black and silver and solid black. Despite his small stature, the Miniature Schnauzer can give an alarm just as well as a larger dog. That, combined with his naturally protective nature, makes him an excellent watchdog. He is also the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, which include the Giant and the Standard. Derived from the Standard Schnauzer from Germany, the Miniature was exhibited as a distinct breed as early as 1899. He was originally bred to be a small farm dog, able to go to ground for all kinds of vermin, and is recognizable in German paintings as far back as the 15th century. Smart, trainable and consistently cheerful, this diminutive breed adapts easily to small city apartments, yet remains just as much at home in the country with lots of space to run around. Their double coat requires hand stripping for the show ring or clipping for the average pet owner, but sheds very little.

  *  **Norfolk Terrier** \- One of the smallest working terriers, the Norfolk Terrier is active, compact and hardy, considered to be the "perfect demon" in the field. Farmers and hunters admire the breed's gameness, loyalty and great charm. Known for his drop ears, the Norfolk Terrier has a wiry, weather resistant coat that can be red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. A native of England, the Norfolk used to be considered the same breed as the Norwich Terrier. Comfortable working alone or in packs, it was developed as a barnyard ratter and used to bolt vermin such as fox from their dens during hunts. In 1979 the drop eared variety became known as the Norfolk Terrier and the prick eared version the Norwich Terrier. Today, the two breeds have slight differences and different breed standards. Energetic and spry, the Norfolk Terrier does well with other animals and families. They are known for their ability to adapt to different situations, making the breed ideal for either the city or country lifestyle. They make affectionate and loyal companions and enjoy walks and spending time with their owners. The Norfolk's coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping.

  *  **Norwich Terrier** \- Spirited and stocky with prick ears and a slightly foxy expression, the Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest working terriers. Despite his small size, the Norwich has good substance and is an eager worker. The breed's wiry, weather resistant coat can be red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. The Norwich originated in East Anglia, England and was developed as a barnyard ratter. Game and hardy, they were used to flush fox and other vermin from their dens during hunts and also cherished as a fun-loving family pet. The breed used to have two ears styles but now is only allowed to have upright ears. In 1979 the drop eared variety became a separate breed known as the Norfolk Terrier. Fearless and loyal, the Norwich Terrier does well with other animals and families. They are known for their ability to adapt to different situations, making the breed ideal for either the city or country lifestyle. Because a Norwich has strong hunting instincts and typical terrier curiosity, most breeders and owners recommend that the breed be exercised in a fenced area or on leash. The wiry coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping.

  *   **Parson Russell Terrier** \- The Parson Russell Terrier is a true working foxhunter, possessing a ready attitude, alertness, confidence, and great strength and endurance. Today, many Parsons are also found working in stables and exhibiting at agility and obedience trials. The breed's weatherproof coat can be broken (wire-haired) or smooth and is white, white with black or tan markings or tri-color. Named for the respected huntsman Rev. John Russell, the Parson Russell Terrier was first bred in the south of England in the mid-1800's to hunt red fox. Traditionally, the Parson followed the fox underground to flush him out for the hunter. Authorities claim that after Rev. Russell's death some of his bloodlines were crossed with the Welsh Corgi and other terrier breeds, creating a different type dog, the "Jack Russell Terrier." The parent club for the breed requested a name change from Jack Russell to Parson Russell Terrier. Outgoing and friendly, the Parson is tenacious in the field and affectionate in the home. No matter the venue, the breed is filled with energy, so he requires regular exercise and attention. Although good with children, he does not tolerate rough handling from toddlers. The Parson is a clean breed and does not need frequent bathing, but the broken coat may need to be hand stripped.

  *  **Rat Terrier** \- The Rat Terrier is a multipurpose companion dog that is capable of hunting rodents and vermin above and below ground as well as coursing small game. He is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium sized parti-colored dog giving the appearance of elegance and athleticism. His short, smooth coat may come in any variation of pied patterning. Pied is described as comparatively large patches of one or more colors in combination with white. Acceptable colors, with or without "tan points", include predominate black, or chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, or lemon. An American breed, the Rat Terrier was created by immigrants using a mixture of crosses of old time Fox Terriers and other European Terriers common in the 19th century; the Old English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, etc.; and later more Smooth Fox Terrier, Beagle, Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. From 1910 through the "dust bowl" era of the 1930s, the Rat Terrier was one of the most common farm dogs, used for ratting, hunting varmints and other work. This loyal, active and playful breed is at its best as a member of its human family, but may be reserved with strangers. Intelligent and trainable, many Rat Terriers excel in Agility and Obedience, events which also serve as excellent exercise outlets. The breed sheds seasonally and requires brushing with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt.

  *  **Russell Terrier** \- The Russell Terrier is a strong, hardy, earth-working Terrier. He is full of life and moves with confidence that matches his keen expression. The breed's handy size, small flexible chest, nose, strong voice and fearless nature make it an excellent specimen to work vermin below ground. Its weatherproof coat may be smooth, broken or rough and is predominantly white with tan and/or black markings. The Russell Terrier originated in England, but developed in Australia. The small size of the breed made it ideal to be carried on horseback in terrier bags, a requisite for certain terrain. The breed derived from the Reverend Parson's fox working terrier strains, sharing many common characteristics of the Parson Russell Terrier. However, it must be noted the two breeds are distinctly different in body structure and height and have been maintained as separate breeds in the US and Europe. The Russell Terrier is confident, highly intelligent and faithful, and views life as a great adventure. The breed possesses a vast amount of energy, so it does best with an active family that spends a lot of time outdoors. It will remain devoted and loving to its 'people' for its lifetime. The Russell Terrier coat requires minimal upkeep beyond brushing and occasional bathing.

  *  **Scottish Terrier** \- The Scottish Terrier, often called the "Scottie," is best recognized for its distinctive profile and hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer coat in a black, brindle or wheaten color. Its beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body furnishings are traditionally shaggy. Like many breeds in the Terrier Group, Scotties are small yet strong and known as fast, alert and playful dogs. The Scottish Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House three times, with Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower and George W. Bush. Naturally a "digger" at heart, the Scottie was originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms. King James VI, known to adore the breed, is said to be responsible for the rise in popularity in Scotland during his reign. Scotties were introduced to America in the 1890's and continue to remain a common fixture in American households. Scotties thrive as house pets and are gentle, loving members of their families. Their spirited natures require obedience training, and they need regular exercise (on leash, as the chase instinct is strong). The Scottie coat requires regular brushing and clipping to maintain the characteristic breed outline.

  *  **Sealyham Terrier** \- Although small, the Sealyham Terrier is the embodiment of power and determination - a true terrier! The Sealyham's wiry, weather-resistant double coat should be all white. Lemon, tan or badger-colored markings are allowed on the head and ears. Very keen and alert, the breed was used as a hunter in the past, although today they excel as a family pet and participant in Earth dog competitions. Originally bred in Wales, the Sealyham was developed from the West Highland White Terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The breed derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who created this breed to quarry badger, fox and otter. Always game and very quick, the Sealyham's white coat was necessary so that they could be distinguished from the varmint they went to ground to capture! This proud, compact, sturdy little dog makes an ideal companion. Charming and inquisitive, he loves his family, but as a spirited terrier breed, needs something to keep his active mind occupied. The breed may enjoy hunting on the farm, but can thrive anywhere if they are allowed to enjoy a brisk daily walk. Brushing and combing is necessary at least twice a week to remove mats and trimming is necessary every month.

  *  **Skye Terrier -** The Skye Terrier is an elegant dog and fiercely loyal to those he knows and loves. Although a rare breed, anyone who has the opportunity to share hearth and home with a Skye is truly fortunate. Given the chance, and with loving instruction, Skyes participate in Obedience, Agility, Tracking, and Pet Therapy, as well as serving as couch companions. One of the oldest terriers, the breed originated on the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. Bred to destroy vermin, their acute sense of smell and strong muscular bodies gave them the ability to locate the fox, badger, and otter preying on a farm's livestock. Their long double coat and profuse hair over their face protected them from injury and inclement weather. Due to Queen Victoria's penchant for the Skye Terrier, the breed became popular in the nineteenth century. A dog named "Greyfriar's Bobby" epitomizes the devotion for which the Skye Terrier is known. Bobby guarded the grave of his master, Constable John Grey, for fourteen years until he died at the age of sixteen, after which a statue was erected in Edinburgh in his honor. Skyes are a medium sized dog with short legs, a long body, and a large head. The coat must be brushed several times a week to avoid uncomfortable mats and trimming is necessary to keep the hair from dragging along the ground.

  *   **Smooth Fox Terrier** \- The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active, friendly and playful breed. They are predominantly white in color with black or tan markings. Fox Terriers are highly trainable and excel in events such as agility. Originally in the same category as the Wire Fox Terrier, the breeds became separate in 1984. The Smooth Fox Terrier originated in the British Isles in the 17th century. Owned by farmers who needed help eradicating vermin, the breed used its keen nose, remarkable eyesight and stamina to drive fox and other quarry out from their underground dens. Although seldom used for hunting today, the breed still maintains its drive and determination. They will dig tirelessly for underground vermin. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a sleek, easy to maintain coat. Its sturdiness and size combined with its friendly and playful nature make it an excellent companion for children. They are bold but not aggressive towards people. Fox Terriers make excellent watch dogs in the home. New owners should be aware that the breed's innate sense to dig may affect the family yard or flower beds unless the dog is taught otherwise.

  *   **Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier** \- As its name implies, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prized for its coat, which is soft, silky, with a gentle wave, and of warm wheaten color. Underneath, however, is a formidable dog that leaves no doubt as to his terrier origins. Square and medium-sized, he is happy, steady, self-confident and alert to his surroundings. Known for more than 200 years in Ireland, the "Wheaten" shares common ancestry with the Kerry Blue and the Irish Terrier, but was not owned by the landed gentry. They were the poor man's dog, an all-purpose farm dog, given to patrolling the borders of small farms, ridding them of vermin, herding sheep and hunting with his master. Wheatens tend to be less scrappy than other terriers but they are true terriers and will be more active than many other breeds, enjoying plenty of exercise every day. They relate well to children and can adapt to city, country, and suburban life. The Wheaten is single coated and sheds minimally, but needs regular grooming to keep its coat mat free.

  *   **Staffordshire Bull Terrier** \- The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog with great strength for his size. He is active and agile and comes in six color varieties: solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle. Today, he serves primarily as a family companion and is seen in the show, obedience and agility rings. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity from his past history. The breed originated in the nineteenth century when coal miners in Staffordshire, England, wanted a small, fast dog. They combined the Bulldog with a small local terrier similar to the Manchester Terrier. The result was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent and affectionate with a sense of humor. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog. He looks forward to daily exercise, and his powerful jaws enjoy a supply of sturdy chew toys. While he is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way. The Staffie's coat is short and smooth, and needs only a quick brushing once a week.

  *  **Welsh Terrier** \- The Welsh Terrier is a zippy, compact companion, always looking for action and entertainment. This breed loves to swim and dig. The "Welsh Terrier expression" comes from the set, color, and position of the eyes combined with the use of the ears. His coarse wire-texture coat is always black and tan. Caroline Kennedy had a Welsh named Charlie. The Welsh Terrier was originally known as the Old English Terrier or Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier. Welsh Terriers' native home is Wales, where they were used extensively as a Sporting dog and renowned for their gameness on badger, fox, and otter. Welsh Terriers were first brought to this country by Prescott Lawrence in 1888. The Welsh Terrier is a friendly and spirited breed. Their intelligence and desire to please are evident in their attitude. Welsh Terriers are friendly, outgoing to people and other dogs. They are usually patient with children and can withstand a bit of rough play, but can be difficult to housebreak. They are best suited with a young, active family. Welsh Terriers like to chase after things, so they shouldn't be let off lead except in an enclosed area. They need to have their coat plucked several times a year and their bushy facial hair should be combed twice a week.

  *   **West Highland White Terrier** \- The hardy West Highland White Terrier, more commonly known as the "Westie," is known for its friendly, strong-willed personality and a remarkably bright white coat. Said to be "all terrier," this breed possesses a large amount of spunk, determination and devotion stuffed into a compact little body. The confident Westie excels in a variety of AKC events, from conformation to agility to obedience. The West Highland White Terrier is said to originate from Poltalloch, Scotland, and due to this, was originally known as the Poltalloch Terrier. He was also sometimes referred to as the Roseneath Terrier, after the Duke of Argyll's estate. The Westie was first shown in the United States in 1906 under the Roseneath name, but this was changed in 1909 and he has been known as the West Highland White Terrier ever since. The Westie loves people and makes an affectionate addition to any family. This devoted, happy and faithful dog also makes a wonderful travel companion due to its small size. Their dry coats are a combination of a soft dense undercoat and a rough outer coat. Daily brushing and regular clipping or stripping of the coat is necessary.

  *  **Wire Fox Terrier** \- With his keen expression and readiness to spring into action at the slightest provocation, the Wire Fox Terrier is a typical terrier. Active, friendly and playful, the breed is highly trainable and excels in events such as agility. They are predominantly white in color with black or tan markings and possess a dense, wiry coat. Originally in the same category as the Smooth Fox Terrier, the breeds became separate in 1984. Like many of today's Terrier breeds, the Wire Fox Terrier descended from the rough coated black and tan terrier. He was developed in the British Isles in the 17th century, where he was bred to "go to ground" and chase fox and other small game from their dens. The Wire Fox Terrier has a wire-haired coat which sheds minimally. Its' sturdiness and size combined with its friendly and playful nature make it an excellent companion for children. They are bold but not aggressive towards people. Fox Terriers make excellent watch dogs in the home. Although seldom used for hunting today, the breed still maintains its drive and determination. They will dig tirelessly for underground vermin.

In reading over the generalized descriptions of the terrier dog breeds you can understand how know these dogs are more than accouterments. They need frequent activity to channel their busy and alert minds and high physical energy. Not to mention they come preprogrammed with a natural prey drive. If you have children with hamsters, lizards, small birds, etc. this will be a potential dangerous pairing for the small creatures involved. Now let's take a look at the hound group of dogs.

# Chapter Eight – The Hound Dog Group

"The dogs with the loudest bark are the ones that are most afraid."- ~Norman Reedus

Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use their acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample the sound before you decide on a hound of your own. Remember, not all hounds bay.

Go to a few breeders homes and get the full impact of the hound experience. It's not for everyone. Occasionally they are seen as blockheads with little consideration for you, their human. You can call them and even though they hear you, (they're certain of another pressing matter at hand, which has greater importance), meaning that they will not respond to your summoning's. Don't hold this against them though. Selective breeding over the many years has bred this trait into the dogs and is highly desired by some.

Many years ago, I would frequent the local dog shelter to say "Hello" to the dogs that had been incarcerated. The reasons for it were many; found running, excessive digging, escaping out side yard gate, chronic barking, etc. The list went on and on. One particular visit there I spotted two lovely Afghan hounds, side by side across the court yard. Looking as if they were related, it turned out they were in fact brother and sister.

The cage card said they were wards of the court. That translated to officials removing them from their previous home because of neglect. I had a staff member bring out the fawn colored girl with black mask facial markings. She was in pretty bad shape but I could see her beauty underneath all of that hair. Her hair was in what would be considered dreadlocks and I knew the only recourse was a body shave and a new start. A constant grooming routine would be required to get her looking like the royal breed that she was. I accepted the challenge and on the car ride home I named her Cleo, short for Cleopatra the Egyptian queen.

It turns out Cleo wasn't as in love with me as I was with her. She was bothered by my frequent brushing and I'm pretty certain in the beginning days she was wishing she'd never left her prison cell. As time went on she eventually adjusted to her new grooming routine.

Cleo was picky about her food; translation, she didn't like dog food of any kind. So being my clever self, I thought I would simply get some pieces of cooked chicken and hide them in the bottom of her kibble filled bowl. She was bound to get some pieces of dog food on her way to the good stuff. Yet I was wrong in my assumption. She carefully pushed every piece of kibble to the side as she worked her way down to the bottom of the bowl where she artfully inhaled the chicken pieces. I don't think she ever ate any kibble in the beginning days.

As time went on I creatively found new ways to disguise her kibble. A thorough mixing of eggs with the kibble was my first success. I then tried bacon grease drizzled on top which met with her approval as well. Slowly we were gaining ground and in the end Cleo developed trust in me and she came to enjoy her meals but she was always a slow eater.

Bath time consisted of me putting on my bathing suit and climbing into the shower with her. It was the most efficient way of giving her a bath. Wetting her down was a task in and of itself. Afghan hair is fine and somewhat waterproof. Then shampooing and rinsing followed up with an entire body conditioner. One more final rinse and we were onto the next phase of grooming, blow drying. It was the only way her long locks would have that smooth signature Afghan hair look.

Being that Cleo was my first 'sight hound' (I really had no idea what that meant) I quickly learned that running was her favorite pastime. The only method I could employ was free running her. Since I'm not a runner, we went to a nearby baseball field that was entirely fenced. She was able to safely run and run. There was nowhere for her go. Her favorite game was to chase the ball, not bring it back to me, and when I was in close enough proximity to bend down and grab it from her, she would take off with the ball in her mouth. This keep away game she made up was her favorite. At the end of play time, I was exhausted while she was just getting warmed up.

We ultimately fell into a rhythm. She instinctually knew when I was too serious and would clown around until I'd lightened up. When someone came over to the house she'd hear their voices. From the back of the house, she would dash down the hallway to the front room, leap across the coffee table and land on the sofa right next to the visitor. Never once did she miscalculate and land on them. We discouraged her mode of greeting people and eventually she would run around the coffee table and sit at their feet, waiting for her hello.

With Cleo's boundless energy and antics, I learned to lighten up, relax more often, and to sometimes just have fun for the sake of having fun.

Now let's look a bit closer at the hound breeds.

  *  **Afghan Hound** \- Referred to as an aristocrat, the Afghan Hound's appearance is one of dignity and aloofness. Well covered with thick, silky hair, very fine in texture, the Afghan hound's coat is a sort found among animals native to high altitudes. They can come in all colors, and while the breed is an excellent hound (hunting by sight) its popularity here has been generated by the breeds' spectacular qualities as a show dog. The Afghan hound was discovered by the Western World in Afghanistan and surrounding regions during the 19th century. As the breed developed in Afghanistan, two distinct types evolved from the southern and western desert regions and the northern regions. During WWI, the breed literally disappeared in the Western world. The start of the Afghan Hounds we have today dates back to 1920, when a group of them was brought to Scotland. Known for being aloof, dignified, and for having a highly individualized personality, Afghan Hounds are prized and loved by their owners as companions and members of their family. However, it is important to take into account that their coat requires regular grooming, and their larger size necessitates regular exercise.

  *   **American English Coonhound** \- Renowned for his speed and endurance, the American English Coonhound has the strength, grace and attitude of a well-conditioned athlete. Capable of hunting fox and raccoon all night long, he has an effortless trot that shows off this endurance. The breed's hard, protective coat is of medium length and can be red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-colored with ticking, red and white, and white and black. The American English Coonhound evolved when descendants of English Foxhounds, which were known in the New World as Virginia Hounds, were bred to adapt to rougher terrain. Originally these hounds were used to hunt fox by day and raccoons by night and were named the English Fox and Coonhound. Today's American English Coonhound is a wide-ranging hunter that possesses tremendous speed and excellent voice. An avid hunter and athlete, the American English Coonhound needs regular exercise and activity to stay in peak shape, although the short coat requires minimal upkeep. The breed is pleasant, alert, confident and sociable with both humans and dogs, possessing a kind, "houndy" expression.

  *   **American Foxhound** \- One of America's native breeds, the American Foxhound is also one of our rarest. This tall hound sports a close, hard coat that can be any color. The Foxhound in this country is used for four purposes, thus calling for hounds of a different characteristics: competitive field trial hounds and "trail" hounds (speed is most important), fox hunting hounds (slow workers with good voices), and pack hounds (15 to 20 hounds or more, used by hunt clubs and farmers). The American Foxhound's origins date back to the early 1700's in Virginia and Maryland, where it developed from the Walker, Trigg and Goodman strains of foxhounds. George Washington is the father of the American Foxhound. He ran a breeding program and often referenced his hounds in his journals. The American Foxhound was bred to run, so they are an ideal pet for those who live in rural areas or on large farms. They can do well in smaller areas, however, with owners who provide them with adequate exercise. Hounds raised in the home tend to be mild tempered and easy going, getting along with children and most other pets. Their short coat is easy to care for, but owners will need patience and persistence in training, as the breed can be stubborn and independent.

  *  **Basenji** \- A poised, elegant hunting dog from Africa, the Basenji is smoothly muscular and moves with ease and agility. He is lightly built and possesses a wrinkled head and a high, curled tail. The Basenji is commonly known as the "barkless dog," but when excited, he makes a noise that sounds like a yodel. Colors include chestnut red, pure black or brindle -- all with white feet, chest and tail tip. Prized for its hunting prowess in its native Central Africa, the first specimens of the Basenji were brought from the source of the Nile as presents to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The breed wasn't successfully introduced in England until 1937, and the first litter of Basenji puppies raised to maturity in America was in 1941. In Africa, the natives use him for pointing, retrieving and driving game into nets. The Basenji is known for his fastidious habits and being full of play and activity. Because he often worked out of sight of hunters, he can tend to be independent and aloof and prefers to meet strangers on his own terms. Grooming is minimal due to his short coat, which lacks the typical "doggy" odor.

  *  **Basset Hound** \- instantly recognizable due to its big, heavy body, short legs and long ears, the Basset Hound has proven itself to be a multi-purpose dog that excels in conformation, obedience, tracking, field trialing and pack hunting. The breed is known for its strong hunting instinct and, if given the opportunity, will chase or follow a scent willingly. Because of its gentle, non-confrontational nature, the Basset can be used for hunting in packs or alone. The Basset can be any hound color, which includes combinations of black, tan, white, red and other colors. The Basset Hound was originally developed in France as a trailer of small game that hunters could follow on foot. Bassets continued to achieve very notable popularity during the reign of Emperor Napoleon, and in 1880 Queen Alexandra kept Basset Hounds in the royal kennels. Marquis de Lafayette brought Basset Hounds, known for their impeccable sense of smell, to the United States as a gift to President George Washington to use in his hunting expeditions. The Basset's sweet, gentle disposition makes him a great companion and his short coat requires minimal grooming. New owners should be prepared for a dog that actively follows scent while outside or on walks.

  *  **Beagle** \- A sturdy hunting dog, the Beagle should look like a foxhound in miniature. His hunting ability, combined with a merry personality, has made the Beagle one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to the AKC. The most famous Beagle of all is Snoopy from the comic strip "Peanuts." Today's Beagle comes in two height varieties (13 in. and 15 in.) and any true hound color, including tri-color, red and white and lemon. In the 1500's, most English gentleman had packs of hounds. Larger hounds tracked deer, while smaller ones went after rabbits. These were the first Beagles. The origin of the name "Beagle" may have been derived from the French term "be'geule," referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game, or possibly the diminutive size of the hound. Beagles are happy-go-lucky and friendly, making them a wonderful family pet. They are also favored for their compact size and short easy to care for coat. Since they lived in packs for hundreds of years, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses-which can lead to some mischief if they are not provided with daily activity.

  *   **Black and Tan Coonhound** \- One of the few All-American breeds, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a persistent, determined, honest hunter who will stay on track no matter the terrain or conditions. His name developed from his color and purpose - his coat is coal black with tan markings, and he is used to trail and tree raccoon. The Black and Tan Coonhound is believed to have descended from the Talbot Hound, which was known in England as far back as the 11th century, and the Bloodhound. In America, the Black and Tan Coonhound evolved from the Foxhounds that possessed treeing instinct and the black and tan color pattern. Owned by scouts and Indian fighters during the late 1700's, the Black and Tan was the first coonhound to be considered a separate breed from the American Foxhound. Outgoing and friendly, the Black and Tan Coonhound likes to be with his family. Most are laid back in the house, but require moderate daily exercise on leash or in a fenced area. Their instincts may lead them to chase and tree small animals and bark, so training is important. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance.

  *  **Bloodhound** \- Described as a "unique looking dog in a baggy suit," the Bloodhound is one of the oldest breeds of dogs that hunt by scent. Although affectionate, they can have shy natures, sensitive to kindness or correction by their master. Colors of the Bloodhound include black and tan, liver and tan, and red, sometimes flecked with white. The actual term "Bloodhound" refers not to what the Bloodhound trails but instead refers to its status as the "blooded hound," meaning aristocratic, since such great lengths were taken early on to keep the strain clean. The Bloodhound made its appearance in Europe long before the Crusades, when the first specimens were brought from Constantinople in two strains, black and white. Established in America for over a century, it proved early on to be a tireless worker for law enforcement, being so accurate that evidence trailed by a Bloodhound has been accepted in a court of law. While Bloodhounds are extremely affectionate, they are take-charge dogs, so it is important to be kind, but be the undisputed boss in your household. Bloodhounds should be groomed weekly to eliminate dead hair and facilitate a routine that will help them look, feel, and smell better.

  *   **Blue tick Coonhound** \- Like many coonhounds, the Bluetick Coonhound gets its name from a coat pattern, which is dark blue in color and covered in a ticking or mottled pattern. Working ability is very important to owners who prize the sturdy and athletic Bluetick for its skill in trailing and treeing raccoons and other small animals. Blueticks are known for having the typical coonhound "bawling" bark. This steady and determined breed can stay on the most intricate of tracks, making it a prized companion for active sporting families. The Bluetick Coonhound's color suggests that it descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (French Staghound) as well as the English Foxhound. In America, Blueticks were referred to as English Coonhounds for many years. In 1945, however, Bluetick breeders broke away from the English breeders because they didn't want to follow the trend toward producing a hot-nosed, faster hunter. Proud of their larger, cold-nosed and resolute, if slower hounds, they re-named their breed and maintained their own hunting style. Athletic and hardy, Blueticks are working dogs that need a job - such as hunting, obedience or agility - to stay happy. Their short, glossy coat requires only occasional baths and brushing.

  *  **Borzoi** \- A graceful, elegant hound, the Borzoi is a sight hound, meaning he hunts by sight rather than scent. The breed's tall and rangy body allows him to chase quarry for long distances. Today, they are popular in the lure coursing field, and are often seen in the show and companion event rings as well. Their long, silky coat can be flat, wavy or curly and may be any color or combination of colors. Developed by crossing Arabian greyhounds with a thick-coated, Russian breed, the Borzoi has been bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years. They were created to hunt wolves, fox and hare over the open plains of Russia, often in hunting parties of more than 100 dogs. Until 1936, the Borzoi was known as the Russian Wolfhound in America. Even though the Borzoi is large, the breed makes a great house pet. Although affectionate with their owners, they are rather catlike and have independent and undemanding natures. They need daily exercise, but will chase anything that moves, so they need to be kept on leash or in a fenced area. Regular brushing and bathing is necessary to maintain their lustrous coats.

  *  **Dachshund** \- The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. Known for their long and low bodies, they are eager hunters that excel in both above- and below-ground work. One of the most popular breeds in the USA, they come in three different coat varieties (Smooth, Wirehaired or Longhaired) and can be miniature or standard size. Dachshunds were first bred in the early 1600's in Germany. The goal was to create a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a badger burrow and fight to the death with the vicious badgers. Dachshunds are lovable, playful companions, and an ideal pet for many homes, including those with children with appropriate supervision. They require moderate exercise, and can adapt to most living environments. Depending on their coat type, Dachshunds may need regular grooming.

  *  **English Foxhound** \- A versatile dog, he can be trained to hunt almost any ground game. In appearance, the English Foxhound is any good "hound color," which includes black, tan, and white, or any combination of these three. Although similar in appearance to his American Foxhound cousin, the English version is shorter and much stouter in appearance. The English Foxhound's roots in Great Britain date back before 1800. There have been more than 250 packs of hounds in Great Britain and careful breeding records have been kept throughout the years by the masters of those packs. In America, the earliest entries in the English Foxhound Stud Book date back to 1890, but the blood of some American packs dates well before that time. The first AKC registered English Foxhound was named "Auditor." Like most hounds, the English Foxhound is an independent breed and can be stubborn. Originally meant to run long distances in a pack, he needs daily exercise. Training is also important due to his pack instincts. The breed's short, dense, hard, and glossy coat requires minimal maintenance.

  *  **Greyhound** \- Tall and lean, the Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog. As a sight hound, the breed pursues game using its vision and speed. Today, however, the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion. The breed can be any color, including black, fawn and red, often combined with white or brindle markings. The Greyhound has been owned by many prominent figures in history, including President Rutherford B. Hayes and General George A. Custer. One of the most ancient breeds known to man, evidence of the Greyhound was first discovered in tomb carvings in Egypt dating back to 2900 B.C. Aristocracy and culture has always surrounded the Greyhound, and in early times, only royalty bred them. As hunters in England, they were used on practically all kinds of game from deer, stags and foxes, but the hare is the Greyhound's natural quarry. In America, Greyhounds arrived with the Spanish explorers in the 1500s and were among the first dogs recorded at American dog shows. Although a loving companion, the Greyhound possesses the typical independent spirit of the hound, so patient training is necessary. They enjoy the company of their families as well as other dogs. The breed's short, smooth coat is easy to maintain. Due to the Greyhound's athleticism, they need daily exercise, but should be kept on leash or in a fenced area due to their tendency to run.

  *  **Harrier** \- Known for his strong nose, the Harrier, a scent hound, was developed in England to hunt hare in packs. Although the Harrier is a smaller version of the English Foxhound, he is still a sturdy, large-boned dog. The breed will work tirelessly, no matter the terrain, for long periods. Today, they serve as family companions and excel in tracking and agility. The coat may be any color. The Harrier's popularity in England rose due to his slower hunting speed - the pack could be followed on foot! Despite the stories about the ancient origins of the Harrier, most believe that the dogs were bred down in size from English Foxhounds. Harriers have existed in the United States as long as any of the other scent hounds and have been used for hunting since the Colonial times. Outgoing and friendly, the Harrier is a pack dog, so he generally gets along well with other animals. He is also very people-oriented and will want to be near his family. The Harrier requires some form of daily exercise, but must be kept on leash or in a fenced area due to his desire to run and follow his nose. Very intelligent, Harriers can be trained easily. Their short coats do not require much grooming, but regular brushing can keep shedding down.

  *  **Ibizan Hound** \- The Ibizan Hound is an elegant, agile, deer-like hound with large ears and amber eyes that give the breed an exotic look. Their coats are red, white or any combination of the two colors. They can have smooth coats or longer wiry coats with bushy moustaches. In the Ibizan's native Spain, the breed is used in packs to hunt rabbits. The Ibizan is unequaled in high and broad jumping ability, which it uses to hunt in the rough terrain of its native land. In ancient Egypt around 3400 BC there were depictions of curled tailed hounds very much of the type found in modern Ibizan Hounds. It is believed that sea-traders, perhaps the Phoenicians, carried these ancient dogs to various foreign lands such as Ibiza, an island off the coast of Spain. There, they were used to hunt rabbits to provide food for themselves and the island people. The Ibizan is a gracious and kind natured dog that needs an active life to remain healthy and happy. Ibizans are known for their ability to jump 5 foot fences with ease. A yard with a secure fence is important for this breed. An Ibizan is generally aloof with strangers and considers himself to be equal in status with his human counterparts.

  *  **Irish Wolfhound** \- An Irish Wolfhound must be "of great size and commanding appearance." He has a large, muscular greyhound-like shape, and he is the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. A superb athlete and an endurance runner, an old Irish proverb describes him perfectly: "Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked." The breed's recognized colors are gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn and others. One of the earliest recorded references to Irish Wolfhounds is in Roman records dating to 391 A.D. Often used as royal gifts, they hunted with their masters, fought beside them in battle, guarded their castles, played with their children, and lay quietly by the fire as family friends. They were fierce hunters of wolves and the oversized Irish elk, so good that their prey disappeared from Ireland and the hounds fell upon hard times. By the 19th Century there were few IWs left in Ireland. Although now primarily a family companion, the Irish Wolfhound will still instinctively give chase to fleeing prey. His large size commands more room, more exercise, and a bigger car. The breed's harsh, natural coat requires regular brushing.

  *   **Norwegian Elkhound** \- A solid, sturdy hunter of elk, bear and other wild animals, the Norwegian Elkhound has a temperament that is dignified, independent and generally, friendly. A hardy silver-grey dog with distinctive saddle markings and medium in size and substance, the Norwegian Elkhound is not only known for its hunting ability but also for its versatility and stamina, which in rugged terrains remains unparalleled. The Norwegian Elkhound comes down to us through more than six millennia with all his Nordic traits untainted. An ancient breed from Scandinavia, the Elkhound worked as a hunting and guard dog for the Vikings. The dogs tracked, encircled and held game such as bear and moose for the hunter. The breed was not shown until 1877, when the Norwegian Hunters' Association held its first show. The Norwegian Elkhound is bold and energetic, an effective guardian yet normally friendly, and does well with children, especially when introduced to them at a young age. The Elkhound is a very people-oriented breed and does not like to be shut away from its family. The breed does require regular exercise, but does not require elaborate grooming procedures.

  *  **Otterhound** \- The Otterhound, a scent hound, is unique among hounds because of his rough, double coat and substantial webbed feet. He uses these features to hunt on both land and water. With his large, strong body and inquisitive nose, the Otterhound is willing to work all day. The coat may be any color or combination of colors. When otters in England began preying on fish in the rivers and streams, the English used the Otterhound to solve the problem. Although otter hunting is now banned, the breed still exists. His origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but many believe the breed originated somewhere in France and is similar to their Vende hound. Otterhounds first arrived in the United States around 1900. Amiable, boisterous and even-tempered, the Otterhound enjoys his family, but may not be the best breed for toddlers or a frail elderly person due to his size. Exercise should be on leash or in a fenced yard due to the breed's tendency to follow his nose. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing will prevent mats in the coat, although owners shouldn't be surprised if the breed's large, hairy paws or beard collect mud or other objects and need to be cleaned more frequently. The Otterhound is stubborn, so training may take longer, but the breed can learn. Owners should be prepared for his "hound voice," a deep bay that neighbors may not enjoy.

  *   **Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen** \- Definitely not a hairy Basset Hound, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV's, name in French reveals much about him: Petit- small; Basset- low to the ground; Griffon- rough or wire coated; and Vendéen- the area of France from which he originated. A scent hound, the PBGV is bold and alert with a strong, tapered tail carried like a saber. His long, rough coat should appear casual and tousled. Coat colors include white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor or grizzle markings, providing easy visibility in the field. One of many small varieties of the French hounds, the PBGV can be traced to the 16th century and to the Griffon Vendéen, his larger, more powerful ancestor. He was developed to hunt small game such as rabbit and hare over the difficult terrain found in the Vendéen region. Confident, happy and extroverted, the PBGV is best suited to the active, experienced dog owner with older children and a well-fenced yard. The breed is not a couch potato and needs daily exercise - if not, he may express his displease by using his "hound voice" or creating amusing diversions of his own. Although independent, he is still willing to please. If a PBGV possesses the correct harsh coat, he will require a thorough weekly brush out to stay in condition.

  *  **Pharaoh Hound** \- Medium-sized and of noble bearing, the Pharaoh Hound should be graceful, powerful, and above all - fast. Coat color can range from tan to chestnut to red golden, with white markings on the tip of the tail, chest, toes and on the center line of the face. A unique breed characteristic is their "blush" - when happy or excited, the nose and ears turn a deep rose color. Today, their willingness to please makes them excellent candidates for hunting, obedience and lure coursing. One of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history, the Pharaoh originated in ancient Egypt as far back as 3000 B.C. The breed is thought to have been brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they settled on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. They are bred for rabbit hunting and are the national dog of Malta. Intelligent, friendly and playful, the Pharaoh Hound is affectionate with its family. Extremely athletic, they require daily exercise, but should be kept in a fenced area, as they possess a great keenness for hunting and may try to chase after small animals. The breed's short, glossy coat is low-maintenance.

  *  **Plott** \- Powerful and well-muscled, the Plott brings big game such as bear or boar to bay or tree with its determination, endurance and courage. Today, the Plott - who is the state dog of North Carolina - is also used for coon hunting in addition to his more traditional duties. The breed's smooth, glossy coat can be any shade of brindle (a streaked or striped pattern of dark hair imposed on a lighter background), solid black or have a saddle or markings. In 1750, the two young Plott brothers left Germany and immigrated to America with five Hanoverian Hounds. One brother died during the voyage, but the other settled in North Carolina, raised a family and bred his dogs. Over the next 200 years, the Plott descendants' were mountain men who used their dogs to hunt bear and boar. The dogs became known by the family name and were referred to as the Plot's' hounds. Plotts are eager to please, loyal, intelligent and alert in the home, but are aggressive, bold and fearless while hunting. Owners should be prepared to hear the Plotts "voice" in the home at times. An athletic breed, they require daily exercise, but their short coats are low maintenance.

  *   **Portuguese Podengo Pequeno** \- The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a primitive breed, is known for its small size, erect ears, wedge shaped head, and two coat types, smooth and wire. It hunts by sight, scent and hearing, and is related to the Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, Cirneco dell'Etna and Basenji. The smooth coat is short and very dense, while the wire coat (rough) is long and harsh, with a bearded muzzle. Preferred coat color is yellow or fawn, with or without white markings. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a National Dog of Portugal, is derived from the ancient hounds that came to the Iberian Peninsula with the Phoenician traders from the area of Asia Minor around 1,000 BC. This rustic breed was developed to hunt the harsh terrain of Portugal and penetrate the thickets to gain access to its prey, which were typically rabbits. The first Portuguese Podengo Pequeno came to the United States in the 1990's. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a very lively and intelligent breed that is easy to train, and many have done well in agility, obedience and rally. Since it was bred to hunt all day long and be ready to go again the next day, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Exercise should be done on-leash or in a secure, fenced area due to their chase instinct. Occasional brushing and bathing will maintain their coat.

  *   **Redbone Coonhound** \- Known for its flashy red coat, the Redbone Coonhound is a versatile worker and possesses the ability to hunt and swim over a variety of terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility. Redbones possess a natural treeing instinct and will track game ranging from raccoons to cougars. An adaptable hunter with a good, cold nose, the breed is an excellent choice for the hunter who wants an honest, versatile and capable trailer. Dating back to red foxhounds brought over by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700's and red foxhounds imported from Ireland before the Civil War, the Redbone Coonhound evolved into a recognized, respected breed well before 1900. While other coonhound breeders selected only for function, Redbone breeders, for a period of several years, concentrated on breeding a nearly solid-colored, flashy, red dog, bred also for looks. As soon as the eye-catching color bred true, these serious hunters once again selected for performance. Today both attributes are well established in the breed. The breed is even-tempered and trainable in the home, and wants to please its owner. It is amenable to formal training. The Redbone's short, smooth coat requires only occasional brushing and bathing.

  *   **Rhodesian Ridgeback** \- A large and muscular dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was not only developed as hunter but also as a family protector. The breed can be light wheaten to red wheaten and are sleek and glossy in appearance. Originally bred to hunt lions the breed is also known as the African Lion Hound. A native of South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. In 1877 Reverend Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia where big game hunters found them outstanding in the sport of hunting lions on horseback. They raised and bred these dogs with an appreciation for their exceptional hunting qualities, the ridge on their back becoming a unique trademark. In 1950 outstanding specimens were imported to the United States and the breed was admitted to registration by the AKC in 1955. Due to their short coats Ridgebacks shed very little and require only weekly brushing and occasional baths. The breed is also athletic, requiring regular exercise. Trustworthy with children, they are "people" dogs and like to be where you are, possibly curled up on the couch if permitted.

  *  **Saluki** \- Although the breed appears graceful and fragile, don't be fooled - the Saluki is an avid hunter and possesses the strength and endurance to chase quarry over long distances and difficult terrain. Today, this sight hound is popular at lure coursing events and in the show ring. Salukis can be coated (with feathering on the legs) or smooth. In both varieties, colors include white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolor, and black and tan. The royal dog of Egypt, the Saluki is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. They were held in such great esteem that their bodies were often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves. The breed was originally used by the Arabs to track and bring down gazelle, the fastest of the antelopes. When the Saluki was first imported to England in 1840, they were used primarily to hunt hare. Independent and cat-like, the Saluki is a typical hound - he can be taught obedience, but requires patience and consistency from his owner. The breed will instinctively run after anything that moves, so they must be kept on leash or in a fenced area during their daily exercise. A clean breed, Saluki coats shed little, but they still require weekly brushing and occasional bathing.

  *   **Scottish Deerhound** \- Resembling a larger, coated Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is a keen and alert sight hound, seen often in lure coursing events and the show ring. One of the oldest breeds, the Deerhound possesses a preeminent hunting ability. The hair on the body and neck is harsh and wiry, while the coat on the head, breast and belly is much softer. Coat colors include blue gray, gray, brindle and black, among others. Known centuries ago as the Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound and Highland Deerhound, the Scottish Deerhound became a clearly identified breed in the 16th and 17th centuries. He was the best breed to use for the pursuit and killing of deer, and at the time, could be owned by no one of rank lower than an earl. These exclusive ownership rules nearly led to the breed's extinction until breeders revived the Deerhound in the early 1800's. While he possesses a quiet and dignified personality in the home, the Scottish Deerhound may try to chase any furry animals that run past him. For that reason, the breed should be exercised on leash or in a fenced area. Although he enjoys his family, his size may be intimidating to smaller children. The breed's crisp, somewhat wiry coat, however, is exceptionally easy-care, requiring only brushing and occasional bathing.

  *   **Treeing Walker Coonhound** \- Called "the people's choice" of the coonhound breeds, the energetic Treeing Walker is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred – tracking and treeing wild raccoons. The breed's competitive spirit makes it an ideal choice for competitive coonhound events. The breed's coat is short and glossy, yet dense enough for protection. The ideal coat should be tri-colored - white, black and tan. White may be the predominant color with black marking and tan trim; or black may be the predominant color with white marking and tan trim, such as a saddle back or blanket back. White with tan spots or white with black spots may be accepted. The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed from the Walker Foxhound, which evolved from the Virginia Hounds that descended from the earliest English Foxhounds brought to America. Originally classified as an English Coonhound, its breeders broke away from the English version in 1945 and bred to retain the qualities they desired. The Treeing Walker is a fast, sensible hunter that locates its quarry quickly and has superb endurance and treeing ability. Alert and active, with extreme endurance and the desire to perform, the Treeing Walker Coonhound needs regular exercise and activity to stay in peak shape, although his short coat requires minimal upkeep. The breed is intelligent, confident and sociable with family and friends.

  *  **Whippet** \- A medium-sized sight hound giving the appearance of elegance and fitness, the Whippet denotes great speed, power and balance. In fact, the Whippet, an English Greyhound in miniature, is the fastest domesticated animal of his weight, capable of speeds up to 35 mph. A very versatile breed, they can appear in a wide variety of colors and markings. Although keen when racing or coursing, they are quiet and dignified in their owner's living room. Having evolved for over a hundred years, it was not until 1891 that official recognition was given to the Whippet by the English Kennel Club. Used for racing early on, the breed was nicknamed "the poor man's racehorse." Whippets were first brought to America by English mill operators of Massachusetts, which for many years was the center of Whippet racing in this country. Later the sport moved south to Maryland, particularly in Baltimore. The Whippet is a natural athlete and needs regular exercise. As with any breed it is also important that the Whippet has proper nutrition, vaccinations, and regular veterinary visits. Whippets are particularly well adapted for human companionship and make excellent house dogs.

Consider the activities with which hounds were originally bred. Chasing after large prey for hours on end will not make a happy couch potato. Sight hounds love to race and fly across open fields while their coonhound friends bay when treeing a raccoon. Hounds were used for hunting and many have an amazing power of scent. Hound dogs alike, are more than accouterments. Their coats may need less frequent grooming care but their physical requirements are greater than most. Speaking of grooming requirements, let's take a look at the Toy dog group.

## Chapter Nine – The Toy Dog Group

"A dog has the soul of a philosopher."

\- Plato

The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody sheer delight. Don't let their tiny stature fool you, though - many Toys are tough as nails. If you haven't yet experienced the barking of an angry Chihuahua, for example, well, just wait. Toy dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights. Incidentally, small breeds may be found in every Group, not just the Toy Group. Everyone must seriously consider getting a small breed, dog when appropriate. They require more nurturing than other breeds but they're great for minimizing some of the inherent canine issues such as shedding, creating messes and cost of care. And training aside, it's easier to control a ten-pound dog than one ten times that size.

  *  **Affenpinscher** \- The Affenpinscher (translated from German as Monkey-Terrier) is a peppy dog that has the face and impish nature of a monkey. This wire-haired terrier-like breed acts like a bigger dog as he proudly struts around. The coat of an Affenpinscher is usually black, but they also come in gray, silver, red, belge or black and tan. Affenpinschers have a fun-loving, sometimes mischievous, personality. Their intelligence, appearance and attitude make them a good house pet, but children should always be taught how to properly handle the dog. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but they enjoy daily walks. Their wiry coat should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.

  *  **Brussels Griffon** \- The intelligent and cheerful Brussels Griffon has a terrier-like disposition and is known for his almost human expression. This affectionate breed comes in a variety of colors, including red, belge (black and reddish brown), black and tan, or black. This breed makes a good watchdog and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. A Brussels Griffon was featured in 1997's hit, "As Good As It Gets", starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. The affectionate, charming and curious personality of the Brussels Griffon makes it a good companion dog. However, this breed is not typical of the "pampered pet" stereotype of Toy breeds. Their active indoor lifestyle and small size makes them ideal for apartment life, but they still need to be taken for daily walks. The breed can have either a rough or smooth coat. Each coat needs twice-weekly brushing and shaping every three months.

  *   **Cavalier King Charles Spaniel** \- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an elegant, energetic toy breed that is compatible for city or country life. Successful in conformation shows, obedience and agility, they also make wonderful therapy dogs due to their sweet, gentle natures. The breed also became a TV star when featured on "Sex and the City" as Charlotte York's dog. Their silky coats come in four colors - Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid red) and Black and Tan. Friendly and easy to train, the Cavalier is a trustworthy companion for children and thrives as part of a family. A small known fact; the prototype for _Lady_ in the Disney movie _Lady and the Tramp,_ was a black and tan cavalier owned by the artist. The coat requires weekly brushing, but no trimming. The breed is adaptable in their need for exercise, happy with either sleeping on the couch or taking long walks.

  *  **Chihuahua** \- Graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though small in size. The breed can be any color - solid, marked or splashed and the coat may be long or short. These sassy little dogs are well known as "purse dogs" like the famous Bruiser in the movie _Legally Blonde_ starring Reese Witherspoon. Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. Because of their small size, they require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Smooth coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair. Long coats need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming.

  *  **Chinese Crested** \- A fine-boned, elegant toy dog that craves human companionship, the Crested comes in two varieties. The Hairless has soft, silky hair on its head (crest), tail (plume) and feet (socks). Wherever the body is hairless the skin is soft and smooth. The Powder puff is entirely covered with a double soft, straight coat. The two types often come from the same litter. Any color or combination of colors is allowed. The Crested is prone to more frequent skin irritations, allergies and sunburn than a coated dog would experience, and its owner should always take precautions to prevent this. Although no dog is truly 'hypoallergenic,' Cresteds shed little to no hair and are on AKC's list of breeds recommended for those with allergies. They are also alert and playful companions and do well in families with gentle children.

  *   **English Toy Spaniel** \- The English Toy Spaniel is a small, square-bodied dog with a coat that flows like a royal cloak and a merry and affectionate personality. This breed is divided into four varieties based on color: Blenheim (rich mahogany red and white); ruby (rich mahogany red); Prince Charles (white with black and tan markings); and King Charles (black and tan). The coats in the Prince Charles and King Charles varieties are longer. The breed appears in numerous noble portraits of the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. The English Toy Spaniel is a gentle, happy and playful loving breed that is naturally well-behaved and intelligent. They are good family companions and play well with children. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. All varieties of the English Toy Spaniel are easy-to-groom and require regular twice-weekly combing and brushing.

  *  **Havanese** \- The National Dog of Cuba and the country's only native breed, the Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with a friendly disposition. His wavy, silky coat is profuse, but remains extremely light, insulating and protecting the breed against harsh tropical heat. His coat, which comes in all colors, should remain untrimmed. The Havanese's popularity in the show ring has grown quickly, and they are also now high in demand as a family pet. The Havanese is trainable and intelligent and possesses a naturally affectionate temperament, which making the breed an ideal family pet. Although a toy dog, they remain energetic and require some form of daily exercise. The breed's non-shedding coat makes it suitable for allergy sufferers, but regular grooming is necessary to keep the coat in top condition.

  *   **Italian Greyhound** \- The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but has all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. There is debate as to whether they were originally bred for hunting small game or meant to be simply a companion. In all likelihood, both are true, as they are adaptable to city and country life. The Italian Greyhound's coat can be any color, except brindle and classic black and tan. Playful and intelligent, the Italian Greyhound is generally easy to train and prefers to spend most of his time with his owner. They like attention and affection, and are a peaceful, gentle friend to adults and children. Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that loves to run and play and requires daily walks. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment and their short, smooth as satin coat makes them one of the easiest breeds to groom.

  *  **Japanese Chin** \- The Japanese Chin is a sensitive and intelligent breed whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion. Agile and playful, they can be taught to perform tricks and like to show off to an audience of friends. Their coat varies in size and length, but most are white with black markings. They can also be white and red. The Japanese Chin is a bright, alert and playful breed. An affectionate and devoted family companion, this breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but may be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, but they still enjoy the opportunity to play in an open yard. Their silky and flowing coat requires twice-weekly brushing.

  *  **Maltese** \- A toy dog covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog. Even though the Maltese is a very small dog, they tend to be brave and without fear. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but are also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their long, white coat.

  *   **Manchester Terrier** \- The Manchester Terrier comes in two varieties: the Toy, which weighs up to 12 lbs. and the Standard, which weighs more than 12 lbs. but must not exceed 22 lbs. They are black and tan in color and have a short, sleek coat. They are neat and tend to groom themselves. The Manchester Terrier is a lively, sharp witted breed that is eager to learn. The breed is extremely loyal to its owner(s) and forms a strong bond early on. Since it is a terrier breed, the Manchester has a tendency to test boundaries, making consistency important in any form of training. This is not a "barky" or neurotic breed, but they are good watchdogs. They do well in rural and urban environments.

  *   **Miniature Pinscher** \- Known as the "King of the Toys," the Miniature Pinscher is a compact, smooth-coated dog who is alert, spirited and fearless, with a unique high-stepping, hackney-like gait. With his black and rust coloring, cropped ears, and docked tail, he resembles his cousin the Doberman Pinscher, but he is not a miniature Dobie. Coat colors include red, stag red (red with black hairs), black with rust markings, or chocolate with tan. The Miniature Pinscher can really spice up a person's life. This dog is small, but he doesn't know it! He's quick and active, with a lively curiosity. They are good family companions and look out for their family, bravely challenging intruders with their bold, insistent bark. The "Min Pin" will be happiest with a family that treats him like a standard-sized dog. He may be stubborn, but he's also smart. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life. Play and a daily walk will take care of most of their exercise needs. His short, easy-care coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing.

  *  **Papillon** \- The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine boned structure. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears. They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive. The breed must be either parti-color or white with patches of any color. Papillons are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and exercised indoors as well. Because they don't have an undercoat, they don't require a lot of grooming but should still be brushed regularly.

  *  **Pekingese** \- The Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. They are small dogs but are not to be considered delicate or dainty. Their image is lion-like, implying courage, dignity, boldness and self-esteem. They can be any color. Pekingese possess a regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance, making them good natured, opinionated and affectionate family companions. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life, but they are sometimes difficult to housebreak. They are relatively inactive indoors and do not need a yard, but enjoy walks. Because of their long undercoats, Pekes need at least an hourly brushing session per week.

  *  **Pomeranian** \- The Pomeranian is a cocky, animated companion with an extroverted personality. This compact little dog is an active toy breed with an alert character and fox-like expression. Today, the Pomeranian is a popular companion dog and competitive show dog. They can come in all colors, patterns, and variations although orange and red are the most popular. Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs that love to please. Because of their outgoing temperaments, they can be very good family dogs with the right training. Due to their small size they don't require much exercise, but are an energetic breed that needs attention from their people frequently. They possess a thick double coat, which needs to be brushed on a regular basis.

  *  **Poodle** \- The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes in three size varieties, which may contribute to why the Poodle is one of the most popular breeds according to the AKC. Poodles can be a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never parti-colored. The Poodle can accommodate nearly any size living quarters. His hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, but requires regular professional grooming. The Poodle is an active breed and requires daily exercise.

  *  **Pug** \- The Pug is well described by the phrase "multum in parvo" which means "a lot of dog in a small space." They are recognized for their even-tempers, playful personalities, and their outgoing, loving dispositions. This square and cobby breed comes in fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn or black, with a well-defined "mask" on his muzzle. A popular companion dog, the pug also excels in the show ring. The Pug's reason for living is to be near their people and to please them, and their sturdiness makes them a family favorite. They are comfortable in small apartments because they need minimal exercise, but the breed can adapt easily to all situations. The Pug sheds, but its short coat requires little grooming.

  *  **Shih Tzu** \- A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu's long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid to stand up for himself! One of the most popular dogs in the United States according to the AKC. This portable pooch has a distinctively arrogant carriage with his head well up and tail curved over the back. All colors of Shih Tzu are allowed. As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is companion and house pet, he should be lively, alert, friendly and trusting towards all. He requires minimal exercise, but his long, luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.

  *   **Silky Terrier** \- Although a toy in size, the Silky Terrier has a true terrier personality - he is of sufficient substance to be able to hunt and kill domestic rodents. The general public occasionally confuses this breed with the Yorkie, but in reality, the Silky is larger and more closely related to the Australian Terrier. A friendly, joyful temperament and the lovely blue and tan coat make him an ideal companion. This portable pooch can adapt well to any living situation, but make sure you have the time to devote to them - they do not like to be ignored, preferring to play fetch or go on walks with their family. Silkys are keen and energetic, so it's best to keep them occupied. The breed must also be bathed and brushed on a regular basis.

  *   **Toy Fox Terrier** \- Truly an American breed, the Toy Fox Terrier is a big dog in a small package that possesses intelligence, courage and a take-charge attitude. Both a Toy and a Terrier, they are a true working dog, delighting in hunting tree squirrels and flushing out rodents. The breed's colors are white, chocolate and tan; white and tan; white and black; or tri-color. Toy Fox Terriers are an outgoing and friendly, yet fiercely loyal to their families. They are content and capable of any range of activities from hunting, to obedience, to just lounging around in the sun (or on the sofa). Children especially enjoy the unending energy and zeal for play throughout this dog's life, but as with all Toy breeds, they are not recommended for small children. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, although they love to explore the outdoors. They are easy to groom \- a quick weekly brushing to prevent shedding, nail trim, and occasional bath is all that is necessary.

  *   **Yorkshire Terrier** \- Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as "Yorkies," offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. They have long, luxurious blue and tan coats. This portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds according the AKC. Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with their people. Their long coat requires regular brushing.

Now you have been exposed to the wonderful and varied breeds considered to be toy dogs. They excel at being companions and like to be a part of the family. It matters not of where the family is. In order to keep a toy breed dog happy you must have sufficient time to be with them. The majority of the long haired breeds have labor intensive grooming need, so be willing to visit the groomer often or hands on if desired. If you are thinking of a dog with more size and substance, you should consider a working dog breed. Let's venture into the world of working dog breeds and their needs.

## Chapter Ten – The Working Dog Group

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

\- Josh Billings

Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.

  *  **Akita** \- Large, powerful and alert, the Akita is a working breed that originated in Japan. Dignified and courageous, the Akita today is popular in the show ring and also participates in performance and therapy work. The breed's thick double coat can be any color including white, brindle or pinto. An Akita trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back. Although known to be a quiet dog (they are known as the "Silent Hunter" in Japan), the Akita has strong guarding instincts and will sound the alarm if an intruder breaks into their house. One of seven breeds designated as a national monument in its native Japan, the Akita has been used as a versatile hunting dog there for many years. There is even a spiritual significance attached to the breed when a child is born in Japan, the family will receive an Akita statue signifying health, happiness, and long life. The Akita first arrived in the United States when Helen Keller brought one over in 1937. Akita temperament can range from calm to bouncy and aggressive, so the breed should always be supervised around small children and other animals. Akita's like being "pack leader," so obedience training is also necessary for a harmonious household. The breed will groom itself like a cat, but daily brushing is still necessary, as is daily exercise.

  *  **Alaskan Malamute** \- The largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute possesses great strength and endurance. He is not designed to race, but rather to carry large loads over long distances. Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are highly athletic and still capable of enjoying sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging and swimming with their owners. The Malamute coat is thick and coarse, with a plumed tail carried over the back The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red. Face markings, including a cap on the head and a bar/mask on the face are often distinguishing features. An American breed, the Alaskan Malamute was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who settled in Alaska. They have always been used as sled dogs for heavy freighting in the Arctic. The breed is cousin to the other Arctic breeds: the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky and the American Eskimo dog. Majestic and dignified, the Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate and friendly family dog. He is highly intelligent and learns quickly, but can also be strong-willed, so training should start early. As an athletic breed, daily exercise is a necessity. The Malamute's coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing.

  *    **Anatolian Shepherd Dog** \- Large, rugged and powerful, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a working guard dog, possessing a superior ability to protect livestock. While not a "glamor" breed, the Anatolian's loyalty, independence and hardiness is cherished by breeders and owners. The breed's coat can be short (one inch) or rough (approximately four inches), with all color patterns and markings, including fawn and brindle, equally acceptable. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a guardian breed that originated in Turkey more than 6,000 years ago. Well-suited to Turkey's harsh climate and a nomadic lifestyle, he served shepherds as the frontline defense against predators. Breeders created a dog of the same size and colors as the livestock they guarded so that they would remain undetected by these predators. Anatolians entered the United States in the 1950's. Instinctively protective, the Anatolian is a calm, reserved breed around strangers, showing his loyal and loving nature only to his family. He enjoys children, but should be supervised around them in case he interprets rough play as a need to guard "his" child. Because he was bred to make independent decisions while working, owner commands may not be followed to the letter, but the Anatolian is trainable. Regular exercise and grooming is necessary.

  *   **Bernese Mountain Dog** \- One of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the only variety that possesses a long, silky coat. A hardy dog that thrives in cold weather, the "Berner's" intelligence, strength and agility helped him perform the drafting and droving work in the mountainous region where he originated. Today, this versatile breed participates in conformation, obedience, carting, agility, tracking, herding and therapy work. Like the other Swiss breeds, they are tri-colored, with patches of black, rust and white. Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berner Sennenhund) originated in Switzerland and are named for the Canton of Bern. Historically, Berners were used as general purpose farm dogs. Their large, sturdy frames and calm, confident temperaments made them ideal for pulling carts to market, driving dairy cattle, watching the farm and acting as companions to farmers. Farm dogs by heritage, Berners need a moderate amount of exercise as well as consistent obedience training. As a double-coated breed, they also tend to shed, and so require regular brushing. Their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.

  *   **Black Russian Terrier** \- Large, robust and powerful, the Black Russian Terrier (BRT) was developed in Russia as a guard dog. Despite its name, the Black Russian is a member of the Working Group and not the Terrier Group. Their tousled double coat must be coal black and coarse in texture. The Black Russian Terrier's history is one of mystery and intrigue. Following WWII, the Soviets sought to reintroduce purebred dogs into the mainstream. Red Star Kennel, the state operated organization chartered to provide working dogs for the armed services, actively developed a new breed, the Black Russian Terrier. Though the early Black Russian Terrier did not look the same as today's, Red Star was successful early on in producing a big, strong, unpretentious dog that didn't require extensive coat care, and that demonstrated trainability and aggression to serve the Soviet Union's needs. According to the Black Russian Terrier Club of America, Inc., a well-bred and socialized Black Russian Terrier is loving toward his family yet reserved around strangers. Just as their Soviet owners had envisioned them to be years ago, today's Black Russian Terrier has the instinct to guard and protect. Highly intelligent, he learns easily and remembers information (good or bad) for a long time. They require regular brushing and daily exercise.

  *  **Boxer** \- The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during war time and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according the AKC. Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930's. One of the breed's most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. They are patient and spirited with children, but also protective, making them a popular choice for families. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily exercise.

  *  **Bullmastiff** \- The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting and therapy work. The Bullmastiff's coat may be red, fawn or brindle. The Bullmastiff's known history in England begins around 1860, when they were developed to keep large estates and game preserves free of poachers. Gamekeepers needed a dog that could track quietly, cover short distances quickly and pin and hold poachers without mauling them. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog; breeders were hoping to create a dog faster and more aggressive than the Mastiff, yet bigger than and not as ferocious as the Bulldog. The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident, yet remains docile and sweet-natured with his family. They are natural guardians of the home, but do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding estates. Bullmastiff's are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training. The breed does not require much exercise or grooming, and can live happily in a house or apartment.

  *  **Cane Corso** \- Noble, majestic, and powerful in presence, the Cane Corso is a muscular and large-boned breed. One of two native Italian "mastiff type" dogs that descended from the Roman canis Pugnaces, the breed's name derives from the Latin "Cohors" which means "Guardian" and "Protector." The breed's coat is short but not smooth (like the coat of a cow), very coarse and thick in order to be perfectly waterproof. It can be black, gray, fawn or red, with brindle variations and a black or gray mask also acceptable. The Cane Corso is a native of Italy. He was a property watchdog and hunted wild boar. Prior to 1988, the Cane Corso was known only in southern Italy, and was considered very rare, but has still been featured in many paintings throughout Italy's history. Intelligent, the Cane Corso is easily trained. As a large and athletic breed, they need a lot of exercise. They are affectionate to their owner and bond closely with children and family. Cane Corsos are light shedders, which make grooming simple - all they need is an occasional brushing.

  *  **Chinook** \- The Chinook was developed in New Hampshire as a sled dog whose function was drafting and sled dog racing. Bred to combine the power of freighting breeds with the speed of the lighter racing sled dogs, he is an athletic, hard bodied dog. The Chinook, whose name means 'warm winter winds' in Inuit, was named New Hampshire's State Dog in 2009. The breed has a thick, tawny-colored (ranging from pale honey to a deep reddish-gold) double coat lying close to the body. The Chinook is one of the few American dog breeds. It was developed by Polar Explorer Arthur Treadwell Walden during the early 1900's by blending a Mastiff type dog with Greenland Husky as well as German and Belgian Shepherds. Walden created a sled dog with endurance, trainability, and a gentle nature. In 1940, Perry and Honey Greene purchased the Chinooks and promoted them for many years, becoming the sole producers of the breed. By 1965, the Guinness Book of World Records recorded the Chinook as the rarest dog in the world, but with the dedication of Chinook fanciers, there are now hundreds of Chinooks listed with the AKC. The Chinook is a playful, eager to please family companion that loves children. Highly trainable, adaptable, and versatile, the breed thrives on regular exercise and activities such as backpacking, hiking, jogging, agility, and skijoring. Chinooks are not a protection breed and do not make good guard dogs. His thick coat will shed seasonally and requires regular brushing and bathing.

  *   **Doberman Pinscher** \- A square, medium-sized dog, the Doberman Pinscher is muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog. The Doberman's short, hard coat can be black, red, blue and fawn. Although the roots of the breed are relatively obscure, it is thought that the Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany around 1900, taking its name from tax collector Louis Dobermann of Apolda, who desired a medium size dog to perform as a guard dog as well as companion. Breeds utilized to develop the Doberman Pinscher may have included the old shorthaired shepherd, Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher. The Doberman Pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless and obedient. He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular exercise, but needs only minimal grooming for his short coat.

  *   **Dogue de Bordeaux** \- powerful and muscular French breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a molossoid (mastiff-type dog), "dogue" meaning Mastiff in French. A massive head and stocky body are trademarks of the breed. Americans became aware of the Dogue de Bordeaux when he appeared as drooling, messy "Hooch" in the 1989 Tom Hanks' film, _Turner and Hooch_. The breed's short, fine coat is fawn-colored, ranging from a dark red to a light fawn. The Dogue de Bordeaux's history is a mystery - different theories link him to the Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff, and the ancient Dogues de Bordeaux of Aquitaine. In any case, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been used as a guardian, hunter and fighter. They were trained to bait bulls, bears, and jaguars, hunt boars, herd cattle, and protect the homes and businesses of their masters. The Dogue de Bordeaux possesses an instinct for guarding, which he does with vigilance and courage, but without aggressiveness. He is an excellent companion – affectionate and attached to his family – with a patient, calm temperament. Their short coat is easy to care for and they require moderate daily exercise. New owners should be prepared to deal with drool!

  *  **German Pinscher** \- Medium-sized, elegant and square in build, the German Pinscher is an excellent watchdog and companion. Bigger than the Miniature Pinscher but smaller than the Doberman, the agility, alertness, intelligence and stamina of the German Pinscher make it suitable for conformation, obedience, tracking, agility competitions and more. Their short coats can be black, blue, brown, fawn or red; some have red or tan markings. Originally from Germany, the German Pinscher was prized for his vermin hunting ability. Despite his name, the German Pinscher is more closely related to the Schnauzer than the Doberman or Miniature Pinscher. Like many breeds, the German Pinscher approached extinction at the end of the World Wars, but interested owner Werner Jung revived the breed. As a working dog, German Pinschers possess a natural instinct to hunt vermin and protect home and family. This creates a dog with strong prey drive and a strong will. However, they are willing learners and they make wonderful multipurpose companions with firm but gentle and consistent discipline. A high-energy breed, they enjoy activities with their owners and require daily exercise. Their smaller size makes them suitable for city or country life, but they enjoy having a yard in which to run. The breed's short coat needs little maintenance.

  *  **Giant Schnauzer** \- Despite his name, the Giant Schnauzer is not a giant breed, but simply a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. An active and spirited dog, his sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make him one of the most useful, powerful and enduring working breeds. His coat, including the beard and eyebrows that are the Schnauzer hallmark, is solid black or salt and pepper. The Giant Schnauzer developed in the Wurttemberg and Bavaria sections of Germany, which were both agricultural areas where dogs were in high demand as farm help. He aided the shepherd in driving livestock to market and was used as a guard dog by the butchers and breweries. During World War I the breed was recognized in Germany for its intelligence and trainability, becoming one of the breeds used for police training. An extremely intelligent, energetic, strongly territorial dog, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly, however, and can distinguish between friend and foe. Giants need a lot of exercise, requiring daily walks, playtime with another dog or romps in the yard. They especially love having a job to do. The breed also requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping, so owners should be prepared to spend time maintaining the breeds' coat.

  *  **Great Dane** \- A "gentle giant," the Great Dane is nothing short of majestic. Sometimes referred to as the "king of dogs," this extremely large dog breed is known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality. Striking in the show ring, this breed is also popular as a family pet. Coat colors can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. Historians claim that there are drawings of dogs that resemble the Great Dane on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. The earliest written description of a dog resembling the breed can be found in Chinese literature of 1121 B.C. The origins of the Great Dane as we know it today can be traced to the Irish Wolfhound with mixture of old English Mastiff. The breed was originally developed by the Germans to hunt boar, a ferocious animal. When no longer used for hunting, the breed changed to one of a companion and estate guard dog. Great Danes have gentle and loving dispositions, making them excellent family companions, but as with all dogs, they should be supervised around young children. Daily exercise is necessary, but their short coats require minimal grooming.

  *  **Great Pyrenees** \- Despite his regal and majestic appearance, the Great Pyrenees is a keen worker, faithfully guarding his flocks no matter the weather or terrain. With his intelligence, scenting ability and excellent sight, he is an invaluable companion to the shepherd. The breed possesses a beautifully thick, weather resistant white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or various shades of tan. It is thought that the Great Pyrenees originated in Central Asia or Siberia and followed the Aryan migration into Europe. The breed takes his name from the mountain range in southwestern Europe, where they are used to guard flocks on the steep slopes. In addition to its association with the peasant shepherd, the Great Pyrenees was also cherished by the nobility and appointed the French court dog in the 17th century. While affectionate with his family and quiet and tolerant in general, if there is something to guard or protect, the Great Pyrenees can become quite territorial. Because they were bred to work independently and make decisions on their own, Pyrs may not be the star of the local obedience class. The breed should be exercised daily on leash or in a fenced area. New owners should be prepared for barking, especially at night, and brushing approximately once per week.

  *   **Greater Swiss Mountain Dog** \- Large, sturdy and confident, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMD or "Swissy") is a draft and drover breed - robust and agile enough to perform farm work in very mountainous regions. As a working dog, Swissie's like having a job to do and enjoy participating in hiking, carting, obedience trials, herding, weight pulling, and backpacking with their owners. The breed's short, dense coat is black with symmetrical rust and white markings. Developed in the remote and isolated areas of Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was originally used for draft work, livestock management (herding and guarding) and as a farm sentinel. The breed was assumed to have died out by the late 19th century, as their work was being done by other breeds or machines, but they were rediscovered in the early 1900's. The "Swissy" is a social dog that enjoys being a member of the family. Owners should be patient with house training; dogs may grasp the concept in a few weeks, but it can take many months for them to become reliable. Daily exercise is necessary, but should be moderate due to their large size and dark, thick coat, which can cause them to overheat in high temperatures. Coats need to be brushed once or twice a week.

  *  **Komondor** \- A large, muscular breed, the Komondor is mostly known for its unusually dense, protective coat of heavy white cords (which make him look like a giant mop!) that form naturally as the breed matures in age. The coat serves to cover vulnerable body parts in case of attack, helps him blend in with his flock and protects him from weather extremes. While he has been a working dog in Hungary for ten centuries, he is also found in the show and obedience rings in the United States. The breed was developed in Hungary to guard large herds of sheep and cattle on the plains. The Komondor is an almost direct descendent of the Aftscharka, which the Huns found on the southern steppes when they passed through Russia. Rather than being used to round up herds or flocks, the breed typically accompanies the animals they are in charge of to act in the role of protector, mostly without assistance or commands from their master. Known for its dignity, strength and courage, the Komondor is generally reserved and serious with strangers but demonstrative with those he loves. Owners should be willing to provide daily exercise and obedience training. Caring for the Komondor coat takes quite a bit of time and effort, so it's best to learn how to care for the cords from an experienced owner or breeder.

  *   **Kuvasz** \- The Kuvasz's name comes from the Turkish word "kawasz," meaning "armed guard of the nobility." He originated in Tibet, but developed into the breed he is today in Hungary. The breed served as a companion to the rulers of Hungarian and other European empires and was owned only by royalty. Hundreds of years later, the breed fell into the hands of "commoners," and shepherds found they worked well with sheep and cattle. While he is devoted to and protective of his family, the Kuvasz may not be overly demonstrative with his affections. He is often especially polite and reserved when meeting strangers. It's important to start training early, but be patient, as the breed matures slowly. As an active working dog, he requires daily activity. However, the Kuvasz coat is very easy to care for, needing brushing but very little bathing.

  *  **Leonberger** \- Calm, gentle and sweet, the Leonberger excels as a multi-purpose working dog, but its most important task is being a reliable family companion. They are friendly dogs that are willing to please, making them excellent therapy dogs. Despite the breed's lion-like looks and large size, the Leonberger is actually quite light on its feet and graceful in motion. They can be red, reddish brown, sandy, or yellow brown and always has a black mask. The Leonberger originated in the 1800's in Leonberg, Germany. Their original purpose was to be a family, farm and draft dog. The breed caught the attention of popular German artists who used them as models, and they've even been featured on the stamps of various European countries as well. Leonberger's almost became extinct after World War I, but two men were determined to keep the breed alive and recreated them from a very small number of dogs. Leonberger's love children and make excellent family pets with regular training. The Leonberger's profuse coat tends to shed a lot, requiring daily brushing. The breed needs moderate daily exercise.

  *  **Mastiff** \- One of the biggest dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, the massive Mastiff loves being around people and is known to bond closely with his 'family. A combination of grandeur and good nature as well as courage and docility, he was bred in England and used as a watchdog for more than two thousand years. The breed's short coat can be fawn, apricot or brindle. As early as 3000 B.C., drawings on Egyptian monuments depict typical Mastiffs. Later, even Caesar noticed the fearless, strong Mastiff as it fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 B.C. Impressed by the breed's courage, he brought a group of them back to Rome and forced them to take part in bull baiting, lion fighting and fights with human gladiators. Later, the Mastiff became popular with the peasants in England, where the dogs were used to keep wolves and other dangerous predators under control as well to as protect the home. The Mastiff is a powerful yet gentle and loyal companion, but because of his size and need for space, he is best suited for country or suburban life. The breed requires light exercise and minimal grooming.

  *    **Neapolitan Mastiff** \- Large and powerful, Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their massiveness - massive head, massive bone, and massive body. Despite their fierce appearance and serious demeanor, Mastini are generally peaceful, steady dogs. The breed's trademark is the loose skin that covers their bodies, the abundant wrinkles and folds on the head and their rolling and lumbering gait. Their short coat can by gray (blue), black, mahogany and tawny. Some brindling and white markings are allowed. An ancient breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff's lineage can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and Asia - to the dogs of war used by the Roman army. The breed later existed on estates and farms in northern Italy, designed to be imposing in appearance for use as a defender of owner and property. Well-bred and socialized Mastini are steady and loyal to their families but protective around strangers. Due to the breed's size, strength and temperament, experts do not recommend a Neapolitan Mastiff for first-time dog owners or families with young children. They should receive some form of daily exercise, but beware that they don't overdo it in hot weather. Their short coats are easy to care for, but potential owners should not be afraid of a little drool!

  *  **Newfoundland** \- A large dog and a true workhorse, the Newfoundland is a master at long-distance swimming and has true lifesaving instincts in the water. He is large and strong, possessing a heavy coat to protect him from icy waters. Equally at home in the water and on land, today's Newfoundland competes in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, draft and water tests, and carting. His coat can be black, brown, gray, or white and black. There are many conflicting stories as to the origin of the Newfoundland - some say he descended from the Great Pyrenees or a "French hound" - but nearly all agree that he originated in Newfoundland and his ancestors were brought there by fisherman from the European continent. In Newfoundland he was used as a working dog to pull nets for the fishermen and to haul wood from the forest. He also did heavy labor, such as powering the blacksmith's bellows. The Newfoundland's sweet disposition makes him a good fit for families. Although he appears somewhat docile, he is an active dog and will need daily exercise. Regular brushing is important to maintain his plush coat. Newfies are also an intelligent breed and are readily trained.

  *   **Portuguese Water Dog** \- Known for centuries along Portugal's coast and prized for its strength, spirit and soundness, the Portuguese Water Dog is a loyal worker and companion. Medium-sized and robust, the breed possesses a waterproof coat and the ability to swim all day. Its coat can be curly or wavy and is black, white, or brown, or combinations of black or brown with white. Referred to as the Cao de Agua (dog of water) in its native Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog was bred to accompany fisherman on their boats. An exceptional swimmer and diver, the breed retrieved broken nets, dove for fish, carried messages between boats and to shore, and guarded the boat for his master in foreign ports. The breed started disappearing in the early 20th century when technology made his daily job somewhat obsolete, but Dr. Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese shipping magnate and dog fancier, saved the breed. An athletic, active breed, the Portuguese Water Dog requires daily vigorous exercise. He is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. His profuse coat is hypoallergenic, but requires regular maintenance. It may be kept in the lion clip (the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle are clipped to the skin) or the retriever clip (the entire coat is clipped to one inch in length and follows the outline of the dog).

  *  **Rottweiler** \- Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He must be medium in size and his coat is black with rust to mahogany markings. The Rottweiler's ancestors were the drover's dogs accompanying the herds the Romans brought with them when invading Europe. The controllable herding and guarding instincts were recognized by the Germans, and dogs were selectively bred for these traits. As need for its services diminished, the Rottweiler almost fell into extinction. In the early 1900's, a newly formed club established a breed standard. The breed has not appreciably changed since that time. Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are musts. Rottweilers must be exercised daily, but require minimal grooming maintenance.

  *   **Saint Bernard** \- Originally used to locate freezing and helpless travelers during snowstorms, the St. Bernard now uses his intelligence and strength in conformation and obedience competitions, cart pulling and weight pulling. Although powerful and muscular in build, Saints possess a gentle and dignified temperament. Their coats can be long or short and range in color from deep brown to brown-yellow. White markings are required. It is generally believed that the dogs eventually called Saint Bernard's were bred from dogs previously existing in the Swiss countryside. The original Saint Bernard was a short-haired dog and was introduced to the Hospice (a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy) as a guard dog, a carting dog and an avalanche dog that rescued travelers trapped in the snow. Both long-haired and short-haired Saint Bernard's shed and need regular grooming. New owners should be prepared for drool - there is no such thing as a dry mouth Saint. This breed makes wonderful family companions with obedience training and daily exercise, but due to their larger size, may do better living in the country or suburbs.

  *  **Samoyed** \- A hardy and eager worker, the Samoyed is known for black lips that curl slightly at the corners into the "Samoyed smile." Bright and alert, he likes to stay busy and enjoys participating in agility, herding, weight pulling, sledding, pack hiking, conformation shows and more! His heavy, weather resistant coat is suitable for very cold climates and should be pure white, white and biscuit, cream or biscuit. An ancient working breed, the Samoyed is very close to the primitive dog - no mixture of wolf or fox runs through the breed's gene pool. He was developed by the Samoyede people of Siberia. They used the dogs for herding reindeer, hunting and hauling sledges as well as guard work. The breed was cherished by these people - they even allowed them to sleep in their tents because they depended on the dogs for their survival. Intelligent, gentle and loyal, Samoyeds enjoy being with their families. Due to their working heritage, they may chase things, run and bark, so it's best to channel that energy into some kind of job or activity. Otherwise, these independent thinkers may invent ways to keep themselves entertained. At the very least, daily exercise is necessary. The Samoyed coat can also mat and needs to be brushed weekly, more often during shedding season.

  *  **Siberian Husky** \- Bred in Northeast Asia as a sled dog, the Siberian Husky is known for its amazing endurance and willingness to work. Its agreeable and outgoing temperament makes it a great all-around dog, suitable for anything from sledding to therapy work. Because it originated in cold climates, Siberians have a thicker coat then most other breeds of dog, made up of a dense cashmere-like undercoat and a longer, coarse top coat. All colors from black to pure white are allowed, and a variety of markings on the head is common. The Siberian Husky is widely believed to have originated from within the Chukchi Tribe, off the eastern Siberian peninsula. These dogs were used in 1908 for the All-Alaskan Sweepstakes, which consisted of a 408 mile long dogsled race, and served in the Army's Arctic Search and Rescue Unit during World War II. Siberians are relatively easy keepers, but their thick coats require weekly brushing. New owners should be prepared to provide an outlet for exercise daily, whether through walks or an enclosed space in which to run. Predatory instincts are strong, so Siberians should be supervised around small animals in and around the home.

  *   **Standard Schnauzer** \- A medium-sized working breed, the Standard Schnauzer is sturdy and athletic, known for his arched eyebrows and bristly mustache and whiskers, the hallmark of the breed. Today, he can be seen in the conformation and performance rings and also serving as therapy service and search and rescue dog. The breed's harsh, wiry coat must be salt and pepper or black. The oldest of the three schnauzer breeds (and the prototype for the Giant and Miniature versions), the Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany. He guarded the family and livestock, rid the farmyard of vermin, and protected his owners as they traveled to market. The breed's name comes from the beard and moustache on his muzzle ("schnauze" in German). Sociable and affectionate, Standard Schnauzers become true members of their families and especially love children. Naturally protective, they will also alert members of the household to any potential danger. The breed is very intelligent but can be strong-willed, so it's beneficial to start training early and provide daily opportunities for exercise. The Standard Schnauzer's beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats from forming. The body coat should be "stripped" (loose, dead hair is plucked out) at least twice a year.

  *  **Tibetan Mastiff** \- An impressively large dog with noble bearing, the Tibetan Mastiff is an aloof and watchful guardian breed. They possess a solemn but kind expression; with an immense double coat it can be black, brown and blue/grey, with or without tan markings, and various shades of gold. Although seen in shows in the United States today, they may not enjoy participating in organized activities such as obedience or agility due to their highly independent natures. The origins of the Tibetan Mastiff are somewhat murky, but earliest written accounts place a large dog around 1100 BC in China. The breed remained isolated in the Himalayan mountains, where it developed into the Tibetan Mastiff we know today. Primarily a family and property guardian, the breed was traditionally kept confined during the day and then let loose at night. They were left behind to guard the tents and families when the flocks were moved to higher pasture. Extremely independent and intelligent, the Tibetan Mastiff may have its own agenda, so for safety, they should be kept contained when exercised. Although active while out of doors, they are usually fairly quiet in the house. Prospective owners should note - the breed is highly protective of their family and property, so it may be difficult to bring people into your home. Finally, they shed their coat only once a year, but regular brushing is still required.

Upon educating yourself about the working breeds of dog, a few facts jump off the pages. The majority of working dogs were built to be large, kind, and in need of a job. Their work could include clearing out dead trees in a forest to rescuing trapped travelers in avalanches to fighting off wolves. In any case these wonderful dogs require extra space inside the home, outside in a backyard, and in any vehicle. There is often lots of shedding year round and don't forget about the drool. With any loose lipped dog there will be plenty of saliva to be had.

In fact many years ago when I lived with my Neapolitan Mastiff, there would always be a hand towel by the doors of the house to outside. After the eating, drinking and playing she would do outside, there was plenty of drool to go around. Let me tell you when she would shake her head back and forth as dogs do, spittle would go flying everywhere. Many times it wouldn't be discovered until much later. One quiet evening as I sat on the couch relaxing in my same spot, I suddenly noticed on the back of the lampshade on the end table there was dried spittle. Yes, we had all given the room a once over and missed that on dried piece of drool. So, for the uber clean folks out there, I'm thinking that any breed of dog that drools would be a poor choice for you.

Now let's read about another group of dogs that have more specific jobs in mind; herding dogs. These dogs have consistent traits that carry from one breed to the next.

## Chapter Eleven – The Herding Dog Group

"A dog wags its tail with its heart"

\- Martin Buxbaum

The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.

  *   **Australian Cattle Dog** \- Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day. Their agility, strength and courageousness allow them to easily control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. Stubborn cows don't discourage this dog - they just become more determined to get the job done! The breed can be blue or red (can be in mottled or speckled pattern), with or without black, blue or tan markings. In the 1800s, Australians began crossing Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians and Black and Tan Kelpies. The result was a dog identical in type and build to the Dingo, only with a thicker set and peculiar markings - and also an excellent worker. Known originally as the Blue or Australian Heeler, the ACD has been a huge help to the Australian beef industry, enabling farmers to maintain huge herds. Happiest in wide open spaces, ACDs are very high-energy dogs and extremely intelligent, so they need a job - such as herding, obedience or agility - to keep them happy. While wary of strangers, the breed bonds closely to its family, though the owner must establish themselves as the pack leader. Their smooth, short coat requires only occasional baths and brushing.

  *   **Australian Shepherd** \- Animated, adaptable and agile, the Australian Shepherd lives for his job, which still involves herding livestock and working as an all-purpose farm and ranch dog. He needs a lot of activity and a sense of purpose to be truly content. Today, due to the breed's intelligence and versatility, "Aussies" also excel in AKC events such as agility, obedience and herding. Their coats can be black, blue merle, red merle and red with or without white markings. There are many theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd. Despite its misleading name, the breed as we know it today probably developed in the Pyrenees Mountains somewhere between Spain and France. It was called the Australian Shepherd because of its association with Basque shepherds who came to America from Australia in the 1800s. The Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd. An energetic breed with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Aussie requires daily vigorous exercise. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, they are "people" dogs that want to always be near their families. Their thick coats require weekly brushing.

  *  **Bearded Collie** \- With an aura of strength and agility, the Bearded Collie was bred for centuries as a companion and servant of man. "Collie" is the generic Scottish word for dogs that herd sheep, and the Beardies long, lean body and agile movement make him well-suited to that task. The breed still herds today, but they are also popular in the conformation, obedience and agility rings. Their medium-length coat is flat, harsh and shaggy. Beardies are born black, blue, brown or fawn, with or without white markings. With maturity, the coat color may lighten. Active, outgoing and affectionate, the Beardie makes a wonderful family pet. Like most long-haired breeds, Bearded Collies require a commitment to grooming. They need a few minutes of brushing or combing every day. Bearded Collies also needs exercise, but make a wonderful addition to many homes.

  *  **Beauceron** \- An old and distinct French breed of herding dog, the Beauceron is easily trained, faithful, gentle and obedient. The Beauceron coat can be seen in variations of black and tan. While relatively unknown outside of France, the breed is very old within the country. And while there are many sheep herding dogs in France, the Beauceron is the preferred choice due to its tireless work ethic. The earliest record found so far of what is thought to be the Beauceron dates back to a Renaissance manuscript of 1578. In 1809, the abbey Rozier reported plain dogs guarding flocks and herds. In 1863, Pierre Megnin differentiated, with precision, two types of these sheep dogs: one with a long coat, which became known as the Berger de Brie (Briard), the other with a short coat, which is known as the Berger de Beauce (Beauceron). Like many breeds within the herding group, the Beauceron is happiest when assigned a task. He is eager to learn and easily trained, but may display independence. The breed's short coat does not require extensive grooming. Although the Beauceron can be reserved with strangers, he's loving, loyal and protective of his family.

  *  **Belgian Malinois** \- One of the four types of Belgian shepherding dogs, the Belgian Malinois is an alert, high-energy breed, popular as both a police and military working dog. Although sometimes mistaken for the German Shepherd Dog, the Malinois is more elegant in build and lighter-boned, but does not lack for strength, agility or herding ability. Active participants in conformation, obedience, schutzhund, herding, sledding, and tracking, the breed ranges in color from rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs and a black mask and ears. Developed in the city of Malines, where it got its name, the Malinois shares a common foundation with the Belgian Sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren. In fact, the Belgian dogs share a breed standard in all countries except the United States. The original breeders prized the Malinois' working character, and historically, the breed has been the favorite type of Belgian Shepherd in its native country. Intelligent and trainable, the Belgian Malinois possesses a strong desire to work and is happiest with regular activity and a job to do. A relatively easy keeper due to their medium size and short coat, this confident breed loves their families, but may be somewhat reserved with strangers. They are naturally protective of their owners without being overly aggressive.

  *  **Belgian Sheepdog** \- Elegant and proud, the Belgian Sheepdog is strong, but not bulky. During WWI, Belgian Sheepdogs distinguished themselves on the battlefields, serving as message carriers, ambulance dogs, and even pulling machine guns. It is no wonder that today this breed performs well in sports like obedience, herding, and tracking. They are also excellent workers, and work as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs. This breed is completely black, or may be black with white, although there are limitations to their white markings. The Belgian Sheepdog is known as the Groenendael, or Chien de Berger Belge in most parts of the world. The breed's origin can be traced to the late 1800's where it was listed in both stud books and at dog shows. A versatile animal, it performed a variety of functions and worked as a herder, watchdog and companion. The Belgian Sheepdog is happiest with an owner who can give him plenty of jobs to do. This breed gets along with gentle children, and will thrive in either country or suburban living if exercise is readily available. This is also a protective breed, and his intelligence and trainability make him an excellent watch dog. His long coat should be brushed weekly.

  *  **Belgian Tervuren** \- Intelligent, courageous and alert, the Belgian Tervuren is marked by its devotion to work and family. Elegant in appearance, the Belgian Tervuren's color is a rich fawn to russet mahogany with black overlay. The Terv owes its name to the Belgian village of Tervuren, the home of M.F. Corbeel, an early devotee of the breed. Excelling in obedience and agility competitions, this breed also makes an excellent therapy or guide dog for the disabled, as well as being outstanding at their original job of herding. The Belgian Tervuren is known in its country of origin as the Chien de Berger Belge. Prior to the Industrial Age, the rural farmers of Belgium had a great need for a general purpose herding and guard dog. The protective instinct of these dogs provided security for the farm and the family, and their herding abilities assisted with the daily maintenance of the stock. With industrialization, the rural farm dog became less important, but the Terv continued to be cherished as a family companion. The Belgian Tervuren's thick coat requires brushing at least twice a week. The breed also enjoys having a job to do and needs daily exercise. As an intelligent, sensitive dog, the Belgian Tervuren makes a wonderful addition to any home, as long as training is provided.

  *  **Border Collie** \- The workaholic of the dog world, the Border Collie is the world's premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct and working ability. Medium-sized and athletic, the breed controls stock with stalking movement and an intense gaze known as "eye." The Border Collie coat can be rough or smooth and includes any color in bi-color, tri-color, merle, sable, or solid patterns. In the border country between Scotland and England, Border Collies (first classified as the "Scotch Sheep Dog") were invaluable to shepherds by allowing them to maintain large flocks of sheep. The breed as we know it today has been around for more than 100 years. In the second half of the 19th century, Queen Victoria spotted a Border Collie and became an active enthusiast. At this point, the divergence between our modern Collie and the Border Collie began. This high-drive breed is extremely energetic and requires exercise beyond just a walk around the block or a romp in the yard. They thrive when they have a job to do and space to run. Due to their tendency to herd objects and people, they do best with mature, well-behaved children. They love their families, but may be somewhat reserved with strangers. They are seasonal shedders, and require regular brushing.

  *   **Bouvier des Flandres** \- Rugged, agile and even-tempered, the Bouvier des Flandres makes an ideal farm dog. He often tests his working skills in AKC herding tests and trials, and can also be found at agility, tracking, obedience, and conformation events. The breed's double coat protects him from harsh weather and can range in color from fawn to black, passing through salt and pepper, gray and brindle. The Bouvier originated in Belgium and most of the early breeders were farmers, butchers, or cattle merchants not particularly interested in breeding pedigreed dogs. All they wanted was help in their work. The first Bouviers were not absolutely uniform in size, weight, and color, but nevertheless, they all had enough characteristics in common to be recognized as Bouviers. Many had different names - Vuilbaard (dirty beard), koehond (cow dog), and toucheur de boeuf or pic (cattle driver). Steady, resolute and fearless, the Bouvier des Flandres serves as a family friend and guardian. While this breed is not overly active in the house he does need plenty of exercise, so country and suburban living suits him well. The Bouvier should be brushed weekly to remove dead hair in the coat and prevent matting. A large breed, he should always be supervised around children and other animals.

  *  **Briard** \- Vigorous and alert, this powerful and agile breed is a native of France. A working animal, the breed's most common job has been herding, but their acute sense of hearing also makes them an excellent watchdog. The Briard's long, luxurious coat can be any solid color except white; they are usually black, gray or tawny. Centuries old and beloved by the French since the Middle Ages, the Briard has been depicted in 8th-century tapestries and mentioned in records of the 12th century. In early times, Briards were used to defend their charges against wolves and poachers. After the French Revolution, the Briard's work gradually transformed into the more peaceful tasks of herding the flocks and guarding their masters' property. In America, the Briard's history is not well documented - some credit the Marquis de Lafayette with the introducing the breed, but Thomas Jefferson also brought representatives of the breed to this continent. The Briard is happiest leading a busy, active life. This breed is an independent thinker, so patience is necessary when training. Like many sheepdogs, this breed may be wary of strangers. However, the Briard is very sensitive to his family's feelings and makes an excellent pet if time and effort is put in to raising him. Grooming wise, the breed's coat needs brushing every day to prevent mats.

  *  **Canaan Dog** \- Inquisitive, loyal and loving with his family, the Canaan Dog is a breed that moves with athletic agility. Today, he is successful in the herding, obedience, agility and conformation arenas. This breed has two color patterns: either predominantly white with a mask, with or without additional patches of color, or solid colored with or without white trim. The Canaan Dog, the natural breed of Israel, dates back to Biblical times, originating in the Land of Canaan. The Canaan Dog was the guard and herd dog of the ancient Israelites, guarding their camps and flocks. In anticipation of Israel's War of Independence and WWII, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel recruited and trained more than 400 of the best dogs as mine detectors for the Middle East forces, and they proved superior to the mechanical detectors. On September 7, 1965, Ursula Berkowitz of Oxnard, California, imported the first four Canaan Dogs with the idea of establishing the breed in the United States. While the Canaan Dog is highly territorial, the breed is docile with his family, yet reserved and aloof with strangers. He may be very vocal at times. This breed will need regular exercise, but is easily trained. His short coat requires minimal maintenance.

  *   **Cardigan Welsh Corgi** \- Known as the Corgi with the tail, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds. Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is low set with moderately heavy bone and a deep chest. Originally used as a drover and farm dog, the breed is small and powerful, capable of great speed and endurance. Coat colors include red, sable, and brindle, black and blue merle. White markings are common. The Cardigan first arrived in Cardiganshire (its place of origin) with the Celts in 1200 BC. The breed became useful because the Crown owned practically all land, and the tenant farmers were permitted to fence off only a few acres surrounding their dooryards. The rest was common land, on which the crofter was permitted to graze his cattle. Instead of herding the cattle, the Corgi would nip at their heels and drive them as far afield as desired. The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments, but need some form of daily exercise. As a companion dog, they love to be with their people and are loyal, affectionate and even-tempered. The breed's double coat requires regular brushing.

  *  **Collie** \- Although a large, active dog, the Collie is both elegant and graceful, appearing to float over the ground as it runs. Loyal and affectionate, the breed is naturally responsive to humans. Marked characteristics include the beautiful coat of the rough variety and the breed's lean wedge-shaped head. The coat can be rough or smooth and the four accepted colors are sable and white, tri-color, blue merle and white. The best-known Collie is, of course, the famous Lassie. The exact origin of the Collie is uncertain, but they have existed for centuries as herding dogs of Scotland and England. They were used primarily as a drover dog, guiding cows and sheep to market. The true popularity of the breed came about during the 1860's when Queen Victoria visited the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with the breed - from that point on Collies became very fashionable. The Collie is a devoted family dog, especially with children. Although they require daily walks, they can also be couch potatoes. Despite the Rough Collie's immense coat, they only need to be brushed about once a week, although the need for brushing may increase in shedding season. Collies are also a very clean breed and are noted for not having a doggie odor.

  *   **Entlebucher Mountain Dog** -The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a native of Switzerland and the smallest of the four tri-colored Swiss Mountain Dogs, which also include the Appenzeller Sennenhund, Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Entlebucher is a medium-sized, compact and strongly muscled. He has a short, hard, tricolor coat that is bright black with symmetrical markings of pure white on blaze, muzzle, chest, and feet; shades of rich fawn to mahogany are present on the eyebrows and between the black and white markings. Although primarily a herding and general all-purpose dog, Entles excel at competitive sports and are willing and enthusiastic partners in any athletic canine activity chosen by their master. Swiss farmers have historically used the Entlebucher to move cows from pasture to pasture in the Alps. Their keen intelligence, speed and agility also made them useful for the management of other large animals such as horses and hogs. The breed originated from Entlebuch, a valley in the district of the Cantons Lucerne and Berne. This lively, active, persistent, self-assured and determined breed is loyal and protective of family, but may be reserved with strangers. Entles are an active, high energy & physical breed, with above average exercise requirements, so they are not a dog for the casual owner. Entlebuchers do best when they have a job. Their smooth, short coat requires minimal upkeep.

  *  **Finnish Lapphund** \- The Finnish Lapphund is a medium sized breed that combines the look of the northern type dog with the temperament of the herding dog. Developed north of the Arctic Circle to live and work outside, the breed has a thick, profuse coat, allowing it to withstand extremely cold temperatures. The breed has a soft, sweet, expressive face which can be likened to that of a teddy bear. Coat colors can include black, blonde, brown, and tan, among other color and marking combinations. The original Finnish Lapphunds were the helper dogs of a tribe of semi-nomadic people, the Sami, in Lapland (the northern region of Finland, Sweden and, in part, Russia). Over hundreds of years, the Sami culture evolved into a more sedentary existence, which revolved around the keeping of reindeer herds. At the same time, the dogs evolved from hunters into herding dogs that helped maintain the reindeer. With the arrival of the snowmobile, the use of dogs became less and less necessary, but the breed still retains a strong herding instinct. They remain very popular as family pets in Scandinavia. When working, Finnish Lapphunds are agile, alert and noisy. While interacting with people, however, the breed is calm, friendly, and very submissive. Lappies shed seasonally, but the fur can be easily controlled with regular brushing. Their double-coat makes them intolerant of the heat. Daily exercise is also necessary.

  *   **German Shepherd Dog** \- The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world's leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds according to AKC, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. The GSD may be most colors, but most commonly is black and tan. The German Shepherd Dog originated in 1899 at Karlsruhe, Germany due to the efforts of Captain Max von Stephanitz and others. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in 1907. The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strong heart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high. Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming.

  *   **Icelandic Sheepdog** \- Playful, friendly and inquisitive, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a hardy and agile dog. Slightly under medium size with prick ears and a curled tail, the breed has two coat types, long and short. Confident and lively, they are so loved in their native country as working dogs and pets that they have been portrayed on postage stamps. The breed's coat comes in a range of color combinations and markings, including red, tan, golden and black. The Icelandic Sheepdog came to Iceland with the Vikings in AD 874-930 and was used to work sheep, cattle, and horses. The breed adapted its working style to Iceland's local terrain and farming techniques so well that it became indispensable to the Icelandic people. It is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world and happens to be Iceland's only native dog. Today, while still small in numbers, the Icelandic Sheepdog is increasing in popularity. The breed is extremely social, loving, and patient with children, making them an ideal family dog. The breed sheds its undercoat twice a year and needs to be brushed when it does. Intelligent and eager to please, Icelandic Sheepdogs are easily trained.

  *  **Norwegian Buhund** -The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. Bred as an energetic working dog, Buhunds herd livestock and guard home and family. Today, they are also trained to aid the hearing impaired, perform some types of police work, and perform in obedience and agility trials. Their thick coat is wheaten (pale cream to bright orange) or black in color. The breed as we know it today, with its prick ears and curled tail, was nurtured in the rainy western coastlands of Norway, where they herded sheep, guarded farms and hunted bear and wolf. Ancient versions of the Buhund traveling with Vikings on their many journeys have been documented as far back as the year 900. This breed makes a wonderful companion for active people or families and will thrive in a home where plenty of exercise is provided. While Norwegian Buhunds make excellent watch dogs, they are also content to lie at your feet at the end of a hard day. Grooming is minimal - brushing will maintain the breed's medium to short easy care coat. Training wise, the Buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the Spitz breeds, but obedience training is still a necessity.

  *   **Old English Sheepdog** \- Its trademark is its beautiful, profuse coat, but the intelligent and agile Old English Sheepdog (OES) can easily complete any demanding task asked of him by a shepherd or drover. Square in build and possessing great strength, the OES enjoys working and is seen in the conformation, obedience, agility and herding rings today with their characteristic shuffling gait. His coat, which serves as insulation, can be any shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle with or without white markings. The Old English Sheepdog originated in the early 19th century in the western counties of England, and is believed to have descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar. The OES herded sheep and cattle into major city markets, earning the nickname "bobtail" due to their docked tails. The short tail signaled their working status, earning their owners a tax exemption. The OES is an athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and therefore requires regular exercise or a job to do. Although affectionate with his family, he may try to herd people or other objects. If the coat is of the correct texture, the breed should not be any more difficult to groom than other long-haired dogs, provided a dog is introduced to it early.

  *   **Pembroke Welsh Corgi** \- Low-set, strong and sturdily built, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gives an impression of substance in a small space. He is one of the most agreeable small house dogs, as well as an avid competitor in many dog sports, including conformation, herding and obedience. The Pembroke Corgi is a separate breed from the Cardigan Corgi, possessing a shorter body and straighter, lighter boned legs. His ears are pointed at the tip and stand erect, and he has a short tail. The coat can be red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings. The Corgi from Pembrokeshire is a breed of considerable antiquity. The direct ancestors of the Pembroke were brought across the Channel in 1107 by Flemish weavers. The early progenitor is said to have had a resemblance to the old Schipperkes, and sprang from the same family that includes the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound and Finnish Spitz. Bold and friendly, the Pembroke responds well to training and loves his family, but he may try to herd you! He thrives on farms, but can adapt to a variety of living situations if given regular exercise. This breed also requires routine brushing.

  *   **Polish Lowland Sheepdog** \- -Developed in Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is better known by his native name: Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or "PON," as he's called in the United States. Popular in his home country (they are even featured on stamps!), PONS are intelligent, spirited working dogs that fearlessly protect their flocks from any predators. The breed's long, shaggy coat hangs over his eyes and can be many colors, including white with black, gray or sandy patches; gray with white; or chocolate. It is thought that the PON descended from the coated working dogs developed in Central Asia, including the Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso. The Tibetan people were avid traders, so the dogs moved across Asia and into Europe, where the sheepdogs were intermixed with local working dogs. The PON has been known in Poland since before the 16th century, where he is used for herding and guarding. When not used as a herding or working dog, the PON can fit into any type of lifestyle. His medium size makes him suitable for apartments or the farm. While affectionate and loving toward their family and children, PONs may be suspicious of strangers. Training should start early, as the PON is independent and can be stubborn. The breed's coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats.

  *  **Puli** \- Compact, vigorous and alert, the Puli is a tough-as-nails herding dog, able to perform its duties across any terrain. The Puli coat is wavy or curly and naturally clumps together into wooly "cords," which protects them from harsh weather. Coat colors include black, gray and white. Today, the Puli are often seen in the show ring, as well as in the herding, obedience, agility, tracking and therapy dog arenas. As the ancient sheepdog of Hungary, the Puli have been herding flocks for Hungarian Shepherds for more than 1,000 years. The Puli ancestors were brought into the country by the Magyars and were similar to the Kuvasz and Komondor at the time. The Puli was nearly lost in the 17th century due to interbreeding, but the breed was revived in 1912, leading to the first Puli standard in 1915. Intelligent and possessing an excellent sense of humor, Pulis retains their "puppy" attitude nearly their entire lives. The breed loves their family and home, and as such, is naturally protective and suspicious of strangers. Although they love the farm, Pulis can thrive in a variety of living situations due to their medium size, but owners must provide daily opportunities for exercise. The corded coat takes time to maintain - thorough drying after bath time is especially important to prevent mildewed cords.

  *   **Pyrenean Shepherd** \- The Pyrenean Shepherd or "Pyr Shep" has herded sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France for centuries. The breed comes in two coat types - Rough-Faced and Smooth-Faced. Colors include shades of fawn from tan to copper, as well as charcoal to silver to pearl grey. Although tentative with strangers, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a very lively, cheerful disposition, and is a superb canine athlete who excels at agility and other dog sports. The breed first distinguished itself outside its native mountains with its service to French troops during World War I. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Pyr Sheps gave their lives for the cause as couriers, search and rescue dogs finding injured soldiers after battles, and accompanying guards on their rounds. This breed will thrive in the home of an active family. The Pyrenean Shepherd is dominated by his love for his work. As a companion, he is very active and enthusiastic and insists upon being involved in the day's activities whatever they may be. The Pyr Shep coat does not require much maintenance beyond a thorough brushing every few weeks.

  *   **Shetland Sheepdog** \- The Shetland Sheepdog, or "Sheltie" as it is commonly called, is essentially a working Collie in miniature. A rough-coated, long haired working dog, he is alert, intensely loyal and highly trainable and is known as a devoted, docile dog with a keen sense of intelligence and understanding. Agile and sturdy, the Sheltie is one of the most successful obedience breeds, but also excels in agility, herding and conformation. The coat can be black, blue merle or sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan. Like the Collie, the Sheltie's history traces back to the Border Collie of Scotland. After being transported to the Shetland Islands and crossed with small, intelligent, longhaired breeds, they were eventually reduced to miniature proportions. Over time, subsequent crosses were made with Collies. The breed worked as farm helpers and home protectors, watching over crofters' cottages, flocks and herds from invaders of all kinds. Shelties love their families, but may be reserved at first with strangers. As a herding dog, they can be inclined to bark at and herd people. Shelties thrive on the farm, but adaptable to many living situations if given proper exercise. The breed's dense double coat requires regular maintenance.

  *  **Swedish Vallhund** \- The Swedish Vallhund is a small, powerful, fearless breed that has been kept for centuries as a farm dog used for herding cattle and sheep. Today, they often participate in obedience, agility, tracking, herding and flyball. The Swedish Vallhund comes naturally with no tail (bobtail), stub tail or full curl tail. Their double coat is marked in a sable pattern and can be any color from grey to red. It is believed that the Swedish Vallhund goes back more than 1000 years in Sweden to the days of the Vikings, where they were known as the "Vikingarnas Hund," the "Viking Dog." During the eighth or ninth century, historians state that either the Swedish Vallhund was brought to Wales or the Corgi was taken to Sweden, hence the similarities between the two breeds. The Swedish Vallhund almost became extinct in Sweden in 1942 but was rescued from that fate when Count Bjorn von Rosen of Sweden became involved. Often referred to as a 'big dog in a small body,' the Swedish Vallhund is an alert, energetic, and intelligent dog. Their even temper and eager-to-please personality make them wonderful family companions while their active and athletic spirit makes them good herding dogs, although they'll need sufficient daily exercise. Their tight, medium-length coat is easy to groom and requires occasional brushing and bathing.

Hopefully you can now understand these herding dogs much better. The words lively, active, persistent, self-assured and determined are all parts of the herding dogs' traits. They like to work outdoors most of the time and preferably with their human partners. I personally love the looks of the Bouvier des Flandres but know that I would not be the best type of home for one. I will continue to admire them from afar. Let's take a look at one more class of dog which is the Non-sporting dog group.

## Chapter Twelve – The Non-Sporting Dog Group

"Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window." –

~Steve Bluestone

Non-sporting dogs are a diverse group. Here are sturdy animals with as different personalities and appearances as the Chow-Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and Keeshond. Talk about differences in size, coat, and visage! Some, like the Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel are uncommon sights in the average neighborhood. Others, however, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso, have quite a large following. The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance.

  *   **American Eskimo Dog** \- A small to medium-size Nordic-type dog, the American Eskimo Dog is known for its bright white coat, jet black points (lips, nose and eye rims) and erect triangular ears. Although once used as a circus dog, they are primarily companion dogs today and participate in conformation, obedience and agility competitions. The breed's white double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with longer guard hairs forming an outer coat that stands off from the body. A member of the Spitz family, the "Eskie" descended from the European Spitzes, including the white German Spitz, the white Keeshond, the white Pomeranian and the white Italian Spitz. Contrary to its name, the breed has nothing to do with the Eskimo culture. During the 19th century in America, the breed performed regularly in trick-dog acts in traveling circuses throughout America, prized for their beautiful appearance, intelligence and agility. Intelligent, alert and friendly, the American Eskimo Dog is also an excellent watchdog, protective of his home and family. The Eskie learns quickly and is eager to please his owner, but requires daily exercise. Their voluminous coat sheds and needs to be brushed and bathed on a regular basis.

  *  **Bichon Frise** \- A cheerful, happy dog, the Bichon Frise is small and sturdy with a dark-eyed inquisitive expression and a plumed tail it carries merrily over the back. The breed is often compared to a cotton ball due to its curled double coat, which consists of a textured outer coat and a silky undercoat. The coat must be white, but may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body. The Bichon Frise appeared in the 13th century as a descendent from the Water Spaniel. Traded by Spanish sailors and transported from continent to continent, the breed eventually became a favorite of those in the 16th century French royal courts. The breed was also favored by the painters of the Spanish school, who often included them in their works. Although the breed's colorful past includes use as a circus dog, today the Bichon is enjoyed primarily as a companion animal. The Bichon is a naturally gentle, playful dog. He loves activity and requires regular exercise. His hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats. Bichon's also tend to be a good breed for allergy sufferers.

  *  **Boston Terrier** \- Truly an "All-American" dog, the Boston Terrier is a lively and highly intelligent breed with an excellent disposition. Conveying an impression of determination, strength and activity, he is short-headed and compactly built, and must be black, brindle or seal with white markings. Following the Civil War, the Boston Terrier breed was developed in the stables of Boston, Massachusetts, as a fighting dog. An imported dog known as "Hooper's Judge" (sold to a Boston man in 1870) became the ancestor of almost all true modern Boston Terriers. The breed is an American creation, resulting from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. In 1891, the breed became known as Boston Terriers, taking the name of the city where they originated. The Boston has been nicknamed "the American Gentleman" because of his dapper appearance, characteristically gentle disposition and suitability as companion and house pet. They require only a moderate amount of exercise and a minimum amount of grooming. The breed is easy to train and they are easy keepers, preferring to remain by their owner's sides.

  *  **Bulldog** \- Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gait and massive, short-faced head, the Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute and dignified. A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! They are one of the most popular breeds according to the AKC due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald. Said to have originated in the British Isles, the name "bull" was applied because of the dog's connection with bull baiting. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fanciers set to the task of preserving the breed by eliminating the fierce characteristics. Within a few generations, the Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens with an agreeable temperament. Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest.

  *  **Chinese Shar-Pei** \- Immediately recognizable due to their unique "hippopotamus" head shape, profile and wrinkles, the Shar-Pei are an ancient breed that is usually aloof and standoffish with strangers, but devoted to his family. Their name "Shar-Pei" means sandy coat and their coat should be off standing and harsh. Any solid color and sable is acceptable and none of these is preferred over the others. Today, the Shar-Pei is exhibited in conformation, agility, obedience and tracking. Originally a multipurpose Chinese farm dog, many of the breed's characteristics relate to that work. Their moderate sound structure allowed them to be perimeter guard dogs, working all day. They have retained vermin catching, herding and tracking skills, as their role on the farms was diverse. Physically, the Chinese believed the breed's scowl and the black pigmented mouth would scare off evil spirits and their imposing presence meant that most were never challenged. An intelligent and often stubborn breed, Shar Pei ownership needs careful consideration. They are bright and learn quickly, but early training and socialization are important, as is daily exercise. Shar-Pei are clean dogs that require little more grooming than an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning and toe nail clipping.

  *  **Chow Chow** \- A powerful, sturdy dog of Arctic type, medium in size and muscular with heavy bone, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. While the breed was originally a working dog, he primarily serves as a companion today and is seen in show rings across the country. This lion-like, regal breed comes in five colors - red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream - and is known for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Their coats can also be either rough or smooth. The true origin of the Chow is unknown, but the breed as it is known today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.). An all-purpose dog used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home, some scholars claim the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian and Keeshond. Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain their double coats.

  *  **Dalmatian** \- The only spotted breed, the Dalmatian is alert and active, possessing great endurance, speed and intelligence. Their working and sporting heritage makes them suitable as both a family pet or performance animal, and they are often found in the show, obedience and agility rings, or galloping alongside a horse as a coach dog in "road trials." Their short coat is white with black or liver (brown) spots. Spotted dogs have appeared throughout history in Europe, Asia, and Africa, credited with a dozen nationalities and as many native names. The dog we know today as the Dalmatian has been a dog of war, a draft dog, shepherd, ratter, fire-apparatus follower, firehouse mascot, bird dog, trail hound and retriever. Most importantly, he is the original and only coaching dog. His affinity for horses remains a basic instinct to this day and the breed is a natural follower and guardian of the horse-drawn vehicle. The fun-loving, people-oriented Dalmatian thrives in a family environment. They are a high-energy breed and require daily exercise on leash or within a fenced area. The breed's short coat sheds almost year round, but regular brushing helps minimize the shedding.

  *  **Finnish Spitz** \- Resembling a red fox, the Finnish Spitz is a northern breed with erect ears, a dense double coat and a plumed bushy tail. He is a lively animal, with a keen, intelligent expression and brisk, quick movement. Medium-sized, the Finnish Spitz comes across as an agile, workmanlike dog with no exaggerated or showy features except for his lustrous golden-red coat, which ranges from pale honey to deep auburn. The national dog of Finland, the Finnish Spitz was originally known as the Suomenpystrykorva (the Finnish Cock-Eared Dog) and the Finnish Barking Birddog. A hunter of small game and birds, the Finnish Spitz directs his hunter to treed game with a distinctive ringing bark or yodel and points to the prey with head and muzzle. Although breeders crossing them with other breeds nearly led to their extinction in the late 1800's, two Helsinki sportsmen recognized their native dog's excellent qualities and salvaged the breed. A lively, friendly dog, the Finnish Spitz enjoys being active and spending time with his family. He is good-natured and enjoys children, although may be initially cautious with strangers. The breed requires moderate exercise and his thick double coat sheds and will need regular brushing and bathing.

  *  **French Bulldog** \- Often described as "a clown in the cloak of a philosopher," the French Bulldog originated as, and continues to be used as a companion dog. The breed is small and muscular with heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face and trademark "bat" ears. Prized for their affectionate natures and even dispositions, they are generally active and alert, but not unduly boisterous. Frenchies can be brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white. Lace makers in 19th Century Nottingham, England selectively bred the early bulldog for a downsized or "toy" bulldog, for use as a lap pet. When the Industrial Revolution displaced some lace makers to France, they took the dogs with them, and soon the "toy" bulldogs became popular in France, where wealthy Americans doing the Grand Tour saw and fell in love with them. In the late 1800's these "toy bulldogs" became known as French Bulldogs. Frenchies are indoor dogs, but require air conditioning in warm weather. While good at alerting their owners to danger (Look! The UPS Guy is coming!), their main role is that of lap warmer. The Frenchie requires minimal exercise and grooming.

  *  **Keeshond** \- A medium-sized, sturdy dog, the Keeshond possesses the characteristics of other Northern breeds - a fox-like expression, stand-off coat and richly plumed tail carried over the back. His coloring is a mixture of gray, black and cream, with variations from light to dark and distinctive "spectacles" - markings and shadings in the eye area, including a delicate, dark line slanting from eye to ear and expressive eyebrows. Basically unchanged over the past two centuries, the Keeshond descended from the same arctic strains as the Samoyed, Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz and Pomeranian. The Kees was originally served as a watchdog on riverboats, barges and farms. Especially popular in Holland in the late 1700's, the breed also became a symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party and its leader Kees de Gyselaer, who owned a dog, named Kees and gave the breed its name. When the Patriots were defeated, the Keeshond became rare in Holland until it was revived a century later, when it also began appearing in England and America. An affectionate, good-natured companion, the Keeshond is outgoing and friendly with people and dogs, following the lead of their owners when welcoming strangers. The breed learns quickly and is energetic, requiring daily exercise. Twice-weekly brushing is sufficient.

  *  **Lhasa Apso** \- The Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy breed with a beautiful cloak of hair that parts down their back from head to tail. Their temperament is unique: joyful and mischievous, dignified and aloof. An independent breed, the Lhasa's goal in life is not necessarily to please their master. Popular in the show ring, the breed also excels at activities that provide constant challenges, such as agility. Lhasas come in many colors from light blonde to black. Black tipping's on ears and faces are also common. The Lhasa Apso originated hundreds of years ago in the isolated reaches of the Himalayan Mountains. It functioned primarily as a household sentinel, guarding homes of Tibetan nobility and Buddhist monasteries, particularly in or near the sacred city of Lhasa. In 1933, C. Suydam Cutting introduced the first Lhasas to the U.S. gifts from the 13th Dalai Lama. Bred as indoor watchdogs for hundreds of years, Lhasas can be suspicious of strangers, so early socialization is critical. They are happiest when living with adults or families with older children, and enjoy regular walks. A long-coated breed, they also require frequent grooming. Many pet owners enjoy keeping their Lhasa in the shorter "puppy cut."

  *  **Löwchen** \- Meaning "little lion" in German, the Löwchen is a small, bright, and lively dog. The breed's trademark is their traditional "lion" trim, where the coat is left natural and untrimmed on the forequarters and clipped close to the skin on the hindquarters. Cuffs of hair around the ankles are left on all four legs and the tail is clipped except for a plume left on the base. All colors and color combinations are acceptable. Today, the Löwchens agility and quickness make them especially suited for the obedience and agility rings. The Löwchen has existed for at least 400 years, originating as a companion breed in Pre-Renaissance Europe (likely in Germany or the Mediterranean) where ladies of the court groomed it in the likeness of a little lion. They were popular as foot warmers and comforters; their exposed skin allowed ladies to warm their feet and also prevented matting and infestation. The Löwchen's outgoing and positive attitude makes the breed a pleasure to be around. As a companion dog, they are affectionate and like to be with their families. Although smaller in size, they enjoy daily walks or other activity. Their single coat needs a thorough brushing at least weekly to prevent matting and their trim should be freshened every two months.

  *    **Norwegian Lundehund** \- The Norwegian Lundehund is a small and agile Spitz breed with several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog. Features such as six toes on each foot; prick ears that fold closed, forward or backward at will; and the ability to tip the head backward until it touches the back bone all helped them perform their job as Puffin hunter. Their dense coat ranges from fallow to reddish brown to tan in color, with black hair tips and white markings, or white with red or dark markings. The Lundehund originated on the remote islands of arctic Norway, where it was used to wrestle and retrieve live Puffin birds (a meat and feather crop for the Norwegian farmer) from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. The breed has also been described in writings as far back as the 1500s. When the Puffin bird became a protected species in the 1800's, the dogs were no longer useful to the farmers and breed numbers dwindled. The breed was saved from near extinction after World War II through the friendship of two concerned Norwegians, but even today the numbers are limited. Today, the Lundehund is a loyal and playful companion. Their superior personality, even disposition and small size make them an ideal, easy-to-live-with pet, although they may be wary of strangers. The breed's coat requires minimal upkeep.

  *  **Poodle** -The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most popular breeds according to the AKC. Poodles can be a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never parti-colored. The breed originated in Germany as a water retriever. The stylish "Poodle clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more efficiently. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Standard variety is the oldest of the three varieties. The Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle was often used in performances and circuses. The Poodle can accommodate nearly any size living quarters. His hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, but requires regular professional grooming. The Poodle is an active breed and requires daily exercise.

  *  **Schipperke** \- The small, fox like Schipperke is known for its mischievous expression and distinctive black coat, which stands off from the body and is harsh to the touch. This enthusiastic, joyful, and sometimes willful dog has a thickset and cobby body, and lacks a tail. Although historically a watchdog and vermin hunter, today this ageless breed enjoys competing in conformation, agility and obedience, often well into its teens. The Schipperke originated in the Flemish regions of Belgium, bred down in size from a black sheepdog called the Leauvenaar. The breed worked as a companion of tradesmen as well as a watchdog and ratter on the river barges, which is where they got the name "Schipperke" since the Flemish word "schip" means boat. Another common nickname for the Schipperke is "Little Captain." The Schipperke is extremely active and loves to be involved in what is going on around him, but due to their watchdog tendencies, they can turn into barkers if not taught otherwise. Equally happy in an apartment or a home with a large yard, they should be kept on leash when not in a fenced area and be taken to obedience classes. The breed's coat needs only weekly brushing and an occasional bath, although they do shed several times a year.

  *  **Shiba Inu** \- The smallest of the Japanese native breeds, the Shiba was originally developed for hunting in the dense undergrowth of Japan's mountainous areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. His frame is compact with well-developed muscles and he possesses a double coat that can be black and tan, red or red sesame. Descended from the primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt small wild game, boar and bear. The name Shiba in Japanese means _brushwood,_ after the breed's hunting terrain or the color of brushwood leaves in the fall and Inu means _dog_. World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba due to bombing raids and distemper, but after the war, bloodlines were combined to produce the breed as it is known today. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. The Shiba adapts well to different living situations, but must be exercised regularly on leash or in a secure area. Early obedience training and regular brushing are musts.

  *  **Tibetan Spaniel** \- 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. Found in early Eastern art dating back as far as 1100 BC, Tibetan Spaniels were prized as pets and companions in Tibetan monasteries. Referred to as "little Lions" by their masters, they would sit on monastery walls and keep watch over the countryside below, barking to alert the monastery inhabitants of any impending trouble. The breed's development was influenced by dogs from China and other Buddhist countries, as Tibbies were sent between the countries as gifts. 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.

  *  **Tibetan Terrier** \- The hardy Tibetan Terrier is a breed built to withstand the extreme climate and difficult terrain of its home country Tibet. Medium-sized, yet powerfully built and very agile, they possess large, flat, round feet that produce a snowshoe effect and provide traction in heavy snow. The breed has a protective double coat, which can be any color or combination of colors, and a fall of hair that blocks the eyes and fore face from the elements. Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a true terrier, only terrier in size. They were bred and raised in monasteries by lamas almost 2,000 years ago. As the "Holy Dogs of Tibet," the breed was treasured by the lamas, who kept them as companions, good luck charms, mascots and watchdogs. They were also used for some herding and to retrieve articles that fell down the mountains. Highly intelligent and somewhat mischievous, the Tibetan Terrier loves his family, and his sensitivity to the moods of his owners makes him an excellent companion (although he may be reserved around strangers). An independent and active breed, the Tibetan Terrier responds best to positive, patient training and regular exercise. His profuse, thick coat requires weekly maintenance.

  *  **Xoloitzcuintli** \- The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee), or "Xolo," is an ancient, natural breed from Mexico. It comes in three sizes - toy, miniature and standard, and two varieties - hairless and coated. In the hairless variety, the skin is tough, protective, smooth and close fitting. The coated variety is covered by a short, flat coat. In both varieties, a dark, uniform color is preferred, ranging from black, gray black, slate, to red, liver or bronze, although white spots and markings are permitted. Today, this breed serves as a guard and companion. One of the world's oldest and rarest breeds, the Xolo can justly be called the first dog of the Americas. Archeological evidence indicates that Xolos accompanied man on his first migrations across the Bering Straits. Their name is derived from the name of the Aztec Indian god Xolotl and Itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog. With a reputation as a healer, the breed and its warm skin is often put to use in remote Mexican and Central American villages to ward off and cure ailments like rheumatism, asthma, toothache and insomnia. Xolos were also believed to safeguard the home from evil spirits and intruders.

At first glance it may appear that the dogs in this group have very little in common. Some breeds are short coated and some require regular grooming. Others are independent and reserved while the opposite can exist as well. They are jovial and friendly. There is one more group with the AKC that has more variety than the Non-sporting group; the Miscellaneous Dog Group. These dogs are awaiting formal approval from the AKC to become a recognized breed.

Chapter Thirteen – The Miscellaneous Dog Group

"A dog wags its tail with its heart" –

~Martin Buxbaum

The breeds currently eligible to participate in the Miscellaneous Class are still enrolled in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®. FSS® enrollment is maintained until the AKC Board of Directors accepts the breed for regular status.

Authorities acknowledge that throughout the world there are several hundred distinct breeds of purebred dogs, not all of which are AKC recognized breeds. Those officially recognized for AKC registration appear in the Stud Book of the American Kennel Club. The AKC provides for a regular path of development for a new breed, which may result in that breed's full recognition and appearance in the official Stud Book as an AKC recognized breed.

Briefly stated, the requirement for admission to the Stud Book is clear and categorical proof that a substantial, sustained nationwide interest and activity in the breed exists. This includes an active parent club, with serious and expanding breeding activity over a wide geographic area.

When in the judgment of the Board of Directors such interest and activity exists, a breed is admitted to the Miscellaneous Class. Breeds in the Miscellaneous Class may compete and earn titles in Companion Events and also select Performance Events. Miscellaneous breeds are also eligible to compete in Junior Showmanship. They may also compete at conformation shows, but here are limited to competition in the Miscellaneous Class and are not eligible for championship points.

When the Board of Directors is satisfied that a breed is continuing a healthy, dynamic growth in the Miscellaneous Class, it may be admitted to registration in the Stud Book and the opportunity to compete in regular classes.

Many, many well-known breeds of dog started out in the Miscellaneous Group of dogs.

  *   **American Hairless Terrier** \- The breeding of the American Hairless Terriers (AHT) began in earnest in the early 1970's when a hairless puppy was born into a litter of mid-size Rat Terriers. This was not the first hairless puppy born to these parents, but it was the first to be given to a couple in Louisiana, Edwin and Willie Scott, who immediately fell in love with this female puppy and named her Josephine. Josephine became the foundation for the American Hairless Terrier breed. The AHT is well known for its propensity for fewer allergic reactions than other breeds, allowing them into homes once denied. This combined with their intelligence and ease of care make them perfect companions while maintaining the drive to excel in performance events. In 2011 the American Hairless Terrier has been assigned the Non-Sporting Group designation.

  *  **Azawakh** \- Tall and elegant, the Azawakh is a West African sight hound who originates from the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The Azawakh has a short, fine coat which may come in any color or color combinations: red, clear sand to fawn, brindled, parti-color (which may be predominantly white), blue, black and brown. The head may have a black mask and there may be white markings on the legs, bib and at the tip of tail. There are no colors or marking disqualifications in the breed. Befitting its heritage, the Azawakh excels as a companion, guardian and a lure courser in the United States. Traditionally, the Azawakh is the companion of the Tuareg nomads in the sub-Sahelian desert. The breed is referred to as "Aidi n'Ailluli," meaning "Noble Dogs of the Free People." The Azawakh is considered a full member of the family, entrusted with protecting the encampment and flocks from invaders. Agile and possessing great endurance, it also hunts hare, antelope and wild boar to provide its family with meat. The breed made its debut in America in the 1980's. Although extremely loyal and deeply affectionate with its family, the Azawakh has the sharpest temperament of all the sight hound breeds. Azawakhs are fiercely protective of their people and territory. When properly introduced to strangers, the Azawakh's initial reaction may range from accepting, indifferent or avoidant to friendly and affectionate. The Azawakh is extremely intelligent and possesses great independence, so training and socialization must start early. The Azawakh is a keen and willing companion that adapts easily to disciplines such as obedience, freestyle and agility training. As with all sight hounds, training for the breed should be positive and reward based. Harsh treatment or punishment based training will inevitably destroy the Azawakh spirit and cause mistrust, fear or aggression. This active dog has strong guarding and hunting instincts, and requires daily exercise for both mind and body fitness. The short coat needs minimal upkeep.

  *   **Belgian Laekenois** \- Strong, agile and full of life, the Belgian Laekenois (pronounced "Lak-in-wah") is one of four native dogs of Belgium. Although similar in body and temperament to the Malinois, Shepherd and Tervuren, the Laekenois differs in coat color, texture and length, as well as region of origin. The fawn rough haired varieties were given the name Laekenois (derived from the town of Laeken). The breed's coat texture is rough and coarse, creating a disorderly, tousled look. All shades of red or fawn to grayish tones are acceptable with traces of black appearing principally on the muzzle and tail. The Laekenois' original duty, in addition to guarding and tending the flock, was to guard linen drying in the fields. The breed also served as a messenger dog during World War I and II, which decreased the breed's numbers. Many breeders worked very hard to restore this variety, while retaining the typical Belgian Shepherd Dog intelligence, type and structure. Today, the breed is still able to herd and guard its flock, and protect its people and property. Intelligent and alert, the Belgian Laekenois is protective of his master and property. Although observant with strangers, the breed is affectionate and friendly with those he knows well. The Laekenois coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing, and as a working dog, it needs daily exercise.

  *  **Bergamasco** \- A sheepdog with a strong work ethic, the Bergamasco's most unique characteristic is its coat, which contains "dog hair," "goat hair" and "wool" that combine to form black or gray felt-like mats. The mats grow over the course of the dog's life, reaching the ground at approximately 6 years of age. The coat can actually smell like a sweater when it is wet. But despite its formidable appearance, the Bergamasco is really a trim, athletic sheepdog. The ancestor of the Bergamasco originated in what is now Iran and worked as a livestock guardian. As shepherds moved in search of new pastures, a number of them settled in the Italian Alps, where the dogs became known as Bergamascos. The breed was in danger of becoming extinct after World War II, when wool production fell off and there was less need for shepherding dogs. Dr. Maria Andreoli, an Italian breeder, was instrumental in saving the breed. The Bergamasco is a sociable, highly intelligent breed that possesses a deep desire to please its master. The breed thinks independently, however, and often sees itself more as an equal partner than as a subordinate to the members of his family. Despite its unique appearance, their coat does not actually take much time to maintain. After the mats "set" at age one, the coat needs only 1-3 baths per year and no brushing. Shedding is minimal.

  *  **Berger Picard** \- A medium-sized, active and athletic herding dog, the Berger Picard was bred to be a working companion, enthusiastically performing its job while also responding well to training. This breed has a shaggy, wiry topcoat with a short, dense undercoat to produce a weatherproof coat that is overall rough to the touch. The Picards coat comes in shades of fawn with or without gray underlay and trim on the ears as well as brindle. Monthly brushing is necessary to prevent matting, with occasional bathing and hand-stripping of the ears to neaten. The Berger Picard dates back to the ninth century, when the Celts introduced the breed to northern France. The breed was used to herd cattle and sheep in France for centuries as well as to smuggle contraband tobacco across the French/Belgian border. By the 1900s, the Berger Picard was regarded as its own breed, and its first breed standard was drafted in 1922 followed by breed recognition in France in 1925. Like many other European breeds, the Picard neared extinction after World War II and today remains rare. The breed, with its stamina and drive, needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. Despite having a stubborn streak, the Picard responds well to positive training and is a good-natured and loyal companion. Their observant nature makes them great watchdogs, and with proper socialization and training they can also become quiet, even-tempered house dogs.

  *   **Boerboel** \- The Boerboel is a large dog that is strong, confident and muscular with a distinctive, blocky head. Despite its size, it is the most agile of the mastiff-type breeds. The word Boerboel means "Farm Dog" and it serves as a capable working dog as well as a loyal companion in its home country of South Africa. The skin of a Boerboel should be dark on his stomach and under his fur, as well as the roof of his mouth, which protects against heat and sun. The coat is short, dense coat can be brindle, brown, cream, reddish brown or tawny. Jan van Riebeeck went to the Cape of South Africa in 1652 and brought his own dog along to protect his family in the wild and unknown country. This dog was known as a "Bullenbitjer," a large, heavy Mastiff-type dog. This dog bred with the indigenous, domestic dogs of South Africa, eventually creating the Boerboel we know today. In addition to their farm work, these dogs were often the first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. The Boerboel is an intelligent dog with strong protective instincts and a willingness to please. When approached, the breed is calm and confident, and at times, aloof, but it loves its family. Early socialization and obedience training as well as daily exercise are important for this larger breed, but grooming needs are minimal. It is not the dog for the first-time owner. Potential owners should work with a reputable breeder when adding a Boerboel to the family.

  *   Cirneco dell'Etna - The Cirneco dell'Etna (pronounced "cheer-nec-ko") is a medium sized hunting dog with an elegant and slender, yet robust, build. The breed is a keen hunter that works by scent, sight and hearing, and can handle working over difficult terrain. Its short coat ranges in color from light to dark shades of tan or chestnut, with white markings acceptable. The Cirneco dell'Etna has been present in Sicily for over 2,500 years and shares a common origin with the Pharaoh Hound and other breeds throughout the Mediterranean basin. As a hunter of small mammals and fowl, the Cirneco is a hardy, compact dog that was successful in hunting under adverse conditions - high heat, on rugged terrain formed by volcanic lava and with little food or water over extended periods of time. The affix "dell'Etna" was only added to the name Cirneco in 1939 when the first breed standard was accepted by the Italian Kennel Club. Etna comes from Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, situated on the east coast of Sicily and the area with the highest concentration of Cirnechi. The Cirneco has the strong, independent temperament necessary for a hunter, but is friendly and affectionate with people making it a good family pet. The breed needs moderate physical exercise, requires mental stimulation to satisfy an intensely intelligent and inquisitive nature and responds well to gentle methods of training. Its short coat requires minimal grooming upkeep.

  *  Coton de Tulear - The history of the Coton de Tulear is poorly documented. But, the most common belief is that they are descendants of dogs who survived an ancient shipwreck near the Madagascar coast. Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, and lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. The little white dogs who swam ashore to the port of Tulear were the now extinct Coton de Reunions. The dogs settled on the island and bred with the local terriers resulting in what we now know as the Coton de Tulear. During the 17th century, the Merina, who were the ruling tribal monarchy in Madagascar carefully, controlled the breed. They forbid both coastal tribesmen and non-noblemen from owning the dog. The Coton became known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar." Later, conquering French colonists adopted the dog as well, and only those persons in the top echelon of society were allowed to own a Coton de Tulear. Political and economic crises in Madagascar now threaten the dog with extinction in its own native land. The Coton was honored on a Madagascar postage stamp in 1974.

  *  Dogo Argentino - The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog, bred for the pursuit of big-game such as wild boar and puma, and possesses the strength, intelligence and quick responsiveness of a serious athlete. His short, plain and smooth coat is completely white, but a dark patch near the eye is permitted as long as it doesn't cover more than 10% of the head. This breed originated in Cordoba, the central region of Argentina, at the hands of Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. Dr. Martinez methodically crossed a total of ten breeds, including a now-extinct breed of dog from Cordoba, in pursuit of an athlete with the strength of body and character to perform difficult work, yet a friendly and amiable personality which allows him to live and work cooperatively. Dr. Nores Martinez' brother, family and their close compatriots continued his early success after his untimely death. The breed has proved to be valiant hunter of country predators, as well as an excellent companion for active, experienced families. The Dogo is a cheerful, humble, and friendly breed; not a hard barker, and is never aggressive. He loves his family, especially children. The mature Dogo needs extensive regular exercise to maintain its athletic condition and pleasant disposition. They are clean dogs that need little coat care. Dogos, like all dogs, respond well to positive, balanced obedience training, and make excellent companions for the right families, though their working prey drive and need for serious physical and mental stimulation must always be kept firmly in mind.

  *   Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen - The Griffon Vendéen hounds have gone through over 400 years of evolution to produce the griffon coated French hounds of today: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. Rough-coated hounds were introduced into the Celts' Gaul (modern day France) by the Romans. Julius Caesar conquered the Celtic Gaul in 1st century B.C. Under Roman rule, the Gauls kept hunting packs for sport, developing the French passion for hunting. In France, hunting developed into a grand scale becoming the renowned "Sport of Kings". Charles IX (1550-1574) wrote in his 1570 book, "La Chasse Royale," that all hounds descended from four "Royal Races."; the Chien Fauve de Bretagne, Chien de St. Hubert, Chien Gris de St. Lois and Chien Blanc du Roi. The Aristocracy helped to develop the French hounds by crossing their own hounds with the "Royal Races," establishing hunting dogs of distinct breeds such as: d'Artois (Artesiéns), de Bretagne (Bretons), de Gascogne (Gascons), de Normandie (Normands), de Poitou, de Saintonge (Saintongeois) and de Vendee (Vendéens). As these breeds evolved, geographical isolation, climate, local conditions and desired use dictated differing type, size and even color. Hounds, such as the St. Huberts, could carry genes of the low-set type, and throwbacks to the shorter leg resulted. Thus three types of each breed emerged. The Chiens d' Ordre standing 23 inches (58.5 cm) or more was used for stag, boar and wolf hunting. The Chiens Briquets, standing between 15-23 inches (38-58.5cm) was used singly or as a couple to hunt smaller game such as hare and roe deer. The Chiens Basset, standing less than 15 inches (38 cm), was used for hunting hare, rabbit and occasionally foxes. Deer and boar hunting had long been the preserve of kings and nobles, who could afford the ride on horseback following swift, large hounds. Smaller game required a slower hound, so the poorer huntsman could follow on foot, and the best way to restrict speed was to shorten length of leg. The shortest-legged hounds at the time were interbred and, gradually, a useful and practical low-to-the-ground hound evolved. The low set hound became known as the "basset" from the Latin, meaning 'low.' Du Fouilloux was apparently the first to specifically use the term in the book, "La Vénerie". Fouilloux recognized two types of basset, the crooked front and the straight front. In general, the crooked-legged bassets were short-coated and went to ground better. The Straight-legged hunted above ground as well as worked terrier-like. These were mostly rough-coated, the early Basset Griffons. Thus we see how a French hound breed could either be full size, briquet or basset, for example Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen and the Basset Griffon Vendéen. The Basset Griffon Vendéen could be further subdivided into the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.

  *   Lagotto Romagnolo - The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed, with extremely similar curly coated water dogs being seen portrayed in hunting and fishing scenes in the Etruscan necropolis of Spina and described by Linneus, the great Swedish naturalist of the 18th century as being widespread in the Mediterranean Sea area, describing a dog that corresponded well with the appearance of today's Lagotto Romagnolo. Similar dogs have also been written of in books and poetry - by Erasmus in 1591 and by Eugenio Raimondi in 1630, among others. References such as these continue to crop up in literature from the 15th thru the 20th centuries. Written evidence places the breed in the marshes of Romagna as early as 1600, with numerous references appearing in writings throughout the 19th century, which is also the time when mention begins to be made of the dogs' truffle finding abilities. Between 1840 and 1890, as the marshes were drained and reclaimed for farming, the Lagotto progressively lost its function as a water dog. At the same time it became more specialized as a truffle dog. In fact, during the period between the two World Wars, the Lagotto was the breed used by almost all truffle hunters.

  *  **Norrbottenspets** -The Norrbottenspets is a medium sized hunting dog of Spitz-type, which was thought to be extinct but survived as a farm and hunting dog in the Northern parts of Sweden and Finland. They were first approved by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1910 then thought to be lost due to the two World Wars. They were found again during the late 1950's and now have made a comeback with the FCI confirming the new breed standard in 1966 and the official name becoming Norrbottenspets. The standard was also accepted in Finland in 1973.

  *   **Peruvian Inca Orchid** \- Agile, smart and swift, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is an elegant sight hound that developed in Peru. The breed can be hairless or coated, and comes in three sizes - small, medium and large. Lively and alert, these dogs can be very good hunters and do well in lure coursing, rally and agility. In the hairless variety, the skin can be of any color. In the coated variety all colors are accepted including black, brown, gray, pink, tan and white. This breed was first depicted in Moche pottery around 750 AD. These were the dogs of the Inca and their Incan descendants, the Quechua, who protected and preserved the breed after the Conquistadors conquered Peru. Peruvian Inca Orchids were first brought to the US in 1966. In 2001, the Peruvian government declared the breed a National Patrimony. The Peruvian Inca Orchid requires a good bit of activity to remain healthy and happy. The breed is loyal and protective of its family, but like all dogs, should be supervised around younger children. Caution should also be taken with small pets that may be seen as prey. The Peruvian Inca Orchids requires a great deal of socialization and should be kept in the house as it does not make a good outdoor dog. The breed requires minimal grooming.

  *   **Portuguese Podengo** \- The probable origin of the Portuguese Podengo is with the primitive, multipurpose hunting dogs obtained, used and distributed by Phoenician traders during the circumnavigation of Africa in 600 BC and reaching Portugal in the 700's BC. This is evidenced by artifacts found under the Lisbon Cathedral. The Phoenicians traded and traveled extensively in this region between Iberia and England, and it is entirely possible that the Phoenicians brought these valuable hunting dogs with them not only for hunting but also for trading. Goods moved via river transport from the southern Iberian trading cities and stored on the island of Ibiza likely resulted in the distribution of the early Podengos in those areas as well. When the Moors invaded and occupied Iberia (Spain, Portugal and France) from the early 8th century AD to the mid- 12th Century AD, they likely brought their own version of these primitive dogs with them, thus influencing and defining the Iberian breeds such as the Podengo in Portugal and the Ibizan Hound and Galgo in Spain. The Podengos were developed into different sizes in Portugal, the largest being the Podengo Grande which was developed for deer and wild boar hunting. It will exhaust and detain large game and await the hunter's gun. The Grande is now very rare in its home country. Developed for rabbit detection, chasing, catching and retrieval, the knee-high Podengo Medio has a hunting style which includes not only full-out chasing but also catlike stalking and jumping above dense brush and digging in rocky crevices to find prey. While registered Podengos from Portugal and other European countries are relatively new to the United States, Portuguese hunters in the United States, (in New England, down the East Coast and in California) have always had hunting Podengos. The first entire pack was imported into the United States in the late 1800's.

  *  **Pumi** \- The Pumi is a medium-sized, agile Hungarian herding breed. They are versatile stock dogs, equally adept at gathering, driving and keeping the stock under control. The breed has a long head with semi-erect ears, a whimsical expression and a tail that forms a circle over the back. The coat (black, white, gray, or shades of fawn from pale cream to red) is a combination of wavy and curly hair, forming corkscrews or curls all over the body, and is never smooth or corded. The Pumi originated in the 17th or 18th centuries in Western Hungary from the ancestral Puli mixed with French and German herding dogs. It is said that there is also some terrier blood behind them which may have helped when herding cattle, sheep, and swine. In the early part of the 20th century Dr. Emil Raitsis identified the separate characteristics of the Hungarian sheepdogs and selective breeding to intensify these characteristics began. The Pumi was identified as an independent breed in 1920. The Pumi is energetic, lively and ready to work. They combine the intelligence of the herding dog along with the alertness of a terrier. Because of this, they need daily work to do, whether it's herding, agility, obedience, flyball, jogging, or chasing tennis balls. They shed only when combed, about every 2 weeks, and should be groomed approximately every 3 months.

  *  **Sloughi** \- The Sloughi is a medium-sized, smooth-coated, athletic sight hound. An ancient breed, it is treasured in North Africa for its hunting skills, speed, agility, and endurance over long distances. The breed is noble and somewhat aloof, with a gentle, melancholy expression. This "Arabian Greyhound's" short coat comes in all shades of light sand (cream) to mahogany red fawn, with or without brindling and black markings, as well as sand or brindle with a black mantle. The Sloughi was originally bred by the Berbers of North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) to hunt game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle and wild pigs. Its exact origins date too far back to be completely known and remain speculative. In its countries of origin, the Sloughi is the only dog treated as family and allowed into the tent. It is also bred and selected with the same care as an Arabian horse. The first Sloughi was brought to the United States in 1973. The Sloughi is a reserved breed that may not be comfortable in the company of strangers but will tolerate them. In terms of training, the Sloughi, like other Sight hounds, responds best to positive reinforcement and gentle tone of voice. The breed must be exercised on leash or in a large fenced area since it will run after anything that catches its fancy. Its smooth coat requires minimal grooming.

  *   **Spanish Water Dog** \- The Spanish Water Dog (SWD) is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog. The SWD is a multipurpose farm dog whose primary function was herding. Secondarily, it was also used for hunting and as an assistant to fishermen. Many SWDs enjoy swimming and diving. The SWD has a distinctively single, curly coat that may be solid shades of black, brown, beige, or white as well as parti-color with the second color being white. Its coat has a woolly texture that is never brushed or sculpted and may form cords when long; shaving takes place once a year or more, depending on the type of work the dog performs. Traditionally the SWD has a docked tail, but some are born with a naturally short tail that can vary in length. The Spanish Water Dog's origins are unknown and debated by many experts. What is known is that this rustic multi-purpose breed was developed in Spain many centuries ago to fulfill a variety of purposes including herding, hunting, water work and companionship. Starting in 1975, the breed was brought out from obscurity and in 1985; it was recognized by the _Real Sociedad Central de Fomento de Razas Caninas en España_. The Spanish Water Dog is faithful, obedient, lively, hardworking and watchful. He is highly intelligent with an outstanding learning ability. His loyalty and protective instincts make him a self-appointed guardian to his owner, his family and his property. He is not timid or shy, but is naturally suspicious of strangers. Properly introduced, and given time, the Spanish Water Dog will accept strangers. He is very affectionate with his own people.

  *   **Wirehaired Vizsla** \- The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile, medium-sized hunting dog that possesses an excellent nose for hunting and tracking, as well as a natural point and retrieves. Although similar to the more common smooth-coated Vizsla in many ways, the WHV is a distinctly separate breed. The most obvious difference is its 1-2 inch long dense wiry coat, which is golden rust in color to help the dogs blend into dried grasses and brush in the field. In the 1930s, the hunters and falconers of Hungary wanted to create a breed with the same traits and color of the Vizsla, but one that could more easily withstand extreme weather and rough field conditions. The plan to develop a dog with a heavier, sturdier build and wiry coat was eventually approved and overseen by the Hungarian Vizsla Klub. Two Vizsla bitches were bred to a solid liver German Wirehaired Pointer and by 1944, 60 three-generation dogs were registered in the stud book. The first Wirehaired Vizslas were imported to North America in the early 1970s. Gentle, outgoing and friendly, Wirehaired Vizslas make loyal family companions. They are intelligent and trainable for hunting as well as other sports such as agility and obedience. Due to the athletic nature of the WHV, regular exercise is a necessity. The breed's wiry coat should be kept in its natural state, with occasional brushing, bathing and stripping to tidy up furnishings.

Fun and fascinating new breeds of dog are being discovered and reintroduced to the world. It is amazing to think of the functionality that has driven the development of any breed of dog. Some dogs are working dogs while others guard and protect. There are more than a few breeds that have an air of aristocracy about them and others were to help the working man. When studying the varied breeds of dog their history and contributions to society are at the forefront and they'll continue to be helpers of mankind.

## Chapter Fourteen – Preparing for your new arrival

I love dogs.

They live in the moment and don't care about anything except affection and food.

They're loyal and happy. Humans are just too damn complicated.

David Duchovny

This is an exciting time for everyone involved. Weather you have a few minutes or hours or a few weeks, preparing for your new puppy can be fun as well as stressful. I say we focus on the fun and exciting parts.

Your entire house, both inside and out, is going to need preparation. The best way to teach your new canine companion the house rules is by setting them up for success and rewarding their good behavior with a treat.

The very best way to get an idea of what your new canine companion will be seeing is to literally get down on the floor. It is here, sitting on the ground you will see the world as your dog will. Things that you may have never taken notice of will reveal themselves prominently from your new vantage point. Like cords and wires which seem to have a neon sign reading 'Chew on me' written in dog language. Dogs are crazy for plastic items. It could be Tupperware or a water bottle or the caps on the bottles. For unknown reasons they simply can't resist a good chew on plastic.

Small objects like money, jewelry, pens and pencils, clips and more are all wonderful new objects to your new puppy. They can be potentially life threatening if ingested by a youngster so pick up all small objects and keep them out of reach.

Toxins and harsh chemicals oftentimes under the kitchen sink or in the garage can cause certain death if an inquisitive puppy gets ahold of them. Some folks even convert to environmentally safe, non-toxic cleaning supplies. I would definitely consider this option for the safety and health of any critters or small humans in the house.

At the end of this chapter is a compiled list of poisonous plants and foods that you must keep out of puppy's' reach. There are a handful of human foods that are potentially dangerous and life threatening. Keep these out of reach. For example many times folks keep their onions in the bottom of the kitchen pantry. Onions are toxic to dogs and must be put up on high shelving out of reach for puppy.

One of the best investments you can buy is a baby gate; or two. If you have stairs going up or down place a baby gate at the front of the stairs so puppy won't fall down and hurt himself. Regardless of size your new puppy can hurt themselves on stairs so be sure to block them off.

This brings us to the 'umbilical cord' theory. I know; it's a strange name for this theory but I have used it many times and under different conditions with overwhelming success. I just wish this theory had a better name. This practice can either be taken literally or figuratively. Some people actually prefer tethering their new canine companion to them by a leash. This is one certain way to keep your dog in eye range. In my humble opinion, this theory works better for older pups and adults and not as great for very young puppies. Very young puppies spend at least 50% of their time sleeping. They wake up; tinkle; drink some fresh water; look for a meal; resume playing until sleep once again takes over. Repeat, over and over again. As the pup grows its' waking time will get longer and sleep time will diminish.

What it does is help train us humans to keep an eye on puppy or new dog. The number one problem with potting training any dog is simply inconsistency. We forget to take them outside every hour on the hour and tell them to go potty. When they do of course their good behavior is rewarded with a few little liver treats. (Or whatever healthy treats you have on hand)

You should have a crate available for your new dog. There are a few different kinds of crates and I recommend the all wire ones. Your new companion can be safely confined when necessary but can still see you. Keeping you in eye shot will reduce any anxiety that may crop up while he's in there are you are on the other side of the room.

So the best way to teach your new friend the house rules is by setting them up for success and rewarding them when they comply.

## Chapter Fifteen – Poisonous Plants & Hazardous Materials

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him."

– Dereke Bruce -

Always have the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center number readily available, in case of emergencies.

800-213-6680

The following list of items is extensive yet not complete. Please take a couple of minutes and read thru the list in order to familiarize yourself with it's' contents. Dogs especially puppies like to put everything in their mouths in order to better understand what it is. As you can imagine this is a potentially dangerous, even life threatening for your pooch. Always have the poison hotline number readily available to anyone in your household. It could be the difference between life and death for your canine companion.

A:

  * 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Medications ACE-inhibitors Medications

  * Acetaminophen Medications Acids Household Items

  * African Evergreen Plants African Wonder Tree Plants

  * Alcohol Foods Alkalis Household Items

  * Alocasia Plants Aloe Vera Plants

  * Amaryllis Plants Ambien Medications

  * American Bittersweet Plants Amitraz Insecticides

  * Amphetamines Medications Andromeda Japonica Plants

  * Angel's Trumpet Plants Anthurium Plants

  * Antibiotics Topical Medications Antidepressant Medications

  * Antifreeze Garage Items Antihistamine Medications

  * Apple Leaf Croton Plants Apricot Foods

  * Arrowhead Vine Plants Asparagus Fern Plants

  * Aspirin Medications Asthma Inhaler Medications

  * Australian Nut Foods Autumn Crocus Plants

  * Avocado Foods Azalea Plants

B:

  * Baby's Breath Plants Baclofen Medications

  * Baneberry Plants Batteries Household Items

  * Bear Grass Plants Beech Trees Plants

  * Belladonna Plants Benzodiazepines Medications

  * Beta-blockers Medications Bird of Paradise Plants

  * Black Locust Plants Black Widow Spider Venom

  * Bleeding Hearts Plants Bloodroot Plants

  * Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria)Plants Bluebonnet Plants

  * Bone Meal & Blood Meal Fertilizers Boxwood Tree Plants

  * Branching Ivy Plants Bread Dough Foods

  * Bromethalin Garage Items Brown Recluse Spider Venom

  * Buckeye Plants Buddhist Pine Plants

  * Burning Bush Plants Buttercup Plants

C:

  * Caffeine Foods Caladium Plants

  * Calcipotriene Medications Calcium Channel Blockers

  * Calcium Supplements Medications Calla Lily Plants

  * Camphor Topical Medications Candelabra Cactus Plants

  * Carbamates Garage Items Carbon Monoxide Toxic Gases

  * Cardiac Glycosides Plants Carprofen Medications

  * Castor Bean Plants Charm Dieffenbachia Plants

  * Cherry Foods Chinaberry Tree Plants

  * Chinese Evergreen Plants Chives Plants

  * Chocolate Foods Chokecherry Plants

  * Cholecalciferol Garage Items Christmas Rose Plants

  * Chrysanthemum Plants Cineria Plants

  * Clematis Plants Cocaine Illicit Drugs

  * Coins Metals Coral Snake Venom

  * Cordatum Plants Corn Plant Plants

  * Cornflower Plants Corticosteroids Topical Meds

  * Corydalis Plants Cough Medicine Medications

  * Cowbane Plants Crocus Plants

  * Croton Plants Crown of Thorns Plants

  * Currants Foods Cyclamen Plants

D:

  * Daffodils Plants Daphne Plants

  * Day Lily Plants Decongestants Medications

  * Delphinium Plants Deramaxx Medications

  * Detergents Household Items Devil's Ivy Plants

  * Dieffenbachia Plants Diuretic Medications

  * Dogbane Plants Dracaena Plants

  * Dragon Tree Plants Dumbcane Plants

E:

  * Easter Lily Plants Effexor Medications

  * Elaine Plants Elderberry Plants

  * Elephant Ear Plants Emerald Feather Plants

  * English Ivy Plants Ephedra Herbals

  * EtoGesic Medications Eucalyptus Plants

  * Euonymus Plants

F:

  * Ferns Plants Fertilizers Fertilizers

  * Ficus Plants Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

  * Fire starter Logs Household Fireworks Household Items

  * Firocoxib Medications Flamingo Plant Plants

  * Flax Plants Foxglove Plants

  * Flea and Tick Medication Medications Flea Collar Medications

  * Fluoride Household Items Four O'clock Plants

G:

  * Garlic Foods Gasoline Garage Items

  * Geranium Plants Giant Dumbcane Plants

  * Glacier Ivy Plants Gladiolas Plants

  * Glory Chain Plants Glory Lily Plants

  * Glow Jewelry Household Items Gold Dieffenbachia Plants

  * Gold Dust Dracaena Plants Golden Chain Tree Plants

  * Golden Pothos Plants Gopher Purge Plants

  * Gorilla Glue Household Items Grapes Foods

H:

  * Hahn's Self Branching English Ivy Plants Hornets Venom

  * Hand Sanitizer (Ethanol) Household Items Holly Plants

  * Hand Warmers Metals Heartleaf Philodendron Plants

  * Heavenly Bamboo Plants Hellebore Plants

  * Hemlock Plants Herbicides Garden Items

  * Hops Foods Horse Beans Plants

  * Horse Chestnut Plants Horsehead Philodendron

  * Hurricane Plant Plants Hydrangea Plants

  * Hydrocarbons Garage Items

I:

  * Ibuprofen Medications Imidazoline Medications

  * Iris Plants Iron Metals

  * Isoniazid Medications Ivermectin Medications

J:

  * Jack-in-the-Pulpit Plants Japanese Show Lily Plants

  * Java Beans Plants Jerusalem Cherry Plants

  * Jessamine Plants Jimson Weed Plants

  * Jonquil Plants Jungle Trumpet Plants

K:

  * Kaffir lily Plants Kalanchoe Plants

  * Kerosene Garage Items

L:

  * Lace Fern Plants Lacy Tree Plants

  * Lantana Plants Larkspur Plants

  * Lead Metals Leeks Plants

  * Lilies Plants Lily of the Valley Plants

  * Liquid Potpourri Household Items Locoweed Plants

  * Long-acting Anticoagulants Garage Items Lunesta Medications

  * Lupine Plants

M:

  * Macadamia Nuts Foods Mushrooms Foods

  * Madagascar Dragon Tree Plants Marble Queen Plants

  * Marigold Plants Marijuana Illicit Drugs

  * Matches Household Items Mayapple Plants

  * Meloxicam Medications Metaldehyde Insecticides

  * Methionine Medications Methylphenidate Medications

  * Mexican Breadfruit Plants Milkweed Plants

  * Miniature Croton Plants Mistletoe Plants

  * Mock Orange Plants Morning Glory Plants

  * Moldy Food (Mycotoxins) Foods Monkshood Plants

  * Mothballs Household Items Moxidectin Medications

  * Mother-in-Law's Tongue Plants Mountain Laurel Plants

  * Mouse and Rat Poison Garage Items Moxidectin Medications

N:

  * Naproxen Medications Narcissus Plants

  * Needlepoint Ivy Plants Nicotine Medications

  * Nightshade Plants NSAIDs Medications

O:

  * Oleander Plants Onions Foods

  * Opioids & Opiates Medications Oriental Lily Plants

  * Organophosphates Insecticides Oxalates Plants

P:

  * Paintballs Household Items Paraquat Garden Items

  * Peace Lily Plants Peach Pits Foods

  * Pencil Cactus Plants Pennyroyal Oil Herbals

  * Peony Plants Periwinkle Plants

  * Pesticides Garage Items Plumosa Fern Plants

  * Petroleum Distillates Garage Items Philodendron Plants

  * Phenylpropanolamine Medications Phosphides Garage Items

  * Pimobendan Medications Pine Oil Household Items

  * Play Dough Foods Poinciana Plants

  * Poinsettia Plants Poison Hemlock Plants

  * Poison Ivy Plants Poison Oak Plants

  * Pokeweed Plants Poppy Plants

  * Potato Foods Precatory Bean Plants

  * Primrose Plants Privet Plants

  * Propylene Glycol Garage Items Pyrethrins Insecticides

Q:

  * Queensland Nut Plants

R:

  * Raisins Foods Rattlesnake Venomous

  * Red Lily Plants Rhododendrons Plants

  * Red-Marginated Dracaena Plants Rhubarb Plants

  * Ribbon Plant Plants Rubber Tree Plant Plants

  * Rubrum Lily Plants

S:

  * Saddle Leaf Philodendron Plants Sago Palm Plants

  * Salt Foods Schefflera Plants

  * Scorpions Venomous Scotch Broom Plants

  * Shamrock Plants Skunk Cabbage Plants

  * Sleep Aids Medications Smoke Inhalation Toxic Gases

  * Snowdrops Plants Spider Lily Plants

  * Spiders Venomous Spotted Dumbcane Plants

  * Star Fruit Foods Star of Bethlehem Plants

  * Stargazer Lily Plants Stinging Nettle Plants

  * String of Pearls Plants Striped Dracaena Plants

  * Strychnine Garage Items Super Glue Household Items

  * Sweet Pea Plants

T:

  * Taro Vine Plants Tea Tree Oil Herbals

  * Thyroid Medications Medications Tick Collar Medications

  * Tiger Lily Plants Tinsel Household Items

  * Toads Venomous Tobacco Plants

  * Tomato Plants Tree Philodendron Plants

  * Tropic Snow Dumbcane Plants Tulips & Hyacinths Plants

  * Tung Tree Plants

V:

  * Virginia Creeper Plants Vitamins Medications

W:

  * Warneckei Dracaena Plant Water Hemlock Plants

  * Weeping Fig Plants Wisteria Plants

  * Windshield Wiper Fluid Garage Items Wood Lily Plants

X:

  * Xylitol Foods

Y:

  * Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Plants Yew Plants

  * Yucca Plants

Z:

  * Zinc Metals

## Chapter Sixteen – Some Final Thoughts

Until one has loved an animal,

a part of one's soul remains un-awakened.

Anatole France

It's exciting that you are still with me and reading through to the conclusion.

My goal in writing this eBook was to inform, educate and entertain you. I hope I was successful.

Countless people around the world have found the perfect canine match for themselves and/or for family and their lives have been enriched because of it.

Adding a canine companion to your life will supply you with endless hours of entertainment, exercise, unconditional love and affection. Your lives will be richer for it. You will truly understand unconditional love if you've not experienced it as of yet. The modest amount of work you put into your canine friend will be returned to you tenfold.

Your home will never be void of love and affection and companionship again.

## About the Author

Katherine Lynn has been working with animals from a very young age.

## Connect with [Katherine Lynn

I really appreciate you reading my book! Here are my social media coordinates:

I am available for consultations.

Email me at drkatherinelynn@gmail.com

Friend me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/drkatherinelynn

Favorite my Smashwords author page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mc

Subscribe to my blog: http://blog.smashwords.com

Visit my website: http://www.smashwords.com

