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: Norsk Elghund Gra, Norsk Elghund Sort

Description: The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog of the Spitz type. It has a sturdy body and a squarely build. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, and the muzzle and pointed prick ears are black. Its ears are very mobile and its eyes are dark brown. Its strong jaws form a scissors bite. Its body is relatively short, its chest deep and wide. The body ends with a tail rolled tightly over its back. Its forelegs are straight, and its paws are small and tight, with thick pads. The Norwegian Elkhound has no doggie smell.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Elkhound is a friendlt and energetic dog. It is also reliable and fearless. This breed makes a sensible guard dog, being so reserved with strangers and able to alert its family or companions for anything suspicious. The Norwegian Elkhound is generally an independent dog, but it can also be loyal and affectionate to its owners. Training this breed will require the owner to show good pack leadership. Gentle but firm discipline is needed.

The Norwegian is also good at hunting, bred to hold its prey at bay until the hunter arrives to finish the job. This breed can bark a lot and has to be taught when to stop. The Norwegian Elkhound also likes to roam around. This breed may be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. It is also not certain whether this dog gets along with noncanine pets or not. It is best to watch over this breed when it is in the company of smaller pets.

Breed Group: Northern, Hound

Weight: males 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), females 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)

Height: males 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.), females 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)

Color: The Norwegian Elkhound has a stand-off double coat that is of a gray color with a lighter undercoat and undersides.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the most ancient breeds, dating back to 4000 to 5000 B.C. It originated in Norway. It was particularly used as a hunter dog in Scandinavia, especially when the game is a moose or an elk. This breed is good at scent tracking and can hold a quarry at bay for its owner. Aside from hunting, the Norwegian Elkhound is also used as a sled dog. Other talents also include herding, watchdogging, guarding, and agility.

Activities: The Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog that always needs to be doing something. A long walk or sufficient exercise everyday is important. The Norwegian Elkhound also enjoys running and just roaming around. Be careful that it doesn’t pick up a scent and go after a quarry if you’re not out hunting.

Grooming: The Norwegian Elkhound’s coat is coarse and weatherproof, so it is easy to groom. Just brush regularly. When it is shedding, remove its dead hair with a rubber brush or a wooden comb with a double row of metal teeth. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Elkhound has a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years. It is prone to hip dysplasia, pyotraumatic dermatitis and PRA. As long as it taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised, it is all right living in an apartment. Norwegian Elkhounds prefer cool climates.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog, Nordiske Sitz-hunde

Description: The Norwegian Buhund is a dog of the Spitz type and is short and lightly built. It has a compact body and has a short- to medium-length coat. It has erect and pointed ears and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its tail is always carried curled over the back.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Buhund a cheerful and active dog. It is very affectionate and even loves to snuggle with people. It is also an intelligent and attentive breed, eager to please and learning very quickly. It is vigilant and is a natural watch dog, courageous, brave, and vocal without being too aggressive. It is a great people lover, and it loves its family and can also get along very well with children.

The Norwegian Buhund needs to be trained with the owner as a leader. Otherwise, it will think it can get away with doing as it pleases and may become aggressive. It can be stubborn if you can’t get it to follow your orders. The Norwegian Buhund is also known to bite or snap when provoked.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: males 31-40 pounds (14-18 kg), females 26½-35½ pounds (12-16 kg)

Height: males 17-18½ inches (43-47 cm), females 16-17½ inches (41-45 cm)

Color: The coat of the Norwegian Buhund is usually wheaten or biscuit, from light to yellowish red. But there are also Norwegian Buhunds with a black and wolf-sable coat.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Buhund originated in Norway. The breed lived since ancient times, discovered during the Gokstad excavation in Norway when skeletons from six dogs of various sizes were found.

Activities: The Norwegian Buhund is a very energetic dog and has to be exercised and taken out on a walk everyday. It also enjoys to play and romp around.

Grooming: The coat of the Norwegian Buhund only needs to be regularly brushed in order to prevent matting and tangles. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Buhund has a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Eye and hip problems are common occurrences with the breed. The Norwegian Buhund is all right living in an apartment as long as it gets its daily walk and is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Sannse

Description: The Nebolish Mastiff is considered the most agile dog of the Mastiff breeds. Its body is muscular, structured with large bones. Its head is broad, its chest is wide, and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its coat is usually short or medium-length. But there are also Nebolish Mastiff dogs with long coats. Its body ends with a tail that can be docked.

Dynamics: The Nebolish Mastiff is a fearless, alert, and intelligent breed. It is known to be stubborn if it thinks that its owner cannot handle it well. Once a part of the family, however, it becomes a oyal and very protective companion. It brings about an air of dignity, and is good natured, patient, and even tempered. It can be playful with children and get along with them well. Socialization is important, of course, to void destructive behavior in the dog.

In training the Nebolish Mastiff, the owner has to achieve sort of pack leader status. He or she has to be dominant over the dog, otherwise the Nebolish Mastiff will belittle you and not follow you. It is intelligent this way. The training also has to be consistent and firm, with the line between the leader and the follower clear between the owner and the Nebolish Mastiff.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Working

Weight: 95-200 pounds (43-90 kg)

Height: 27-36 inches (79-90 cm)

Color: The coat of the Nebolish Mastiff can be either fawn or brindle, of any shade of the colors, including a rare silver. The coat can also have markings, although it is preferred that the dog not have any markings at all. The markings can be a black mask or any white markings on the body.

Country of Origin: The Nebolish Mastiff is one of the rarest breeds of the Mastiff types. The breed was developed in the Northwest and Canada, back in the late 1960s. There have been many reports on the exact breakdown of the breeding program of the Nebolish Mastiff, all still just claims and with no certainty.

Activities: The Nebolish Mastiff loves to run and swim, and so this dog should be taken out everyday for its daily delights. Walking everyday with a little play session can suffice for those owners who do not have much time on their hands. When walking out, the Nebolish Mastiff should be made to heel beside or behind the owner, as a sign that you are the leader and the dog should follow you. Otherwise, it will ignore you and take off on its own to have fun.

Grooming: Combing or brushing regularly is enough as a grooming routine for the Nebolish Mastiff. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Nebolish Mastiff has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. It is generally a very healthy breed, developed to be agile and free of genetic defects. This breed is not fit to live in an apartment, as it likes to explore and occasionally romp around. This breed loves warm climate, and loves the water.

Photo: Boxers of Whiteface Ranch

AKA: NAID

Description: The Native American Indian Dog, or NAID for short, can be recognized by their two distinct color combinations. Its coat can either be short, two layers thick, or long, both with dense undercoat that is resistant to wind and water. It has resemblances of a wolf, and is said to be a mix of a Husky, Malamute, Chinook, German Shepherd,and other dogs from American Indian reserves. It is also often mistaken with the other kinds of Indian dogs.

The Native American Indian Dog has ears that are set upright a broad head that is angularly shaped. The muzzle is slender, and the almond-shaped eyes are either brown or amber. Its tail can either be tightly curled like that of the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute, but a tail held down with a slight kink or bend in the end is most often preferred by breeders.

Dynamics: The Native American Indian Dog’s eyes reflects its intelligence really well, as this breed learns well and fast and is highly trainable. It is also very versatile and hardworking, as it was originally bred to work especially in pulling sleds and hunting game. In training the Native American Indian Dog, you have to adapt a leader-of-the-pack method with you as the leader and the dog as one of the pack that has to follow you.

The Native American Indian Dog is also very loyal and dedicated to its owners. They can be reserved when it comes to strangers though, which is why socialization is important beginning at puppyhood. This is also a sensitive breed that will not do well when treated harshly. A firm “no” is most often enough. This breed is also protective of its family, and can get along well with children and other animals.

Breed Group: Native American, not yet officially recognized by major kennel clubs

Weight: 55-120 pounds (25-55 kg)

Height: 23-34 inches (58-67 cm)

Color: The coat of the Native American Indian Dog can be in color combinations that ranges from silver to black, to the sacred color of the Native Americans who would refer to the breed’s broken pattern color s the “Spirit Dog.”

Country of Origin: The specific location of origin of the Native American Indian dog has brought out many claims pertaining to its history. But the most widely accepted idea is that the Native American Indian Dogs of the past travelled with the Native Americans along the North American continent, particularly the United States and Canada.

Activities: The Native American Indian needs a daily walk and moderate exercise. It was bred as working dog in the past, made to pull travois and sleds, hunt for game and food, and becoming beasts of burden until the horses came to the continent. It is only natural that this breed has the instinctive need to always be doing something. Otherwise it might get restless and destructive.

Grooming: The coat of the Native American Indian Dog needs only to be brushed during its shedding season, although bathing the dog may be necessary once in a while. This breed sheds only once a year in the spring season.

Other Info: The Native American Indian Dog has a life expectancy of 14 to 19 years. It has no known genetic faults but this doesn’t mean it will not suffer any of the common dog health issues like hip dysplasia or hearig problems. This breed is not suitable when living in an apartment as it likes to run and play at times. It also does not like do well with a “closed crate” training method. This breed prefers the outdoors, but will always be where their owners are.

Photo: iNewsCatcher

AKA: Norwegian Lundehund, Norwegian Puffin Dog, Norsk Lundehund

Description: The Norwegian Lundehund is a spitz type that cn easily be distinguished because of its odd charcteristics. For one, it has six toes on each foot instead of the usual four that dogs have. It also has joints in the nape of its neck, which other dogs don’t have. Other minor but extraordinarily odd features of this breed includes its extremely flexible shoulder joints and its extremely mobile ears.

The Lundehund is rectangularly proportional in shape, and is small and comparatively light. Its head is small The eyes are brown and deeply set, the ears are medium-sized and erect. Its legs are strong and muscled. Its tail is carried in a ring over its back or hanging. Its coat is rough and short, lying flat against its body.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Lundehund is a very friendly and playful dog. It loves people and likes to be close with its family or other dogs. It is also good with children. As long as it is socialized and brought up in a positive environment, the Lundehund will be a great family dog. It is also intelligent and can be very curious. This breed can be trained for agility, and it makes a great hunter. This dog is able to climb steep areas, thanks to its six toes on its foot. It can turn its head in a 180-degree angle because of the extra joints in the nape of its neck.

The Lundehund can be stubborn at times, and can also be manipulative. Because of this, you have to train the dog with consistency and strong stance. As the trainer, you have to be a good leader and show them who is boss. The training has to come with trust between the trainer and the dog, of course. This dog is obstinate and will require patience as it can be difficult to housebreak. This breed is somewhat primitive. Crate training is recommended because the Lundehund has a strong den instinct. It is also better to give the Lundehund freedom to go out whenever it wants to.

Breed Group: Northern, Hounds

Weight: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg)

Height: 12-15.5 inches (31-39 cm)

Color: The coat of the Norwegian Lundehund can either be reddish brown with black hair tips, black, or grey, all with white markings. It can also be white with dark markings. The adult Lundehund has a more distinct black in its outer coat than the young Lundehund.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Lundehund is from Vaerog and Rost, in northern Norway. This breed is among the rarest breeds. It was used to hunt puffins. When the puffins became a protected species, the number of Lundehunds decreased.

Activities: The Norwegian Lundehund is an energetic dog, needing a long walk every day and long sessions of play.

Grooming: Regular brushing or combing of the coat is enough to groom the Norwegian Lundehund. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Lundehund has a life expectancy of 12 years. This breed is prone to the Lundehund Syndrome, which is a series of digestive problems still being studied today. This breed is not suitable when living in an apartment.

Photo: Karen Elise Dahlmo

AKA: Labradorian Sleddog

Description: The Labrador Husky is a spitz type of breed that is often thought to be a mixed breed but it is actually a purebred. This breed resembles a Siberian Husky, with its round head covered with thick and fluffy hair. The muzzle tapers, narrowing to its nose. The medium-sized body aerodynamic, equipping them with speed and flexibility. Their whole body is covered with fluffy hair and is double-coated.

Dynamics: The Labrador Husky can be unpredictable temperament. With good socialization, this breed can get along well with children. They are reserved with strangers, though, and can even become aggressive with them. It should be watched among small animals and non canine household pets, too.

The Labrador Husky is bred to work well in a pack, and it is happy to work with other dogs. This breed is intelligent and can naturally learn things quickly. The Labrador Husky should not be left alone bored because it may get restless and become destructive.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 60 -100 pounds (27-45 kg)

Height: 20-28 inches at the withers

Color: The coat colors of the Labrador Husky range from white, black, red and white, to black and white.

Country of Origin: The Labrador Husky originated in Coastal Labrador in Canada. It is thought that the breed arrived with the Inuit people who cam e to Canada around 1300 AD.

Activities: This breed needs to have a long walk, exercises, or work to do. Its strong body and working energy are used to always be in motion. The Labrador Husky is a sled dog and it is essential for them to go outdoors and make long walks.

Grooming: Regular brushing is needed for grooming the Labrador Husky and to remove loose and dead hair. This breed sheds once a year. Bathe only when necessary.

Photo by: GreatDogSite.com

AKA: Nihon Supittsu

Description: The Japanese Spitz is a thick and long-haired dog that has its pure white long hair as its distinctive feature. Its whole body is covered with long hair, except on the bottom half of its legs. There are only breeches on the hind legs and feathering on the forelegs.

The ears of the Japanese Spitz are small and stand upright. The muzzle tapers slightly. The large oval eyes are dark and are almond-shaped. The nose and lips are black.

Dynamics: The Japanese Spitz is a very spirited and playful breed. It is always alert, and obedient to its owner. It is also fearless and intelligent. It makes a good watchdog. Training should be consistent, but generally the Japanese Spitz is easy to train as it learns quickly.

The Japanese Spitz is very good with children, and can get along with other dogs and household pets. It like so play, especially with balls and Frisbees. Its affectionate temperament is very evident. But it is also protective of its owner and family and can act as a guardian. It gets suspicious of strangers and will bark at people unless it knows them.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)

Height: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)

Color: The coat and hair of the Japanese Spitz is purely white.

Country of Origin: There is no solid information as to the origins of the Japanese Spitz, although it was claimed to have been descended from the Siberian Samoyed. The creation of the Japanese Spitz started in the late 1800s and became popular in Japan in the 1950s.

Activities: The Japanese Spitz loves to play and needs a daily walk. This breed is mostly used as a companion dog, but it can also be a watchdog and guard dog.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the Japanese Spitz should be done everyday. Bathe only when necessary. Remove loose hair from the under layer by using a comb with a double row of teeth.

Other Info: The Japanese Spitz has a life expectancy of 12 years. This breed will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors form time to time.

AKA: Ainu Dog, Hokkaidoken, Ainu-ken, Ainu Inu, Seta, Shita

Description: The Hokkaido Dog a muscular dog with a sturdy body. It has small erect ears that face forward are set high on the head. The eyes are small and dark brown. It has solid strong teeth that form a scissors bite. Some of the breed has black spots on the tongue, and others have the blue black tongue distinctive to the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei. The lips have dark pigmentation. The forelegs are straight. The back is lean and solid. The tail is curled in a Spitz fashion, carried high above or over the back.

Dynamics: The Hokkaido Dog is a fearless and loyal dog breed that has a good-natured temperament. It is intelligent and is quick to earn, with a natural sense of direction, always returning to its master. It is a determined hunter, as well as a guard and watch dog.

It is gentle and obedient to its owner and family. But it can be aggressive and stubborn with other dogs. It should not be free around other animals, too, because it might unleash its hunter instincts. It gets along with children well if raised with them since puppyhood.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)

Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)

Color: The Hokkaido Dog’s coat comes in sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown, or white.

Country of Origin: The Hokkaido Dog is a Japanese Spitz breed, and is rarely seen outside Japan. It was named after the Ainu tribe that came to Japan thousands of years ago.

Activities: The Hokkaido Dog requires a moderate amount of exercise to keep fit. This breed is used in big-game hunting (especially in hunting bears), as a guard dog of a property, and as a draft animal pulling sleds.

Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.

Other Info: The Hokkaido Dog is not fit for the city or apartment life. It prefers to be outdoors. It has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.

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