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: Jindo Dog, Jindo Gae, Chindo

Description: The Jindo is a medium-sized dog of the spitz family. Its head is used to differentiate it from other breeds; the topskull is broad and rounded between the ears and, together with its well-developed underjaw, helps create an octagonal shape to its head on a frontal view. The ears are set high, standing upright but leaning forward past the vertical. When the Jindo is relaxed, the ears lean slightly off to the sides. As a puppy, the ears are normally down until 5-6 months of age.

The eyes of the Jindo are almond-shaped and dark brown or dark red brown. The nose is black on non-white dogs. For white dogs, the nose may have a little white or flesh pink on the nose.

The body of the Jindo can either be muscular and short or slender. Nevertheless, either body structure still exudes agility, strength, and dignity. The legs are moderately angulated, fit for travelling long distances and hilly terrains. Feet are tight and compact. The tail is thick, and can be carried straight, sickled, or curled.

Dynamics: The Jindo has a serious temperament and is a natural worker. It has a strong will and is very independent. It is a very free-spirited breed, and needs to be respected. It can be protective and territorial. It is loyal and obedient to its owner and family. It can be very affectionate and loving, but it is reserved and does not show affection to strangers.

Socialization, coupled with a firm and consistent training, is required in raising the Jindo. This breed has a high prey drive and it may exhibit an aggressive attitude towards others. It is especially recommended to socialize the Jindo with children. The Jindo should not be left alone around small animals. This breed can also be aggressive towards other dogs.

Breed Group: Working, although not recognized internationally

Weight: males 35–50 pounds (16-23 kg), females 25–40 pounds (11-18 kg)

Height: males 18–25 inches (48-65 cm), females 16–22 inches (41-58 cm)

Color: The Jindo can be white, yellow, red, red and white, tan, tan and white, black, black and tan, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Jindo is a native breed of Korea, originally bred on the island of Jindo in Southwest Korea. It is protected by Korean laws, and is the most popular breed in the country.

Activities: The Jindo loves to roam around and is always in action. This breed was developed to hunt down wild boars, rabbits, badgers, and deer. It hunts either in groups or on its own. The Jindo should be sufficiently walked and exercised to help avoid the dog being bored and looking for mischief.

Grooming: The Jindo sheds heavily twice a year. Brushing the coat daily is necessary to remove loose and dead hair. Bathing occasionally is also needed. Other than that, the Jindo grooms itself like a cat to be clean.

Other Info: The Jindo has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is a generally healthy dog, but hypothyroidism is an issue among this breed. The Jindo will do okay in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

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: Epagneul Francais

Description: The French Spaniel has a well-formed head, of medium length and width. It has a sloping stop, with a brown nose, dark oval eyes, and long feathery ears set back and hanging. The neck is muscular and arched, and the back is slightly sloping. The thighs are muscular and well-rounded. The chest is wide and deep. The tail is not docked and is usually set low. The coat of the French Spaniel is feathery along the back of the legs, belly, tail, and ears.

Dynamics: The French Spaniel has a calm and even temper. It is affectionate and is gentle with children. It has the tendency to become so attached to its owners. This breed is people-oriented and do not like to be alone. It can be easily trained and is sensitive, so training and caring for it has to be consistent, firm, but gentle. This is an intelligent and brave breed, enthusiastic and persistent in hunting and possessing an excellent nose.

Breed Group: Hunting

Weight: 44 – 55 pounds (20-25 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), females 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)

Color: The coat of the French Spaniel comes in white with liver markings, which can either be small or dominating. Speckling may be present.

Country of Origin: The French Spaniel is a distant descendant of the Chien d’Oysel from the middle ages. The French Spaniel is a rare breed, even in its homeland France, where it was almost endangered but was revived by Father Fournier.

Activities: The French Spaniel loves exercise, and it has the amount of stamina for it. This breed is known as a remarkable hunting companion, retriever and flusher.

Grooming: The feathery coat of the French Spaniel should be brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The ears has to be checked to avoid infections.

Other Info: The French Spaniel is not recommended to live in the city or in an apartment. This is an active dog made for the hunt and action. This breed can resist the cold and harsh conditions.

Photo by Trisha Shears

AKA: Bourbonnais Pointer, Braque du Bourbonnais, French Pointer

Description: The French Pointing Dog 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 French Pointing Dog 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 French Pointing Dog 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 terrain and condition. It is also very cooperative and agreeable, which makes it an excellent hunting and companion dog.

The French Pointing Dog 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 French Pointing Dog 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 French Pointing Dog comes from the Province of Bourbonnais, France, tracing far back to 1598.

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

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

Other Info: The French Pointing Dog 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 French Pointing Dog 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.

Photo of Vrac du Rocher des Jastres, by Mic comte

AKA: Field

Description: The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, with a long body and silky coat. The legs, chest, tail, undersides, and also the ears are heavily covered with long hair.

The Field Spaniel’s jaws form a scissors bite. Its eyes are a hazel or chestnut brown, almond-shaped and carrying a gentle expression. The nose is black and large. The ears are pendant and fringed. The neck is muscular and strong, the back level, and the tail docked.

Dynamics: The Field Spaniel is mild-mannered and has a sweet temperament. It is very affectionate and playful. It is smart and active. Socialization and training is important to avoid excessive shyness or behavior problems. This is a very friendly breed, ands is only a little reserved with strangers. It is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs and animals.

The Field Spaniel likes it when it has work. They are intelligent and can be serious. They learn quick and are sensitive to your voice. Training should be consistent and firm. This breed needs human companionship and dislikes to be kenneled.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 18–25 kg (40–55 lb)

Height: 17–19 inches (43–48 cm)

Color: The Field Spaniel is either in solid black or liver. Some may have tan markings or roan or speckled. Some may also have white hair in the chest.

Country of Origin: The Field Spaniel originated in England.

Activities: The Field Spaniel needs a lot of exercise as it is bred to be a working field dog. It likes to roam and run around and explore. It can adapt to any kind of situation. Its talents include tracking, hunting, retrieving, and watchdogging.

Grooming: The Field Spaniel needs to be combed or brushed at least once a week. The hair should be trimmed every few months, with the dea hear removed or plucked. Check the ears for infections.

Other Info: The Field Spaniel has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, but, like every other breed, is also prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. This breed is not recommended for the city life or in lving in an apartment. The Field Spaniel is at its best on a large property or open field, as it is deeply rooted to its hunting instincts. The Field Spaniel prefers cool climates.

AKA: Hollandse Herdershond, Hollandse Herder, Dutch Shepherd, Holland Shepherd

Description: There are three varieties of the Dutch Shepherd: the long-haired, the short-haired, and the wire-haired. The short-haired variety, with a fine and dense coat, is very common, the wire-haired one, with medium length hair that is wiry, less so. The long-haired variety, with long straight and harsh hair, is very rare.

The body of the Dutch Shepherd Dog is muscular and symmetrical. It has dark slanting eyes and ears that stand erect on its head. It has a long muzzle and the strong teeth forms a scissors bite. The tail is slightly curved. The feet are small, and there are no dewclaws.

Dynamics: The Dutch Shepherd Dog is an affectionate dog with a sweet and playful disposition. It is very friendly, loving, and highly energetic. It is a very happy dog, and very intelligent. It gets along well with children and with other dogs and animals. It is reserved and suspicious of strangers. It is easy to train and very eager to learn, which makes it an active and enthusiastic worker.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 65-67 pounds (29.5-30.5 kg.)

Height: 22-25 inches (55-63cm.)

Color: The coat color or the Dutch Shepherd Dog can come in various shades of brindle, including gray, yellow, silver, red or gold brindle, and blue.

Country of Origin: The Dutch Shepherd Dog comes from the Netherlands, and is not really popular outside the country as compared to the related Belgian shepherds’ popularity in the US and northern Europe.

Activities: The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a highly energetic dog and likes a lot of action. This breed has to be kept physically and mentally exercised. They need to be taken outdoors for a walk or a run from time to time. The Dutch Shepherd Dog is popular for being a herder and for its quick reflexes. It has been used for agility, catch, obedience competitions, guard work, and field training companionship. The Dutch Shepherd Dog is also valued as a farm guard, cart-puller, watchdog, and police and security dog.

Grooming: The long-haired and short-haired variety need regular combing and brushing. The wire-haired variety should never be brushed and can only be combed from time to time. It needs professional plucking twice a year to remove dead and loose hairs. The excess hair on the ears should be removed. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Dutch Shepherd dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. This breed will be fine living in the city and in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors often. This is a generally healthy breed and its all-weather coat helps it to overcome cold climate.

AKA: Dansk/Svensk Gaardhund, Dansk/Svensk Gardhund, Farm Dog

Description: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a short and compact dog with a rectangularly proportional body. It has a shiny and short coat, which some say is odor-free. It has a wide chest and the tail can either be long or bob-tail. The tail is never docked as it is illegal in many European countries.

The head is triangular, with a wide skull and an obvious stop. The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is often mistaken with the Fox Terrier if not for the shape of its head and stop. The rose-shaped ears fall folded forward. The jaws are powerful and form a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is an intelligent and curious breed. It is very active and lively, always excited to play. It has a sweet temperament and is very friendly. It gets along great with children.

The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog generally gets along with other dogs but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. This is a fast and agile breed, with an instinct of a herder dog. It also has an instinct to dig, which makes it a good ratter and mouser. The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is easy to train as the dog learns quickly. It can learn a wide variety of tricks and can do many different types of dog sports.

Breed Group: Companion Dog, Working Dog

Weight: 15-25 pounds (7-12 kg.)

Height: Male 12-14 inches (32-37 cm.)

Color: The coat of the Danish-Swedish Farm Dog comes in white with chocolate brown and/or red or reddish brown; can be tricolor or bicolor.

Country of Origin: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is a very old breed, dating at least back to the 1700s. It originates in Scandinavia. It was originally called the Danish Fox Terrier or the Scanian Terrier. Oftentimes it was called the Rat Dog too.

Grooming: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog’s short coat only requires occasional brushing with a rubber brush to remove loose and dead hair. Bathe only when necessary. This breed undergoes a seasonal heavy shedding and some little shedding as the year goes on.

Activities: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is bred as a working and farm dog. It is happiest when it has a job or when its playing. It can chase after small animals like a squirrel or a rabbit, and it can rat out rats and mice. The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is also a good watch dog, barking only when necessary.

Other Info: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. It is a generally healthy breed and is a natural on a farm home. It will be fine living in an apartment as long as it it taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised.

Description: Usually in black and tan or shades of Sable, the Dakotah Shepherd is a new breed with short to medium length coats. Its size is average and the body is well-proportioned. No standard has yet been established.

Dynamics: The Dakotah Shepherd is smart and intelligent, capable of learning through a flexible training. It has a gentle temperament and is great with children. It is a loyal dog, devoted to its family. The Dakotah Shepherd is generally quiet and calm. It is a breed content with the company of a family.

Weight: 35-50 pounds (16-23 kg)

Height: 17- 21 inches (43-54 cm)

Color: The coat color of the Dakotah Shepherd is usually black & tan or shades of Sable. There may be white patches and markings on the chest and feet.

Country of Origin: The Dakotah Shepherd is a new breed being bred by the Triple M Kennel from the English Shepherd and the Dakota Shep Foundation.

Activities: The Dakotah Shepherd is being trained to be a good herder. It is also able in agility and can be used as a watchdog (although they have not yet shown any sign of aggression towards strangers).

Grooming: Occasional combing and brushing is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Shedding usually comes in the Spring and during hot temperatures.

Other Info: So far, there are no known health problems specific to this breed, although it may be prone to normal minor health concerns that all dog breeds have, like hip and elbow dysplasia. The Dakotah Shepherd will be fine in any home, as long as it is taken outdoors occasionally.

Description: The Bullmastiff has a powerful and muscular body, with a wrinkled square head and short dark-colored muzzle. The nose is black with big nostrils, the eyes are a dark hazel and medium-sized, and the ears are V-shaped and pendant. The jaws are powerful, forming a level or slightly undershot bite. The back of the Bullmastiff is straight, and the tail is set high and reaches to the hocks.

Dynamics: The Bullmastiff has a good nature and pleasant temperament. It is docile and devoted, but it can be willful sometimes. It is fearless and protective when provoked. It will not attack, but it will do its best to bring down an intruder.

The Bullmastiff is intelligent and has a good temper. It is calm and can tolerate children. It is loyal and it likes attention. Training should be firm and consistent but not extremely dominant over the dog. It is powerful and aggressive breed, although it is calm and careful. This breed is also sensitive to the voice or tone.

Socialization should start at an early age. The Bullmastiff can be very reserved with strangers, and aggressive with other dogs. They can get along with other household pets as long as they were raised together. This breed tends to drool or snore.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Working

Weight: males 110-133 lbs (50-60kg), females 100-120 lbs (45-54 kg)

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

Color: The Bullmastiff comes in brindle, fawn, or red, often has black markings on the head.

Country of Origin: The Bullmastiff originated in England, where it was developed by crossing 60% Mastiffs with 40% Bulldogs.

Activities: The Bullmastiff requires regular and moderate exercise. It tends to be lazy when it is ignored. It should not be overfed because it gains weight easily. This breed was used by gamekeepers to track down and hold poachers. It is also used as a hunting guard, as a watchdog, and used in military and police work.

Grooming: The Bullmastiff has a short and slightly rough coat so it is easy to groom. Comb and brush occasionally, and bathe only when necessary. The nails should be trimmed,

Other Info: The Bullmastiff’s life ecpectancy is under 10 years. This breed is prone to cancer. Other health problems include hip dysplasia, tumors, PRA, and eyelid problems. The Bullmastiff will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. This breed is not tolerant of extreme cold or extreme hot temperatures.