AKA: (pl. Pulik) Puli, Hungarian Water Dog

Description: The Hungarian Puli is an memdium-sized sheepdog with a unique and distinctive corded coat. This heavily corded coat can reach up to the ground, making the dog look like a fluffy mop. The Hungarian Puli’s body is squarely proportional and muscular. The head is egg-shaped and the tail is curled tightly over the back. The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and the ears are left hanging.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Puli is lively and cheerful. It is loyal to its family and is an excellent family companion. It is an intelligent breed that can adapt to most surroundings and conditions. It is not an aggressive kind, but is wary of strangers and annoyed by children that tease and are rough on them.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg), females 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)

Height: males 16 to 17½ inches (41-46 cm), females 14½ to 16 inches (36-41 cm)

Color: The most common colors for the Hungarian Puli are black, any shade of gray, and apricot. White is rare in this breed.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Puli came to Hungary with the Magyar tribe thousands of years ago and is one of the ancient breeds known to have settled in the country.

Activities: The Hungarian Puli has a lot of energy and should be given freedom to run around and play. It is also fond of water and swimming can be an exercise for them. The Hungarian Puli is used as a herder and flock guardian, and also as a family companion dog.

Grooming: The Mats formed when the coat starts to “cord” around should be separated manually and regularly. Clumps should be torn for the tip to the skin. Bathing the Hugarian Puli is easy but drying it takes some time. Without a dryer, it will take two days for the coat to dry. The eyes and ears should be cleaned and the nails trimmed.

Other Info: The Hungarian Puli has a life expectancy of 12 years or more. There no major health problems known within this breed, but it is still prone to hip dysplasia and eye and ear infections. The Hungarian Puli can adapt to any environment. It can live in the city, country, farm, etc. It is okay with any climate.

Photo by Sannse

Description: The Hovawart is a large and massive-looking dog that has the physical features of the Golden Retriever. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, and is covered with thick and slightly long hair. There is feathering on its chest, legs, undersides, and tail. The Hovawart carries its tail low and hanging past the hocks.

The Hovawart has a powerful head and a rounded forehead. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The color of the eyes, nose and nails go along with the color of the coat.

Dynamics: The Hovawart is generally calm and has a gentle temper. But it can also be energetic and very active, especially when outdoors. It is obedient and affectionate companion, and is loyal to its family. This breed is excellent with children and other household pets, although it might show aggressiveness to other dogs of the same sex.

The Hovawart is an intelligent and cautious breed. It is reserved with strangers, but is friendly with those that tits owner knows. It is brave and protective, making a good watchdog. It is quick to learn as long as the training is firm and consistent. Socialization should start from puppyhood.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 55-90 pounds (25-51 kg.)

Height: 23-28 inches (58-70 cm.)

Color: The dense coat of the Hovawart comes in blonde, black, or black and tan.

Country of Origin: The Hovawart originates in Germany, becoming nearly extinct in the 1200s but was revived in the 1920s by Kurt Konig.

Activities: The Hovawart has great energy and adaptability. It requires lots of exercises and play sessions to keep fit. This breed is suited for tracking, search and rescue, watchdogging, schutzhund, and defense situations.

Grooming: The Hovawart’s coat needs occasional brushing and combing to remove dead hair and avoid tangles in the hair.

Other Info: The Hovawart has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. It is a generally healthy breed. Underactive thyroid is common, though. The breed is also prone to common health issues like hip dysplasia. The Hovawart is not for the city or apartment life. It prefers a home where there is an open space. It prefers cool climates and can be an outstanding watchdog.

Photo by Ursula Schneider

AKA: Scotch Collie, Old Farm Collie

Description: The Farm Collie is more popularly known as the Scotch Collie, and there are two varieties of the breed: the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie. In general, about the only difference between the two is the coat the breed has. The Smooth Collie has shorter hair than that of the Rough Collie. The Rough Collie has a very long coat that there is a ruff around its neck, feathery hair on the legs, a petticoat on its abdomen, and frills on its hindquarters.

The Farm Collie has a long triangular head, with only a slight stop and the jaws forming a scissors bite. The head is a distinctive feature of the Farm Collie, as it is more pointed than usual. The ears are set high on its head in a triangular shape. The ears are generally bent, with the tips sloping forward. The nose is black and the eyes are almond-shaped.

The body is longer than the dog is tall, with a straight back and deep chest. The tail is carried down when relaxed, and carried high in a curve when the dog is alert or excited.

Dynamics: The personality of the Farm Collie will be influenced by how it is raised. But generally, the Farm Collie has a friendly and calm personality. It gets along with children well, and can be trusted with other household pets and other dogs. It is smart and intelligent and is very easy to train. Training should be firm and gentle. The Farm Collie is also loyal and protective. It is usually calm and mild but can be alert and vocal, which makes it a good watchdog. The Farm Collie requires human company, else they will become bored and become boisterous.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 45-70 pounds (21-32 kg) females 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg)

Height: males 21-24 inches (53-61 cm) females 19-22 inches (48-56 cm)

Color: Both varieties of the Farm Collie has four distinct colors (or combinations): sable (ranging from light-blonde to reddish brown, with any hue in between), tricolor (mostly black and whit with tan markings), blue merle tricolor (gray-blue and white with tan markings), and white (with a little head coloration of any of the other three color combinations mentioned).

Country of Origin: The Farm Collie, as its alternative name Scotch Collie depicts, originally came from Scotland Northern England. The original form of the Farm Collie was heavier and less fine-boned than today’s Rough and Smooth Collies.

Activities: The Farm Collie is an active and energetic breed, and it requires a relative amount of exercise. As a herding breed, it needs to have a job to do or some action. It also likes play sessions, but will usually content itself to watching over its family and the property. The Farm Collie can be used as a watchdog, for assistance and therapy, guide, dogs, herding, and as a companion dog.

Grooming: The Farm Collie needs to be thoroughly combed and brushed regularly. Shedding is mostly moderate, but is heavy during the shedding season.

Other Info: The Farm Collie has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. It is a generally healthy breed and it suffers from very little medical problems. This breed can live in an apartment as long as it is given enough exercises. The Farm Collie prefers to be on farms and have lots of space to run around.

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: Ciobanesc Romanesc de Bucovina, Ciobanesc de Bucovina, Romanian Bukovina Sheepdog, Bukovina Wolfdog, Bukovinac, Bukovina Sheepdog

Description: The Bucovina Sheepdog is a strong and rustic dog, with a massive head and wide skull. It has a well developed muzzle, with a black nose. It has thick lips and jaws that form a scissors bite. Its eyes are chestnut colored or lighter, almond-shaped, small and slanting. The ears are set high, hanging very close to the cheeks.

The body of the Bucovina Sheepdog is muscular, with a bulky neck and wide chest. The tail is bushy, held low when the dog is relaxed but held high when the dog is alert. The hair is short on the head and front of the legs, but it abundant on the rest of the body.

Dynamics: The Bucovina Sheepdog is a well-balanced and gentle dog. It is calm, devoted, and is excellent with children. It loves to play and will do its best with a lot of space. It makes an excellent watch dog because it does not trust strangers and can be very combative when necessary. This breed also has a very powerful and loud bark.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian

Weight: in accordance with size

Height: males 27-30 inches (68-78 cm), females 25-28 inches (64-72 cm)

Color: The Bucovina Sheepdog usually has a white coat with sand-charcoal, black, or brindled patches. Black or other color drops on the legs is fine. There are also dogs that have solid or uniform colors, mostly pure white or black.

Country of Origin: The Bucovina Sheepdog was bred in the Carpathic region of Bucovina (hence the name), North-East of Romania.

Activities: The Bucovina Sheepdog is calm, yet it has bountiful energy and loves to play a lot. It should be exercised often, taken outdoors because it likes to hav e a lot of space to move around. It was bred to be herd guardians, keeping watch over sheep and cattle against thieves or preying animals. Today, it is being used as a guard go and family companion.

AKA: Berger de Brie, Berger Briard

Description: The Briard is a large herding dog characterized by its coarse, long, and slightly wavy coat. It has a bushy look all over, and it has a beard, mustache, and shaggy eyebrows. It has a black nose and its ears can be cropped or left naturally. The tail is feathery, and has a crochet hook at the tip.

Dynamics: The Briard is a natural herder and farm worker dog. It is always alert and has a strong protective instinct. It is sensitive and is equipped with an exceptional hearing ability. It is gentle and sweet, and brave and loyal that it makes an excellent watchdog.

The Briard is very intelligent and has a good memory. It is eager to please its owner, but it also has a will of its own. Training it should involve showing who is the master because it can be stubborn if not raise properly. Socialization should begin in its early years and the training has to be consistent. The Briard can become destructive and very unfriendly if it is not brought up well. It can get along with children and other household pets but it has to be treated with affection and respect.

The Briard is a very dedicated and faithful dog to its family, almost to the point that it disregards other people. This breed requires lots of activities and work to satisfy its energy and be happy.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: average 75 lbs (35 kg)

Height: males 24-27 inches (62-68 kg), females 22-25 inches (56-64 kg)

Color: The Briard comes in either black, gray, or tawny. The coat of the tawny Briard puppy will turn to a lighter yearling coat, and then deepen again to a darker color as it grows.

Country of Origin: The Briard is an ancient breed that originated in France. It became popular in 1863. By this time, its look has improved because of crosses with the Beauceron and Barbet.

Activities: The Briard is a breed that is happy when it’s working, otherwise it becomes restless and destructive. It needs to be exercised enough and given the time to run around freely. The Briard is a natural herder and flock guardian, but it is also used in search and rescue, police work, military work, watchdogging, and guarding.

Grooming: The Briard’s coat is coarse and a little rough. It doesn’t get dirty easily. But it can become matted if not brushed regularly. Excessive hair in the ears and between the pads of its feet should be removed. The ears should be checked regularly, too.

Other Info: The Briard has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. It is a healthy breed but is prone to PRA, cataracts, and hip dysplasia. This breed is also prone to bloat and may experience stomach torsion, which can be fatal. The Briard will get along fine in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors. This breed is devoted to be with its family, but it also loves to be outdoors.

AKA: Flanders Cattle Dog, Vlaamse Koehend

Description: The Bouvier des Flandres is a massive and heavily-coated dog that has a thick beard and mustache. It also has shaggy eyebrows that add to its distinctive appearance. It has a black nose, dark brown oval-shaped eyes, and teeth that form a scissors bite. Its ears stand erect, triangular in shape, and may be cropped.

The Bouvier des Flandres has a proportionately square body. It has a broad and deep chest, and the tail is docked. The legs are muscular, with the front legs perfectly straight.

Dynamics: The Bouvier des Flanders is a gentle-mannered and calm dog. It is obedient and can be trained easily. It is intelligent enough to learn commands quickly, but the training has to be consistent, balanced, and firm. The Bouvier also needs to be clear on who the master is to avoid dominance problems.

The Bouvier is excellent with children, and can get along well with other household pets is socialized at an early age. Socialization is important to prevent over-protectiveness or shyness in the breed. The Bouvier is sometimes suspicious and reserved with strangers. But generally, it is a lively, enthusiastic, and responsible dog.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 75-90 lbs (34-41 kg), females 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg)

Height: males 23-28 inches (58-71 cm), females 22-27 inches (56-69 cm)

Color: The coat of the Bouvier des Flandres comes in black, fawn, blonde, gray, or brindle. Some may have a white marking on the chest.

Country of Origin: The Bouvier des Flandres comes from Belgium, where it was bred from a cross between the Griffon and the Beauceron.

Activities: The Bouvier des Flandres has an average demand for exercise. A daily walk and exercises would be sufficient for it to remain healthy and active. The Bouvier des Flandres is currently used as a watchdog and guard dog as well as a tracking dog. It is also being used as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue, police work, military work, carting, competitions, and schutzhund.

Grooming: The Bouvier des Flandres’ coat requires some attention when it comes to grooming. The coat has to be brushed regularly. Bathe or dry shampoo only when needed. Excess hair inside the ears and between the pads of the feet should be removed or trimmed. The coat needs to be trimmed at least three times a year.

Other Info: The Bouvier des Flandres has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. It is a healthy breed and is accustomed to harsh conditions. It is still prone to some health conditions though, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. The Bouvier des Flandres will do well in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently 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: 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.