Dog Breeds

Summary:

The Afghan Hound a very old sighthound dog breed. Distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where it was originally used to hunt wolves, foxes, and gazelles.

The Afghan Hound is high-stationed, standing 24 to 28 inches (61-71 cm) in height and weighing 45 to 60 pounds (23-28 kg). The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. However all Afghan Hounds have a white “blaze” on the chest and some are all white (called self-Masked Creams) The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back are distinctive features of the Afghan coat.

The temperament of the Afghan Hound is aloof and dignified, but gay and clownish when playing. The breed has the reputation of being one of the least intelligent dog breeds, though this is clearly not true. The Afghan Hound has many cat-like tendencies and is not slavish in its obedience as are some other breeds. Although seldom used today for hunting in Europe and America where they are popular, Afghans are frequent participants in lure coursing events and are popular as show dogs.

The breed is thought to date back at least to the pre-Christian era. Its original native name, Tazi, betrays its connection to the very similar Tasy breed of Russia. The proximity of southern Russia and Afghanistan argue for a common origin for both breeds. Initially, Afghani people refused to sell their national dog to outsiders; the breed was not seen in Europe and America until after the turn of the 20th century. AKC and CKC did not recognise the Afghan Hound until the 1930s.

Afghans are a relatively healthy breed; major health issues are allergies, cancer, and sensitivity to anaesthesia.

Courtesy of: The Free Dictionary

Summary:

there is evidence The Sussex Spaniel appears to have been evident in the UK in the 1800’s. During the first half of the 19th century, a Mr Fuller of Rosehill Sussex (England) is credited with being their founder of the Sussex Spaniel. He kept them as working dogs and although there became a handful of other breeders, number depleted slowly until the start of World War II when there where only 5 know pairs.With the help of breeder Mrs Joy Freer, numbers gradually increased. Today the gene pool is still small and only 68 pairs were registered in 2003. The Sussex Spaniel makes a good gun dog, show dog or just as a pet. They are a guarding breed and quite possessive of their Owners. They are fine with people and children but they need plenty of socialisation, puppy classes, obedience classes, time and patience.

Courtesy of:

Summary:

This intelligent dog learns easily, is full of character, animated, a good watchdog, and loyal to the family. This breed is very adaptable to the circumstances surrounding it although it can be somewhat independent. A Puli will rarely run away.

Pulik are an extremely energetic breed and require extended daily exercise. Despite the coat looking ‘unkept’ it actually requires many, many hours of professional grooming to achieve the perfect corded coat which takes years to achieve.

Courtesy of: Mournebrake Von Buren (or Derek to his friends)

Summary:

The Akita or Akita Inu is a breed of huge Japanese dog. A fully grown male adult can be over three feet tall at the shoulders. On average a full grown male can reach 120 pounds, a female around 90-100 pounds. Akitas come in many different colors and patterns including white, brindle, black, fawn, and many combinations of these.

The Akita is the National Dog of Japan and is immensely powerful and imposing animal. Dignified, aloof and with a fearless temperament the Akita is a no nonsense protector of family and home and must be supervised with visitors and visiting children. Early socialisation training is essential to ensure a confident trouble free family pet.

The coat is dense and moults two or three times a year during which time and continous attention to grooming is important during these periods.

Courtesy of: The Free Dictionary

Summary:

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is one of the most majestic and noble animals in the service of man; still being used in the rural districts of Turkey as the shepherds’ indispensable companion and front line of defense of his livestock from predators. Without the aid of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the Turkish shepherd would be less able to defend his property and flock from wild animals. Such dogs are found from the Turkish Anatolian plateau right on though to Afghanistan.

Large, upstanding, tall, powerfully built, with broad, heavy head and short dense coat. These are an active breed used originally as a guard dog for sheep. They are hard working and capable of enduring extremes of heat and cold. Their temperament is bold, but without aggression, naturally independent, very intelligent.

Courtesy of: The Free Dictionary