The American Eskimo is a beautiful and well balanced Spitz-type, it looks like a miniature snowy white Samoyed. No one knows exactly when and how they originated.

The American Eskimo is possibly related to the White German Spitz (imported from Germany in the 1800’s), White Keeshond and Samoyed, however as is commonly thought it was not descended from nordic sled dogs.

It has been bred solely to be a loving companion and hardy watch dog, he is wonderful with his family including children and is known for their beauty, agility and longevity.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting, Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Size

- Toy: 9-12 inches tall (at shoulder)
- Miniature: 12-15 inches tall (at shoulder)
- Standard: 15-19 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

- Toy: 6-10 lbs

- Miniature: 10-20 lbs
- Standard: 18-35 lbs

Color(s)

Pure white, off white or cream.

Coat

The American Eskimo Dog has a double coat. The undercoat is dense and plush-like, while outer coat is harsh and straight, not curly or wavy.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

The American Eskimo are considered to be one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds. He is a charming, affectionate, hardy and playful nordic type dog who enjoy cold better than hot weather. Eminently pet-able, Eskimos need to be part of the family and loves to be lavished with attention. Naturally wary of strangers, never overly shy nor aggressive, they become instant friends once introduced to them.

Care

The American Eskimo is an exceptionally healthy breed, although they are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, also fleas can cause dermatitis.

The thick snowy white coat is easier to maintain then you may think because it contains natural oil that drive-off dirt.

The American Eskimo need to be brush three or four time a week with a firm bristle in spring and summer because he tend to sheds heavily, otherwise grooming is moderate.

Training

Eskies are easily trained and extremely intelligent, he learn new tasks quickly and tend to ranks highly in obedience trials. The American Eskimo need to be stimulated and is training must be done with firmness, gentleness and consistency. They make excellent watchdogs of their family and home, suspicious and wary, they bark to announce the presence of strangers.

Activity

American Eskimos must have regular daily exercise because this breed can gain weight easily if it does not get enough. Eskies are very active indoors and benefit immensely from family play sessions. They enjoy daily walks or playing in an enclosed yard.

Virtually unknown outside of the United States, the American Water Spaniel are considered a rare breed, which was obviously created by mixing Irish Water Spaniels and Curly-Coated Retrievers.

Since the 18th century this long legged medium sized spaniel was developed primarily as a hunting dog to retrieve from small boats such as skiffs or canoes. Active and muscular, strong swimmer, he was sometimes referred to as the lifeguard of dog breeds.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

15 – 18 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

25 – 45 lbs

Color(s)

The American Water Spaniel has a dark brown coat and typically has white toes and/or chest

Coat

The American Water Spaniel has a dense double coat. The outer coat it curly, while the under coat is oily and weather/water resistant.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

The American Water Spaniel is affectionate towards people, children and other pets, friendly, obedient and willing to please he make an ideal family pet. This competent retriever makes a tireless companion in the hunt. He also has the usual loyalty, brainy and compliant spaniel qualities.

Care

The rarity of the American Water Spaniel has enabled them to remain a healthy breed free of genetic disease. They may, however, have skin allergies. Brush them thoroughly at least twice a week. Bathe using a mild shampoo only when it’s absolutely necessary.

Training

They’re bred for the water, intelligent and trainable, hunting comes natural to them and they do it with excitement and enthusiasm. The American Water Spaniel has a highly sensitive nature and the training should be done with patience, consistency, and fairness. They’re an excellent watchdog, yet they tend to bark excessively.

Activity

This breed require 2 hours minimum a day of vigorous exercise or a home in the country setting with large yard. American Water Spaniels enjoys daily jogging (securely leashed, because they have a tendency to roam) playing Frisbee and swimming either in a pool or at the beach.

The Australian Terrier was the first native-bred Australian dog to be shown in competition. The breed was also the first to be recognized in other countries. It was created by crossing many Terrier breeds including; Cairn, Norwich , Dandie Dinmont, Irish, Skye, Scottish and probably Yorkshire terriers.

The Australian Terrier is a sturdy, short legged, loveable little dog. They were specifically bred for the rigorous Australian outback conditions and for a variety of task such as watchdog and even as a shepherd, rats and snakes hunter, and companion.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

9 -11 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

9 -14 lbs

Color(s)

Typical colors are Blue and tan, mixes of brown, silver-black with tan markings, solid sandy, and solid red.

Coat

The Australian Terrier is a double weatherproof coat breed. The outer coat is straight, rough or harsh to the touch. The under coat is soft, compact, and short.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years.

Personality

The Australian Terrier is proud, fearless, alert and charming, courageous, and highly intelligent. He adapts well to town or country living, all conditions and climates, an excellent choice for a variety of lifestyles. The Australian Terriers tend to have boundless energy, but because of his friendly and affectionate nature he makes an excellent companion for children, elderly or the handicapped.

Care

The Australian Terrier is a healthy breed and has a reputation of longevity, also he’s free of any major hereditary diseases. However, they may suffer from patella luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, diabetes, epilepsy, hot spots and skin eczema, and thyroid disorders. The dense, long and shaggy coat sheds little to no hair and is easy to maintain, simply brush several times a week. As for nails, make sure to clip it regularly.

Training

The training of the Australian Terrier needs to be consistent, firm, and fair because this self-confident dog do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods, although they learn very quickly, he is very eager to please. Some of the Australian Terrier’s talents are, performing tricks, tracking, watchdogging (he has acute hearing as well as keen eyesight), agility, and obedience.

Activity

The Australian Terrier is an adaptable little dog and requires relatively little exercise to keep them physically and mentally fit. He is fairly active indoors and he does well in an apartment dwelling. But it is most happy when able to play and run about in a yard or back garden.

Originated in nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire, by crossing bulldogs and various terriers. Two strains of these dogs were developed to its present looks in America, a show strain, the American Staffordshire Terrier and a fighting Dog strain labeled the American Pit Bull Terrier which is a much more aggressive dog.

The two are now being recognized as separate breeds and they both make gentle and loving pets towards people with the right kind of owner. The American Staffordshire has a stocky and powerfully muscular body and is extremely strong for his size, also they has a very high tolerance for pain. The American Staffordshire Terrier is faithful and courageous, highly protective and devoted to his family.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

16 – 19 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

40 – 60 lbs

Color(s)

Can come in many colors including black and tan, red, brown, and white.

Coat

The Staffordshire Terrier has a very short coat, stiff to the touch, close, stiff, and glossy.

Life Expectancy

About 9 – 15 years.

Personality

The American Staffordshire Terrier is good-natured, stable, and responsive to things around them, it has given outstanding results as a guardian of property. Extremely loyal the Am Staff wants nothing more then to please its master. The American Staffordshire Terrier does well with children and adults when socialized from a puppy, but tend to be territorial especially towards other animals and should not be left unsupervised around them.

Care

A generally healthy breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier are prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease. The smooth, short-haired coat requires minimal, to sometimes no grooming. Occasional bath is all right, but dry shampooing is preferred. Brush on a regularly with a firm bristle brush.

Training

All dogs have an instinct to have a pack order, and this breed is not for the owner who does not understand that. The American Staffordshire Terrier need a dominant and experienced handler. It is an excellent guard dogs, intelligent and courageous yet very willful and stubborn, protective of its family.

Its training can be a little difficult because of his independent character and is very high energy. When properly trained and socialized at an early age, the American Staffordshire Terrier makes a great friend. Some of the Am Staff talents are watchdog, farmers and police helper, is also great in weight pulling and agility.

Activity

If the American Staffordshire Terrier have plenty of regular exercise (At least two hours), he will do okay in an apartment yet he have the tendency to become bored indoors. At least a medium sized yard to run and daily walks, also, make sure to keep them leashed in public to avoid troubles.

The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in
Airedale in Yorkshire, England from crosses between the now extinct
English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter hound (to make him a
better swimmer).

The Airedale Terrier are the largest and the “king
of terriers”, he is probably the most versatile of all terriers
and it excels in being a hunter for foxes, weasels, badgers, otters,
water rats and ducks. Some of the Airedale’s other talents are guarding,
watchdogging, military/police work, and competitive obedience.

This very pleasant breed is protective, brave, and affectionate. They
have a sweet disposition, but may be aloof with strangers.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

22 – 24 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

22 – 24 lbs

Color(s)

Black/Tan and brown with black or grizzle saddle.

Coat

The Airedale Terrier have a hard, straight-haired, Waterproof
(inherited from is Hound ancestors) double coat, that can be either
straight or wavy. The fur, dense and wiry, lies close to the body
with a distinctive beard around muzzle.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 14 years.

Personality

The Airedale Terrier breed is courageous and protective, infinitely
patient and pleasant, this dog is versatile in the extreme then
with such multi skilled inheritance he excels at obedience. The
Airedale Terrier makes a loyal family pet when he feel loved and
respected. Totally trustworthy with older children (he can be rough
for small ones) if they have early exposure and socializat ion.

The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for the average family,
this independent, strong-minded and intelligent dog he can be a
joy to own, eager to please he learns easily, but he can be difficult
at times. The Airedale Terrier generally gets along well with household
cats and other animals, but it is not recommended that he be kept
with another dog of the same sex they sometimes try to dominate
them. This depends largely upon their training and the individual
dog.

Care

The Airedale Terrier is straight-haired making it rather arduous
to groom. The dead hair should be epilate about twice a year and
when it’s necessary excessive hair between the pads of the feet
need to be trim. Also, to keep it clean of food residue the beard
should be washed regularly.

Depending on the cut of the coat the
Airedale Terrier can shed heavily or not at all. The Airedale Terrier
is a very sturdy breed, although some health concerns need to be
highlighted, they may suffer from skin allergies, hip dysplasia,
Gastro-enteritis and eye problems.

Training

The Airedale Terrier should have a strong and confident owner
to get him to come obedient at a high level. They are not difficult
to train, is intelligent enough to perceive quickly what is required
of it, but his trainer should try to give it some variety to its
training, if he asks it to do the same thing over and over again
it may refuse.

The Airedale Terrier can be somewhat stubborn so
he should start obedience training at a early age to avoid dominance
issues. The Airedale Terrier is recommended for: various dog sports,
hunter and retriever, defense, working dog and also as a family
pet.

Activity

The Airedale Terrier needs plenty of exercise, without it he will
become restless and bored, so he is not recommended for apartment
life. Because of his athletic physique he makes a good swimming
or jogging partner and will happily run alongside a bicycle.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed developed from Turkish “guard” dogs called chomar kopegi in Turkish. While no one in Turkey breeds this group of dogs as a pure breed, Westerners fell in love with the various large, aloof dogs found throughout Turkey, from the Erzerum-Kars region near the Caucasus Mountains near Russia, where the dogs are most probably related to the ovcharka type dogs to the white “Akbash” dogs found west of Ankara and near the historic site of Gordion, where the real King Midas lived, and on into the Kurdish areas where the “Gammal” dog is found, and more recently as more publicity appeared outside of Turkey, the Sivas-Kangal Dog which is often called the “national dog of Turkey” and is from the Sivas region of Turkey.

The first “Anatolian” dogs were brought into the U.S. as “souvenir” dogs. Lt. Ballard, then a young Navy lieutenant, imported the first pair of dogs to the U.S. in the 1970s when he returned home from a tour of duty in Turkey. His male was a long coated pinto and the female a cream with a darker mask. Subsequently, other young military families brought back dogs and a club was formed which included all these Turkish born dogs of various backgrounds and giving them the official name, Anatolian Shepherds. The first interview with the then Lt. Ballard and photos of his dogs and first puppies are found in the book The Uncommon Dog Breeds by Kathryn Braund and makes good reading for those interested in Anatolian roots.

In time, the name Anatolian Shepherd became adopted by owners of similar kinds of imports they had taken from Turkey to their home countries such as the U.K. and Germany. In time, as these first dogs were bred and their numbers increased and additional importations were made of other Turkish dogs, breed clubs in the U.S. and Europe recognized the Anatolian Shepherd. Today there is international interest in this dog whose roots trace into the ancient history of what was once Asia Minor.

Today the breed is known for its protective instincts and some lines are used as livestock guarding dogs as well as family guardians. For information on other native Turkish dog breeds see Catalburun (a scent hound), Turkish Tazi (a saluki-like native sighthound), the Akbash Dog, the Kangal or Sivas-Kangal Dog, and the Kars Dog. Of these last three, only the Kangal Dog has the honor of having actually been bred and kept pure by the Turkish government in several different facilities to provide livestock protection for local shepherds.

Breed Group

Working

Size

26 – 33 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

80-150 lbs

Color(s)

Most common are solid cream, pure white to fawn with black mask.

Coat

The Anatolian Shepherd coat is short to rough with approximately one to four inches in length.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

Possessive and protective fully devoted to their family, but suspicious of strangers who should be formally introduced, the Anatolian Shepherd is calm, reliable, and intelligent. Independent, proud and self-assured the Anatolian Shepherd was developed to make appropriate judgments concerning their charges and needs stimulation to prevent listlessness.

Care

This breed may be subject to hip dysplasia (but is not as common as some other large breeds), eyelid entropies, hypothyroidism, they are also sensitive to anesthesia and highly susceptible to fleas, ticks, and fly bites. The Anatolian Shepherd requires usually little grooming, except during the twice a year shedding season where the coat needs daily thorough brushing-out. They do not eat much for their size, a low-protein, lamb and rice diet will do best.

Training

It is very important to begin training and socializing them while they are still young. Although quick to learn and easy to train it can be stubborn and dominant, so is not a dog for beginners. The Anatolian Shepherd requires a natural leader who will train him with patience, consistency and loving approach. Due to they’re great versatility the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed has been known for centuries to perform well as a guard, combat and a search and rescue dog.

Activity

The Anatolian Shepherds is not a house pet, so is not recommended for city dwelling life. This large, rugged, and powerful dog needs a lot of exercise and a home with a large securely fenced yard, but this dog does better in a rural farm setting.

Originally used 2000 to 3000 years ago, the Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the Nordic dogs. It gets its name from Mahlemuts, a tribe of northwestern Alaska.

He was developed by the nomadic Inuit Indians to haul their possessions over long distances and was highly valued. This large Alaskan dog was built for strength and endurance rather than speed.

Breed Group

Working

Size

22 – 28 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

70 – 115 lbs

Color(s)

The usual colors may include various shades of gray to black as well as sables to red, the legs and muzzle nearly always white.

Coat

The Malamutes breed wears a thick double coat of medium length. The outer coat is coarse protecting it from extreme weather and the undercoat is dense, oily and woolly.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 15 years.

Personality

The Alaskan Malamute makes a loyal, devoted companion, not a “one man” dog, they are certain to make a nice family pet. He does well which children who are old enough to play with him safely. Extremely loyal, affectionate and friendly, the Alaskan Malamute isn’t all work and no play. Males can be very dominant and both sexes can be combative with other dogs. Although very intelligent this calm and quiet dog can prove to be a bit stubborn.

Care

The Alaskan Malamute is a very sturdy breed, however they are prone to hip dysplasia but less then many others large breed. Some are subject to anemia, chondrodysplasia and possible day blindness. Clean and odorless, bathes for this breed really aren’t necessary. The Alaskan Malamute dense coat should be brushed twice a week in the spring, one is enough at other times. In summer make sure they have shade spot and clean cool water because he does not like hot, humid weather.

Training

Although this is not a breed for the first-time dog owner, it is not especially hard to train them to be well-mannered because they are eager to please. Firm handling and obedience training are imperative as well as proper socialization with people and other dogs. The Alaskan Malamute are large and strong working dog bred for sledding and independence, they have participated in many polar expeditions due to their legendary endurance and sense of direction. The Alaskan Malamute are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dogs.

Activity

Alaskan Malamutes are very active and tireless dogs and are not recommended for apartment life, they prefers largely to pull a sled or a wheeled cart outside all day. Malamutes need a minimum of 2 hours exercise a day, but be careful not to overdue it if the conditions are too hot.

The Affenpinscher is a smaller version of a working terrier and
therefore is not a delicate dog. Is originated in Germany in the
16th century, and the Affenpinscher name is derived from the German
affe (”ape”, “monkey”) and pinscher (”terrier”)
because of his monkey-like expression.

Their strong character and
sporting instinct made this breed particularly useful to kill rats
and mice in kitchens and on farms. Extremely intelligent and affection
with people their naturally scruffy-looks makes them appealing and
is often considered the “class clown”.

Breed Group

Toy

Size

9 1/2 – 15 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

7 – 9 lbs

Color(s)

Black, gray, silver, red, black-and-tan, or belge.

Coat

The coat of the Affenpinscher is dense and shaggy, which is coarse
and harsh. It is aproximatively 1 inch in length on the shoulders
and body. Is head, neck, chest, stomach, and legs have a longer
and less harsh coat.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 16 years.

Personality

The Affenpinscher has a terrier-like personality, they are a combination
of charm and spunk, but unlike most terriers, they tend to get
along with other dogs and pets especially when they are raised
with them. They possess observation and thinking process, and can
display sensitivity and gentleness.

They are annoyingly playful,
affectionate and amusing. The Affenpinscher are not recommended
for very young children as this breed has a tendency to guard and
protect their food and toys, however this friendly little dog enjoys
being with its family.

A mark of its terrier blood is the tendency
for the Affenpinscher to become hyper excited, they will become
aggressive and fearless toward anything or anyone they perceive
as a threat and it may unwisely challenge large dogs and other
large animals.

Care

The Affenpinscher requires minimal grooming, brushing and combing
weekly is a must. Occasionally stray hairs can grow in the corners
of the eyes and cause irritation, they should be removed immediately.
Do not clip is harsh coat to short because this will ruin it for
many years. These dogs are sensitive to temperature extremes and
like any short-nosed breed; the Affenpinscher may suffer from respiratory
problems in hot weather. Its tiny size and fearless nature can
lead to broken bones and teeth and may require special care.

Training

Not particularly trainable the Affenpinscher require firmness
and consistency, and may be difficult to housetrain. The crate
training method can be recommended for this breed. The Affenpinschers
are capable of astonishing agility and learn commands very quickly,
but do not respond to repetition, make sure there is some variety
in the training.

Activity

The Affenpinscher are excellent companion for those whose physical
activities are limited. Although active and energetic is recommended
for apartment life because their exercise needs can be met with
indoor play sessions on a regular basis. They also enjoy a chance
to run, so a small garden or yard would be ideal and supplemented
by slightly longer walks at the weekends.

This extraordinary Foxhound come from two breeds, English (brought to America in 1650) and French (sent as a gift by Lafayette to George Washington), this combination have produced the American Foxhound.

Favored as a hunting dog he has been developed to have a keener sense of smell, and to be even faster in the chase than its European cousins.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

21-25 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

60 – 75 lbs

Color(s)

Any color but the most commonly seen are a mix of white, brown, grey and black.

Coat

A close to the body, harsh to the touch coat of medium length.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 14 years.

Personality

Although sweet, affectionate, loyal, gentle and loving at home, the American Foxhound is still primarily a hunting dog and don’t always make good family pets, though he has had some success as a companion dog he is not particularly people oriented. The American Foxhound due to their history as outdoor pack kennel hounds should not be trusted with non-canine pets, however they get along well with other dogs and are kind with children. Once they pick up a scent the Foxhound will follow it no matter how hard you might command them to stop.

Care

The American Foxhounds are a fairly healthy breed, they tend to be free of many genetic diseases such as hip and bone problems. However, genetic deafness and blood disease can hurt them. Avoid overfeeding your Foxhound as he has a tendency to put on weight. The short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb it with a firm bristle brush, and bath only when necessary.

Training

This breed does best when trained with consistency and its majors talents are hunting and agility. The American Foxhounds can be difficult to housebreak.

Activity

The American Foxhound are very active dogs and needs exercise in plenty or he can become unsatisfied and devastating for is environment. He is exceptionally athletic, he can run from early morning to late at night, give to him regular walks and place to have a run about.

“The Aussie” as the Australian Shepherd is known is a vigorous medium-sized and well-balanced dog breed.

In spite of its name, the Aussie is not Australian at all, but was actually developed in the pasturelands of the United States in the nineteenth century to work as a herding dog, retriever, and watchdog on ranches.

The Australian Shepherd is a great companion for anyone as well as an above average Herding dog. They are committed to making their owners happy no matter what it takes. An amazing dog breed that is always eager to please.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

18 – 23 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

35 – 70 lbs

Color(s)

Blue merle, red merle, or red and black all colors may come with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points.

Coat

The striking and varied outer coat of the Australian Shepherd is of medium-length, weather-resistant, straight to slightly wavy, while the quantity of undercoat may varies with climate.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

Courageous, loyal and protective the companionship with human is essential for the Australian Shepherd and is fully devoted to his owner. Its strong herding behaviors can be a problem for his family, because of its overwhelming instinct to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves may weaken its ability to function as a family dog. However, if well socialized as puppies this tireless worker is usually a sweet and affectionate dog that is good with children, strangers, and other animals.

Care

The Aussie is susceptible to countless health issues; like possible eye diseases especially cataracts, iris coloboma, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), PPM (Persistent Pupillary Membrane) and CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly). They may also suffer from CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), nasal solar dermatitis, VWD (von Willebrand’s Disease), epilepsy, lumbar sacral syndrome and MHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia). The Australian Shepherd requires moderate grooming, the coat needs an occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is a seasonal shedder.

Training

The Australian Shepherd is highly smart and easy to train at the condition that they know who the master is, they require a firm and consistent training or they will attempt to take control. The Australian Shepherd excels at herding, guarding, retrieving, police work, competitive obedience and a great Frisbee, flyball dog too.

Activity

The Australian Shepherd needs plenty of exercise and will do best with some real job to do, he also loves to play and share all family activities. This high activity levels breed is not recommended for apartment dwelling and requires an active owner to stay in shape, they thrive on running in a large securely fenced yard or enclosed environment.