AKA: Chien D’ours de Tahltan, Tahltan

Description: The Tahltan Bear Dog was fox-like in appearance, with some likeness to that of the spitz and pariah breed types. This breed is already considered extinct despite claims that there are still a few remaining. What is clearly known about its appearance is that its coat is short, thick, and rough. Its most distinctive feature is its tail, which has been described as short and bushy. The Tahltan Bear Dog carried it erect, making it look like a shaving brush or whisked broom.

Dynamics: As a hunter dog, the Tahltan Bear Dog was athletic and agile. The breed was raised to help the Tahltan natives hunt bears, hence the name. The Tahltan Bear Dog had great power despite its seemingly small stature. It was also brave and courageous, which should be expected when one is facing a bear. Its hunting instincts aside, the Tahltan Bear Dog was kind and gentle to human s and smaller animals.

Breed Group: Southern

Weight: up to 15 pounds

Height: up to 15 inches

Color: The Tahltan Bear Dog’s coat is usually black with white markings. But there has been reports of other varying colors. Black with white markings is considered the standard.

Country of Origin: The Tahltan Bear Dog was raised by the Tahltan Natives. It was indigenous to Canada

Photo: Pharaoh Hound

AKA: Lajka Ruissisch Europaisch, Karelean Bear Laika, Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka, Laika, Russko-European Laika, Russian-European Laika

Description: The Russo-European Laika is wolf-like in appearance and generally has a white-marked black coat that is short and rough. It has a triangular head with an elongated muzzle, with dark eyes, large erect ears, and black nose. Its jaws form a scissors bite. The neck is short but strong, and the body is hardy with a deep oval chest. Its legs are powerful, and the tail is carried curled up. There are come Russo-European Laika that are born tailless.

Dynamics: The Russo-European Laika is an affectionate and devoted dog. When it reaches the age of eight months or older, it becomes attached to its owner and never forgets him or her. This breed can get aggressive and suspiciously reserved with strangers, and is not for the weak of heart. It does not bite though, fortunately. It usually avoids being petted or touched. To remedy this attitude, it is strongly recommended that the Russo-European Laika be socialized and handled and petted more often beginning at puppyhood. It will also get along well with children through socialization.

The Russo-European Laika is a territorial dog and usually show heavy dislike when its domain is intruded by other pets or another dog. This dog is a hunter, and its hunting instincts and attitude can be discriminating against predators and small game and prey. The Russo-European Laika should be taught as a puppy to leave domesticated animals and other household pets alone.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 40-50 pounds

Height: 20-24 inches

Color: The Russo-European Laika has a black coat that has white patches. There are dogs of this breed with a gray or red coat, and black is not really the standard color. However, black with white markings is the most common and is therefore the one generally accepted by the majority.

Country of Origin: The Russo-European Laika was bred in Russia and Finland in the 1700s.

Activities: Like all dogs, the Russo-European Laika needs to be walked daily and be given time to romp around and exercise itself. It is a natural hunter, and is an expert in treeing small game like squirrels and raccoons and baying moose, wild boar, and bears. The Russo-European Laika also makes a great guard dog because it gets easily alerted by other dogs, animals, and intruders.

Grooming: The coat of the Russo-European Laika is short, and so wiping it over with a damp cloth or an occasional brushing is enough to groom the dog. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: This is generally a healthy dog. The Russo-European Laika is not a city dog and may not do well living in an enclosed home or apartment.

Photo: Konrad Loesch

AKA: Borzoi, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, Psowaya Barsaya, Barzoi, Psovoi

Description: The Borzoi is a tall dog that has an aristocratic appearance because of its height and its long narrow head. It has a slightly arched muzzle, black nose, and dark oblong eyes. Its ears normally lie back on its neck. The back of the Borzoi is naturally and gracefully curved. It has a narrow chest and there is a heavy mane of hair on the neck. The tail is long and curved, hanging low. The coat of the Borzoi consists of long silky hair that can be wavy or with large curls.

Dynamics: The Borzoi is an intelligent and proud breed. It can be trained and it can be very loyal to its family. But it is also a very independent dog, and does not bend easily to please people. Training the Borzoi should be based on mutual respect. Once the Borzoi trusts you and sees you as a friend, it will become sweet and affectionate with you.

The Borzoi is a serious and quiet dog. It can keep itself clean like a cat, and, while getting along fairly well with children, values its rest and does not take into rough play sessions. The Borzoi is by nature a hunting breed so it has to be watched carefully lest it runs off to chase other animals. It is very fast and has little territorial instinct. It cannot be trusted with small animals and non-canine pets. This breed also needs to be socialized well at an early age.

Breed Group: Hounds, Sight Hound and Pariah

Weight: males 75-105 lbs (34-48 kg), females 60-90 lbs (27-41 kg)

Height: males at least 28 inches (71 cm), females at least 26 inches (66 cm)

Color: The coat color of the Borzoi can be white, golden, tan or gray with black markings, either solid or mixed.

Country of Origin: The Borzoi originated in Russia, although it is thought to have been brought there from Arabia. Its popularity spread throughout Europe when Queen Victoria came to own one.

Grooming: The Borzoi has a long silky coat but it is actually easy to groom. Regular brushing is enough. Bathing isn’t required, but dry shampoo may be necessary occasionally. Clip the hair between the toes to make it comfortable for the Borzoi.

Activities: The Borzoi needs plenty of exercise and some time to run around off the leash. Aside from hunting, the Borzoi’s talents include sighting and lure coursing.

Other Info: The Borzoi has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. This breed is sensitive to drugs and is picky about its meals. It is prone to bloat. Avoid exercises after its meals. The Borzoi will do well in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors and exercised sufficiently. Keep the dog in a least most often because it might run off suddenly when it finds something interesting to chase after.

Photo: Taru T Torpström

AKA: Russian Bolonka, Bolonka-Zwetna

Description: There is yet no standard look for the Russian Tsvenaya Bolonka, as it is not yet really recognized by any international kennel club. The general appearance would be similar to that of a Bichon Frise, but there have been more developments to the breed, including the development of colored coats instead of the pure white.

Dynamics: The Russian Bolonka is a happy, lively, and playful dog. It is affectionate and very loving. It is also an intelligent and energetic dog, and only needs a firm and consistent training to be a great companion. It is also observant and sensitive to its owner.

Breed Group: no official breed group as it is not yet internationally recognized

Weight: 2-5 kg

Height: 24-26 cm

Color: White is the generally accepted color for the Russian Bolonka. However there are attempts to breed colored versions of the breed.

Country of Origin: The Russian Bolonka originated in Russia, where it was developed from arguably either the Bichon Frise or French Bolognese.

Activities: The Russian Bolonka needs to have its daily walk, like all dogs do. Play sessions and other exercises will also be very productive for the dog.

Grooming: Daily brushing of the Russian Bolonka’s coat is needed in order to avoid matting. Bathe only when necessary, and keep its ears and eyes clean. Keep its nails trimmed too.

Other Info: The Russian Bolonka is a flexible dog and can live either in a town or city. It will do fine living in an apartment.

Photo: Stefan Braun

AKA: Russian Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy, Moscow Toy Terrier, Moscovian Miniature Terrier, Russian Long-haired Toy Terrier, Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier

Description: The Russian Toy is also commonly known as the Russkiy Toy, and it is among the smallest dog breeds in the world. It is a toy-sized dog, and it comes as either long-haired or smooth-haired. The smooth-haired Russian Toy has the appearance of a small deer, with longs legs that are proportional to its size, a long neck, and a small head with standing triangular ears. The long-haired Russian Toy, also called as the Russian Toy Terrier or the Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier, is distinguished from the smooth-haired Russian Toy because of the long fur on its ears. Aside from this, both kinds of Russian Toy look similar. The breed has a small head with a small nose that can be either black or goes along with its coat color. Its head is not that wide, and there is a well-defined stop and a pointed muzzle. The jaws form a scissors bite, with the lips dark or matching its coat color. It has smart big eyes that are set well apart. Its body is strong, with a deep but not wide chest, and its tail is shortly docked and carried high.

Dynamics: The Russian Toy is a loving and intelligent pet. It is a trustful and devoted companion, as well as an active and intelligent one. It is agile and hardy, and it loves action and play. It is also easy to train. The Russian toy is also neither shy nor vicious. However, one should take care to note that dogs will not be obedient if it doesn’t see you as the pack leader. Therefore, owners should train the Russian Toy firmly and confidently.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 3- 6 pounds (1.3-2.7 kg)

Height: 8-10 inches (20-26 cm)

Color: Preferred coat colors for the Russian Toy are black and tan, any shade of red, and sable. There are also Russian Toys that come in brown and tn, and blue and tan, although this is rare. There can be white spots on the chest and toes. There are also Russian Toys that come in solid black, brown, or blue.

Country of Origin: The Russian toy is descended from the English Toy Terrier, a breed that was popular in Russia in the 20th century. Around 1920-1950, the shipping of toy terriers was almost stopped and the breed declined in the country. Russian breeders then began to develop a breed similar to the toy terriers, of which the result was the Russian Toy.

Activities: Like any other dog, the Russian needs and enjoys a daily walk. The Russian Toy is also fond of playing and running and is always very active and energetic.

Grooming: The smooth-haired variety of the breed only needs an occasional brushing or a simple wipe over with a damp cloth. The long-haired Russian Toy should be brushed everyday with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types only when necessary. Check the ears and trim the nails.

AKA: Peke, Peking Palasthund, Lion Dog, Pelchie Dog, Foo (or Fu) Dog
Description: Pekingese breed is a flat faced dog. The body is compact and very short. They are considered small breed. They have a double coat, a head turner mane that is feathering on its ears, through their tail and legs. Their head is bigger when compared to their body. Their muzzle is wide and flat and its thick ones under their eyes. Their teeth also meet in a under bite and with their jaw bone that is as well wide. Eyes are round, expressive with a heart shaped ears settled on top of head laying flat. That is adding a rectangular look of their face. Their tail is set high especially when they are alert. Their coat comes in a variety of colors.

Temperament: The Pekingese is a very smart breed with dignity. Also very loving and confident dog. They are a calm and quiet dog. They are also very sociable to people around them and with other animals too. therefore its always easy to train them with socialization and good manners. They are a very brave dog too and doesn’t depend with anyone on their family. They are a perfect human companion too. Easy to be with and a jolly playful dog.They could also be a good watch dog as long as they are being handled very well by their owner.

Activity: They are required to have daily walk and jog as long as they heel beside their owner to let them understand that leader should lead the way. Play is also another form of exercise that will help them gain their energy and to be more healthy.

Health: They are prone to colds, as well as dislocated kneecaps, trichaiasis and some breathing difficulties. Their life span is from about 10-15 years.

Grooming: Daily brushing is required for them to avoid tangles and broken coat. Bathe only when necessary. Dry shampoo is also needed regularly. They are an average shedder breed.

Group: Herding, Toy
Color: It comes in all varieties of color.
Height: 6-9 inches (30.4-45cm.)
Weight: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5kg.)
Country Of Origin: China

Dynamics: They have the looks like that of a Chinese guardian lions. That is why they are also called Lion Dog or Foo Dog in China. They are the favorite pet of the Chinese Imperial court so their name was originated from Beijing.

Photo by Jneh

AKA: Jack Russell Terrier
Description: Parson Russell is a well built breed and well proportioned body. They have dark eyes that is almond shaped. Ears are in V-shaped that is folded forward Have a strong, rectangular muzzle. They are narrow chested dog and teeth meet in scissors bite. Tail is erected and docked. They have a cat like feet, wirehaired but smooth and soft to touch.

Temperament: The parson breed is a loving very lively dog. They are an active dog always full of energy. They get along well with children. As long as they are being handled well by their owner. They are bred for hunting therefore it is hard for them to be with small pets. A socialization training would be required for them to be more socialized as they are smart enough to follow instructions and easy to please. Most of them in this breed do excel in obedience and agility activities.

Activity: They are required to have daily walk and jog to gain more energy since they are a very energetic and alert dog. To avoid behavioral problems, they must be engaged in some strenuous activities as part of their exercise.

Health: Health issues includes: Eye disease, kneecaps, eye disease, deafness. Life span is about 15 years.

Grooming: Brushing is required for them to avoid tangles and broken coat. Minimal maintenance is needed for this breed as they are not a heavy shedder. Bathe only when necessary.

Group: Terrier
Color: white, black, tan, or grizzle markings or a tricolor
Height: 12-14 inches (31-36 cm)
Weight: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Country Of Origin: England

Dynamics: This breed was recognized in the year 1990 by the UK Kennel Club which they were called as Parson Jack Russell because it was trade marked in US by a group. They are considered as hunters a noted fox hunters. However this breed is originated in England in 19th century by Jack Russell.

Photo by Alephalpha

AKA: Rosyjski Spaniel

Description: The Russian Spaniel is relatively small, but it has a strong and well-built body. This and its muscular legs help the dog with its work as a gun dog. Its coat is skintight, with hair of average length but with wavy fringes on the back of the legs and ears.

Dynamics: The Russian Spaniel is a loyal and devoted dog. It makes a great family as it is eager to please and can also stand in as a guard dog. It is also playful, and can get along well with children. Towards other dogs and pets, it is amiable and friendly. It has to be socialized well, however, to be able to get along really well with other pets and animals. In training the Russian Spaniel, the owner has to be firm, calm, and confident so as not to confuse the dog as it learns the house rules.

As a gun dog, the Russian Spaniel is a natural. It does not need a lot of training and instead instinctively starts on its work early in life. In its training, it should learn how to go about seeking out its game, bringing it out to the open, and retrieving it. The Russian Spaniel is great in hunting marsh, field, woodland, and aridland birds, as well as waterfowls, rabbits, and other small game.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 28-35 pounds (13-16 kg)

Height: 15-17 ¾ inches (38-45 cm)

Color: The color of the Russian Spaniel’s coat is usually white with dark spots and speckles. The spots can be either black, brown, or red. The head and the ears are also usually in a dark color. Other colors for the coat is also possible, and can vary from solids to tricolors.

Country of Origin: The Russian Spaniel is descended mostly from English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels. It was bred in Russia back in the end of the nineteenth century when a black English Cocker Spaniel was brought to the country for the royal Nikolai Nikolaevich. Soon after that, more spaniels and other breeds were imported and the mixing of the breeds led to the development of many new dog breeds, one of which is the Russian Spaniel.

Activities: The Russian Spaniel possesses great stamina and is an energetic and playful dog. It should be walked everyday and be exercised and have play sessions.

Grooming: The Russian Spaniel does not need a lot of grooming. Its coat is not that long and is also waterproof. An occasional bath and regular brushing will be enough to keep the dog clean and its coat shiny.

Other Info: The Russian Spaniel has a life expectancy of 14 years. It is prone to overeating so it should have a strict diet to avoid bloating and other health problems. This breed will be okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Description: The Roman Rottweiler is just like the standard Rottweiler, except that it is bigger and more mastiff-like in appearance and temperament. Its large and massive body brings out an impressive and noble air. Its head is broad and heavy, with some wrinkling, and a deep and well-defined stop. Its muzzle is full and also broad, and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its lips are well-developed and thick. Its eyes are deep set and well apart, and its pendant ears are carried forward and also set apart. It mouth and nose are dark in color, with the nose usually black but really just follows the base color of its coat.

The Roman Rottweiler’s coat is thick and can be long. The usually desired coat is a thick plush one. Its chest is deep with well sprung oval ribs. Its legs are muscular and powerful. Its tail can either be docked or left natural and curved over the back

Dynamics: The Roman Rottweiler has a calm and confident temperament. It is highly trainable, is athletic, courageous, and reliable. Of course, firm and consistent training and socialization is needed. Without a firm hand to guide it, it can become aggressive and uncontrollable. But it is usually a very loyal and devoted dog. It is an intelligent breed and and is a good worker and companion mixed into one. It can also get along well with children and other household pets as long as it has been socialized with them since puppyhood. It can get suspicious with strangers but it is amiable with family and friends.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Flock Guardian

Weight: males at least 120 pounds (54 kg), females at least 80 pounds (36 kg)

Height: males at least 26 ½ inches (67 cm)and can grow to more than 30 inches (76 cm), females at least 24 ½ inches (63 cm) up to 29 inches (74 cm) or more

Color: The coat color of the Roman Rottweiler can be black and tan, black and rust, black and dark, black and mahogany, red and tan, blue and tan or black. Other colors can be expected but not as desirable as those mentioned.

Country of Origin: The Roman Rottweiler came to Europe with the Roman legions, before that serving to herd and protect cattle that fed the Roman soldiers as they were crossing the Alps. The breed was settled in Germany, and this proved to be its end. The Germans wanted Rottweilers smaller in size and began breeding the now popular Rottweiler while the Roman Rottweiler’s line slowly shrunk.

Activities: The Roman Rottweiler should be walked everyday and sufficiently exercised. It likes to run in an open area and there will be no worry for the owner because the Roman Rottweiler will not wander away. Swimming and retrieving a ball is also a favorite past time.

Grooming: The coat of the Roman Rottweiler is easy to groom. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Of course, if the Roman Rottweiler has a long coat then it needs more attention. But normally, brushing everyday is the most important.

Other Info: The Roman Rottweiler has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is susceptible to ACL damage and hip dysplasia. It is also prone to entropion, and it tends to snore and overeat. This breed will do okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: CollosalRottweilers.com

AKA: INDog, Indian Pariah Dog, pye dog, pi dog or primitive dog

Description: Pariah Dog is a pure breed, medium sized dog has short coat, that varies in color. Their ears are carried erect, muzzles are pointed with a wedged shaped head. Their tail is curved to their back.

Temperament: This kind of breed is also a friendly dog, loyal and able to learn things being trained to them since they are also smart kind of dog. They are also very adaptable and very devoted to its owner. They could also be trained to do some task as they have strong body built capable to do some task.

Activity: They too is required to have daily long walk or jog. It would also be best for them to run freely in a safe area to help them gain more energy and be healthy.

Health: No known health issues as long as they are properly taken care of and has proper diet.

Grooming: Little grooming is required for them since they only have short hair. Brush them regularly to remove dead hair. Bathe them only once every two weeks.

Group: subspecies of Canis lupus dingo

Color: light tan to dark reddish-brown. Black and tan

Height: 20-25 inches (51-64 cm) at the shoulder

Weight: about 28-45 pounds (12 – 20 kg)

Country Of Origin: India

Dynamics: This Pariah Dog refers to the feral dog of India. The word Pariah Dog is known as stray dogs those that living around the village looking for leftovers for their food and feral dogs in state that has not established human relationship at all.

Photo by kretahund