AKA: Bourbonnais Pointer, French Pointing Dog, French Pointer

Description: The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized pointing dog with muscular features and a round head. Its nose is the same color as its coat and its eyes are big with the color of hazel or dark amber. Its ears are slightly set at eye level hanging down.

The body of the Braque du Bourbonnais is solid, wide, and muscular. Its chest is wide and deep, and its ribs are well-sprung and rounded. The tail is set low and short. Sometimes, the tail is naturally absent. The forelegs are straight, and both legs are well-constructed.

Dynamics: The Braque du Bourbonnais is an affectionate dog with a calm personality. It is only when hunting and running around when its passion and vigor is clearly seen. The Braque du Bourbonnais is intelligent and quick to learn. It can adapt quickly to any terrrain and condition. It is also very cooperative and agreeable, which makes it an excellent hunting and companion dog.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a people-oriented dog and likes to be with its family at all times. It can also get along well with other breeds.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 39.5-55 lbs (18-25 cm), females 35-48.5 lbs (16-22 cm)

Height: males 20-22.5 inches (51-57 cm), females 18.5-22 inches (47-56 cm)

Color: The coat of the Braque du Bourbonnais has two colors: liver and fawn. It can be moderately ticked, with possible spotting. There is also a spot that covers one eye.

Country of Origin: The Braque du Bourbonnais comes from the Province of Bourbonnais, France, tracing far back to 1598.

Grooming: Brush and bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails trimmed.

Activities: The Braque du Bourbonnais is a hunting dog so it naturally prefers to be outdoors. Lots of exercises and time outdoors is needed for this breed.

Other Info: The Braque du Bourbonnais has a life expectancy of 13-15 years. It is generally healthy, but still prone to hip dysplasia, ectropion eyes, and pulmonic stenosis of the heart. The Braque du Bourbonnais is not fit to live in an apartment. It may be people-oriented but it is an active breed which is bred for hunting and outdoors.

AKA: Hokkaido Dog, Hokkaïdo

Description: The Ainu dog came from a large dog breed family. It has a body that is rightly built, which means that its head, legs, torso, and tail, are built in proportion. Their head is triangular in shape, foxlike. They have wide, flat skull and forehead. Its nose bridge is straight. The muzzle is in Wedge-shaped and has black nose that has tight lips. Their ears are also triangular, small stand tall and straight and wide set, dark brown in color. Its body is has strong built, very powerful neck without dewlap, pronounced withers and moderately wide loin with prominent Deep chest. Belly is well tucked up. Straight, strong back. Their tail is set high, thick and carried over the back and curled on end. They have a short, harsh, straight hair, slightly longer on the tail and a soft, compact undercoat.

Temperament: The Ainu dog breed is a very active dog. It enjoys hunting, fishing, running, swimming, and guarding. It is loyal, well-mannered, athletic, playful, and a great guardian. Sometimes this breed does not get along well with small children, unless they are well trained for socialization. The attitude your Ainu dog has with children will depend on the dogs’ inner personality.

Activity: Ainu dogs is not for indoors because they prefer to be in large yards. They require long walk daily and needs moderate but regular exercise everyday.

Grooming: Ainu dogs have longer fur that requires daily brushing and should be regularly combed.

Health Problems: the breed has no known health problems. Sometimes the Ainu can experience hip dysplacia, but this can happen to all animals.

Breed Group: Northern
Color: red, white, black, tiger, sesame, and wolf-gray.
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) tall.
Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Japan

Dynamics: They are active dogs and intelligent, very friendly especially with children they are very playful that’s why they require a large yard and are active outdoors.

Description: This breed, is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Cocker Spaniel. The hair on its head is short and medium length on their body. There is feathering of its hair,on the ears, body, chest, belly and legs. This breed are very sociable with fellow Spaniel as well as with the household pets. But should be protected from children’s play which can become too rough.

Temperament: They are lovable, playful dogs that is intelligent and obedient. On trainings, they are sensitive to the tone of your voice.

Activity: This breed loves to play and frolic also enjoys swimming and retrieving.

Grooming: Grooming for them is very important because their hair needs to be brushed and combed daily. And of course ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections and excess hair between the pads of the feet, under and inside the ear, should be trimmed.

Health Problems: Prone to cataracts and possible hip dysplasia.

Breed Group: Sporting

Color: black, deer red, light beige, black and tan, and multi-colored

Height: 38cm (15in) for dogs and 35.5 (14in) for bitches

Weight: 500-2,500g (1-5 1/2lb)

Country Of Origin: Western World in Afghanistan

Dynamics: They are very intelligent, sociable to other animals, always loves to play and friendly dog

Description: Afgan Retriever is not a purebred,It is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Golden Retriever. Their undercoat is wavy, thick and short. They also have some similarities with the golden retriever but their hair are more coarse in texture compared to the golden. They too has long face and small eyes and slightly long hair. They are also big in size with long hairy tail.

Temperament: They are an obedient dog. They have their own thinking and sometimes could be bossy type that may dominate other dogs.

Activity: They are required to to have lots of exercise daily to prevent bad behavior from boredom. Swimming and retrieving are their two most favorite activities. Also love field sports but they are slow learners.

Grooming: To remove dead and loose hair they should be brushed often on shedding time. But should also be aware not to harm the texture of their coat. Bathe them if it is only necessary.

Health Problems: Minor injuries, hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects and skin deseaase

Breed Group: Sporting

Color: yellow-brown, and dark brown. The darker coloring is more usual

Height: 58-66cm(22 3/4 -26in) for dogs and 53-61cm (20 3/4 – 24in) for bitches

Weight: Varies on height

Country Of Origin: Afghanistan

Dynamics: They are moderately intelligent and are slow learners but easy to train they are also friendly dogs, calm even on cats but to strangers. Also very active and playful always.

AKA: French Water Dog

Description: The Barbet can be said to be the original source various water dog breeds like the Poodle and the American Water Spaniel. It got its name from the the French word barbe which means “beard.”

Dynamics: The Barbet is considered to be companionable, joyful, obedient and intelligent.

Breed Group:Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: 17-28 kg

Height: males 58-65 cm, females 53-61 cm

Color: black, chestnut (brown), fawn, grey, and white; mixed colors in the past

Country of Origin: France

Activities: The Barbet is at its best when retrieving in a waterfowl hunt. The breed is used for field trials in Germany and only water trials in France.

Other Info: The Barbet must be groomed regularly because their coats grow long. The coat is said to be hypoallergenic. If ungroomed, the barbet may loose small tufts of hair.

AKA: Weimaraner Vorstehhund, Weim, Silver Ghost, Grey Ghost

Description: The Weimaraner known as the “Silver Ghost” is a breed that is always on the go, Considered as family dog but reserved with strangers, and that made them an ideal watchdog as well as guard dogs. There are two coat varieties: The Shorthaired is short, smooth, fine, and sleek. The Wirehaired is 1 – 2 inches and bordered as a setter. Owners should take time for proper training and socialization. Weimaraners has full of energy and has skills of being a hunting dog. This larger breed is thin and has muscular built and suited for the hunt. Their ears are long, wide and dropped and head are wide and long. Their forelegs are straight and the dewclaws are removed and they have connected feet like web for swimming purposes.

Temperament: Weimaraners are open-minded, graceful, energetic, alert and rightly balanced, with strong will. They are good in hunting and a good companion. They too is an intelligent, energetic and fun-loving breed. They socialize well with children and other pets if trained properly. They are hard workers but need proper training for them to learn good manners and be obedient as well. Aloof with strangers, the Weimaraner makes an excellent watch dog and guard. They have a lot of stored energy in their body to be more effective not just being a watchdog but also for hunting.

Activity: Weimaraners need freedom and a lot of regular exercise. They require obedience training which should begin at 5 – 8 months of age.

Grooming: Brush or dry shampoo their coat as needed. A rub over with a chamois to maintain its smoothness and shine. Prone to sunburn on their nose during hot temperature.

Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, dermoid cysts, dwarfism, eye problems, von Willebrand’s disease, cancer, bleeding disorders and gastric torsion, also known as bloat. Life span is 10-12 years.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Color: Preferably silver gray; shades of mouse or roe gray. There may be small white markings on the chest.

Height: Dogs 24-27 inches (61-69cm) Bitches 22-25 inches (56-63cm)

Weight: Dogs 55-70 pounds (25-32kg) Bitches 50-65 pounds (23-29kg)

Country Of Origin: Germany

Dynamics: Intelligent, confident, assertive and strong-willed. Makes an excellent companion with a strong need to please.

AKA: Golden, Yellow Retriever, Goldie

Description: The Golden Retriever is a well-balanced and well-proportioned dog that has a cream to golden colored coat, hence its name. It has an outer coat that is water repellant, and an undercoat that is dense. The head of the Golden Retriever is broad, and its muzzle is wide and powerful. Its nose is black, it ears medium-sized and pendant. The eyes are brown and have dark rims. Its teeth forms a scissors bite.

The Golden Retriever’s body is muscular, with a powerful muzzle and strong thighs. The chest is broad, and the tail is long and never curled.

Dynamics: The Golden Retriever is an intelligent and well-behaved dog. It is easily trained, sweet, confident, and eager to please. It makes for an outstanding family pet, always patient and gentle with children, and loyal and to its masters. This breed is people-oriented, and gets along with other dogs and pets, too.

The Golden Retriever makes a good watchdog. It is not very likely to attack strangers but it can give a bark to signal someone’s approach.

Breed Group: Sporting, Gundog

Weight: males 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg), females 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), females 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)

Color: The Golden Retriever has a coat that ranges from cream to a golden color.

Country of Origin: The Golden Retriever originated in the British Isles. It was bred from crossing a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters, the Newfoundland, and (possibly) the Bloodhound. The breed was actually first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. It is now one of the most popular family companion dogs.

Activities: The Golden Retriever needs daily exercises and play sessions like retrieving balls and toys. The Golden Retriever’s talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and trick performances. It is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and a service dog for the disabled. This breed is also good in water; it loves to swim.

Grooming: In grooming the Golden Retriever, there will be no difficulty. It is easy to groom the Golden Retriever. Combing and brushing the coat is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Dry shampoo regularly.

Other Info: The Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. Like most of the other breeds, it is also prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. Skin allergies are also common. The parents of the dog should be checked for OFA and CERF certification. They should also be checked for Von Willebrand’s disease and heart problems. The Golden Retriever will be fine in an apartment. However, it has to be taken outdoors from time to time and exercised sufficiently.

Photo: Sarbajit Sarbajna and Pharaoh Hound

AKA: Deutscher kurzhaariger Vorstehhund, Deutsch Kurzhaar, Kurzhaar

Description: The German Shorthaired Pointer is a well-balanced hunting dog with a nicely chiseled head. The muzzle is long, with the same length as that of the skull, and not pointed. The nose is brown, and so are the eyes. The larger the nose, the better. The eyes are almond-shaped and give off an intelligent expression. The ears lie high and close to the head, and the teeth form a scissors bite.

The skin of the German Shorthaired Pointer would appear tight. Generally, the tail is docked by 60%, letting the dog sit on it. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s feet are webbed. The dewclaws from both legs are removed.

Dynamics: The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the best companion dog for a family with children. It is loyal and protective, at the same time very cheerful, energetic, and willing to please. This breed is people-oriented, and likes to be in the company of its family. It can be reserved with strangers, though, and it likes to bark. Without proper exercise and socialization, this breed will become disagreeable and nervous. The German Shorthaired Pointer can get along very well with other dogs and pets when socialized with them from an early age.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is by nature a hunting dog. The male tends to be more aggressive than the female, and energy levels generally vary among the breed.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg), females 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg)

Height: males 23-25 inches (59-64 cm), females 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)

Color: The coat of the German Shorthaired Pointer can be solid liver or liver and white. It can be patched, ticked, or roan.

Country of Origin: The German Shorthaired Pointer came from Germany, where German hunters made efforts to bring about a breed with that could retrieve and track, from water or land, and had a good nose. The breed is the result of mixing the Old Spanish Pointer, Hounds of St. Hubert, the Foxhound, other hounds, and the English Pointer.

Activities: For an energetic breed like the German Shorthaired Pointer, exercises are very important. Otherwise, the dog will become restless and destructive. This breed is used for hunting and it is capable of high performance in both field and water. It requires little training when it comes to hunting, tracking, and retrieving.

Grooming: Grooming the German Shorthaired Pointer is not that hard to do. Regular brushing with a bristle brush is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Rubbing the coat with toweling or chamois can make the coat soft and shiny. Always dry the dog after hunting to prevent it from feeling cold and chilly. Its feet should also be checked, as with the ears.

Other Info: The German Shorthaired Pointer has a life expectancy about 12-15 years. It is generally a healthy breed but it is prone to epilepsy, hermaphrodism, and lymphedema. It is also prone to minor health problems like CHD, entropion, gastric torsion, WWD, pannus, and OCD. This breed is not fit for an apartment life. It has a very huge amount of stamina and energy that it will need a large yard or area to live comfortably. This breed does well in most climates.

Description: The English Springer Spaniel is a compact and medium-sized dog that are distinctive for their long pendant ears. It has sturdy body with a level back and a wagging tail. Generally, the tail is docked. Its front legs are straight and the feet are compact.

The head of the English Springer Spaniel is refined and is in good proportion to the rest of the body. The neck is about the same length as that of the head. The eyes are either hazel or brown, with a gentle expression. The ears are set in line with the eyes. The length should reach all the way to the top of the nose when pulled forward. Its jaw is powerful and the teeth forms a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The English Springer is an even-tempered and sociable breed. Intelligent, willful, and energetic, this breed gets along very well with children. It is easily trained, as long as it knows who the boss is. The English Springer loves people and does best around them. It may become destructive when left alone for too long.

The English Springer is a playful and merry dog. It loves water and may find themselves wet and muddy. It is great with other pets, although it may sometimes fight with same sex dogs.

There are two types of Springers: the field type and the bench type. The field type is used for hunting and field work, while the bench type is used for shows. The field type tend to have more white coat, less hair, and more energy than the bench type. The bench type usually has more liver or black hair. It also has more hair and are usually calmer than the field type.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 45-55 lbs (20-25 kg), females 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg)

Height: males 19-21 inches (48-56 cm), females 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)

Color: The English Springer comes in liver and white, black an white (sometimes with tan markings), blue or liver roan. The white part may have flecks of colored hair.

Country of Origin: As derived from its name, the English Springer Spaniel originated in England. This breed is actually the founder of all the English hunting spaniels. It got its name from the way it hunts; it springs forward to drive out birds out of hiding.

This is the founder of all the English hunting spaniels. During the Renaissance, it was considered the ideal companion for the European hunter. Its popularity in America began in 1700. The Springer Spaniel gets its name from his method of flushing game: he springs forward to drive birds out of hiding.

Activities: The more exercises given to the English Springer Spaniel, the more it’ll be happy. This breed loves to run, play, retrieve, and swim. It performs well in land, water, and is good at work. The English Springer Spaniel is used for hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, agility, shows and performances, and is also a good companion dog.

Grooming: Regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush is needed for the field-type English Springer Spaniel. The bench-type Springer Spaniel, however, will need more attention when it comes to grooming. Both types should be bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked regularly for any infections. Long coats tend to mat if it is not brushed often. Hair under the ears should be shaved to avoid chronic ear infections. Hair on the feet also needs to be cut to prevent burrs and foxtails.

Other Info: The English Springer Spaniel has a life expectancy of about 12-14 years. It is a generally healthy breed but it prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, PFK, epilepsy, and HD.

The English Springer Spaniel will be fine in an apartment, but it needs to be sufficiently exercised. This breed can adapt well to town or city life.

AKA: Chessie, Chessy Dog

Description: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerful and muscular retriever, with a an outercoat and woolly undercoat that are oily and water-repellant. The head is round, with hanging small ears, yellowish eyes, and thin lips.

The Chessie’s front legs are straight and powerful. The hind legs are also powerful, with the dewclaws removed. Removal of the front dewclaws is optional, but this is recommended if the dog is used for the field. The toes are webbed, which gives the Chesapeake Bay Retriever more power in its excellent swimming ability. Its tail is around 12-15 inches long.

Dynamics: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever exudes intelligence and independence. It is courageous, obedient, and lovable. It gets along with children and is affectionate to the family. It can also get along well with cats and other dogs when socialized since puppyhood.

Training the Chesapeake Bay Retriever requires confidence, discipline, and patience. This breed can be stubborn and aggressive that one has to be consistent and firm, but not harsh, in handling it. It tends to be dominant, territorial, and suspicious if not trained and socialized properly. The Chesapeake Bay Terrier also matures slowly.

Breed Group: Gun dog, Sporting Group

Weight: males 65-80 lbs (29-36 kg), females 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg)

Height: males 23-26 inches (58-66 cm), females 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)

Color: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever comes in shades of brown, red or tan. The color ranges from a dead-grass-straw color to a deep dark brown with red overtones. White is sometimes present in the chest and feet.

Country of Origin: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the result of cross between a Newfoundland and a local retriever at Chesapeake Bay Area, Maryland. When it was found that the cross made an outstanding retriever, more careful breeding was developed to create the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Activities: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs extreme physical activities. Swimming and long walks or jogs should be included in its exercises, else the breed will behave badly due to boredom. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s talents include obedience, tracking, hunting, retrieving, guarding, watchdogging, schutzhund, and field spots. It has also proved itself to be a good family companion.

Grooming: Grooming the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is easy because of its dense short hair. Brush with a bristle brush and remove dead hairs. Bathe only when necessary, not so much that the oily texture in their coat will be stripped out (it protects them from icy waters).

Other Info: The life expectancy of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is around 10-12 years. It is basically healthy but prone to eye problems and hip dysplasia.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not suitable for apartment life. It is inactive indoors and this could result to bad behavior due to boredom and lack of exercise. This breed likes to sleep outdoors and prefer cool climates and a place where there is a body of water nearby.