Breeds Of Dog

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Dog : Alaskan Malamute  

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Alaskan Malamute
The draft or combination draft/hunting dogs of the North have been an essential part of the northern people's culture since the Stone Age. Because most northern tribes were nomadic, they could not have existed without their dogs to move their belongings from place to place. In the harsh and bitter cold, dogs were the only domestic animals that could survive.
Historians argue whether the ancestors of the northern Eskimo tribes came over a land bridge from Asia or across the North Pole from Scandinavia. But the fact that Nordic-type dogs accompanied these people is without argument. Each tribe or area developed its own type of dog, so perfected that many remain distinct today. The Mahlemuts (later spelled Malamute) were an industrious and skilled Inuit people of upperwest-ern Alaska (across from Siberia). Since they were nomadic, they moved their families to the site of each new kill, relocating when the need for another food source arose
The Alaskan Malamute was strong enough to haul all of the tribe's possessions and to transport goods to and from the trading post. Speed was not vital, however, and a leisurely pace was quite acceptable. The Mahlemut tribe was never mentioned without a reference to their sledge dogs. Early European explorers and Russian whalers of the last century told that the Mahlemuts had dogs of "beauty and endurance," and that they were "fond of their dogs. The dogs work hard and have great endurance."
During the settling of Alaska by white people, from 1750 to 1900, dogs were used for hauling and transportation in large numbers. These newcomers did not pay much attention to type, as long as the dogs (named after the tribe) could work. In addition the upsurge of dog-sled racing did the Malamute dog no good. In an attempt to create a faster animal, racing drivers crossed them with established speedsters, and the breed was nearly lost.
At that time, however, some Eskimos kept their dogs pure to type. Fortunately, interest in the promotion of the pure Malamute rose among American dog fanciers, and the breed has been maintained. Eva "Short" Seely became interested in sled dogs, obtaining good Malamutes (and Siberians) and breeding them, even sending her stock with Admiral Byrd to Antarctica. World War I had an effect on these northern dogs as well as on European breeds, but in a different manner. Alaskan Malamute numbers were depleted by search-and-rescue, the Byrd expeditions and supply-packing work during the War. The stud book was reopened after the War and additional foundation stock was added to those already registered. Once again, the Alaskan Malamute dogs thrived.
The Malamute is as distinct from the Siberian Husky as the draft horse is from the horse of the desert. The Alaskan Malamute is a dog that denotes power rather than quickness. Never so large as to appear clumsy, he must personify substance and strength. The body is slightly longer than its height, moving the center of gravity back, which allows powerful leaning into heavy loads. A clean, quiet, affectionate companion, the Mai needs firm, early handling to understand who is boss.
Raised and exhibited in much of North America and Europe, the Alaskan Malamute dog is a popular for home sledding. Many owners and their Alaskan Malamutes compete in weight-pulling contests. The dogs take to it quite naturally in fact, enthusiastically with many capable of shifting one-ton loads over a short distance.
The Alaskan Malamutes prefer outdoor living, with sufficient entertainment provided by their people, and are ready to join in almost any athletic activity. If bored, a Malamute will express his displeasure by howling and digging to the South Pole!
COUNTRY: USA
WEIGHT: 75-85 pounds
HEIGHT: 23-25 inches
COAT: Short, stand-off
COLOR: Black or various shades of gray, with lighter mask and underside common
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Northern Working Dog

Dog : Akita Dog  

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Akita Dog
Most of the native dogs of Japan are of the classic northern type. The Akita dogs have square bodies, wedge-shaped heads, small upright ears, short, thick stand-off coats, and the tail is curled up over the back. The eyes tend to be triangular and recessed, "suggesting the burning spirit within." Their temperaments are always calm and considerate, with great dignity.
The Akita breed differences lie in the sizes, colors, uses and backgrounds, and a few other minor features. In fact, they are so much alike that in Japan, these native breeds are shown in one classification, divided into sub-groups: large (Akita), medium (Kai, Kishu, Ainu, Shikoku) and small (Shiba). Both the terms inu and ken translate into the word dog. Many of the Japanese breeds originally carried one of these terms after their names, but modern usage tends to drop the superfluous suffix.
In the late 19th century, when the National Isolation Policy was repealed, other breeds were brought into the country and, naturally, some crossbreeding occurred. The Japanese government became concerned over the impending loss of their native breeds and formed the Society for Preservation of Japanese Dogs, declaring all native breeds as national monuments.
The largest of these breeds is the well-known Akita from the Akita prefecture in northern Japan. The breed traces back many centuries to the polar regions when the spitz group found its way to the northern mountains in Honshu. The largest and most powerful Akita dogs were selected and bred with the type appearing about 300 years ago. Akitas were originally developed as fighting dogs, as popular in the Far East as they were in Europe. As that sport lost favor, the nobility found new uses for this brave breed in their hunts for deer, wild boar or even black bear. The Akita Dog has achieved praise as a bold hunter of large game, a guard and a loyal companion.
A huge statue of an Akita dog stands in the busy Shibuya Station in Tokyo, erected in the 1920s as a tribute to a dog who appeared daily to greet his master as he returned to the station from work, continuing ten years after the master died. The statue is named Chuken Hachi-ko> or Loyal Dog Hachi.
The Akita dig is a tough, robust fellow, needing firm, loving discipline. He can be obstinate and reacts against harsh methods. The breed cannot be forced but, once shown what is desired, he is quite cooperative. The Akita is aggressive with other animals and will defend its territory against all intruders, human or otherwise. Yet he is an affectionate companion to his family. The Japanese say he is "tender in heart and strong in strength."
To preclude boredom and mischief, sufficient exercise is necessary. The Japanese spitz dogs are hardy and can endure extremes of climate. The breed's popularity continues as a companion and guardian. He is sometimes called Shishi Inu, meaning large dog. The Akita dog is a favorite in Japan, and is fairly well known in the USA as well as in England and the European continent. As noted by Fujino Junko, "the characters of these dogs suggest ancient Japanese people austere, valiant, faithful, good-natured and gentle, highly affectionate and sensitive to the kindness of their masters."
COUNTRY: Japan
WEIGHT: 75-110 pounds or more
HEIGHT: 24-28 inches
COAT: Stiff, moderately short; stand-off, with undercoat
COLOR: All colors allowed, including white, pied, or brindle, with or without mask
OTHER NAMES: Akita Inu
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Northern Working Dog

Dog : Akbash Dog  

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Akbash Dog
The Akbash dog is one of the oldest breeds of the flock-guarding group, the Akbash dog still carries the same physical and mental traits that characterized these dogs thousands of years ago. They were probably brought to the yaylas (mountain pastures) of Turkey with migrations of peoples from the East. Since sighthounds, mastiffs and flock-guard dogs accompanied these Oriental migrations, all could have contributed to the gene pool. Turkey (Asia Minor) was on the migratory routes between West and East, and stories have been told and records kept of these guardians from very early times.
Lucien G.M. Columella, a first-century AD Roman author, wrote: "Sheepherders wish to have white dogs in order to avoid confusing them with wild animals, since, when the wolf attacks in the twilight, it is important that there be a color difference between the dog and the wolf; otherwise the sheepherder might strike his dog, thinking he was killing a wolf,"
A Phrygian civilization (Asia Minor, 750-300 BC) graffito shows a large guarding dog wearing a spiked iron collar. Turkish flock-guarding dogs still wear huge iron-spiked collars as added protection for the vulnerable neck area against predators.
The Akbash dog is a fleet-moving dog, with acute hearing and eyesight. Natural and owner culling has developed strong, sturdy animals. These dogs are bred to be animal oriented, rather than toward people. Their independence is sometimes misunderstood by the uninformed as stubbornness or stupidity. They are bred to think, rather than obey with robot precision. A strong tendency to natural suspicion fosters development of the proper guarding attitude.
Proper bonding with sheep requires calm, quiet, steady temperament. Livestock guardian candidates are never brought inside the home or made into pets. They need to be introduced to their future animal at a tender age.
If pups want to play with sheep, trainers cure this by adding an "old cantankerous ewe or feisty ram to discipline the overly exuberant puppy," so they learn not to injure the young lambs in rough play. In modern society, the Akbash dog usually accepts other farm animals (i.e., dogs, cats, horses and other domestics), if reared with them from puppyhood, and is sometimes protective of them. When raised with children, the dogs are good with them. Pets should be confined to an area, rather than being chained which intensifies aggression.
Matings are not readily accomplished. Akbash dogs are so attached to the flock that they are not easily sidetracked, even for affairs of the heart. One bitch owner had to rent an entire flock and the shepherd to convince its guard dog to cooperate.
COUNTRY: Turkey
WEIGHT: 80-140 pounds
HEIGHT: 28-34 inches
COAT: Smooth or long, both double coat; thick, with fringing on tail and back of legs, and often a slight wave
COLOR: Solid white (a bit of light biscuit
around ears is not to be penalized); complete black pigment of eye rims, nose and lips preferred, but dark brown acceptable.
GROUP: Flock Guard

Dog : Airedale Terrier Dog  

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Airedale Terrier Dog
The extinct black and tan Old English or Broken-haired Terrier is probably the progenitor of the Welsh, Irish, Wire Fox and Airedale Terriers. Sporting Yorkshiremen used Airedale Terriers and their crosses for fox, weasel, otter, badger, water rat and small game in the valleys of the rivers Colne, Calder, Warfe, and Aire. They ranged from 17-30 pounds and excelled in agility, eyesight, hearing and courage, but they lacked the nose and swimming ability of the Otterhound used in the same area. The crossing of the terrier and hound formed the stem of the Airedale, a large terrier that would also work in water.
By the 1860s, these crosses were standardized and called Working, Waterside or Bin-gley Terriers, Classes were first offered at agricultural shows in 1879. In fact, the Airedale agricultural show had an extremely large entry of Waterside Terriers and was responsible for giving the breed its current name.
The patriarch of the Airedale Terrier is Ch. Master Briar, 1897-1906. One of his sons was exported to Philadelphia to initiate the breed in the USA. The Airedale boasts many Best In Shows in the USA and England, but loyal fanciers exist throughout the world.
According to Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopaedia, "the Airedale Terrier has long been held in high favour by the armies of European and Asiatic countries being easy to train and once trained, showing great determination of character and devotion to duty, and almost superhuman intelligence, chiefly in carrying despatches on the field of battle and finding the wounded. In fact, the dog's intelligence was so high in the latter respect that they became a source of embarrassment to the Japanese victors during the Russo-Japanese War by always finding and directing to the Russians first and the Japanese soldiers last, for the Airedale's power of scent is remarkable."
The Airedale Terrier is used on large game in Africa, India and Canada, as well as the USA. The Airedale Terrier was chosen as one of the first to be used for police work in Germany and England. During World War I, the breed was enlisted by the British and Russian armies. During that time it aided the Red Cross, locating wounded and carrying messages. A few also served in the Second World War. When trained for defense, these dogs are usually unbeatable for their weight. It is said the Airedale "can do anything any other dog can do and then lick the other dog."
Their sweet disposition comes from their hound background. Mature Airedale Terriers have a certain dignified aloofness, both to strangers and to their own land. Exceptional playmates for children who are old enough for high-spirited play, their disposition can be molded by their masters. The Airedale coat, which is not only hard and wiry, but sports a bit of a curl, requires consistent regular grooming. The ears have a half drop and the tail is docked.
COUNTRY: Great Britain
WEIGHT: 44 pounds
HEIGHT: 23 inches for males
COAT: Wiry, hard, dense with a bit of a curl; undercoat
COLOR: Black/tan, saddled
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Terrier

Dog : Ainu Dog  

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Ainu Dog
When the Ainu tribe arrived in Japan nearly 3,000 years ago, they had dogs of Nordic type with them, and these became the Ainu Dog. The Ainus were an ancient people who migrated to and were the first settlers in Japan, ten centuries before Christ. They were a white race of unknown origin, and at one time lived on all the islands of Japan.
The Ainus were slowly pushed out over the centuries by the influx of Yamato (Japanese) people and now live only in their own settlements on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. (They live in their own groups, with their own separate and quite primitive culture.) Their dog has changed little over the centuries. The Ainu Dog is probably the oldest of the Japanese breeds and may have been altered somewhat through crosses with matagi dogs.
The Ainu Dog is known for its strength and was a draft dog originally, but is used today for hunting and guarding. The Ainu Dog is extremely courageous for his size, willingly attacking a 650-pound bear. He is generally kept in the home.
As is common with most of the Japanese breeds, the Ainu Dog is clean and mannerly yet quite ready to warn of danger. As a working dog for so long, he tends to be a bit coarser and more primitive than the other Japanese breeds. His character is sharp and fearless. He also differs by having smaller ears, a broader head and a fiercer expression. Also of interest is that, although not particularly desired, these dogs occasionally have the black tongue. This may hint at ties to the Chow Chow and mainland China. If loved and cared for, he is said to be obedient to his master and an irreplaceable friend.
COUNTRY: Japan
HEIGHT: 18V2-21V2 inches
COAT: Moderately short, thick, stand-off, with undercoat
COLOR: Sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white
OTHER NAMES: Hokkaido Dog, Ainu-Ken
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern

Dog : Afghan Hound  

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Afghan Hound
The history of the Afghan Hound is ancient, though the legend which claims the Afghan as the dog Noah took into the Ark may be a bit exaggerated. Migration of northern African sight-hounds into the mountains of Afghanistan included some hounds with longer hair. In the cold mountain air, the heaviest coats were selected and bred from necessity, eventually creating the Afghan. The breed spread into the border areas and even into India and aided both the hunter and the shepherd.
The Afghan Hounds unique, upright tail with the curled end served as a marker in the heavier underbrush, and his high-set hip bones enabled him greater flexibility in the mountain ranges. The aristocratic, elegant Afghan Hound was no pussycat, hunting big even tough game: wolves, foxes and gazelles. In tirnes past, he was a favorite of the Afghani nobility as an adjunct to the sport of falconry.
The Afghan Hounds old native name is Tazi, and his obvious resemblance to the like-named Tasy of Russia (even to the ring in the tail) indicates similar histories. The proximity of southern Russia and Afghanistan geographically increases the likelihood of close ancestry.
Originally, sale of the Afghan Hound to outsiders was prohibited, and the first specimens to arrive in the United States and England did not appear until the turn of the 20th century. An English Captain Banff imported the exciting hound, "Zardin," from Afghanistan around this time. Exhibited at the Crystal Palace Show in 1907, he won spectacularly and started a true interest in the breed. Good breeding programs existed in Britain by the 1920s. AKC and CKC recognition followed in the 30s.
The Afghan Hounds coat bears singular requirements: the topknot and the distinct shorthaired saddle on the back which forms as an adult. It is permissible for the dog to display a shorthaired cuff on the feet. Frequent, fastidious combing is a necessity. An ungroomed Afghan is not only unkempt but uncomfortable.
As well as being a highly celebrated show dog today, the Afghan participates in lure coursing. Despite their high numbers as show competitors, they have not achieved the same status as a pet, due to their size, coat care and exercise demands. Their temperament is aloof, though they can be the greatest of clowns at play time. From their origin on Mount Sinai to today's show ring, the Afghans are majesty at its peak. "At a glance, one can see the Eastern inscrutability; the conviction that they are royalty; the certainty that they are above lesser breeds."
COUNTRY: Afghanistan
WEIGHT: 50-60 pounds
HEIGHT: 25-27 inches
COAT: Long, straight, thick, silky; short on face
COLOR: Any color; white on head undesirable
OTHER NAMES: Tazi
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Southern

Dog : Affenpinscher  

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Affenpinscher
A true toy terrier, the Affenpinscher dog has been in existence for more than 300 years. His origins are difficult to pinpoint, but he is seen in nearly his present form in 17th-century paintings.
The Affenpinscher dog may be a miniature form of the wire terrier prototype which came from Nordic dogs, such as the Schipperke. These, crossed with the little pin-schers or with small brachycephalic Pug like dogs from Asia found in Europe, could have created the Affenpinscher. In fact, earlier Affens may have had a longer muzzle, because the Affenpinscher and smooth Miniature Pinscher were at one time considered two coat varieties of the same breed and even occurred in the same litter. Whatever the Affenpinscher dog ancestry, this quaint little dog has earned the description of "monkey dog." His rather flat, turned-up nose, alert cropped ears, prominent round eyes, bristling eyebrows and bushy mustache and beard all add to this description. The French often call this dog Dia-bletin Moustache, literally the mustached little devil!
Belying his very small size, he is every inch a terrier in personality. He is alert, yet quiet, game and sturdy. The FCI standard translates: a charming mixture of fearlessness, obsti-nancy, loyalty and affection which he will show in rapid change from amusing earnestness to raging passion."
Regular brushing and tidying up is all the Affenpinscher dog requires to look neat. The tail is docked short. Although not among the most numerous of dogs, the Affenpinscher has his proponents internationally. American and Canadian recognition was granted in 1936 but, perhaps because of the wealth of terrier types already in Britain, he remains virtually unknown there.
COUNTRY: Germany
WEIGHT: 7-8 pounds
HEIGHT: Less than 10 inches
COAT: Medium long, harsh and wiry
COLOR: Black preferred, black/tan, red or dark gray also allowed
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Terrier

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