AKA: Hokkaido Dog, Hokkaïdo

Description: The Ainu dog belongs to the large dog breed family. It has a body of proportion, which means that its head, legs, torso, and tail, don’t tend to protrude from the dogs’ body. Their head is triangular in shape, foxlike. Broad, flat skull and forehead. Its nose bridge is straight. Wedge-shaped muzzle and black nose (flesh color in whites) that has tight lips. Their ears are also triangular, small stand tall and straight and wide set, dark brown in color. Its body is strongly constructed, very powerful neck without dewlap, pronounced withers and moderately wide loin with prominent forechest Deep chest. Belly is well tucked up. Straight, solid back. Nicely sloped croup. Their tail is set high, thick and carried over the back and slightly curled at the end. They have a short, harsh, straight hair, slightly longer on the tail and a soft, compact undercoat.

Temperament: The Ainu dog breed is a very active dog. It enjoys hunting, fishing, running, swimming, and guarding. It is loyal, well-mannered, sporty, playful, and a great guardian. Sometimes this breed does NOT get along with small children, so your Ainu should be watched around your children, if you have any, until you are sure it will do well with them. The attitude your Ainu dog has with children will depend on the dogs’ individual personality.

Activity: Ainu dogs is not suitable for indoors because they prefer to be in large yards. They require long walk daily and needs moderate but regular exercise everyday.

Grooming: Ainu dogs have longer fur that requires daily brushing and should be regularly combed.

Health Problems: This breed is rather hardy and will normally live to its fullest potential. This means that the breed has no known health problems running throughout the breeds’ blood. Sometimes the Ainu can experience hip dysplacia, but this can happen to all animals.

Breed Group: Northern
Color: red, white, black, tiger, sesame, and wolf-gray.
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) tall.
Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Japan

Dynamics: They are active dogs and intelligent, very friendly especially with children they are very playful that’s why they require a large yard and are active outdoors.

AKA: Matin Beige, Chien de Trait, Belgian Draft Mastiff

Description: The Belgian Mastiff is a very strong dog with an athletic and muscular build. It has a short coat, black nose, and big ears.

Dynamics: The Belgian Mastiff is not known to be a really friendly dog but it can be reared to be loving and loyal. It is courageous, intelligent, and powerful. The original Belgian Mastiff was a very hard working bobtail mastiff of the butcher’s dog type. The Belgian Mastiff’s primary work was as a draft dog. He pulled carts for the poorer Belgians who could not afford a horse. The Belgian army also used this breed to pull their heavy equipment. He was not known as a really friendly dog but he was very loving, loyal and protective towards his family. He was said to sometimes be vicious with strangers but over all was not a very aggressive dog. He was intelligent, courageous and powerful. It was an active dog who was not nervous and was pretty standoffish with strangers. This breed needed some type of job to do to vent his strong drive and energy. He was a calm and obedient dog.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 99-110 lbs (45-50 kg)

Height: 27-31 inches (69-78 cm)

Color: The coat came in reddish, brown-brindle, fawn, or black with a dark mask and or infrequent white markings.

Country of Origin: The Belgian Mastiff is suspected to originate from Belgium because the breed was used as cart pulling dogs there long ago. There are speculations that the breed most likely came from France because of its resemblance to the French hounds but there was no exact statement on this. There is also speculation that this breed may be already extinct.

Activities: As the Belgian Mastiff is a working dog, the breed needs to be doing something most of the time. Take it out for exercises and walks.

Other Info: The Belgian Mastiff requires very little grooming. The breed is also used for guard work, tracking, search, and rescue.

AKA: Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Brussels Griffon, Petit Brabancon, Belgium Griffon

Description: The Belgian Griffon is a sturdy toy dog with a domed head and an undershot jaw. It has a very short nose and lustrous eyes. It has a pouting look that almost gives a human expression. The ears can be cropped. Its tail is docked and carried high.

There are two types of Belgian Griffon: the rough-coated, and the smooth-coated or petit Brabancon variety. The petit Brabancon requires less grooming than the former.

Dynamics: The Griffon is a cheerful and intelligent dog. It makes a fine companion as it is affectionate, willful, and charming. They can be very loving, but can also get moody at times. The Griffon basically loves to be spoiled.

The Griffon can get along well with other dogs and even with cats. It can be a little hard to housebreak, though. The Griffon can also be made into a good watch dog.

Breed Group: Terrier, Toy

Weight: 6-12 lbs (2.5-5.5 kg)

Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)

Color: Griffons come in red, a mixture of red-brown & black, black & tan, or solid black.

Country of Origin: The Belgian Griffon originated in Belgium in the 1800s. The breed was popular among coach houses before the royal palaces recognized it as a pet.

Activities: A good walk will do for the Belgian Griffon. They are active indoors and don’t need much exercise outdoors.

Other Info: The Belgian Griffon has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This dog is difficult to breed. It is also prone to eye and respiratory problems. The breed is fit for apartment life and is okay if the home does not have much space or a yard.

Grooming: Grooming the Belgian Griffon requires some attention, since the Griffon sheds little or no hair. But the coat can be clipped.

AKA: Cape Hunting Dog , Tri-colored Dog

Description: The African Wild Dog have patch-like markings on their fur. They have coat that lays closely to its skin and is thickest at the tail that is bushy. The rounded, large ears that are set high on the head and not so far apart. The mask is black with a lighter shade from the eyebrows to the sides of the face with a streak of black down the middle. Despite its lean frame it is very muscular and strong. The lean frame and long legs enable it to achieve high rates of speed that is often necessary to capture its prey.

Temperament: It has an aggressive nature, but in the pack only a single male and female exhibit dominate behavior. If it encounters opposition, usually with another animal, it will not back down. The African Wild Dog is very nurturing. Weaker pack members, such as the young, injured, or elderly are taken care of by all members of the pack. Pack members are friendly and jovial with one another and there are rarely any violent fights among them.

Activity: In its natural habitat where it typically chases its prey for as long as an hour, the African Wild Dog will obtain sufficient exercise. In a zoo they will require a significant amount of exercise.

Grooming: The short coat of the African Wild Dog does not require a significant amount of grooming. Pack members will remove any insects or debris from each other’s coat.

Health Problems: The African Wild Dog may contract distempter, parvovirus, and rabies. These diseases are easily spread among the pack since the dogs stay close to one another. The African Wild Dog has an average lifestpan of 10-12 years. It is estimated that the breed is in danger of becoming extinct. If measures aren’t taken to preserve the breed it could be extinct in as few as 10 years.

Color: The coat of the African Wild Dog is characterized by patches of black, white, blonde, and a very light yellowish-brown. The patches vary from one dog to the next.
Height: Height: 24-31 inches
Weight: 38-79 pounds
Country Of Origin: Africa south of the Sahara Desert in areas of semi-desert to mountainous and in zoos.

Dynamics: The wild dog is a highly intelligent and social animal. Like most predators, it plays an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain a natural balance and ultimately improving prey species. The stereotype of the wild dog as a cruel butcher is slowly being replaced by a less harsh image.

AKA: Rothbury Terrier, Rodberry Terrier

Description: The Bedlington Terrier has the appearance of a lamb. It has a curly coat and a pear-shaped head, looking like a sheep. The head goes down in an unbroken line from crown to nose. The eyes are small and deeply set. The tail is pointed and the front legs are straight with hare-like feet. When it moves, the Bedlington has a unique springy gait.

Dynamics: The Bedlington Terrier is a playful and affectionate companion. It is generally sweet with children and friendly with strangers. It is a loyal and lively breed. It can get along with other dogs but not with those who want to dominate them because the Bedlington Terrier will fight back. The Bedlington Terrier is a fast runner and an enthusiastic digger. It loves a chase and likes to bark too!

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: males 18-23 lbs (8-10 kg), females 18-23 lbs (8-10 kg)

Height: males 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), females 15-16 inches (38-41 cm)

Color: The thick double coat of the Bedlington Terrier comes in blue, liver, or sandy. The dog may have tan markings over the eyes and on the legs, chest and rear.

Country of Origin: The Bedlington Terrier was originally called the Rothbury Terrier, after the district of Rothbury on the English border.

Activities: As active as the Bedlington Terrier is, it would need plenty of exercise and action. This dog loves to run and chase.

Other Info: The Bedlington Terrier’s life expectancy is 17 years or more. A health problem to worry about this breed is the Copper Storage Disease, which is a serious liver problem. The Bedlington Terrier is also prone to kidney problems, PRA, thyroid problems, and eye problems. The Bedlington Terrier will be fine in an apartment, but it has to have enough exercise. This breed is also good for people with allergies.

Grooming: The Bedlington Terrier sheds little to no hair but needs a special grooming. The coat is thinned and clipped close to the body and head to accentuate its shape. When shaving the ears, leave a tassel on the tips. Leave the hair slightly longer on the legs. Brush the dog regularly and clean the ears. Bathe only when necessary because washing too often will make the coat lank.

AKA: Berger de Beuce, Bas Rouge (Red Stocking), Beauce Shepherd, French Shorthaired Shepherd

Description: The Beauceron is a herder dog that gives off strength and vitality from its appearance. It is about the size of a Doberman Pinscher. It has short hair with longer fringes in the tail and hindquarters. The outer coat is rough and lined with a woolly, fluffy undercoat for good thermal insulation.

The Beauceron’s distinctive feature is the double dewclaw on the hind legs, making six toes per foot. The ears are cropped and standing. The eyes are a dark chestnut color. The tail is usually carried low in the shape of a ‘J.’

Dynamics: Brave, faithful, patient, and highly intelligent, the Beauceron is readily understanding and obedient of its master’s desires. Its appearance and demeanor commands respect and is a natural guard dog. The Beauceron is an instinctive herder and is happiest when working or exercising.

The Beauceron is generally good with children if they are raised with them since puppyhood. This breed can also be very protective and eager to please its master. Firm and patient training is necessary. The breed should also be thoroughly socialized. The Beauceron is sociable with other dogs and animals that they know but can be very territorial with intruders.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: up to 110 lbs (50 kg)

Height: 24-27 ½ inches (32-70 cm)

Color: The Beauceron either has a black-and-tan coat or a harlequin coat. The black-and-tan coat consists of tan markings above the eyes on the bottom of the upper lip and throat, on the breast, on the bottom of each leg and under the tail. The harlequin coat comes with patches of gray, black, and tan.

Country of Origin: The Beauceron was found throughout northern France, and not just in Beauce.

Activities: It is necessary to give the Beauceron lots of attention and exercise. It also needs something to do most of the time and lots of space to unleash its energy. Daily long walks and agility exercises are essential for the Beauceron.

Other Info: The Beauceron’s life expectancy is about 10-12 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but prone to hip dysplasia. It is also prone to bloat if not watched. Being a serious but energetic dog, the Beauceron will do well in an apartment only if it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time.

Grooming: The Beauceron doesn’t need much grooming. Attending to the dog when it is shedding is enough.

AKA: N/A

Description: It is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Collie. The undercoat is dense and wooly, the outer coat is straight, tough, long, and rough. They get along well with children, household pets and other dogs.

Temperament: Afollie is is a cheerful, gentle, lovable, high spirited dog. They are always eager to learn also extremely independent and active. They belong to the family and are not for outdoors. They have no tendency to run away They stay close to their owners.

Activity: They needed a long walk regularly and have no tendency to run away instead, they stay close by you. This breed usually performs well in obedience trials and agility competitions

Grooming: They require a good grooming. Their hair must be brushed regularly to avoid tangles. Always keep the inside of the ears clean. The hair of a Afollie should be parted along their back.

Health Problems: eye defect, thyroid problems and skin problems. Life span is about 10-12 years.

Breed Group: Designer group
Color: black, blue, slate-colored, reddish-brown, all shades of grey with white markings on the nose, chest, legs, and feet or neck. The white markings are not permitted beyond the shoulder
Height: 53 – 56cm (20 ¾ - 22in) for dogs and 51 – 53cm (20 – 20 ¾ in) for bitches
Weight: varies on its height

Dynamics: They are an intelligent dog and always eager to learn, always loves to play and very sociable, calm would not run away but just stay beside their owner.

AKA: Highland Collie, Mountain Collie, Hairy Mou ed Collie, Beardie

Description: The Bearded Collie, or the Beardie, is an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog. It is an agile herding dog with a shaggy coat all over its body. The head of the Beardie is broad, and the muzzle short. Its eyes are wide and harmonious with the color of its coat. The ears lie close to head. Its tail is long and is carried low or wagging (if the dog is excited).

Dynamics: The Beardie is an exuberant and playful dog. It can be seen as an affectionate and happy-go-lucky one. It is a great companion to children. Male Beardies tend to more bold and outgoing, while the females are calmer and more submissive. The Beardie has to be with people and shouldn’t be left with nothing to do. The Beardie has a lot of energy and is very lively.

Beardies also tend to think a lot and can be headstrong, so obedience training is a must. The Beardie is a natural herder, but it is not made to be a watch dog.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg)

Height: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)

Color: The color of the Beardie’s coat changes several times. As a puppy, the Beardie is generally black, brown, fawn or blue. It then fades to light gray or cream as it grows. When it reaches maturity, the coat darkens to their adult coat in any of the four colors black, brown, blue, or fawn.

Country of Origin: The Bearded Collie originated from the Kingdom of Scotland, when the Polish Sheepdog (an ancestor of the Beardie) was introduced in 1514. The Beardie was used for herding sheep and cattle for centuries. It almost disappeared in the early 20th century but was rescued by mating a pair in 1944.

Activities: The Beardie needs a lot of exercise. It enjoys running and playing.

Other Info: The Beardie’s life expectancy is about 14-15 years. It is generally healthy but hip dysplasia is possible and the dense coat may hide external parasite infestation. The Bearded Collie is not suitable for apartment life. It is a very active dog and will grow up best in homes with a yard or big space. The Beardie prefer to be outdoors and should not be confined.

Grooming: Daily grooming is important. Mist the coat lightly before brushing it. Take special care when the Beardie is shedding and tease out the mats before they get bad. Check regularly for ticks, and bathe when necessary. The eyes, ears, and paws should also be checked regularly.

Description: True to its name, the Beagle Harrier can be described either as a larger Beagle or a smaller Harrier. The Beagle-Harrier’s body is usually muscular and its coat smooth and thick.

Dynamics: The Beagle Harrier is a loyal and calm dog, which makes it a good family pet. It is generally good with children and other pets. They were specifically bred for the hunt, which means that they have an energy that has to be let out occasionally. It requires a lot of exercise and space when this is the case.

Breed Group: Scenthound, Hound

Weight: 19-21 kg (42-46 lbs)

Height: 45-50 cm (18-20 inches)

Color: tricolor; fawn, black, tan, or white, sometimes grey

Country of Origin: The Beagle Harrier was bred in France by Baron Gerard in the 19th century.

Activities: The Beagle Harrier requires lots of exercise and a daily walk.

Other Info: The Beagle Harrier’s life expectancy is around 12-13 years. It is generally healthy but hip dysplasia could be a problem.

AKA: N/A

Description: It is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Cocker Spaniel. Their hair on its head is short and medium length on their body. There is feathering of its hair on the ears,body, chest , belly and legs. This breed are very sociable with their own kind as well as with the household pets. But they should be protected from children’s play which can become too rough.

Temperament: They are lovable, playful dogs that is intelligent and obedient. On trainings, they are sensitive to the tone of your voice.

Activity: This breed loves to play and frolic also enjoys swimming and retrieving.

Grooming: Grooming for them is very important because their hair needs too be brushed and combed daily. And of course ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections and excess hair between the pads of the feet, under and inside the ear, should be trimmed.
Health Problems: Prone to cataracts and possible hip dysplasia.

Breed Group: Sporting
Color: black, deer red, light beige, black and tan, and multi-colored
Height: 38cm (15in) for dogs and 35.5 (14in) for bitches
Weight: 500-2,500g (1-5 1/2lb
Country Of Origin: Western World in Afghanistan

Dynamics: They are very intelligent, sociable to other animals, always loves to play and friendly dog