Miniature Pinscher

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Description

The Miniature Pinscher is a small, robust dog with a lively and lovable personality. This is a very loyal and smart breed, but it also tends to have a stubborn streak. Despite its small size, the Min Pin is a strong, athletic dog with the spirit of a hunter and watch dog.

The Min Pin has erect ears that may or may not be cropped, and a tail that may or may not be docked. Its coat is smooth, shiny and very short. The Min Pins requires no more than basic grooming care. Its coat should be brushed weekly or more to maintain a healthy, shiny appearance. The breed tends to shed at a relatively low rate.

Min Pins are very active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise. The breed is generally fearless and bold, often called the "King of the Toys." Proper training is an absolute must with this breed. The Min Pin is quite smart and tends to respond very well to training. However, without effective training, the breed can also become stubborn and unruly. Either way, the Min Pin can be considered quite the character, so expect to be entertained by its antics.The Min Pin's lively attitude and dynamic personality makes it a great companion for the right home. With appropriate socialization, Min Pins may be able to get along well with children if raised with them and properly socialized. Though the Min Pin can be an affectionate companion, this is no lap dog. The breed does best in an active but attentive household. 

History

The Miniature Pinscher, in spite of its looks, is not a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher—it is in fact the older breed. Their resemblance could come from the fact that both of these breeds were derived from the German Pinscher. Miniature Pinschers were developed hundreds of years ago to help farmers keep away rats. They were relatively unknown in the U.S. until 1925, when the AKC first registered them as a Toy. Their name was officially changed to Miniature Pinscher in 1972.

Temperament

Contrary to popular believe, the Miniature Pinscher was not developed by breeding Doberman Pinschers down to size. In fact, Min Pins are actually a much olde breed than the Doberman. Nicknamed the “King of the Toys,” your Min Pin will also rule as King or Queen of your house. Breeders and owners agree, these little dogs believe they are the center of the universe and expect everyone to cater to their whims. They have a unique high-step manner of walking which has been likened to a prance, and they ooze confidence wherever they may go. Min Pins are cuddle bugs who will find their way to your lap the instant you sit on the couch. They do love to run, however, and will sometimes tear through the house for no apparent reason. Min Pins make excellent watchdogs, sizing up everyone who approaches his kingdom, and requiring all guests earn his trust.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 10-12 inches (25-30 cm.)   Bitches 10-11 inches (25-28 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg.)  Bitches 8-9 pounds (about 4 kg.)

Samoyed

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Description

The Samoyed is naturally a working dog and should exhibit qualities of strength and alertness while remaining to be elegant and beautiful. The Samoyed cannot be long in the back because the length makes the back weak and therefore the Samoyed is useless to perform its necessary tasks. However, the females may be slightly longer in the back than the males. The body should be muscular with a deep chest and well sprung ribs.
The bone structure of the Samoyed is much heavier than expected for a dog of this size, but it should not be so heavy as to take away from the dog's ability to be agile and perform tasks. The upper thighs should be well developed and the legs should be parallel when viewed from behind. The front legs should be powerful and straight to the pasterns. The pasterns should have some spring while remaining strong, sturdy, and straight. The shoulders should be long and sloping. The feet of the Samoyed are large, long, and flattish. They are slightly spread but not played and there is hair growth between toes for protection. The feathers on the feet are more common found on the females, but are not too essential.
The skull is to be wedge shaped and form an equal lateral triangle on lines between the inner ears and the central point of the stop. The skull should not be round or apple-headed. The muzzle should be of medium length and medium width. The whiskers are not to be removed. The lips should be curved up at the corners to give the smiley appearance. Their expression is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the Samoyed. This "samoyed expression" is illustrated by the sparkling of the eyes and the lighting up of the face. The ears should be alert. The expression is a combination of the eyes, ears, and mouth.

History

The Samoyed name quickly become obsolete for the Nenets people after the Russian Revolution (perceived as derogatory; see Nenets article). However, by then, Arctic explorers (for example, Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen) had brought enough of the dogs back to Europe to keep the name and to establish the breed both there and in the US.
Fridtjof Nansen believed that the use of sled dogs was the only effective way to explore the north and used Samoyeds on his polar expeditions. Unfortunately, his plan was disastrous to the animals, as he planned to feed the weaker dogs to the stronger ones as they died during the expedition. In the end, he lost almost all of his dogs due to his plan.
Roald Amundsen used a team of sled dogs led by a Samoyed named Etah on the first expedition to reach the South Pole.

Recent DNA analysis of the breed has led to the Samoyed being included amongst the fourteen most ancient dog breeds, along with Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, the Chow Chow, and 10 others of a diverse geographic background.

Health

Samoyeds are typically a hearty dog, but do have their share of health concerns. Hip dysplasia is a concern as are eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma and other retinal problems. Samoyeds will typically live 10 to 15 years.

Care

In spring and autumn when moulting, the undercoat is renewed; then the old coat comes out in tufts. One can comb it deeply, with a metal comb, which will speed up the shedding process and allow the Samoyed to regain its usual appearance more quickly (without this he may walk about for several days with a hard bald back). Giving a bath itself has several disadvantages, soap or shampoo destroy the skin suint (an oily secretion which makes the coat shine) and remove the dog's own natural protection.

Furthermore, water, trapped in the very thick undercoat, has difficulty evaporating and may remain in the fur. They have to be groomed at least twice a week, more in the spring and autumn when they moult. To keep the Samoyed's coat gleaming, their diet must be looked after carefully and contain a good amount of meat and fish.

Height  and Weight

Height: Male: 21 to 23½ inches.
Female: 19 to 21 inches.

Weight: Male: 45-65 lbs
Female: 35-50 lbs

Mastiff

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Description

The Old English Mastiff is a massive dog. The Mastiff has a large, heavy square head with a well marked stop between the eyes. The muzzle should be half the length of the skull. The medium-sized brown to dark hazel eyes are set wide apart with a black mask around them. The nose is dark in color. The small ears are V-shaped and in proportion with the skull and are dark in color. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite but a slightly undershot bite is also acceptable in the show ring providing the teeth do not show when the mouth is closed. The tail is high-set with a wide base, tapering to a point reaching the hocks. Coat colors include golden fawn, light fawn, apricot, silver, tiger or brindle.

History

According to some accounts, Mastiffs (also known as Old English Mastiffs) were brought to England by Roman invaders thousands of years ago. Another theory is that Phoenician traders introduced them to Britain around the same time. Either way, Mastiffs have been bred in England for more than 2,000 years as exemplary sheepherders, guard dogs, police dogs and companions. Around the mid-1940s, the Old English Mastiff suffered a drop in popularity in England, but enthusiasts from America sustained the breed and helped re-establish their numbers around the world.

Temperament

The Mastiff is a watchful, reliable, and intelligent breed. They are exceedingly loyal and deeply devoted to their family. This breed thrives on human companionship and affection and does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. The Mastiff does best in a home with older considerate children. They do not do well with other household pets they have not been raised with. This breed is naturally protective and is extremely possessive of their family and home. The Mastiff is not recommended for the novice, inexperienced, or passive owner.

Origin

The English Mastiff was founded in Britain. A very old breed, it was depicted in Egyptian monuments as early as 3000 BC. The breed fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 BC. Caesar brought a pack of Mastiffs to Rome where the dogs were put on display as an arena gladiator and forced to be in fights with human gladiators, lions, bull baiting, bear baiting and in dog to dog combat. They later became popular with the peasants in England where it was used as a bodyguard, protector of wolves and other dangerous predators and as a companion dog. In the eighteenth century the Mastiff was described: "As a lion is to a cat, so is a mastiff compared to a dog. "It is believed that a Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower. Later more were imported. Like most breeds by the end of World War ll the breed was almost extinct in England. Dogs were imported from the USA and Canada and are once again well established in England. Some of the Mastiff's talents include: watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, and weight pulling.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs from 30 inches (76cm) 

Weight: Dogs about 160 pounds (72kg)

Akita

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Description

 The Akita is a striking breed who is a large, powerful, alert, well-balanced dog with much substance and heavy bone. They have a deep muzzle, small triangular eyes, erect ears, and a large single or double curled tail. The Akita's head is triangular and their jaws are large and powerful. Akitas are renowned for their fierce love, loyalty and obedience to their owners. Akitas are the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds and have webbed feet, which makes them very strong swimmers. The Akita, or Shishi Inu as they are sometimes called, are of the Northern type breeds in which they have a distinct tail curled over the back. The Japanese bred them as a fighting dog with a great temperament. They need space and should not be confined.  They are very devoted to their families, and are a brave and courageous breed. Akitas are very intelligent and are for the most part obedient, but may have an independent and curious streak once in a while. They do not like being bored, and should be mentally and physically stimulated every day. If they get bored they tend to get noisier and less obedient, but they simply need attention from the owner they are so devoted to.

History

Originating from Japan, the Akita has remained unchanged for centuries. Today it's seen as the national dog of Japan and was developed in the Akita region (hence the name). They were originally bred for hunting and dog fighting and their ancestors were used for hunting by the matagi. 

Temperament: The Akitas are loyal and courageous companions that are affectionate with their own families but wary of strangers. Akitas make excellent guard dogs though they are usually good natured and quiet. They can also be stubborn at times and require socialization in order to get along with a range of people. Akitas are also an active, independent, dignified, and bold breed though they may be aggressive toward other dogs. Akitas are very smart, courageous and inquisitive. They tenacious and devoted to family, playful, quiet and attentive. They are also quite obedient, but if they are bored they may get less obedient and less quiet as time goes on. They can be stubborn and must be shown what to do in order to do it, they do not like being forced.

Origin

The Akita Inu is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, where it has remained unchanged for centuries. The Akita Inu is considered a national dog of Japan and is one of seven breeds designated as a Natural Monument. The breed has had many uses, such as police and military work, a guard dog (for the government and civilian), a fighting dog, a hunter of bear and deer and a sled dog. The Akita Inu is a versatile hunting dog, able to hunt in inclement weather. The Akita's soft mouth makes it possible for him to work as a waterfowl retrieval dog. The dog is considered sacred and a good luck charm in the country of Japan. Small statues of the Akita Inu are often given to new parents after babies are born as a gesture of good health and to sick people as a gesture of a speedy recovery. In 1937 the first Akita, who was named Kamikaze-go was brought to the United States by Helen Keller. The dog was a gift given to her during her trip to Akita Prefecture. Kamikaze-go died in 1935 of canine distemper. In 1938 another Akita named Kenzan-go was given to her as an official gift from the Japanese government. After World War II many serviceman brought Akita Inu dogs to the USA.
There are two types of Akitas, the original Japanese Akita breed and now a separate designation for American standard Akita's. The weights, sizes, are different and the American standard allows a black mask, where as the original Japanese breed standard does not allow for a black mask. According to the FCI , in Japan and in many other countries around the world the American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). In the United States and Canada, both the American Akita and the Akita Inu are considered a single breed with differences in type rather than two separate breeds. The Japanese Akita is uncommon in most countries.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 26-28 inches (66-71 cm.)   Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg.) Bitches 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg.)

Rottweiler

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Description

Rottweilers are a robust, powerful dog breed with great strength, endurance and agility. The Rottweiler is a working dog, he is the happiest when there is a job to do whether it is herding, competing in obedience, tracking, search and rescue or retrieving the newspaper.

An effective guard dog, Rottweilers are also dominant and pushy - and requires constant training firm, uncompromising rules. A Rottweiler will defend his family and property to the end, but he does have a tendency to become loyal to one person. Although Rottweilers are a devoted and loyal dog breed, play around small children should be supervised.

Temperament

 

The Rotweiler is a very territorial, imposing dog breed and is ideal for protection. They are calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted to their owner family. They have a reliable temperament. This dog breed requires a strong leader and firm training. Otherwise you may end up with a very powerful and overly aggressive dog. The Rottweiler is a natural guard dog with a mellow temperament. They are highly intelligent and have proven their worth beyond question in police, military, and customs work over many centuries. This breed needs a lot of companionship and socialization to be truly happy. They can be aggressive with other dogs and should be kept on leashes in public places. When the Rottweiler is consistently brought up and trained, it will be a good playmate for the children. It will accept cats and other household pets as long as the dog has had a positive experience with them while it was young. Friends and relatives of the family are normally enthusiastically welcomed. Strangers can get no further than the sidewalk. The breed does well in competitive obedience, schutzhund, and tracking. Schutzhund lines tend to be more aggressive and thus should be avoided if the dog is purely intended as a family pet. There are two types of Rottweilers, German and American. The difference between two types is the German dogs are breed to work or have the drive to do so. The American dogs are not breed for these characteristics.

Origin

The Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds that the Romans brought with them when they invaded Europe. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a herder, as a guard, messenger dog, draught dog, and for police work. It was bred in the German town of Rottweiler in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800's, the breed population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. In Germany on January 13th 1907, the DRK (Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (German Rottweiler Club) was established. Shortly after on April 27, 1907, the SDRK - Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (South German Rottweiler Club) was formed, which later became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The Rottweiler standard was then set. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1931. Some of the Rottweiler's talents include: tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, police work, carting, competitive obedience, and schutzhund. 

Height, Weight

Height: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.) Bitches 22-25 inches (56-63 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg.) Bitches 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg.)

Komondor

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Description

The Komondor is a massive dog with a proud gait. It is serious, confident, alert and commanding. It is very strong and agile for its size. This is a hardy, healthy dog; it can tolerate changing temperatures. Its body is totally covered with an extraordinary felted and corded coat, which is 8 to 11 inches (20-27cm.) long, and always white. The Komondor (plural is Komondorok) is a big, muscular dog with plenty of bone and substance, covered with an unusually, heavy, white corded coat. Puppies are white and fluffy and tend to form cords at about 3 to 4 months of age. It makes an excellent guard dog.

History

The Komondor is an ancient breed of herding dog from Hungary. While its homeland has been Hungary for many centuries, it is generally thought to be a descendent of the Russian Owtcharka brought to what is now Hungary by the invading Magyars. During World War II contact between the United States and Hungary was cut off and there was virtually no importing and no breeding done in the USA. In Europe the breed was almost wiped out because of the war. Only a few dozen specimens were left afterward, and the breed was slowly re-established in Hungary, but was rare even there. During the entire period between World War II and 1960, only about 1000 Komondors had been registered in Hungary. Contact between the American Kennel Club and the Hungarian Kennel Club was re-established in 1962, and importation of Komondors resumed. The Komondor was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1937.

Temperament

Komondors are livestock guardians that were bred to work with out supervision from their masters, protecting the sheep flock. As a result, the Komondor is a very "no nonsense" dog that has a very calm and laid back personality. They are very loyal family pets and live to protect them, if they feel that their territory or charges are in jeopardy, they will fearlessly defend them. They are a very atheletic and agile dog that needs a lot of exercise. These dogs are very intelligent and learn new tasks quickly, but the can become obstinate when bored, so a varied training regimen is a must. A Komondor is a dog that is not suited for a novice dog owner, they need a confident skilled handler that can effectively train this breed and quash any hostile or aggressive behaviors quickly. As with all livestock guardian dogs, they make effective watchdogs AND guard dogs, but are usually wary and suspicious of strangers. Komondors need a well fenced in yard, otherwise they will try to establish and patrol a territory. They are not to be left outside for long periods of time, since they are known to be nocturnal barkers and might annoy your neighbours.

Grooming

Dense, protective coat. The puppy coat is relatively soft, but it shows a tendency to fall into cord-like curls. Never brush or comb the coat! It is divided into cords and trimmed. Its coat needs a lot of bathing and takes a long time to dry. It sheds very little if any.

Health

Hip dysplasia, skin allergies, ear problems and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs second to cancer, but Komondors can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. It is also referred to as "twisted stomach" or gastric torsion.

Height, Weight

Height:  25.5 inches (65cm.) and upward.
Weight:  Dogs up to 125 pounds (59kg.) Bitches 10% less.

Boxer

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Description

The Boxer is a medium-sized, well-balanced square built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. It is strong and thickly muscled, with a short coat and a docked tail. It is an energetic, attentive and devoted dog breed. It's gentle and patient with children, it's playful and curious.

This breed is highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. It's loyal and affectionate. This dog behaves well with other household pets, but is cautious with strange pets and people, which make it a good guard dog. Boxer dogs breed combines strength and agility with elegance and style.

history

Developed in 19th century Germany from German Mastiffs and English Bulldogs, the Boxer was used as a hunting, fighting and working dog, prized for its tenacity, strength and obedience. Later used as cattle dogs, they also made a name for themselves as circus performers. In the early 1900s, the Deutscher Boxer Club established a breed standard for Boxers, and the AKC approved them in 1904. Decades later, American soldiers brought them home after World War II, and they quickly became popular in the U.S.

Temperament

With family and friends, its temperament is fundamentally playful, boisterous, yet patient and stoical with children. The Boxer needs lots of human companionship. This dog is deliberate and wary with strangers, it will exhibit curiosity but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened. Its intelligence, loyal affection and tractability to discipline make this dog a highly desirable companion. If the dog is well socialized it gets along well with other household pets. The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. It is always keen to work and play. It can be rather boisterous and even in old age is still extremely athletic. Boxers loves to jump, teach it not to be boisterous and especially not to jump up at people. This breed makes a great guard dog, it is noted for courage. The Boxer has a wide use in military and police work. It needs firm and consistent training at early age. This breed requires a dominant owner. The Boxer requires mental and physical exertion and is not recommended for people who are easy going and slow moving.

Origin

The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century. The Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Early Boxers were used for dog fighting, bull baiting, cart pulling, cattle dogs, to round up livestock and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. They later became popular theater and circus dogs. The first Boxer studbook was started in 1904. Up until then the dogs varied widely in looks and size. The Boxer is known for the way it uses its front legs to bat at its opponent, appearing to be boxing with the front paws, most likely giving the dog its name. Some of the Boxer's talents are watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, competitive obedience, schutzhund and performing tricks. Breeders are breeding two types of Boxers, the German Boxer and the American Boxer. The German Boxers have bigger heads and are generally more muscular than American Boxers.

Health Problems

Some major concerns are cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis, and thyroid. Can be prone to skin and other allergies. Sometimes prone to epilepsy. From age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. Prone to cancer. Prone to arthritis, hip dysplasia, back and knee issues. These dogs may drool and snore. May have excessive flatulence, especially when fed something other than their own dog food. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 22-25 inches (56-63 cm.) Bitches 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Weight: Dog 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg.) Bitches 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg.)