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: 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: New Guinea Highland Dog, Singer, NGSD

Description: The New Guinea Singing Dog has the appearance like that of a fox, with a triangular head, prick ears, and triangular eyes. It is a small- to medium-sized dog with a plush coat that can be either average or long in length. Its body is muscular, and the New Guinea Singing Dog is agile and graceful. The body ends with lean hindquarters and a brushy, soft, and fluffy tail.

Dynamics: The New Guinea Singing Dog is not as domesticated as a regular pet dog. This breed is closely related to wild dogs. One of its wild characteristics is that it howls more than it barks, even dramatically changing the pitches of its howls. This is where they actually got their name. But it can be tamed and can become devoted to an owner when properly socialized. Generally, this is not a dog for may people.

As a breed of the wild, the New Guinea Singing Dog is active and alert. It is instinctive and uses its fives sense when exploring its environment. It has a great hunting drive, coupled with optimizing all its senses in hunting and chasing prey. It is flexible and can slip through any opening wide enough for its head. The New Guinea Singing Dog is also an aggressive animal, especially with dogs of the same sex.

Breed Group: Southern

Weight: 18-30 pounds (8-14 kg)

Height: 14-15 inches (35-38 cm)

Color: The New Guinea Singing Dog can come in red or shades of red, black, and tan. There can be white markings on the body but it should not cover more than one-third. The white markings can be on the muzzle, face, neck and shoulders, belly, legs, feet, and tail tip.

Country of Origin: The New Guinea Singing Dog is from New Guinea. In the 1950s, breeding with imported dogs almost made the breed extinct. Thankfully, pure dogs were found in the isolated Lavanni Valley , and another pair was caught in Irian Jaya’s Eipomak Valley in Indonesia. This breed can be seen in many zoos around the world, but is already rare in New Guinea.

Activities: The New Guinea Singing Dog needs a lot of exercise and physical activities. As a wild dog, it should be taken outside everyday.

Grooming: Brushing is enough for the New Guinea Singing Dog. Its coat is weather resistant, and does not really need regular grooming.

Other Info: The New Guinea Singing Dog has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. This is a hardy breed and has no irregularities. This dog is versatile and can adapt to any place and under any climate.

Photo: Valerie Abbott

AKA: Tepeizeuintli, Xoloitzcuintle, Xolo
Description: The Mexican Hairless dog could be in a miniature size or standard one. They come in two types the hairless and coated hairless. They have graceful body, ears like that of a bat, and eyes shaped like almond with long neck. They are very prominent because they are a hairless breed. But according to its variety, the coated one is covered with a flat compact coat that is short in length. The hairless type come in black nor blue in color Some do have hair on top of their head and this type also affect their dentition where they also have missing teeth.

Temperament: They are a very calm breed, but do require both socialization and obedience training because they also possess a working breed’s attitude with strong instrincts. They climb and jump and could be a trusted guard dog, that would not turn their back on fights. As early as possible they needed to be trained with good manners to be obedient and could easily adjust to its surroundings and the people around them.

Activity: They are required for a daily walk and puppies likes to play as their exercise. What is important especially for those hairless variety to get enough exercise for them to fight sickness and they should be protected from extreme weather. And exercise also would help them behave and not display behavioral problems.

Health: No known health issues except that hairless breeds should have an extra care especially protection against severe cold and during bad weather and extreme heat as well. Their life expectancy is from 15 to 20 years.

Grooming: Hairless ones is very easy to groom provided their skin should also be checked and need to apply lotion usually twice a month or once a month depending on their skin’s condition. And be sure to use a hypoallergenic product that is proper for their skin.

Breed Group: Southern
Color: from black to slate, gray, bronze, brindle, red, fawn, solid or spotted.
Height: Toy: Height 9-14 inches (23-36 cm.) tall at the shoulder, Miniature: Height 15-20 inches (38-51 cm.) tall at the shoulder, Height 20-30 inches (51-76 cm.) tall at the shoulder.
Weight: Toy: Weight 5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg.), Miniature: Weight 15-30 pounds (6.8-14 kg.), Standard: Weight 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg.) and up to even 60 + pounds (27 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Mexico

Dynamics: Xolo Breed existed almost 3,500 years already. Native to Mexico. They are known as the sacred dog according to the Aztecs because they believe that masters’ soul needed them for their safety in underworld. That is the history behind of what is the belief about this breed and until today, Mexicans do have the great belief that this breed is for healing that is why some of the cultures eat their meat for healing purposes.

Photo by Vanzetti

AKA: Ilio, Poi Dog

Description: The Hawaiian Poi Dog is extinct. It had a short coat covering its low and barrel-shaped body. The head was flat due to lack of chewing, as it was on a vegetarian diet. The Hawaiian Poi Dog was raised basically to become a delicacy of a Polynesian tribe in Hawaii.

Dynamics: The Hawaiian Poi dog is described as clumsy, playful, and had a friendly temperament. It was fat and lazy, fattened up to be eaten. It was like a hog more than it was a dog. It was sluggish, and it was evidently not very smart.

Breed Group: Southern

Weight: The Hawaiian Poi Dog was overweight as they were fattened up.

Height: approximately 14 inches (36 cm)

Color: The Hawaiian Poi Dog came in various colors.

Country of Origin: The Hawaiian Poi Dog came to Hawaii with the Polynesians more than a thousand years ago. In the 19th century other breeds mixed with the Hawaiian Poi Dog until the breed was no longer pure. The Honolulu Zoo attempted to bring back the breed but failed. The Hawaiian Poi Dog is now indeed extinct.

Activities: The Hawaiian Poi Dog acted more like a hog than a dog. It was fat and lazy and slow.

Other Info: The Hawaiian Poi Dog’s life expectancy could not be determined because it was eaten before it would die of a natural death. It was fed with a vegetarian poi diet that made it inactive, slow, and obese. Due to the lack of chewing in the diet, the head of the Hawaiian Poi Dog became flat and enlarged.

The Hawaiian Poi dog was actually also used as guard dogs for the tribe’s children. It would even sleep with the children to protect them. A puppy would sometimes be given to a child at birth as a gift. If the child would die, the dog the was killed and buried alongside the child. If the dog died first, its teeth were pulled and made into a necklace to be worn by the child.

AKA: Crestese, Chinese Crestese
Description: Cresete is not a purebred dog, its a cross between the Chinese crested and the maltese. That is why they are also considered as pet dog and they too look very cheerful, cuddly and classy. They are two of this breed: the Hairless with hair only in head,tail & feet and the Powderpuff one that is completely hairy all over their body.

Temperament: They are a very lively dog and a good companion and a pet dog. They are also very affectionate, charming and friendly dog. Moreover, chinese crested are a very sociable dog very playful especially with children and other animals as long as they are well trained especially on their socialization because they could also be easily alarmed to such circumstances. They are a devoted dog too to their owner. And intelligent dog easy to train but should be in a gentle way since they could be sensitive at times.

Activity: They always love to play around an open yard, required to have daily walk and exercise to retain their energy and be healthy.

Health: Health issues includes: Patellar Luxation, Ledd-Calve-Perthes Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Deafness.

Grooming: The Powderpuff type of this breed needs daily brushing and care to avoid matting and the hairless needs only sunscreen to protect them from sun and thay should also be protected against cold weather.

Breed Group: Southern
Color: Skin from pink to black, mahogany, blue, lavender or copper, solid or spotted; Powderpuff any color or combination
Height: Males 13 in. max, females 12 in. max
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Country Of Origin: China

Dynamics: They are a very calm,playful, smart dog Very smart enough to be trained in a proper way.

AKA: Australian Native Dog, Maliki, Warrigal. Noggum, Mirigung, Boolomo

Description: The Dingo is a medium-sized wild dog that is widely seen in Australia. It is well-furred, with the texture of the coat varying according to the climate. It has wild eyes that ranges from yellow to orange. Its ears are naturally round and stand erect on its head. The tail is bushy and relaxed. The legs are lean and muscular, and do not have dewclaws like other breeds.

Dynamics: The Dingo is one of the most mysterious of the dog breeds, due to its nature that has never been fully domesticated. Its personality can be unpredictable and are not suited as family companions when untrained. Dingoes have to be trained starting before they reach their sixth week of life. When they are more than 10 weeks old, they should not be taken out of the wild as this breed will already be too hard to train.

Training the Dingo has to be firm, consistent, but gentle. Despite its wild beginning, the Dingo can become a nice pet when properly trained and cared for. It can be a bit aloof and reserved with people.

A wild Dingo usually shies away from people, rarely showing aggression. After many years of persecution, the Dingo has inherited the habit of flight (instead of the bite temperament) when in the presence of people. It has also learned to play possum (playing dead) as a means to survive in the wilderness.

Breeding season for the Dingoes only happen once a year, around May or June. A male dingo taken in as a pet will be restless during this season.

Breed Group: Southern

Weight: 50-70 pounds (23-32 kg), however dogs up to 120 pounds (55 kg) are documented

Height: 19-23 inches (48-58.5 cm)

Color: The Dingo’s coat color is usually yellow-ginger, but can also be tan, black, or white, or an occasional brindle. Albino Dingoes are also not rare. A purebred Dingo has white hair on the feet and on the tip of its tail.

Country of Origin: The Dingo coming from Australia is a misconception, although it is now very rare outside of the continent. It is a direct descendant or original pariahs from the Middle East and southeastern Asia, and was brought to Australia about 4,000 years ago.

Activities: As an animal undomesticated and brought out from the wild, the Dingo needs a lot of exercise. It should be taken outdoors from time to time.

Grooming: The Dingo’s coat is weather-resistant and was made to take care of itself. This breed also doesn’t have doggie odor.

Other Info: The Dingo has a life expectancy of up to 20 years. It is physically healthy and able. It is not recommended to raise the Dingo in the city or in an apartment. This wild breed needs lots of action and space. They should not be taken off the leash when outdoors and a securely fenced yard is needed. Unlike other breeds, the Dingo only has one breeding cycle each year. It also chooses a mate for life and the pups are protectively cared for by them. Dingoes hunt in packs in the wild. They howl and do not bark.

AKA: Shar-Pei
Description: This breed is popularly identified with their deep wrinkles on face and body. But usually puppies have a lot of wrinkles all over compared to the older shar-pei since it will gradually disappear as they reach their adulthood stage. They are considered as a unique dog especially on their looks. They have a wide hippo face. Their coat is coarse in texture and straight. It varies in three different types: The brush coat which is very thorny to touch, The brush coat type has smooth long hair and the bear coat those shar pei that has undercoat and a topcoat that does not exceed to at least an inch. Their Eyes are small, dark and in almond-shaped and ears are triangular,thick and small and rounded on its edge. Nose is wide and large. Tongue also comes in blue-black color. They have broad and flat skull. Also, they possess strong body built with tail set high.

Temperament: Shar-Pei is an intelligent breed easy to train and a very calm dog. They could also be an ideal watch dog because they have the strong instincts to detect trouble or some suspicious strangers around its territory. Thus, it is also very important for them to be trained for socialization for them to overcome being aloof to the people in their environment. Moreover, they are also a very confident and alert dog. They could be human’s best companion. And loves children too.

Activity: Should Have a daily exercise and a daily walk but should not be overexposed to heat
A fresh water could make them feel good.

Health: They are prone to skin problems since its hereditary to some of the breeds. A swollen hocks syndrome or a kidney failure with an unidentified origin. Life Expectancy is about 7-12. yrs.

Grooming: They needed to be brushed on a regular basis. No required trimming of their hair. They are not a heavy shedder. Once a week of bathing could do good for them.

Breed Group: Southern, AKC Non-Sporting
Color: Any solid color including sable
Height: 18-20 inches (46-51cm.)
Weight: 40-55 pounds (18-25kg.)
Country Of Origin: China

Dynamics: Shar-Peis are a very calm, alert, smart dog. A good Companion of their owner that has skills to easily detect suspicious strangers around them especially in their homes.

AKA: n/a
Description: Chihuahua breed is the smallest among other breeds of dog. They have to types: the one with long coat that is soft in texture and the other has short coat. In generel, this breed has a very soft,shiny and smooth coat. Those long coats Chihuahua has a flat and slightly wavy feathering on the ears, neck and feet. Their tail is long and curves ove their back and is set high. They have large ears that is well seperated and that is carried erect when they are alert. Their Body is level back, short also shoulders laid back. They come in a mixture of colors.

Temperament: This breed is very intelligent, alert and a has a graceful expression. They are considered small but terrible dogs since they are fearless. They are easy to train dogs and a very obedient. They are also aggressive especially with other dogs and they could be a good watchdog because they have the attitude to chase those who invade their homes without any permission. They are very lively, cheerful, proud and courageous making them a good companion dog. They are a strong willed breed, loyal to their owner. It is important for them t be socialized in an early stage to help them adjust to the people around them as well as with other dogs. This breed is not recommended for children since they could be aggressive and snap at children.

Activity: They needed a daily walk and an exercise.

Health:Eyes are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Also, may suffer from slipped stifle, gum problems, coldsstress, and rheumatism and are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood. Life expectancy is about 15 years or more.

Grooming: Those short coated chihuahuas needs minimal grooming compared to the long coated ones. Eye drop needed to prevent tear stains.

Breed Group: Southern, AKC Toy
Color: fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any color is accepted, including black & tan and parti-color.
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm.)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Mexico

Dynamics: This breed is a very active and alert. Highly intelligent and easy to train, very attached and loyal to its owner.

AKA: American Dingo
Description: The Carolina Dog has a straight back and medium built similar to the appearance of a small dingo. Have broad skull that is moderately round that has a distinct furrow which extends through their eyes. Their head is triangular in shape, long and with a pointed muzzle with long neck with powerful jaws. They have large erected ears especially when they are alert, with a dark brown, almond-shaped eyes, Their nose is mostly black lighter colors only appears in white and cream colored american dingo. Moreover, like their ears, they have a fish-hooked tail that is carried in some different positions depending on their mood, positioned horizontally when alert. They have short and smooth hair especially on their ears,head and on their legs too and is straight and never goes curly or wavy. They have definite seasonal differences on their coat. The winter coat is heavier compared to its summer coat because of its undercoat abundance.

Temperament: This breed is considered like the features of a Pariah/Feral type of dog, In India, considered as a half reclaimed dog ready to accompany anybody for hunting. They are very suspicious to strangers since they are naturally aloof kind of breed but they could also be affectionate. If trained for proper socialization, they could also be a loving and loyal dog and could adjust to its environment. They also enjoy to be treated as part of the family since they could also be gentle and could be bonded with children and join the activities and play with them. This breed is not that aggressive by nature they just needed to be more on hunting instinct to get along well with other animals and be familiar with them too. Carolina Dog also responds well to a partnership relationship and they are quite independent as well. Although they are not that friendly kind of breed but when it comes to their family or pack, they are very loyal and loving. They could serves as their family’s protector.

Activity: They enjoy hunting and should be taken for a long daily walk.

Grooming: Their coat is easy to groom only occasional brushing is needed since they have short hair and smooth coat. Bathe them only when necessary.

Breed Group: Southern
Color: White with spots,Tan, Beige, Desert Sand, Yellow,Orange, Ginger Red ,Red Sable
Height: 17-24 inches (45-61 cm.)
Weight: 30-44 pounds (15-20 kg.)
Country Of Origin: India

Dynamics: Carolina Dogs are a hunting dogs very loyal to their packs and affectionate too. But when it comes to strangers, they are very suspicious and alert. A very protective breed.