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: Ridgeback, African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound

Description: The Rhodesian Ridegback is large and well-muscled dog. It has a flat broad head with a long and deep muzzle and a defined stop. Its nose can be black, brown, or liver, and its eyes are usually brown. Its ears are set high and dropping down and tapering. It has a deep chest, and strong straight front legs. The body ends with a long and tapering tail that curves upward a little. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most distinctive feature is its clearly defined symmetrical ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction running down the middle of the back.

Dynamics: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to be a ferocious and sophisticated hunter, but it is also a calm and gentle dog to its master or family. It has a good nature and is obedient and even-tempered. It can play roughly though and may not do well with small children. This is an intelligent and serious dog, straightforward and confident. It is brave and and can have an imposing presence. Towards strangers, this dog is reserved and quiet. But it can socialize well when trained.

When training the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is important that the training be consistent and firm. This breed does not respond well to meek or passive owners, and might refuse to take us seriously. Without the proper training and socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback may develop destructive behavior and may become combatant with other dogs or pets. It might also become stubborn and may refuse to follow you. But once you have established that you are the leader and the dog is the follower, then the Rhodesian Ridgeback will prove that is is a loyal and protective companion.

Breed Group: Southern, Hound

Weight: males 80-90 pounds (36-41kg), females 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)

Height: males 25-27 inches (63-69cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66cm)

Color: The color of the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat range from light wheaten to shades of red. Sometimes there are little white patches on the chest and toes.

Country of Origin: The Rhodesian Ridgeback came from Zimbabwe, South Africa, where it is known as a hunting dog and retriever. It also took care of children and guarded property. When hunting in packs, this breed is excellent in hunting lions, which earned them the name of African Lion Hound.

Activities: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has great stamina and energy. It needs a lot of exercise and a lot of opportunities to run around. It should be walked everyday and allowed to run free in a safe and secure area.

Grooming: Grooming the Rhodesian Ridgeback is easy because it has a short and smooth coat. Brush occasionally with a bristle brush. Dry shampoo only when necessary. It is an average shedder.

Other Info: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed but can also be prone to the usual ailments like hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus. The Rhodesian Ridgeback will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is getting enough exercise.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Alentejo Mastiff, Portuguese Mastiff, Mutt of Alentejo

Description: The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large dog, with a bear-like broad head and strong robust body. Its eyes are dark and its ears are small to medium sized and folding downwards. Its neck is strong and has the regular dewlap, and its chest is broad and deep. Its legs are strong and upright, and its body ends with a long and curving tail. The Rafeiro do Alentejo’s coat is of medium length and thick and straight.

Dynamics: The Rafeiro do Alentejo is an excellent and confident guard dog. It is calm, courageous, but not aggressive. It is also an independent and intelligent dog, and very watchful. It gets suspicious of strangers, especially after dark, which makes it a very valuable guard for our homes. It is more for defense rather than for attacking, and gives out a low, deep bark.

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is affectionate with its family despite its reserved nature with strangers. It can get sensitive to reprimands and is also eager to please. Training and socializing this dog has to be done at puppyhood. It is also important that the training is consistent. This is a serious dog that does its job seriously. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a very noble breed this way. This breed may be reserved with strangers but gets along nicely with children.

Breed Group: Guard

Weight: males 110-132 pounds (50-60 kg), females 100-121 pounds (45-55 kg)

Height: males 27-28 inches (66-75 cm), females 25-28 inches (64 – 70 cm)

Color: The Rafeiro do Alentejo has a coat of the colors black, wolf-like, tawny, or yellowish, draped in either a fair, striped, or white-spotted paterrn.

Country of Origin: The Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal, but it is often claimed that the breed was descended from huge dogs on the Tibetan highlands ages ago.

Activities: The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a serious dog made for real work. It does not usually exert energy on unnecessary tasks and instead focuses on getting serious with its real job of guarding herds and properties. This dog may not need any heavy exercise but it still needs to be walked everyday.

Grooming: The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a low-maintenance dog. Brushing its coat daily is enough. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Rafeiro do Alentejo has a life expectancy of 12 years. This dog is not made for life in an apartment. It likes having an open and large yard, and owners should take care to put a secure fence around because it is very suspicious of strangers.

AKA: Mutt, Mixed Breed, Cross Breed, Mix Breed
Description: Mongrel comes in various size and shapes. They come in different breeds. So their appearance also varies.

Temperament: Their traits and characteristics will also depend as to what their parents do possess. It may be guard dog, herders, hunters or any combination of traits. As long as you know how to train them and deal with every traits they possess and what is important is you also know how to deal with them like in socialization trainings and teach them good manners and let them understand that you are their owner and leader.

Activity: Required to have daily exercise, walking, or jog to be more healthy and not develop bad behaviors.

Health: This varies depending on the breeds they came from. But usually they are more healthy compared to pure breed dogs.

Grooming: Also depends on their appearance and breed. But generally occasional brushing of hair and bathe when only necessary.

Breed Group: n/a
Color: this will depend on the breed they came from.
Height: also varies
Weight: varies on the breed of their parents.
Country Of Origin: dogs first originated in Eurasia

Dynamics: This Mixed breed dogs known as vira-lata in Brazil and Dominican Republic. There are some of them who doesn’t have an owner and only feeds in streets, or on trashcans. But they also have talent when it comes to sports like flyball, frisbee and many others.

Photo by Aaandy

AKA: Mastino Napoletano, Italian Mastiff, Mastino, Italian Bulldog, Neo Mastiff

Description: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful dog that looks intimidating and serious. It has a rectangularly proportional body, with a wrinkled face, a massive head, and a muscular limbs. Its wrinkles usually go from the face to the chin and continues to go down the neck, forming a prominent dewlap. The skull is broad, somehow emphasizing its intimidating look. Add to that that the Neapolitan Mastiff walks with a loose and cat-like gait.

The nose is black, and the jaws form a scissors bite. The ears can be cropped, and the Neapolitan Mastiff’s tail can be docked. But these are painful for the dog, and so many prefer the natural look of the breed. The eyes of the Neapolitan Mastiff is blue at first, at puppyhood, but as it grows darker as it grows up. They usually vary with the dog’s coat color.

Dynamics: It may have a vicious and intimidating appearance but the Neapolitan Mastiff is actually a calm and peaceful dog. When provoked or threatened, however, they become fearless and overprotective. It is a highly intelligent breed that is loyal and devoted of its owner or family. It is serious and quiet, but suspicious of strangers.

In owning the Neapoiltan Mastiff, one has to be dominant and show some leadership skills. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not for the meek people. It should be trained consistently and confidently, with you as a leader and the dog as an obedient companion. Socialization is also important for this breed, beginning at puppyhood. This breed gets along well with non-canine pets if socialized with them early on. It also does well with children but the children also has to know how to be dominant over the dog.

The Neapolitan Mastiff was once used for fighting, and so the breed has grown tolerant of pain. It is also a natural guard dog even without the necessary training. Excessive barking will not be a problem with the Neapolitan Mastiff as it is usually a calm animal.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg), but there have been cases where a male Neapolitan Mastiff went up to nearly 200 pounds (90 kg)

Height: males 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), females 24-28 inches (60-70 cm)

Color: The coat of the Neapolitan Mastiff can either be solid or brindle, and blue is the most common color. Black is also very common among the breed. A chocolate Neapolitan Mastiff is rare. There are dogs with a little white on the chest and toes and this is acceptable. However, there should be no white markings on the face.

Country of Origin: The Neapolitan Mastiff comes from directly from the line of the Roman Molossus, but it is commonly acknowledged that all European mastiffs descended from the Tibetan Mastiff. The first Asian mastiffs were said to have been brought to Greece by Alexander the Great, and then the Greeks introduced the dogs to the Romans. The Romans then trained and used the dogs in combat and fighting, and from the first of these dogs descended the Neapolitan Mastiff. It became a prominent breed of Italy in 1946.

Activities: The Neapolitan Mastiff, as a pup and in its growing up years, should be limited in its exercises and play sessions. This is to reserve their energy for healthy bones and muscles. When it becomes old enough, it will need a great deal of exercise and long walks.

Grooming: The coat of the Neapolitan Mastiff is short, and therefore easy to groom. Bathe only when necessary, and groom regularly with a rubber brush.

Other Info: The Neapolitan Mastiff has a life expectancy of up to 10 years. Its massive body make sit prone to physical ailments like hip dysplasia and pano-ostiosis (growing pains). It is also prone to the “cherry eye,” where the eye tissue protrudes too much and becomes irritated and inflamed. The Neapolitan Mastiff can live in an apartment as long as it is exercised everyday.

Photo: Lisa M. Herndon

Description: The Lhasa Apso is a small shaggy dog with a long double coat covering its entire body. It looks like a small version of the old English Sheepdog. It was bred to serve as a guardian and watchdog in the Buddhist monasteries. It got its name from its country of origin. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and ‘apso’ means “bearded” in the Tibetan language. Put together, Lhasa Apso means “long-haired Tibetan dog.”

The Lhasa Apso’s coat grows so long it can reach down to the floor. It is straight and heavy, and not silky. Its hair should run down from the head over its eyes. There should be a dark beard and mustache. The muzzle is medium-length. The eyes are small and set deep, and dark. The ears are feathered heavily, and the neck also has lots of hair. The tail is also feathered and carried over its back.

Dynamics: The Lhasa Apso is a friendly dog, but it is suspicious of strangers. It has an assertive manner and is very spirited. But it can also be affectionate and devoted to its family. It can be stubborn, though, and does not like rough or badly behaved children. It is an intelligent and willful breed, and it may take a great deal of training and patience for it to become obedient.

Training should be motivational, and the owner has to make the Lhasa Apso understand who the boss is. This breed makes a good watchdog with their loud bark. It can get noisy, and may get nervous around children and strangers. It may also get into a fight with other dogs and pets.

The Lhasa Apso has good sense of hearing. It also travels well. It does not like to be alone and can be annoyed if surprised or disturbed.

Breed Group: Herding, Non-Sporting

Weight: 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)

Height: males 10-11 inches (25-28cm), females a little less

Color: The coat of the Lhasa Apso is most commonly in gold, cream, and honey, but it can also come in smoke, dark-grizzle, slate, and a combination of brown, white, and black. It is common for the coat to change colors from puppyhood.

Country of Origin: The Lhasa Apso came from the land of Tibet, taking its name form Tibet’s capital city. It was once only bred by holy men and nobles, and stood guard among the temples and monasteries. It was also considered sacred, thought to be a vessel for its owner’s soul when he or she died and also thought to be good luck charms.

Activities: The Lhasa Apso is a lively breed, hence the need for play and daily walk. It also likes to run and romp around sometimes.

Grooming: No trimming or stripping is needed to the Lhasa Apso’s coat, although some owners prefer to cut the coat short for easier grooming. Brush the coat everyday to keep it from matting. Use dry shampoo and bathe when necessary.

Other Info: The Lhasa Apso has a life expectancy of 15 years or more. It is a healthy breed, with only common dog ailments as potential health problems. This breed is capable of living in an apartment and will still be as lively indoors as it is outside.

Photo: El Minja

AKA: Leo

Description: The Leonberger is a large dog with a black mask as its characteristic feature. The mask is only up to the eyebrows, but it never completes the entire face. The males have a somewhat bigger head than the females, with the skull a little domed. Its lips and nose are black. The jaws form a scissors bite. The ears are hanging and medium-sized. This breed is big and majestic but its eyes show its gentle and kind nature.

The neck is strong and firm, with no dewlap. The coat is waterproof, and there is a mane that adds to the majestic look of the breed. The mane of the Leonberger can take up to four years to form. For the females, the mane is not easily recognizable. For the legs, both are feathered. Rear dewclaws should be removed. There are also webbing between the toes of the Leonberger that helps them in swimming. The tail is bushy and is set low.

Dynamics: The Leonberger is loving and steadily affectionate. Its size and look may be a little intimidating, but it is actually very sweet and kind. Its friendly personality endears it to its family. It is also very patient, even with the most rowdy children. If ever it becomes irritated, it just walks away and settles in a quiet place. It does not get aggressive. It is a most loyal and trustworthy companion.

Likewise, it does not respond well to harsh training. Patience and gentle training is needed for this breed. The Leonberger is intelligent and brave and will do well if the training is also reasonable and patient. Socialization and training should begin early.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: males 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), females 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)

Height: males 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), females 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)

Color: The Leonberger’s coat ranges from tawny to reddish-brown and may have black tipped hair on the outer coat. There is also a small white star on the chest and sometimes a little white on the tip of its paws.
Country of Origin: The Leonberger got its name from its place of origin — Leonberg, Germany. German breeder Heinrich Essing crossed the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees to create a breed that could resemble a lion for the town of Leonberg.

Activities: The Leonberger needs to be taken on a daily walk. It does not need to have lots of exercises, though. It is an agile breed and has enough energy to be a good working dog and companion. It loves to swim, hike, and pull carts and sleds. The Leonberger has also been used to guard livestock, and for obedience and tracking. It also makes a good search and rescue dog, especially as a water-rescue dog.

Grooming: Because of its long coat and mane, the leonberger will have to be brushed regularly. Weekly brushing is enough, and the ears and teeth should be cleaned when needed. Bathe only if needed. De-matting may also be necessary

Other Info: The Leonberger has a life expectancy of 8 to 9 years. The breed is also prone to common diseases like hip dysplasia and bone disease. This breed is not recommended for you if you live in an apartment. It needs at least a large yard and prefer cool climates.

Photo: Dafping

Description: The Lakeland Terrier looks like the smaller version of the Welsh Terrier. It is a squarely proportional dog, with an elongated head and strong straight legs. Its face has bushy hair on the forefront, and its teeth is either overshot or undershot. Its eyes are either dark or hazel, the nose is dark, and the ears are triangular in shape.

The Lakeland Terrier’s outer coat is hard, and the undercoat liner helps protect the terrier from brambles and bad weather. The Lakeland Terrier is usually born with a dark coat. At first glance, the dog looks as if it is standing on its toes.

Dynamics: The Lakeland Terrier is a very cheerful and affectionate dog. The breed can be a little feisty and willful, as it has a lot of energy to spare. It is alert and courageous. It needs some firm training so that it does not overrun you with its endless energy. This breed may also be very difficult to house break so a lot of patience is needed in training it.

Despite its stubborness to training, the dog is an intelligent one. The Lakeland Terrier loves to dig around and can be a bit of a barker. It also likes to guard what it owns, including toys and food. Its affectionate nature allows it to get along well with other dogs. This breed also loves children and likes to play. It becomes wary among strangers but gets along well once it becomes familiar with a person. Regarding smaller household pets and animals like cats and birds, the Lakeland Terrier likes to give chase. Training and socialization is needed so that when the breed gets older it does not continue chasing after the animals.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: Males 17 pounds (7.7 kg), Females 15 pounds (6.8 kg)

Height: Not above 14½ inches (36.8 cm)

Color: The Lakeland Terrier’s coat may come in combinations of black, black & tan, reddish, red grizzle, wheat, liver & blue, grizzle, and grizzle & tan.

Country of Origin: Originally called the Patterdale Terrier, the Lakeland Terrier was bred from the crossings of the Bedlington and the Old English Wirehaired Terrier in England.

Activities: The Lakeland Terrier was used in hunting den animals like badgers and foxes. The breed was also good at hunting in water and uneven terrain. Other talents of the breed is watchdogging and tracking. It also enjoys running and playing off the leash, which makes them suitable for sports activities like catch and agility.

Grooming: Because of its somewhat thick hair, the Lakeland Terrier should have its coat cut or plucked two to three times a year. Loose and excess hair should be removed, especially from the ear passages and between the pads of the feet. This breed requires heavy grooming. It sheds little to no hair.

Other Info: The Lakeland Terrier has a life expectancy10 to 12 years, although some have reached up to 16 years. This is one of the healthiest breeds, having no serious hereditary diseases. The Lakeland Terrier will do well living in an apartment and can do without a yard.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Wirehaired Vizsla, Vizsla, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, Drotzoru Magyar Vizsla

Description: The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy and muscular body. The head is made up of a moderately wide skull and a moderate stop. The muzzle is squared at the end. The jaws are powerful, forming a scissors bite. The nose is brown, and the eyes are just a shade darker than its coat (yellow or black eye are not preferred). The ears are proportionately long and hanging.

The neck is muscular and arched, without a dewlap. The chest is broad and deep. The front legs are straight, while the hind legs are moderately angled by the thighs. The feet are catlike. The tail is thick, carried horizontally when moving.

The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog’s hair varies in length. On the head, the hair is short and rough. There is longer hair on the muzzle, forming a beard. The eyebrows are pronounced by slightly long hair. Longer and finer hair is also present on the ears. Hair is also longer on the body. Hair on the forelimbs are short and rough.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog is lively, affectionate, and has a gentle temperament. It is also intelligent, sensitive, and obedient. Training is easy but it has to be consistent and firm. The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog may also be willful, but it is loyal and protective of its owner and family. This breed can get along well with children, and can generally get along with other breeds. Socialization is needed for the Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog to adapt to any situation and environment. This breed is known as chewers.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: males 45-60 pounds (20-27kg), females 40-55 pounds (18-25kg)

Height: males 22.5-25 (57-64cm), females 21-23.5 inches (53-60cm)

Color: The coat of the Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog comes in russet gold. Sometimes there are white marks on the chest and feet.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog was created in the 1930s. A thick-coated Vizsla was crossed with a German Wire-haired Pointer, and the result was the Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog. The breed was developed by mr. Vasas Jozsef.

Activities: The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog has a huge amount of stamina. It requires long walks and exercises. Its talents include tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdogging, and competitive obedience.

Grooming: The wire-haired coat of the Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog is rough and hard. It needs to be brushed with a bristle brush. Dry shampoo occasionally. Keep the nails clipped.

Other Info: The Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is not recommended to live in an apartment.

Photo by Georg Ruecker

Description: The Hovawart is a large and massive-looking dog that has the physical features of the Golden Retriever. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, and is covered with thick and slightly long hair. There is feathering on its chest, legs, undersides, and tail. The Hovawart carries its tail low and hanging past the hocks.

The Hovawart has a powerful head and a rounded forehead. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The color of the eyes, nose and nails go along with the color of the coat.

Dynamics: The Hovawart is generally calm and has a gentle temper. But it can also be energetic and very active, especially when outdoors. It is obedient and affectionate companion, and is loyal to its family. This breed is excellent with children and other household pets, although it might show aggressiveness to other dogs of the same sex.

The Hovawart is an intelligent and cautious breed. It is reserved with strangers, but is friendly with those that tits owner knows. It is brave and protective, making a good watchdog. It is quick to learn as long as the training is firm and consistent. Socialization should start from puppyhood.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 55-90 pounds (25-51 kg.)

Height: 23-28 inches (58-70 cm.)

Color: The dense coat of the Hovawart comes in blonde, black, or black and tan.

Country of Origin: The Hovawart originates in Germany, becoming nearly extinct in the 1200s but was revived in the 1920s by Kurt Konig.

Activities: The Hovawart has great energy and adaptability. It requires lots of exercises and play sessions to keep fit. This breed is suited for tracking, search and rescue, watchdogging, schutzhund, and defense situations.

Grooming: The Hovawart’s coat needs occasional brushing and combing to remove dead hair and avoid tangles in the hair.

Other Info: The Hovawart has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. It is a generally healthy breed. Underactive thyroid is common, though. The breed is also prone to common health issues like hip dysplasia. The Hovawart is not for the city or apartment life. It prefers a home where there is an open space. It prefers cool climates and can be an outstanding watchdog.

Photo by Ursula Schneider