Description: The Border Terrier is a small terrier with a wiry coat, dark eyes, black nose, and small V-shaped ears. It has a short muzzle, and its jaws meet in a scissors bite. Its tail is short and is tapering, with a thick base. The tail is carried level with the back unless the Border Terrier moves it.

Dynamics: The Border Terrier is a lively and gentle dog. It is loyal and eager to please, which makes it easy to train. Its affectionate manner makes it excellent with children and unaggressive. It may grow up to be timid if not properly socialized since puppyhood.

The Border Terrier is a bold hunter. It likes to dig and wiggle their way in and out of holes. This breed generally gets along with other dogs, but is not to be trusted with hamsters, rabbits, rats, or birds. The Border Terrier needs to be attended to most of the time because it gets restless when left alone.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: males 13-16 lbs (6-7 kg), females 11-14 lbs (5-6 kg)

Height: males 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), females 11-14 inches (28-36 cm)

Color: The coat of the Border Terrier can be red, blue and tan, tan, and grizzle and tan. White hair on the chest is okay, but white hair on the feet is not acceptable.

Country of Origin: The Border Terrier originates in the Cheviot Hills near the English and Scottish border. It was bred to help drive foxes away from the farms.

Grooming: In grooming the Border Terrier, brushing the coat weekly and having professional grooming twice a year is enough. Bathe the dog only when necessary.

Activities: The Border Terrier needs lot of exercise to cope up with its huge amount of stamina. This breed is known to hunt down fox, marten, otter, and badger. Other talents include tracking, watchdogging, agility, and competitions and performances.

Other Info: The Border Terrier has a life expectancy of 15 or more years. It is prone to CECS (Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome) or “Spike’s Disease”, which is a canine health problem common in Border Terriers. This breed doesn’t exhibit any pain even when it is seriously ill so the owner must pay close attention always. The Border Terrier will get along fine in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time and exercised.

Description: The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a body longer than it is tall. There are two varieties of Border Collie: one with coarse hair, and one with sleek hair. The coarse-haired variety has a mane and a tail brush. For both the varieties, the hair on the face, ears, and front legs is always short and sleek.

The head of the Border Collie is fairly wide, with a distinct stop. The nose is black and the ears, set high on the head, are usually half-perked. The eyes are dark brown, except in merles where the eyes can be blue. The teeth forms a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Border Collie is an intelligent and energetic dog. It can be easily trained and is highly talented in obedience competitions, agility, and Frisbee. It is generally a happy and contented dog, though it may get aggressive with other male dogs. Most of the time, it gets along well with other breeds, though. The Border Collie is also good with children and other household pets. It has to be socialized well since puppyhood to help overcome shyness.

The Border Collie is serious in its work and is very eager to please. It is intelligent and active enough to do have extensive daily exercises and some work to do. Attention must be given to the Border Collie because bad behavior may arise when it gets bored and has nothing to do. It may be snappish and nip at the heels of people, due to its herding instincts. There may also be a time when it would challenge an owner’s authority. This breed can become dominant, although not every Border Collie has this problem.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 30-45 lbs (14-20 kg), females 27-42 lbs (12-19 kg)

Height: males 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), females 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)

Color: The coat of the Border Collie can be black and white, tricolor, red and white, black and gray, or all black. White is not the main color.

Country of Origin: The Border Collie comes from Northumberland, on the Scottish and English border. It is descended from old British herding breeds and some spaniel.

Grooming: In grooming the Border Collie, regular combing and brushing is needed to keep its coat shining. Bathe or dry shampoo only when needed. The coat and the ears has to be checked regularly for ticks.

Activities: The Border Collie needs both exercise and work in its daily life. Work and physical exercises come natural to them. Herding is a natural hobby for this breed. The Border Collie has a habit of crouching down and almost hypnotizing the herded animals with their stare. This breed is also used for bomb and narcotics detection, competitions and performances, police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs for the blind and handicapped.

Other Info: The Border Collie has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. It a generally healthy breed but are still prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and Collie Eye Anomaly (an eye disease common to Collies). It may also be allergic to fleas and prone to epilepsy and deafness. The Border Collie is not suitable for apartment life. This is a very active and workaholic breed that it needs a lot of space and area to spend its energy on.

AKA: Bichon Bolognese

Description: The Bolognese is a small and compact dog with long and fluffy hair. Its hair is long all over the body, though shorter on the muzzle. The hair is in flocks and never form fringes. The body of the Bolognese is squarely. The neck is without dewlap. The tail is carried curved over its back.

The head of the Bolognese has an accentuated stop. It is slightly egg-shaped with the upper part flat. The nose is large and black. The jaw forms a scissors bite, although some has a pincer bite. The eyes are dark and round. The ears are set high on the head and long, hanging down.

Dynamics: The Bolognese is not a very active breed though it likes to play. It is serious, reserved, and shy. It enjoys the company of people, though, and is very attached and devoted to its owner and family. With its family and loved ones, it is playful and cheerful. It may sometimes sulk and howl mournfully when it is not given attention.

The Bolognese is very obedient and eager to please. It is timid with strangers but is generally a friendly dog. It gets along well with other animals, too.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion Dog

Weight: 4.5-9 lbs (2.5-4 kg)

Height: males 10.5-12 inches (27-30 cm), females 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)

Color: The Bolognese has a coat color of pure white. No other color patches and no other shade of white.

Country of Origin: The Bolognese comes from Italy, where it has been known since the Roman era. It is sometimes confused with the Maltese but is really more closely related to the Bichon Frise and Havanese.
Activities: The Bolognese has energy enough for a lot of play sessions. This breed generally serves as a toy or companion dog.

Other Info: The Bolognese has a life expectancy of 14 years. It is suited to live in an apartment so long as it is taken outdoors occasionally. In grooming the Bolognese, daily brushings and monthly grooming sessions are recommended.

AKA: Czesky Terrier, Cesky Terrier

Description: The Bohemian Terrier is a moderately long dog with a robust body and short legs. It has a long head with a bushy beard, a mustache, and bushy eyebrows. The eyes are brown for the gray-blue dog and yellow for the brown one. The blue-gray dog has black nose and lips while the brown dog has liver ones. The ears are triangular, and folds close to the head. The tail is 7-8 inches long, undocked, and carried horizontally when the Bohemian Terrier gets excited.

Dynamics: The Bohemian Terrier is calm but playful dog. It is sweet and affectionate, and is excellent with children. This is also a loyal and protective breed, only fairly friendly with strangers but still attentive.

The Bohemian Terrier is easy to train. It is very important to socialize it since puppyhood for it to get along very well with people and other dogs and animals. Despite times when it becomes stubborn and feisty, the Bohemian Terrier is an excellent companion dog.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Terrier

Weight: 13-23 lbs (6-10 kg)

Height: 10-13 inches (25-32 cm)

Color: The Bohemian Terrier comes in various shades of gray-blue (with tan, gray, white, or yellow markings) or light coffee brown. Puppies are born black though, and the coat lightens only when the dog is two years old. The skin pigment is gray for the blue-gray dog and flesh-colored for the brown one.

Country of Origin: The Bohemian Terrier comes from the Czech Republic, bred by Frantisek Horak. This breed was only recognized back in 1963.

Grooming: Regular trimming is needed in grooming the Bohemian Terrier. Long hair on the stomach, legs, and around the face is left alone. Clip the hair with electric clippers. Its long hair has to be brushed and combed at least twice a week. Clip away excess hair from the pads of the feet and in the ear passages.

Activities: The Bohemian Terrier is a very active breed. It enjoys running and playing. It has an average demand for exercise. Aside from being a great companion dog, this breed is also used for hunting, tracking, and as a watch and guard dog.

Other Info: The Bohemian Terrier has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. It is a generally healthy breed, although it is prone to Scottie Cramp (a minor condition causing awkward movement). The Bohemian Terrier will be fine in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time.

AKA: Bluetick

Description: The Bluetick Coonhound is an average-sized dog with an extremely good eyesight. Its legs are long and muscular, and its feet is comapct with well-arched toes. The tail is set below the level where the black line ends and the ticking starts. Its good eyesight allows it to work well at night.

Dynamics: The Bluetick Coonhound is an intelligent and loyal companion dog. It is devoted to its family and gets along well with children. Socialization and training should be done since puppyhood, though this breed may still be aggressive with other dogs and reserved with strangers.

The Bluetick Coonhound is a remarkable hunter. It is alert and attentive, able to track over difficult place and weather conditions. It has a strong nose and a strong hunting instinct. It can pursue raccoons, foxes, or even cougars.

Breed Group: Hound, Scenthound

Weight: 45-80 lbs (20-36 kg)

Height: 20-27 inches (51-69 cm)

Color: The Bluetick Coonhound has a tricolor coat (black and white with blue) that has a unique speckled-blue look. The bluing effect on its coat is actually black hairs on a white background.

Country of Origin: The Bluetick Coonhound originated in the Louisiana, United States. It is the result of selective breeding of Foxhounds, Curs, French hounds, and English Coonhounds.

Grooming: Occasional brushing will be enough for grooming the Bluetick Coonhound. Be sure to check the ears, too, to avoid any infections.

Activities: The Bluetick Coonhound reuires lots of exercises and daily walks.

Other Info: The Bluetick Coonhound has a life expectancy of 11-12 years. This breed is generally healthy. It is not recommended for apartment life, though. It is active and vibrant outdoors and will only feel repressed indoors.

AKA: Blue Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy Game Dog, Texas Blue Lacy, Blue Lacy Hog Dog, Texas Lacy Game Dog

Description: The Blue Lacy is an average size breed with a sleek and clean appearance. It possesses a blue-color gene even if its coat is red or tricolor, hence its name. The Blue Lacy has minimal to full white markings on its brisket and on its paws. Another unique feature of the Blue Lacy is its eyes, which are a very bright orange to yellow color.

Dynamics: The Lacy is a great worker and companion dog. It is easy to train and handle, and it is great with children. This breed is voice sensitive so a stern voice can be enough to discipline it.

The Lacy is an energetic breed and a great worker. It is capable of handling the most challenging task, and it takes its work seriously. It is loyal and dedicated.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 25-50 lbs (11-23 kg)

Height: 18-25 inches (46-64 cm)

Color: The Blue Lacy’s coat color can be classified as blue, red, or tricolor (red and tricolored are still called Blue Lacy’s because of their blue-color gene). The blue Blue Lacy can have a coat ranging from a light gun-metal gray to an almost black color. The red Blue Lacy can be red, or yellow to cream. The tricolored Blue Lacy has a blue coat with red markings over the eyes, on the muzzle, under the tail, and down the legs.

Country of Origin: The Blue Lacy is a unique breed from the United States and was once close to extinction. Made popular by the Lacy brothers (Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry Lacy) in 1858, the breed was named after them. It is now the breed most used by the United States Trappers.

Grooming: The Blue Lacy has short hair and therefore does not need much grooming.

Activities: The Blue Lacy requires lots of attention and exercise. As a herding dog, it loves to work and be in action. Aside from herding, the Blue Lacy is also used for hog hunting, finding wounded deer, and treeing game. It is also a reliable watch dog and companion dog.

Other Info: The Blue Lacy has a life expectancy of around 16 years. It can adapt to any type of living condition. It loves to be both indoors and outdoors.

AKA: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australischer Treibhund, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler

Description: The Australian Heeler is a powerful and agile working dog with a body a bit longer than it is high. It has a broad head, dark brown oval eyes, and moderately pointed ears. Its teeth forms a scissors bite. Its tail is slightly curved and reaches down to the hock.

Dynamics: The Australian Heeler is one of the most intelligent breeds. Born a working dog, this breed needs to be always in motion. Leaving it alone and making it bored might lead to behavior problems. Training it will require a firm hand and lots of attention.

The Australian Heeler is a loyal and protective dog. It tends to be a one-person dog. This dog can be aggressive and suspicious of people and other dogs. It has to be socialized with children and other pets since puppyhood if it has to get along with them very well. This breed also makes an excellent guard dog.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 32-35 lbs (15-16 kg), females 30-35 lbs (14-16 kg)

Height: males 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), females 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)

Color: The Australian Heeler comes in either blue or red-speckled (Blue Heeler and Red Heeler, respectively). The Blue Heeler may have black, blue, or tan markings on the head with tan points. The Red Heeler is evenly speckled and may have darker markings on the head. The Australian Heeler is born white but the adult color can be seen in the paw pads.

Country of Origin: The Australian Heeler was developed by pioneer settlers in Australia in the 19th century. The breed came from a mix of smooth blue-speckled Collie imports form Scotland and wild Australian Dingoes. Other breeds crossed to make the Australian Heeler are the Australian Kelpie, Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier.

Grooming: The Australian Heeler has a short water-resistant coat so it is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a bristle brush. Bathe only when needed.

Activities: The Australian Heeler has a great amount of energy to use. Exercise and work are important for this breed. The Australian Heeler’s talents consist of retrieving, herding, guarding, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Other Info: The Australian Heeler has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. It is generally healthy but is prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and deafness. The Australian Heeler is not suited for apartment life. It will fare better in a home with a wide and open yard or field nearby.

AKA: St. Hubert Hound, Chien de Saint-Hubert

Description: The Bloodhound is a big and powerful hound that is distinctive with its drooping ears and loose, wrinkled skin. This skin and its jowls give it a rather mournful expression. The folds of the skin are said to help in holding scent particles.

The Bloodhound has a short and fairly rough coat. The hair on the skull and ears is softer than on the rest of the body. The eyes are deeply set, with the lower eyelids falling away a little. Its nose is black and it has a long muzzle.

The Bloodhound’s body is very strong, as can be seen by its powerful shoulders and muscular back. The forelegs are straight, solid, muscular. The tail is carried in a curve above the topline of its back.

Dynamics: The Bloodhound is a mild-mannered and noble dog. It is a good companion to families and is great with children. It loves the attention it receives from children, although it is not wise to let the dog take more than the usual fun and pestering of children.

This breed needs a firm but gentle training. As a puppy it is very energetic and independent. Patience is needed in its training. The Bloodhound is an intelligent breed and will sometimes make their own decisions rather than follow yours.

The Bloodhound is a gentle and shy breed, rarely vicious and dominant. It might be aggressive towards other male dogs though. It can also become protective of its territory. It can have the tendency to howl, snore, and drool a lot. Other than these, the Bloodhound is a very friendly dog, welcoming and greeting visitors.

The Bloodhound is a very talented scent hound. It can follow any scent, even that of a human (which is rare). It is said that it can successfully follow trails that are over a hundred hours old. This breed is a certified tracker, and evidence made by it is admissible in the court of law.

Breed Group: Hound, Scenthound

Weight: males 90-110 lbs (41-50 kg), females 80-100 lbs (36-45 kg)

Height: males 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), females 23-25 inches (58-63 cm)

Color: The Bloodhound comes in black & tan, liver & tan, and red & tawny.

Country of Origin: The Bloodhound was perfectly bred by the monks of St. Hubert in Belgium. It is one of the ancient dog breeds, known to be more than a thousand years old.

Grooming: Grooming the Bloodhound is easy due to its short hair. A hand glove is preferred in grooming. Bathe only when necessary. Rubbing the coat with a rough towel or chamois is enough to make the coat shiny. Check and clean the ears regularly.

Activities: The Bloodhound needs a lot of exercises. It loves to run and has a very curious nose. When it comes to walking, running, or tracking, it seems to have an endless stamina.

Other Info: The Bloodhound has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Like all dogs, it is prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. This breed is known to bloat, so make sure to feed it two or three small meals a day instead of a large one. The Bloodhound is also susceptible to stomach cramps and entropion. The Bloodhound will do fine in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors occasionally and regularly exercised.

AKA: Chornyi, Terrier Noir Russe, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Black Terrier, Tchiorny Terrier

Description: The Black Russian Terrier is a medium-sized rare breed that has a large black nose, full black lips, dark almond-shaped eyes, and triangular ears with a rounded apex and pendant. The ears are set high on the head and reaches down to the outside corner of the eyelids. Its head is long and has a blocky shape, with a broad skull and a well-defined stop. The teeth forms a scissors bite.

The length is squarely proportional to its height. The neck is thick and muscular. It has a highly set tail and large bear-like feet. The legs should be covered with 2 to 4 inches of hair. The forelegs are straight and well-boned, as are the hindlegs except that the hindlegs are angular. The shoulders are large and muscular, with the blades broad and sloping. The tail is set high, and cropped.

Dynamics: The Black Russian Terrier is an observant and protective dog. It gets suspicious of strangers. It need to be treated lovingly and firmly to be able to interact well with people. It is a sensitive dog, playful, adaptive, and enthusiastic. This breed likes to have intense contact with people and other animals. It avoids fighting with other dogs, although a male Black Russian Terrier may have a problem with dominant dogs.

It is easy to train the Black Russian Terrier. It enjoys training and is eager to please its owner. Training should be firm, though. Do not give the dog comforts that he will not be able to enjoy in the future (sitting on the bed, lying on the couch, etc.) or he will get used to it. This breed is people-oriented. Close interaction with the family brings out its good qualities.

Breed Group: Terrier, Working, Guardian

Weight: 80-143 lbs (36-65 kg)

Height: males 25-29 inches (64-74 cm), females 25-28 inches (64-72 cm)

Color: This breed comes in plain black.

Country of Origin: The Black Russian Terrier comes from Russia. It was bred from about twenty breeds which included the Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, and Airedale breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is like the German shepherd dog without the undue aggression.

Grooming: In grooming the Black Russian Terrier, regular trimming for two to three times a year and a professional grooming is necessary. Stripping is needed if the coat is soft. Brush the coat at least once a week. Remove hairs from ear ducts and clip the hair from under the paws.

Activities: The Black Russian Terrier loves to run and play and have fun.

Other Info: The Black Russian Terrier has a life expectancy of about 10-11 years. The breed is generally healthy but is prone to hip dysplasia. The ears should be checked, too, for otitis. The Black Russian Terrier will be fine in an apartment so long as it gets enough exercises and play sessions. This breed needs human contact to be happy.

AKA: Southern Cur, Yellow Blackmouth Cur, Southern Blackmouth Cur, American Blackmouth Cur, Red Blackmouth Cur, Ladner Blackmouth Cur, Ladner Yellow Blackmouth Cur

Description: The Blackmouth Cur is a muscular and rugged Southern dog that has a powerful appearance. Its coat can either be heavy or light. Its muzzle is black, tan, or the same color as its coat. Its medium-sized ears are hanging. Its tail can be lengthy although many are born with short tails or have their tails docked.

Dynamics: The Blackmouth Cur is an ideal hunter dog. It can catch, kill, and hunt without question. It is also good in treeing and baying. In hunting, it goes from a walk to a sprint. The Blackmouth is also good in working with cattle. This is a very hardworking breed.

Despite its seriousness, the Blackmouth Cur is kind and loyal to its family. It is protective of them and is eager to please. Interestingly, a male Blackmouth Cur is more affectionate to women and aloof with men. Concerning the children, the blackmouth Cur is protective of them.

In training the Blackmouth Cur, avoid spanking or striking. The breed is also very sensitive to voices. A stern voice will be enough to discipline the dog, but do not always use it. The Blackmouth Cur is intelligent, predictable, and has a serious disposition in their loyalty and protectiveness to the family.

Breed Group: Scenthound

Weight: 45-95 lbs (20-43 kg)

Height: 16-25 inches (40-65 cm)

Color: The Blackmouth Cur comes in shades of yellow, fawns, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Blackmouth Cur came from the southern area of the United States.

Activities: The Blackmouth Cur needs regular exercises and long walks. This breed likes to work and always be on the move. Hunting is their expertise.

Grooming: Grooming the Black Mouth Cur is easy due to its short hair. Comb and brush to remove dead hair. Bathe only when necessary. Check the ears and trim the toenails.

Other Info:The Blackmouth Cur is not suitable for an apartment life. This dog is bred for hunting and likes it outdoors better than being cooped up indoors.