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Afghan Hound
It is a long-haired hound, which gives it grace, beauty and elegance like no other. Star of canine shows in the West, it remains a shepherd’s dog and a wolf and fox hunting dog in Afghanistan. Its coat, which protects if from the cold when it is working, must be maintained daily. This dog has a very independent character and needs to be firmly trained from an early age. It needs space and activity.
Airedale Terrier
This dog is a cross-breed between a working terrier dog and an otter-hunting dog. In the past, this giant Terrier was used not for hunting rabbits or foxes but for hunting bears or wolves. If it has inherited its tenacity, courage and stubbornness from the Terrier and it has borrowed the gentleness of the otter hound, it has multiple uses in the police force and the army, as a defence, guard or attack dog. Although it is not famous for it, it is also a pet.
Alaskan Malamute
This powerful, calm dog is a real ‘snow locomotive’. It is a descendant of the wolf from whom it has inherited its independent and quite dominant character. Although it is less sociable with other dogs than the Husky is, it is more sociable with humans. Its stature and wolf-like muzzle impress people and thus makes it a good guard dog. Gentle and intelligent, it shows its owner great loyalty and is very attached to them. A generous worker and a natural champion, it is a very popular sled dog in the United States and Canada.
Alsatian (or German Shepherd Dog)
This dog is robust and harmonious, intelligent and courageous. It is a companion full of qualities and when trained with a lot of skills and patience it proves loyal and obedient. It is a dog that works in the army and the police force, used to guard and defend or to search for narcotics. Loyal to its owner, its territory and its task, it is an excellent rescuer. Endowed with great sensitivity, the Alsatian is also a very good guide dog. In order to avoid behavioural troubles related to aggressiveness and fear, you need to choose an Alsatian dog of good lineage and that is good-natured. Some strains of dogs, due to intensive selection, manifest hip dysplasia, eczema or keratitis. A well-balanced Alsatian dog loves children and accepts willingly their hustle and teasing. If the dog displays a dominant character, its owner must prove more dominant than the dog. This magnificent dog displays short hair in dog shows, with fawn and black coats. There are varieties, however, including long hair and coats that are white, cream or even black. Visit http://suesgermanshepherds.homestead.com/photos.html for puppy information and litters for 2008!
 this is Kyra.
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American Pitbull Terrier
This dog does not have a pedigree. It looks like the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Just like the Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a cross-breed between a bulldog and a working terrier dog. These breeds were created in the county of Staffordshire, in England. The American Staffordshire Terrier or ‘Amstaff’ is a breed born through the improvement of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier by North Americans, who selected it to obtain a bigger size dog with a more powerful jaw.
Both are frisky and combative, well balanced, extremely loyal to their owner, docile and patient. Their muscular mass is impressive and they are amazingly affectionate. Their aggressiveness is mostly turned towards other dogs that they will easily fight to the death if their owner has not taught them early on to live with other dogs. French law requires them to wear a muzzle in public places - common living areas in flats, parks, public transport and shops.
American Water Spaniel
Probably originating from the Irish Water Spaniel, the Field Spaniel and the Curly Coated Retriever, this game retriever is good at hunting in tough and swampy terrain. A duck retriever, it is delicately and gently that it takes the game in its mouth. Its curly coat is usually liver, brown or chocolate colour. Its enthusiasm and its docility mean that it is a good if not yet well known companion.
Argentine Dogo
The dogo is first and foremost a hunting dog, as it was breed for and it was created in Argentina by the Nores brothers some 20 years ago.....they can adapt to non-hunting homes and make great pets,show dogs, agility dogs and more. They are a dominant breed and may not be suited for all households. It takes an experienced assertive person and someone who is willing to maintain pack mentality....meaning the owner is alpha. The dogo needs plenty of exercise, a bored dogo can become a destructive one..... They make excellent family members and are wonderful with children. (thank you Amy)
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Artois Hound
It is one of the earliest scent hounds. Although its standards have greatly evolved through cross-breeding and it became nearly extinct in the XIX century, this breed was re-established almost in its original form. This tri-coloured dog is a pack hound that hunts in bush and underbrush. It needs a firm leading hand.
Azawakh
This dog loves its freedom. Very independent and a good guard dog, this greyhound from Mali is sharp and amazingly fast. Brought up with Tuaregs in the south of the Sahara to hunt and guard camps, it is in the West a companion dog that is very pleasant to live with. Unlike the other Greyhounds its muscles lie quite flat. It is a dog with a very well-balanced standard. In England it can easily be mistaken with lurchers.
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Basenji
This breed lives under hot climates. The earliest records of its existence might have been a mention on the Egyptian tombs. It is a good hunting dog whose sense of smell is particularly developed. Its particularity is that it does not bark, but it can howl like a wolf. It only has one reproductive cycle per year.
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
With a body resembling this of the Basset Artésien Normand and a coat comparable to the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the origin of this dog remains controversial. Audacious, curious and pleasant, this thoughtful hound is particularly adapted to hunting game that has either feathers or fur. Such qualities mean that it thrives when working and its overflowing cheerfulness makes it a remarkably pleasant companion.
Basset Hound Artesien
This short-legged dog, twice as long as it is high, is a hound with a nose that can track small game by chasing it under brambles and brush.
Its sense of smell is remarkably developed. Its cork-shaped ears allow it to channel the most subtle smells towards its nose. Daring and courageous, this dog is less expressive than Terriers that are always bubbly. A keen hunter, this dog is nevertheless a good companion.
Basset Hound
A direct descendant of the St Hubert, this dog whose origins go far back is known for its exceptional sense of smell and its lack of impulses and reflexes.
Its bone structure is massive, its ears long and cork-shaped and its chest is deep. Its drooping, humid lips help it capture the most subtle smells. Made famous by the American comic Fred Basset, this dog personifies good humour in all circumstances. The famous “You know what? I’m happy” characterises perfectly its temperament – pacifist, not very expressive and slow.
Beagle
Easily strayed and distracted by nature, impish and affectionate by character, this hound is particularly gifted for pack hunting for hare, pheasant and quail. Its endearing facial appearance, its melodious and harmonious voice and its jolly temperament are qualities that add to its loyalty.
There a numerous varieties of beagle that differ by their size. The small one, named Elizabethan Beagle or Pocket Beagle weighs less than 10 kg and was used by knights who would carry it in their saddlebags to the hunting grounds. Placid, happy and affectionate, it is a good companion.
Beauceron (or Berger de Beauce or Bas Rouge or French Shorthaired Shepherd)
This elegant and powerful shepherd dog is a well-balanced dog that displays intelligence and is perfectly suitable to keeping watch but needs a firm hand and committed training. Its sharp mind and spontaneity make it perfect for the defence and rescue tasks used in the police force. Its independent character means that it finds it hard to accept to change owners. Mistrustful towards strangers but gently in the home, it is full of vigour and vitality and requires a lot of exercise. Please note: it has a double dewclaw, like its cousin the Briard.
Bernese Mountain Dog (also called Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois)
The Bernese Mountain Dog used to be a combat dog. Its intransigence then made it apt to watch flocks and work as a cartdog. Because it is affectionate and loyal, energetic and impetuous, intelligent and with a good memory, it is a good guard dog and good in avalanche rescue missions. Nowadays, this massive dog with long hair and a tri-coloured coat is a real pet.
Other Bouviers of Swiss origin exist. Firstly there is the Swiss Bouvier; with very short hair it is the oldest of the Great Swiss Mountain Dogs. It is used as a working dog. The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a smaller version of the Swiss Bouvier, with a curled tail. Tireless, extravert and affectionate, it is a guard dog, a shepherd dog and a pet. Finally, the Entlebuch Cattle Dog is the smallest of the Swiss dog breed and also has very short hair. It has a strong muscle structure and a very pleasant, docile and merry character.
Bichon Maltese
Formerly Maltese dog, the Bichon is a small white dog with very long hair, floppy and abundant ears and tail and a voluminous deep black nose. Daily grooming is a must. Sometimes edgy, the Bichon is usually discreet, kind, jolly and full of love for its owner. Very cunning, the Bichon is alerted by the smallest suspicious noise. It is an excellent companion for children.
Bobtail
This English dog, probably originating from Russia, is a remarkable shepherd. Its name means ‘shortened tail’ and was given it so as to differentiate it from pets that were the subject of a tax whereas working dogs, recognisable thanks to this amputation, were not. With its big size, its husky voice and bear-like gait, it impressed predators and was apt to lead flocks and guard stables. Nowadays, used mainly as a pet, this lively dog, full of tenderness, is an outstanding companion for children. It is a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Easy to train, docile and obedient, it can be used as a guard or sled dog.
Borzoi
This dog is said to originate from cross-breeding a Saluki (Persian Greyhound), a Greyhound and a very svelte Russian dog. Its size and strength added to its speed make it a very good steppe hunter. Used amongst other things to hunt wolves, it always did so in a pairs. It is docile, shy, silent and very loyal dog and therefore a very good pet.
Bouvier des Flandres
This massive dog, a relative of the Beauceron and the Griffon, was used for the search of wounded people and the transport of messages and was on the verge of being extinct after World War I. Its moral and physical abilities, sense of smell, intelligence and ability to be trained mean that this impressive dog makes a very good police dog, a very gentle guide dog and an unquestionable athlete. Originally a shepherd’s dog, it is now a good old guard dog and an excellent pet that is well adapted to family life.
Boxer
This dog of German origin is by far the most affectionate with children. This comes from its playful, positive, alert and sociable temperament. Once adult, its behaviour is so juvenile that this dog appears never to have grown up. Because of its strong muscle structure and its physical abilities to impress strangers, its ability to act fast, its aptitude to learn, as well as its obedience, it is a good police assistant, a brave and well-balanced guard and a loyal guide dog. Its brimful energy is incompatible with a sedentary life. This dog can have coats that range from smooth, fawn or brindled.
Braque Français
This natural born tracker has a brown head, yellow eyes and a white chestnut brown spotted coat, with or without speckles. It is a pointing dog that sniffs the wind as soon as it smells the game. Proud and noble but without being heavy, it firmly holds on to its prey. It is an obedient dog hat is made for training. It is loyal to its owner and quite calm.
Briard
With a permanently happy temperament, a solid and rustic build, this shepherd was used as a sentry during World War I. Its memory as well as its olfactory and most of all auditory senses are outstanding. Nowadays, its debonair manner made it very popular with families. Gentle with children and always cheerful, this dog is nevertheless hypersensitive. It needs an exclusive owner and can prove very shy with strangers. It is a good guard dog that needs a strong but non-violent hand, failing which its shyness might lead to fear, then to aggressiveness and nervousness. This dog needs a lot of care, a lot of walks and cannot bear solitude.
Bulldog (also called English Bulldog or British Bulldog)
This broad, little, compact, short-legged dog was a combat dog against bears and bulls before it became aristocratic. Its temperament, which used to be aggressive, fierce and unforgiving has given way to softness, reserve, dignity and loyalty. Its breeding turned it into a peace-loving dog but has at the same time resulted into health problems.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a cross between the English Mastiff (60%) and the Bulldog (40%). From this mixture was born an excellent guard dog, protective, strong, resistant and inoffensive.
Bull Terrier
By crossing Bulldog and Terrier, breeders have obtained a stubborn dog that has a Bulldog’s strength and a Terrier’s tenacity but is more aggressive and agile than the Bulldog. Fiercely aggressive or even bloodthirsty, the Bull Terrier is a feared bodyguard. Nowadays, selective breeding has managed to soften its character. It is now an obedient and reserved dog, used both as a guard dog and a pet. The Bull Terrier has a combative side and is not suitable for children.
Butterfly Dog Papillon
This race may have for ancestors a Zwergspitz (‘Dwarf/Midget Spitz’) and a Phalène. Resistant, harmoniously built and affectionate, just like the Spitz, the Papillon took the general looks of the Phalène. Its ears are straight, well open and remind you of the wings of a butterfly. The outside of its ears are covered with long, floppy hair. Note that this is different from the Phalène’s ears which are thin, floppy and mobile, covered in long, wavy hair. The Papillon has a well-balanced personality. This animal is obedient and frisky and can easily adapt to changes.
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Cairn Terrier
In England, cairns are artificial piles of stones used as landmarks. The Cairn terrier is a small hunter, hunting burrowing prey such as badgers, sea-otters or foxes. An outstandingly affectionate companion, it is bubbly, wriggly and a good tracker. It willingly accepts to be on the lead. Intelligent, it reacts well to training and easily learns little tricks. Its characteristically fluffy coat can be of various shades except white. Its head is often black whereas the rest of its body is a fairer, charcoal colour.
Carlin Pinscher
The Carlin’s ancestors lived with Buddhist monks. These dogs, created from the miniaturisation of the Tibetan Mastiff, were introduced to the Netherlands in the XVI century where they became the aristocracy’s favourite dogs. Attractive by its intelligence and tenderness, the Carlin is however stubborn and not always easy to live with. Although is it imposing for its small size, it is rarely aggressive. It likes neither exercising nor the heat.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel looks like a miniature version of a Spaniel. This breed was obtained in the 1920s by English breeders wanting to revive the old Miniature Spaniel type that was the favourite of the XVII century British Kings and Princes and was selected from the King Charles Spaniel.
This dog has a self-assured personality without being too excited when living in a flat whilst in the countryside it turns out to be a miniature hound. In any case, it is a very active dog. It is one of the most common breeds in Britain.
Chihuahua
This dog is the smallest breed of dog in the world but also the most ancient of the American continent. It comes from Mexico but it appears that it is the Chinese that have introduced it there. There are two varieties of Chihuahua: one with short hair and one with curly hair. The latter is much rarer. The Chihuahua is a small, fragile and cunning dog. However, it does not fear to take on much bigger dogs and is very courageous.
Chow Chow
This proud dog with a blue-black/purple tongue was introduced in the West by British merchant ships on their way back from China. There, it was a guard dog for Junk rigs and was also bred for food. Its meat was well-known and its fur was recycled as warm clothing. Nowadays this dog remains haughty. This plush-looking dog, with its non-effusive temperament and independent character, finds it hard to live with children but will however get attached to its owners. It’s a guard or pet dog that suits especially quiet people with authority, gentleness and the patience to train it early on. It is important to groom it every day.
Cocker Spaniels
The Chien d'Oysel was the first setter and from it come all cockers spaniels. The English Cocker Spaniel counts seven varieties nowadays recognised as breeds in their own rights. The first cocker spaniel to be imported into the United States, onboard the Mayflower in 1620, gave birth to a new breed: the American Cocker Spaniel.
Collie
There are five varieties of collie: the Rough Collie, the Smooth Collie, the Bearded Collie (or ‘Beardie’), the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog (or Sheltie). The famous Lassie who became a cinema star in the 1940s has made the Rough Collie popular. This breed has then seduced numerous breeders and households. This shepherd dog has great aptitudes for training as long as you are gentle with it. It loves children and its sense of responsibilities and of protection of its master means it is a good dog for guarding, rescue and assistance.
Its contrasting temperament makes it nonchalant and dreamy in some circumstances but frisky and vigorous outdoors.
The Smooth Collie is a recent breed originating from a blood contribution from the Greyhound. It is a more mistrustful dog than the previous one, even aggressive when frightened.
The Bearded Collie benefited from Bobtail blood and, via this contribution, from its exuberance, its fleece and its individualistic temperament.
The Border Collie is a shepherd dog par excellence. This outdoors working dog cannot cope with city life. Perfect to watch flocks, agile, attentive and tireless, this dog knows how to impose its will. It can, however, prove to be dominant over humans.
The Shetland Sheepdog (or Sheltie) is a miniature version of the Rough Collie. Originating from the Shetland Islands, it is a good shepherd’s dog that is acknowledged principally in contests. Like for all Collies, its fur must be maintained daily.
Coton De Tuléar
The Coton De Tuléar was introduced in France in 1977. It owes its name to its fluffy, cotton-like coat made of hair rather than fur and therefore soft to the touch. It is white with sometimes Champagne colouring on the ears. It loves living outdoors, being in a garden and going for walks.
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Dachshunds
You would have to go as far back as Ancient Egypt to find the Dachshund. Nowadays there are three varieties. The Smooth Haired Dachshund is a ground dog used to hunt badgers and foxes, i.e. a terrier dog. Its facial appearance, low with a deep chest, gives it endurance and ability to drive preys out of narrow spaces. Perseverant, courageous and very affectionate, it is a jolly dog, full of mischief and energy. Nowadays, most Dachshunds are pets.
The long-haired Dachshund might have been born from cross-breeding with the German Spaniel, from which it has inherited its hair, which must be brushed every day, as well as its extravert and jovial character. The Wire-Haired Dachshund might have originated from cross-breeding with Schnauzers whose coat looks rough, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Scottish Terrier. Also very likeable, it is very courageous has a lot of energy to burn. All three varieties undoubtedly possess guard dog qualities. They are also predisposed to slipped discs
Dalmatian
This dog is of very old origin. It can indeed be found on Egyptian friezes and Hellenic frescos. Whether from India, from the Croatian province of Dalmatia or from the former Yugoslavia, its origins remain controversial.
Dingo
It is a primitive Australian dog.
Doberman Pinscher (also called Dobermann or Doberman)
This dog of German origin is very distinguished and inspires respect. Elegant and muscular, it is a very intelligent and frisky working dog. Very affectionate in spite of nervous and fearful roots, this dog is calm and sensitive. It is a popular police assistant and fulfils its defence and guard tasks perfectly. You need a confident hand for its training, which needs to be carried out early on, in which case this noble dog is perfectly adapted to family life.
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English Cocker Spaniel
Former woodcock and brush hunter, the cocker spaniel is nowadays unfortunately only recognised as a toy and companion dog. Undefeated when it comes to setting game, it is an enthusiastic dog with good retrieving skills.
It is affectionate, gentle and intelligent and excessively sensitive. It loves playing with children. Its beauty and charm have conquered the East and the West through the character of Lady in the famous animated film Lady and the Tramp. Unfortunately, it is has a particular predisposition to various illnesses of the skin, ears and eyes.
English Mastiff
It is one of the biggest dogs in the world. Its name probably stemmed from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘masty’, meaning ‘powerful’. The Mastiff is descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and used to have a reputation as a savage dog. It needs a lot of space and food. Its temperament is rather calm but training it is delicate as you need to rival with the dog’s strength and dominate it.
English Pointer
The pointer is to the English what the Braque is to the French. It has the same muscular built, same white and brown coat with speckles or ‘ticking’ or sometimes black. It has the same ability to stop and point in the direction of the game.
Very flexible and regular, its trot is elegant and rhythmic, its action lively and its toughness unquestionable. Like the Braque Français, if it is trained early – and easily so – this dog is an ideal hunting companion as it is intelligent and intuitive like no other.
Epagneul Breton
This breed whose origin is controversial has only been recognised for about a century. Having for a long time being considered a mongrel, it is now one of the most popular dogs and a favourite of hunters.
Of average size, robust constitution and faithful and obedient temperament, this rustic-looking dog is an excellent game pointer, tracker, setter and retriever. With equal passion, it hunts just all types of game, runs, jumps and sneaks. Determined and tough, this sporty dog always remains good humoured and full of energy even after a long day’s hunting. If it does not burn its energy, it tends to put on weight when living in a flat. It is a jolly companion, extremely pleasant to live with.
Fila Brasileiro
Originally, this Brazilian dog hunted big game such as jaguar and puma. After that, it was used to bring back runaways, without hurting them, to where they escaped from. It is not an attack dog but a hunter that holds its prey under threat. Nowadays, it is a guard dog that is attached to its family but suspicious of strangers. It is not a dog adapted to city life.
Fox Terrier Wire-haired
As their name indicates, all Fox Terriers are fox hunters. Terriers are of ancient origin. You need to go back to classical antiquity to find the first terriers. Daring, efficient and with an incredible vitality, they were stubborn hunters of small game. Through successive cross-breeding and selection through breeding were born thirty odd terrier breed recognised worldwide. Generally speaking, their jaws are powerful and their teeth solid. Terriers are aggressive, courageous, powerful and energetic. Intelligent, curious and often quarrelsome, fox terriers like exercising and hunting. Wire-haired Fox Terriers and Smooth Fox Terrier are alike in terms of character, ability and physical structure yet with different coats. Whereas Wire-haired Fox Terriers have a rough, broken coat, the Smooth Fox Terrier’s coat is hard, flat and abundant. Both are predominantly white with base colours of tan or black and tan.
French Bulldog
Despite its somewhat boring looks, the French Bulldog is a dog with a jolly character. Always seeking to be stroked, it likes games and exercise. It can cope well with being walked on the lead and living in a flat but prefers most of all running freely in the garden.
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Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Originating from the St Hubert, this breed can be traced back to antiquity. Despite its very distant origins, it has travelled through history with no modification in types. This majestic hound used to hunt wolves in packs.
Daring and tenacious, it is recognised for its endurance and its toughness. Its voice is melodious and its body structure “noble”. Affectionate and distinguished, this breed is unfortunately little known as a companion.
Other breeds related to the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, namely the Petit Bleu de Gascogne – a determined and resourceful dog - and the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne or Blue Gascony Griffon – more rustic but also rarer, with a dry, rough coat.
Greyhound
The name Greyhound comes from Greek Hound as it might have been imported to France by Greece. It is the fastest dog in the world, reaching 70 km/hr. This very elegant and muscular racing dog is also very alert yet calm. Affectionate in a family setting, it is charming but tends to chase everything that moves.
Groenendael
It is one of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog. This one is black with long hair. Thanks to its physical qualities, its most developed sense of smell, its intelligence, its docility and sensitivity, its courage, its resistance, its quick reflexes and its efficiency, it is a versatile dog, used not only to watch flocks but also as a police dog, a defence dog and a pet. Particularly likeable, this dog has a strong personality and is more than happy to obey the orders its owner gives it. Its training must be early and both soft and strict.
Irish Setter
Setters are dogs that lie down when the game is discovered, hence the name ‘setter’. Four distinct breeds share the name of setter. Their origins are very diverse but they look similar.
The English Setter
It is white with flecks that can be lemon, liver, black or tricolour. Its retina and skin are sensitive.
The Gordon Setter
It has a shiny black coat with tan extremities – tail, limbs and muzzle. It is the most massive of the setter breed, hence the least agile and the slowest, but also the most intelligent.
The Irish Setter
Thanks to its bright red colour, it is the most popular. It also is the most effusive of the setter breed. The russet and fawn Irish setter is a variation on the red one but it is less graceful, less elegant and less easy to train.
All setter mature late, especially so the Irish one. They have endless energy and a great need to be active. Their extravert and impetuous character makes them difficult to train.
Jack Russell Terrier
This former rat hunter is very popular in Britain. It is white with short legs and its head is often black and fawn.
Komondor
This massive and vigorous dog of Hungarian nationality is a fierce guard dog against wolves, bears and other significant predators. It is nevertheless a devoted dog, playful and very gentle with children. Because it is brought up with sheep from an early age, it has a deep sense of fidelity and a great need to guard. A good tracker, it can be used by the police in snowing regions. Its white fleece is made of heavy ropes and soft, woolly hair.
Labrador Retriever
Born on the island of Newfoundland in Canada, it was brought back to Britain by British ships in the last century. Water is undeniably its element. Retriever of nets or salt water fish, it is also a good team mate for swamp fishing. Equipped with a very good sense of smell, it takes every opportunity to track just about anything, straying from where it lives, wandering daily, strolling on tracks known by no one else, surveying the countryside without worrying about its owners who are waiting for it at home. The Labrador is a very intelligent, affectionate dog with a temperament one can absolutely trust. Its coat is yellow, chocolate or black. The good reputation of the Labrador breed can be tarnished by individual dogs whose temperaments are uncontrollable or that present illnesses such as cataracts, elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia.
Laekenois
The Laekenois is also a strong-willed and efficient Belgian Shepherd. It is a variety of Malinois with coarse, dry and curly hair. It is less popular yet just as gentle with children when it is socialised with them early on.
Leonberger
The Leonberger originally comes from cross-breeding the Newfoundland breed with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the St Bernard around 1840. It is only 100 years later that the official standard was established. The creator of this breed wanted a dog that would have the elegance and kindness of some breeds and the power and devotion of others. Its fur is thick, which protects it from the cold and makes it ideal in avalanche rescue missions. It is web-footed and therefore a very good swimmer. Because it is tender and has an acute sense of protection, it is ideal as a rescue dog. This mountain dog needs wide open spaces to be fully happy.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is of Tibetan origin and is named after the city of Lhasa where this breed was born from terriers and Tibetan Spaniels. A fringe of long, heavy hair covers the eyes of this small-size sentinel. Small but uneasy with strangers, it is a good guard dog that is affectionate with its owner and the children around it.
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Malinois
It is a Belgian Shepherd with a grey, gold or fawn coat, a black mask and short hair. Its vivacity of mind and action, its loyalty and agility are reasons why this dog is a most popular police assistant. Used for guard duties, watch and defence but also to assist disabled people, it remains a very pleasant dog and is adapted to family life where it proves particularly serious when it comes to looking after the children in its charge.
Neapolitan Mastiff (or Mâtin de Naples)
The French name for the Neapolitan Mastiff, ‘Mâtin de Naples’ comes from the Latin ‘massivus’ meaning ‘massive’. Like all mastiffs, the Neapolitan Mastiff is descended from the Tibetan Mastiff. Its looks are imposing and its head is voluminous. Its ears are small and had to be cut, like its tail, as for all combat dogs. Nowadays peaceful, gentle and nonchalant, this dog is affectionate with its owner and its family. If trained at an early age and used to dealing with children, it will integrate them perfectly well in its environment. Within the course of history, this Mastiff was used as a combat dog, police dog, sled dog, guard dog and defence dog before it became simply a pet. Its dribble and unsophisticated manners mean that it not at all suited to living in a flat.
Newfoundland
Just like the Boxer, this dog has a reputation of unquestionable kindness. An excellent swimmer, it used to bring back the nets of the Canadian fishermen. A vocational rescuer, it works nowadays with sea rescue teams. Do not hope that you can have a quiet swim in the sea with your Newfoundland, because it will drag you back to the beach at any cost, whether you want it or not! Courageous and overflowing with kindness, the Newfoundland has an exceptional temperament. It is gentle, affectionate and generous. Attractive thanks to its black & tan or nearly black coat, its tranquil power is nevertheless impressive. Moreover, deeply attached to its owner, it is mistrustful of strangers, which makes it a good guard dog.
Otterhound
This breed might be the result of cross-breeding between a St Hubert and a Griffon. Its bloodhound qualities were used to hunt water game, including otters. Its rough, hard terracotta coat covering woolly hair allows it to swim in very cold waters. Since otters are not considered harmful, this dog is, thanks to its jolly character, a very pleasant companion.
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Pekingese
Its birth may go back to more than 4000 years ago. In the past, it was the favourite dog of the Pekingese imperial family. It is only in 1869 that it was introduced to the West by British and French soldiers when four dogs were rescued from a fire in the Old Summer Palace. Although it barks a lot and is delicate to feed, this dog is affectionate, sensitive, courageous and even daring.
Pharaoh Hound
Although classified in the fifth group, this dog is not a Spitz type but a primitive one. Indeed, this hound is a direct descendant of the Saluki (Persian Greyhound). It was preserved in Malta where it was a rabbit hunter. Very agile and frisky, it is an outstanding athlete with an aptitude for jumping. Calm and independent, as long as you allow it to run aplenty it can perfectly well adapt to city life and does not require any specific care. It is solid and dignified.
Poodle
The ancestor of the poodle is said to be a water dog. Of uncertain nationality, the poodle encompasses three varieties: Standard, Miniature and Toy.
This elegant dog is particularly intelligent, naturally gentle, audacious and jolly. An initially bad conducted education at the start, or one imposed by force can make this dog capricious and bitter. Generally, it must be groomed regularly. Several clips exist that can accentuate the beautiful curves of your companion. Aside from the fact that it makes grooming sessions less frequent and that it suits hot weather conditions, a shave – the most common clip – gives poodles an uncharacteristically sad look to this jovial dog.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
This white, elegant, imposing, well-built dog is a relative of the Newfoundland and the St Bernard. It is a frisky and impetuous animal. Because it is obedient, loyal and perseverant, it is able to take part in mountain rescue operations. Conscientious, it will always defend its territory. Vigilant and courageous, it is a very good guard dog. Its fur requires care and attention several times a week. An inadequate diet can lead to arthropathy in the hips or shoulders. This dog needs a lot of space and exercise.
Pinscher
In German, Pinscher means ‘biter’. But this ‘biter’ knows how to use its teeth appropriately. Docile, devoted, affectionate, clean and intelligent, this dog barks scathingly against criminals or bigger dogs and proves to be an efficient guard dog. This dog is said to be the ancestor of the Doberman amongst other breeds.
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Rottweiler
Descendant of the Greek and Italian Mastiffs, the Rottweiler is a German Bouvier. With a powerful jaw and muscular body, it is a formidable dog. Very easy to train, calm, well balanced, obedient and courageous, it is used to watch flocks and as a police dog but mostly as a guard and defence dog. It is a pet that likes playing with children if it knows them and will spontaneously act as their bodyguard. It can, however, prove to be aggressive towards strangers if its owner is in trouble or in a tricky situation. Although quietly strong, it displays lightening ‘bad-tempered’ reactions if its owner cannot impose respect and dominate it. Gentle and intelligent, in a dynamic environment, on a training ground or whilst going for a walk, it will remain well balanced.
Russian-European Laika
This Russian, black and white Spitz type comes from cross-breeding elk and wolf-hunting dogs. Aggressive and powerful, it is also the first dog to be sent to space with Sputnik II in 1957.
Saluki (Persian Greyhound)
It is a short-haired greyhound with a tail, limbs and ears covered with long abundant hair. In the Middle East, dogs were always seen as dirty, but the Saluki and the Sloughi were an exception and were allowed to sleep in houses. The Bedouins used the Saluki to hunt falcons. Nowadays, in Britain since 1920, the Persian Greyhound is recognised as a pleasant pet that is affectionate, sensitive, thoughtful and gentler with children than the Sloughi.
Samoyed
This breed looks like it is half way between the Chow Chow and the Japanese Spitz. It has the facial appearance of the Chow Chow and the white fur of the Spitz. Former flock herder, this dog is outstandingly kind and exceptionally sociable. Completely devoid of aggressiveness, this dog displays a lot of patience with children and loves spending time with people.
Shih Tzu
Created from cross-breeding between Tibetan and Pekingese dogs, the Shih Tzu was bred in the Chinese imperial court before arriving in France in the middle of the XX Century. This dog looks a lot like the Lhasa Apso though it differs from it by its temperament and origins. Contrary to the Lhasa Apso, the Shih Tzu is not a guard dog. It is therefore less distant and more playful whilst remaining robust and elegant. Its coat requires regular maintenance.
Schnauzer
A German breed, it counts amongst its ancestors the German Mastiff and the Bouvier des Flandres. This dog is easy to train and because it is docile it can be both a useful dog and a pet, perfectly appropriate for children. It is calm and sensible and its robust temperament makes it fit to be a good guard dog. There are three varieties of Schnauzer: the Giant Schnauzer, perfectly adapted to city life, the Standard Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer. The Giant Schnauzer is the most rustic. It used to lead livestock whereas the Standard Schnauzer accompanied coaches and hunted pests in stables. The Standard Schnauzer is a dynamic and easy to work, but contrary to the Giant Schnauzer it needs an owner that is as sportive as it is. Easy-going with children, it nevertheless remains independent. The Miniature Schnauzer is an exact replica of the Standard one. It is an affectionate, obedient companion and a good guard dog.
Scottish Terrier
This small game hunter became very popular via the Disney feature film Lady and the Tramp in which the Scottish terrier looks very distinguished. Usually distant with strangers, it does not bark much, keeps watch and shows a great deal of patience with children. Courageous and bold, it needs to go for walks regularly although it easily adapts to city life. It is important to groom it often so that it keeps an expressive face with an amusing little goatee. This dog also features on a whisky label.
Shar Pei
Of Chinese origin, this dog was in the past a fierce combat dog. Thanks to breeding, it is nowadays a tranquil, good and loyal pet. Its coat can be cream, fawn, red or even black. Its skin is loose, forming wrinkles on its shoulders, nape and forehead above the eyes. This particularity occasionally provokes dermatitis or ocular infections. Its coat is stingy, perpendicular to the skin. Its ears, stick to its cheeks, are very small. Just like the Chow Chow’s, its tongue is blue-black.
Siberian Husky
Just like the Basenji this dog only rarely uses its husky voice to bark. This sled dog, made famous through Jack London’s novel The Call of the Wild, is very generous, very light and tough and it is capable of covering great distances in bitter climates. Energetic, agile, graceful and athletic, it is a dog that is sought after for competitions, which are very popular in Canada. It holds many world records. Of all the Northern dogs, the Husky is the gentlest and most affectionate. Its owner must show a great deal of patience to train it whilst not to making it nervous. It can be mischievous towards its owner. A single-minded dog, it will only carry out a task if it thinks it is useful. It is a pleasant pet that is playful with children. It craves to live in a pack, outdoors; without it, it tends to run away. Its eyes can be blue, brown or "bi-eyed". All have a trailing tufted tail.
Sloughi
Also known as the Arabian Greyhound, the Sloughi comes directly from Egyptian dogs. With a behaviour and character that are very close to the Saluki’s, the Sloughi used to be in favour with its owners. Its sand-coloured hair allowed it to remain discreet and to be a good gazelle hunter. Naturally mistrustful and aggressive with strangers, it is nervous and does not adapt well to being around children. It is nevertheless very affectionate and obedient with its owners.
Spitz
There are several breeds of Spitz.
- The Volpino Italiano or Italian Spitz can be fawn or black but it is more usually white, with a collar that is less dense than the Pomeranian’s. Frisky, affectionate and easy to train, it is a good little guard dog.
- The Japanese Spitz is a descendant of the Nordic Spitz and looks like the Italian Spitz, except that it is exclusively white. Chirpy, audacious and cunning, it is a good pet that is mistrustful and antisocial with strangers.
- The Keeshond is a Dutch Barge Dog that needs to be trained by a firm hand.
- The Wolfsspitz is grey with long hair. It is easy to train, sociable and extravert. It used to be a sheep dog.
- The German Spitz comes in three sizes. The Grossspitz / Großspitz (‘Great Spitz’, or ‘Giant Spitz’ – 50 cm high) is a hunting dog, a guard dog or a cartdog. The German Spitz Mittel (‘Middle/Medium/Standard’ Spitz" – 38 cm high) is a cartdog whereas the Kleinspitz (‘Small Spitz’ - 29 cm high) is accompanied coaches. All have a frisky character and an ideal temperament.
- The Finnish Spitz is an average size dog with an orange coat and a curly tail. It is a frisky and cautious hunting dog.
- The Pomeranian, also called Zwergspitz or Toy German Spitz is of German origin. It looks like a fox but with a thick collar. Having recently seen its size reduced, it still behaves like a big dog. It is a good guard dog that is able to resist other, more imposing dogs. It can be of all colours but is predominantly orange.
St Bernard
This breed goes back to those mastiffs of ancient times that crossed the Alps with the Roman armies. They were cross-bred with local breeds, which resulted in the rough-coat variety we know today.
The smooth-coated St Bernard came from the Newfoundland bloodline. Both varieties display a lot of courage and resistance to go and find skiers that got lost or are trapped in avalanches. The rough-coat variety can cope just as well with low temperatures as the smooth-coated one, but will not be impeded by icicles forming on its coat. This is why it is the favourite of mountain folk.
The sense of smell and instinct of both varieties, added to a gentle and devoted temperament make them outstanding rescuers. They can walk for hours in the snow, have a great sense of directions and can spot the presence of a human being from under 3 meters of snow from 50 meters away. They free up the casualty, they lick and warm him up and give him a drink before going to call for back up. Whilst outstanding for their tenderness, benevolence and selflessness, their discretion and nonchalance means that you could easily forget their presence.
St Hubert Hound
Massive, with slow reflexes, this dog of very ancient origin is the bloodhound with the most sensitive sense of smell. This breed contributed to creating numerous other breeds and brought is massive frame and its exceptional qualities as a bloodhound.
The St Hubert’s sense of smell is useful when it works. The St Hubert is an outstanding police or rescue dog, when its sense of smell is used to track criminals or lost children. Its droopy and humid lips and to its long corkscrew-shaped ears allow it to detect the most subtle of smells. This tireless dog is very enthusiastic when accomplishing a task. It has a melodious voice, a kind gaze and its behaviour is gentle, coy and shy. Though affectionate and a pleasant companion, this dog is not easy to train.
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Tervuren (or Tervueren)
It is the fourth representative of the Belgian Shepherd family. Most are black and gold, with long hair mostly, but it can also be grey or fawn with a black mask. Endowed with the same intelligence and physical abilities as the other Belgian Shepherds, it can also be found in the police force, on defence and guard duties. The sharpness of its courage and of its learning skills makes it an ideal candidate to help disabled people. You will need an iron hand in a velvet glove to ensure the well-being of this dog in a family environment.
Weimaraner
The main characteristics of the Weimaraner are its silver-grey coat and its light amber eyes. It can have short or long hair, but the latter is rarer. Like a lot of hounds, it is tough, bright and courageous and has good bloodhound skills.
It is powerful, elegant and muscular but not always obedient. Its natural inclination, its strength and its bulk mean that it is also a good guard.
West Highland Terrier
This breed was born from the discovery of a white puppy in a litter of Cairns Terriers. Selective breeding has later on managed to produce only white-coated terriers. This particularity made the ‘Westie’ a very popular dog and thus outranking the Cairn Terrier.
Bold, courageous, strong-willed, this terrier remains a good small game hunter and its charm means it is a good pet. This breed also became famous for featuring on a whisky label.
Whippet
This small greyhound is with the Greyhound a dog built for racing. It is very popular with dog lovers and is used on short race tracks. It can reach 60km/hr.
Mexican Hairless Dog (or Xoloitzcuintli / Xoloitzcuintle)
This dog’s particularity of resides in the slate grey colour of its skin |
