AKA: Flatcoat, Flattie, Flatte (Sweden)

Description: The Flat-Coated Retriever is a sporting breed that has a medium-length thick coat. It has a long head with a wide muzzle and a slight stop. The nose is black or liver, with respect to its coat color. The ears are hanging flat against its head. The eyes are a dark brown or hazel, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The body consists of a deep chest and a squarely strong short back. The tail is normally hung low, but can be raised when the Flat-Coated Retriever is excited or alert.

Dynamics: The Flat-Coated Retriever has a stable, calm, and friendly temperament. It is sweet and playful, gentle and cheerful. It is excellent with children and welcomes guests with affection. It also gets along with other dogs and pets. It is very sociable.

It is also an intelligent breed, and is easy to train. Its playful and active nature may make the Flat-Coated Retriever easily bored though, so the training sessions has to be short and fun. The Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent bird dog and swimmer, and has an excellent sense of smell.

Breed Group: Gundog, Sporting

Weight: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg.)

Height: 22-23 inches (56-58 cm.)

Color: The Flat-Coated Retriever is solidly either black or liver colored.

Country of Origin: The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in the United Kingdom. It was bred from crossing established breeds such as the Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Dog, St.John’s Newfoundland, and (not certain) a Collie.

Activities: The Flat-Coated Retriever loves action and lots of play. It loves the chance to hunt and swim. The Flat-Coated Retriever is also great in retrieving, hunting, tracking, watchdogging, and agility.

Grooming: Brushing and combing the coat once a week is enough to groom the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Other Info: The Flat-Coated Retriever has an average life expectancy of 10 years. Health issues include cancer (common in this breed), hip dysplasia, PRA, CHD, epilepsy, and diabetes. The Flat-Coated Retriever is not recommended to live in an apartment. It prefers to be in a place where it can live inside and play outside.

Photo: Gunnandreassen

AKA: Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets, Loulou Finnoi

Description: The Finnish Spitz looks like a fox, with its pointed muzzle and perked ears. The ears are set high on its head, pointed and openly facing forward. The breed also has a black nose, black lips, and dark almond-shaped eyes. The jaws meet in a scissors bite.

The Finnish Spitz’ body is squarely proportional and has a thick coat, with medium-length hair that makes the breed look a little puffy and feathery. The chest is deep and the tail is carried curled on it back.

Dynamics: The Finnish Spitz is a lively breed with a friendly temperament. It is playful and seeks constant attention and affection. It is also brave and protective of its family. It gets along well with the other family members and the children. It can have problems with other dogs, though, and will try to dominate them. It can also be cautious and reserved with strangers.

The Finnish Spitz can be willful. It is loyal to its owner but may question its owners orders sometimes. Training it requires patience and consistency. The Finnish Spitz is also known for its bark; it is known as the “barking bird dog” in Finland.

Breed Group: Hounds, Northern, Non-sporting

Weight: 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg)

Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm)

Color: The Finnish Spitz pup comes out in a dark grey, black, brown, or fawn color. As it grows the coat lightens and becomes either a golder red or a yellowish-red. The shade can range from a pale honey to a dark chestnut. Small white markings is allowed.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Spitz was brought from Central Russia to Finland, where it was bred and popularized. It is the national dog of Finland.

Activities: The Finnish Spitz needs plenty of exercise to accommodate its huge amount of stamina. It makes a good watchdog and guard dog, can be used in hunting, and is a great family companion.

Grooming: The Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat so it will be enough to groom it with just regular brushing and combing.

Other Info: The Finnish Spitz has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is a healthy breed. Common dog breed health issues like hip dysplasia and PRA are not common for this breed. The Finnish Spitz can live in the city and in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. It prefers cool climates.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: British Bulldog, Bulldog
Description: English Bulldog has an athletic build and square body shaped,appearing to be a very strong and muscular breed even though their short. They have a distinguished face like their body, with a muzzle that is tight and short too. Their lower jaw is noticeably longer than its nose and upper jaw and lips is flabby hanging low towards their lower jaw. Eyes are dark,well set and round, they have a noticeable cheeks in both front and side view. Their ears are small, thin and very close to head just like a rose form and they are known to have a so called “wrinkles”, a folded skin on their forehead. They have thin,glossy and even coat.

Temperament: This breed is an ideal human companion. They are a very affectionate and faithful in nature, always seek attention to their owner that is why they hate to be left alone. They are very smart, intelligent dog and needs to be trained properly especially when dealing with other pets or people around them, because they could also be aggressive at times and has an attitude of being a bossy type. Training them with good manners and proper socialization is very important while they are still on their younger age.

Moreover, They too could be a good guard dog to their family. They have certain approach to let their owner know or be alert with some suspicious stranger. Good for children since English bulldog loves to play with them. But not ideal for children who is fund of having a strenuous running activity everyday.
Activity: Daily walk and exercise is required of them. They always enjoy a joy ride in a car with their owner.

Health: When it comes to health, they are prone to digestive and breathing problems. This breed could easily be exposed to heat stroke causing a problem with their heart. Proper care is much needed for them. Life span is about 8 years.

Grooming: They are just an average shedder so they don’t require heavy grooming. A simple daily brushing will do good and bathe them only when necessary. Keep an eye of thei face always wipe with wet cloth on their wrinkled face. To cleanse dirt hiding inside their folded skin.

Breed Group: Mastiff
Color: red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or washed-out red, or white or a combination of the colors mentioned.
Height: about 12-16 inches (31-40 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 53-55 pounds (24-25kg.) Bitches 49-51 pounds (22-23kg.)
Country Of Origin: Great Britain

Dynamics: A very faithful to their owner kind of breed, calm loves to play with children but could also be aggressive sometimes. Socialization training is also important for them.

AKA: Norsk Elghund Sort (Black Norwegian Elkhound), Norsk Elghund Gra (Gray Norwegian Elkhound)
Description: Elkhound breed is a born hunter. They have the looks of wolf, comes in two different types: The gray Elkhound and black Elkhound,their tails are curled and snouts are very much distinguished. Their body is dense and short but has a strong built with muscular neck, deep chest and straight back. Their head is broad with a flat skull with strong jaws and long muzzle. Ears are set erect and is firm and tips pointed. The color of their eyes is dark brown. Their coat come in varieties with the color of gray, longest hair have shades of gray and light color on their chest,legs and tummy.

Temperament: Most of them posses the character of that of a spits and hound breeds as well. Elkhound is calm, friendly and could also be a pet dog, but they a fearless dog they could be a good guard and adventurous dog since they are a hunter by origin. When it comes to strangers, they can be aloof or reserve. They could also be good with children since they love to play but at times, they can be dominant. With their owners, they are very affectionate and loyal. They could protect the house of their owner and family as well. When alarmed, they could bark aloud in a very sharp tone that makes them a perfect guard dog. This breed is an intelligent and independent dog yet they could also be burly.

Activity: They are an energetic dog that is used to some forceful activities. They too are required for a daily long walk and brisk walking and jogging to keep them fit and maintain their energy level.

Health: They could suffer from hip dysphasia, pyotraumatic dermatitis and PRA. And sometimes could have Fanconi Syndrome. Their life span is about 12-15 years.

Grooming: They are a heavy shedder so it is always important to brush their hair and take away excess hair to prevent tangles. Bathe them only when necessary to avoid dryness of their skin.

Breed Group: Northern,  Hound
Color: Comes in Black or Gray
Height: Height: Dogs 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.) Bitches 18-20 inches (46-51 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg.) Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Norway

Dynamics: Elhounds are a calm, playful, adventurous and intelligent dog but sometimes could be a brat and dominant. The best guard dog and would always protect its owner.

AKA: Lapinkoira, Suomenlapinkoira

Description: The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog that belongs to the Spitz family. It has a strong built, the body longer than its height, powerful and compact. The back is straight, the front legs are straight while the hind legs are bent, and the paws are catlike. Its coat is thick with hair, covering the neck and body, with feathery frills in the abdomen, and behind the legs. The tail is also covered with long hair, and is carried curved over the back.

The head is triangular, although its ruff of hair around the face and neck makes it seem as if the face is round. The nose is black and the eyes are huge and slightly almond-shaped. There is usually a light-colored ring of hair around the eyes. The ears are set high on the head and are triangular. Its teeth forms a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Finnish Lapphund is an intelligent breed, as can be detected from their observant gaze and serious expression. It is observant and alert, and makes a very good watchdog. It barks at things it thinks are suspicious. It has a friendly temperament, and is an active breed. It is a great companion, especially when outdoors. It get along well with children, gentle with them and with people they can see that needs tenderness like the disabled and the elderly.

Breed Group: Working, Pastoral, Northern

Weight: average weight is 17-19kg, but the breed has a weight range of 15-24kg

Height: males 46-52 cm, females 41-47 cm

Color: The coat of the Finnish Lapphund can come in any color, with a single color dominating. The most common colors for this breed are white, black, red, brown, sable, and wolf-sable. The combination of black and tan is very common.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Lapphund originated in Finland, where it was raised by the Sami people.

Activities: The Finnish Lapphund was traditionally used as a reindeer herder, but is now also used as a watch dog, in obedience competitions, agility, herding trials, pet therapy, and as a family companion.

Grooming: The coat of the Finnish Lapphund only requires a modest amount of maintenance. Combing and brushing at least once a week is needed to remove dead hairs.

Other Info: The Finnish Lapphund has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. There are those that can live up to 16-17 years. It is a naturally healthy breed. Hip dysplasia is not common for this breed. But it is prone to medical issues like GPRA (General Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and hereditary cataracts.

Photo: Apdevries

AKA: Suomenajokoira, Finsk Stovare

Description: The Finnish Hound is a medium-sized dog with a body that is longer than its height. Its coat is short and rough to the touch. The body frame is rectangular and sleek, with a good bone structure. The eyes are almond-shaped and the nose is black. The ears are long and pendant, hanging down. The jaws form a scissors bite. The tail is held hanging down most of the time.

Dynamics: The Finnish Hound is a friendly and mild-mannered breed. It has a calm disposition and has a gentle temperament. It is never aggressive, but it is active and energetic when hunting. It is a versatile tracker and is very passionate about hunting.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg)

Height: 20-24 inches (52-61 cm)

Color: The Finnish Hound comes in tan with black saddle, and with small white markings on the head, chest, feet, and tail tip.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Hound comes from Finland, where it was the result of a breeding program in the 1800s involving French, German, and Swedish hounds. It is Finland’s most popular native working breed.

Activities: The Finnish Hound has a lot of stamina in it. It is a hunting dog that requires a lot of exercise and plenty opportunity to run around.

Grooming: The short and smooth coat of the Finnish Hound is easy to groom. Brushing occasionally is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Keep the nails trimmed.

Other Info: The Finnish Hound has a life expectancy of 12 years, on the average. It is not recommended for the city life or apartment life.

AKA: N/A
Description: This breed has two major types the Evenki and the Irkutsk and those that are not so important Yakutia, Amur and Tofolar. They vary in their body shape and color. They have square shaped body and slender and long-limbed. Long muzzle like their skull, teeth are in scissors bite, eyes are set obliquely and is dark in color. They are built healthy and strong, and head shape also varies in their regional varieties. Their ears stand out and triangular in shape with their tail curved over their back. They have double coat that is medium long. Undercoat is straight and soft.

Temperament: East Siberian Laikans are good for hunting and pulling sleds. They are a calm and good tempered dog. Generally, this breed is the best human companion since they could be a good protector to their owner in times of trouble and could as well be a good guard dog. However, they are too aggressive when it come to large animals.

Activity: They like hunting and pulling sleds. They are too required to have daily walks and exercise to maintain their energy.

Breed Group: hunting
Color: Black and tan, with light patches (called karamis), grizzle, patched, ticked, white, grey, black, red and brown of all shades.
Height: males is 21.5 to 25 inches. For females, it is 21 to 24 inches.
Country Of Origin: Siberia

Dynamics: They are very calm and affectionate dogs too. And are very protective of their owner and its family.

AKA: Slovak Wolfdog, Czech Wolfdog, Ceskoslovensky Vlcak
Description: Czech Wolfdog is a cross between German Shepherds and Carpathian Wolves. They are considered the newest and one of the younger canine breeds. It has a complete resemblance of a wolf. They are tall. The lowest dewlap for a dog is 65cm, for bitch is 60 with no upper limit. Ratio fro their height to their weight is 9:10 or lesser. Their body build is rectangular, has amber eyes that is diagonally set, and triangular in shape ears are short and erected. They have a complete set of strong teeth in scissors bite. Chest is big and flat, straight spine and a muscular built. Moreover, their back is short and slightly slant and tail is set erect too.

Temperament: This breed is a very alert, lively, brave, and flexible kind of dog. They posses a very strong social relationship to their owner and to its whole family members. And could get well with other domestic animals that belongs within the family too. Although at times, trouble may be encountered especially with unusual animals. But, they must undergo certain trainings to break their hunting passion while on their younger age so they would not be too aggressive towards small animals. And be socialized to be able to adopt in their new surroundings. They too are a very playful breed and smart,easy to learn things being trained to them by their owner. However, they should be trained with motivation since they could easily be bored with repetitive exercises. They have great senses and a very independent breed, able to do their task without any need for supervision. They have their own special ways to express how they feel or communicate with their owner thus barking is unnatural for them. They are good to children but alert and could attack suspicious strangers.

Activity: They are required to have full exercise daily in a large area also they needed a long brisk walking.

Health: They are considered a healthy breed but could also be prone to hip dysplasia. Their life span is about 12-16 years.

Grooming: This breed is an odorless dog and very clean since they readily shed dirt so occasional bathing would be good for them. Dry shampoo if necessary. They only heavily shed 2 times each year.

Breed Group: Herding
Color: Yellow-gray to silver-gray, with a light mask.
Height: Dogs, at least 26 inches (65 cm.) Bitches, at least 24 inches (60 cm.)
Weight: Dogs, at least 54 pounds (26 kg.) Bitches, at least 44 pounds (20 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Czechoslovakia

Dynamics: Czech Wolfdog is a playful, alert and creates a good social relationship with their owner and to the members of the family. And is very creative when communicating with their owner in their own special way. Could be aloof to strangers and would attack with purpose.

AKA: Brazilian Mastiff, Brazilian Molosser, Cao de Fila

Description: The Fila Brasileiro is a massive dog with a strong bone structure and loose skin. It has a long muzzle, with pendulous upper lips. Its skin is loose all over the body, especially on the face and neck, giving the Fila Brasileiro a somewhat droopy look. The neck is thick and has dewlaps. The coat of the Fila Brasileiro is short and smooth. This breed has a rectangular and compact figure. The back is strong and its gait is measured and catlike. It is muscular and exudes power and agility.

Dynamics: The Fila Brasileiro exudes power and fearlessness. But it is actually a loving and loyal companion. It is protective and watchful. It gets along really well with children because of its gentle and calm manner. It also gets along well with other household pets, though it is reserved and cautious with strangers. It always wants the company of its owner and watch over him or her. The Fila is brave, courageous, confident, and has a calm disposition.

Socialization is needed with the Fila Brasileiro. You will know when socializing is over for the Fila Brasileiro when it does not seek as much attention anymore as it did when it was younger. The Fila Brasileiro is a willful and intelligent breed. It will decide for itself if it likes someone or not, despite socialization. It is in its nature to be protective of its owner and family, and to be wary of strangers. Socialization will serve as introducing the Fila to the world and not see everything as a threat.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 90-110 lb (41-50 kg)

Height: 25.5-29.5 inches (65-75 cm)

Color: The Fila Brasileiro may come in any color except white, mouse gray, patched, dappled, or black and tan. The most common colors of the breed are fawn, black, and brindle. A black mask may be present, and white markings should only found on the feet, chest, and tip of the tail.

Country of Origin: The Fila Brasileiro comes from Brazil. It is the descendant of the 15th century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog, and Rafeiros.

Activities: The Fila Brasileiro needs a lot of exercise. It may appear to be lazy and slow, but it has stored energy possessed by Bloodhounds and Mastiffs. Aside from being a companion dog, the Fila Brasileiro is also used as a guard dog, watch dog, and is very helpful for its sharp tracking ability.

Grooming: The Fila Brasileiro’s short hair is easy to groom. Brushing with a bristle brush and wiping with a damp cloth will be enough. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Fila Brasileiro has a life expectancy of 9 to 11 years. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat. CHD, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, and PRA. The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended to live in the city.

AKA: Field

Description: The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, with a long body and silky coat. The legs, chest, tail, undersides, and also the ears are heavily covered with long hair.

The Field Spaniel’s jaws form a scissors bite. Its eyes are a hazel or chestnut brown, almond-shaped and carrying a gentle expression. The nose is black and large. The ears are pendant and fringed. The neck is muscular and strong, the back level, and the tail docked.

Dynamics: The Field Spaniel is mild-mannered and has a sweet temperament. It is very affectionate and playful. It is smart and active. Socialization and training is important to avoid excessive shyness or behavior problems. This is a very friendly breed, ands is only a little reserved with strangers. It is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs and animals.

The Field Spaniel likes it when it has work. They are intelligent and can be serious. They learn quick and are sensitive to your voice. Training should be consistent and firm. This breed needs human companionship and dislikes to be kenneled.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 18–25 kg (40–55 lb)

Height: 17–19 inches (43–48 cm)

Color: The Field Spaniel is either in solid black or liver. Some may have tan markings or roan or speckled. Some may also have white hair in the chest.

Country of Origin: The Field Spaniel originated in England.

Activities: The Field Spaniel needs a lot of exercise as it is bred to be a working field dog. It likes to roam and run around and explore. It can adapt to any kind of situation. Its talents include tracking, hunting, retrieving, and watchdogging.

Grooming: The Field Spaniel needs to be combed or brushed at least once a week. The hair should be trimmed every few months, with the dea hear removed or plucked. Check the ears for infections.

Other Info: The Field Spaniel has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, but, like every other breed, is also prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. This breed is not recommended for the city life or in lving in an apartment. The Field Spaniel is at its best on a large property or open field, as it is deeply rooted to its hunting instincts. The Field Spaniel prefers cool climates.