AKA: Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog, Nordiske Sitz-hunde

Description: The Norwegian Buhund is a dog of the Spitz type and is short and lightly built. It has a compact body and has a short- to medium-length coat. It has erect and pointed ears and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its tail is always carried curled over the back.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Buhund a cheerful and active dog. It is very affectionate and even loves to snuggle with people. It is also an intelligent and attentive breed, eager to please and learning very quickly. It is vigilant and is a natural watch dog, courageous, brave, and vocal without being too aggressive. It is a great people lover, and it loves its family and can also get along very well with children.

The Norwegian Buhund needs to be trained with the owner as a leader. Otherwise, it will think it can get away with doing as it pleases and may become aggressive. It can be stubborn if you can’t get it to follow your orders. The Norwegian Buhund is also known to bite or snap when provoked.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: males 31-40 pounds (14-18 kg), females 26½-35½ pounds (12-16 kg)

Height: males 17-18½ inches (43-47 cm), females 16-17½ inches (41-45 cm)

Color: The coat of the Norwegian Buhund is usually wheaten or biscuit, from light to yellowish red. But there are also Norwegian Buhunds with a black and wolf-sable coat.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Buhund originated in Norway. The breed lived since ancient times, discovered during the Gokstad excavation in Norway when skeletons from six dogs of various sizes were found.

Activities: The Norwegian Buhund is a very energetic dog and has to be exercised and taken out on a walk everyday. It also enjoys to play and romp around.

Grooming: The coat of the Norwegian Buhund only needs to be regularly brushed in order to prevent matting and tangles. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Buhund has a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Eye and hip problems are common occurrences with the breed. The Norwegian Buhund is all right living in an apartment as long as it gets its daily walk and is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Bobtail, OES, Bob
Description: The Old English Sheepdog a big sized dog that is popular of their long and thick hair and their common color of black or grey and white. They are very attractive with their very fluffy long hair that covers their eyes and even their face. Smooth and soft to touch. Their eyes are flat. Their structure and looks can be compared to a panda. Big and fluffy haired dog. They walk like a bear rolling from rear. They are also strong, has well balanced body, compact and muscular. Its eyes are dark blue or pearl blue. Ears are medium in size and flat. With jaw that is regularly long square shaped and strong and nose is black and large. Teeth in scissors bite. And have small and rounded feet.

Temperament: This breed is adaptable, friendly and very loving huggable just like a teddy bear. Never been aggressive and nervous. They are also a genius dog, easy to train dog. They are also loyal and protective to their owner. They enjoy being with children and always been considered as member of the family. However, they have a strong herding instincts that tends to herd their owners or children so they must be trained not to herd people and let them understand the rules to follow.

Activity: They are a hard working dog, especially in herding therefore they needed to have daily exercise through running, a jog or walking but must be trained to heel beside their owner imposing a leadership that they should always obey their owner’s rules.

Health: A healthy breed but could also be prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma deafness, thyroid problems, diabetes. Their life span is about 10-12 years.

Grooming: They have a very long hair that covers their eyes and face so they must b]e groomed well, be trimmed, comb and brush to prevent from being tangled and get those dead hair three times daily. To avoid skin diseases and infections. Always trim hair around their eyes for good grooming and to keep them away from eye infection. They shed heavily usually during spring season.

Breed Group: Herding, AKC Herding
Color: Grey, Black, White
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Bitches 20-22 inches (51 cm)
Weight: Dogs from 65 pounds (29 kg) Bitches from 60 pounds (27 kg)
Country Of Origin: England

Dynamics: The Old English Sheepdog was first called the Shepherd’s Dog and exhibited in a show in England that made them popular. Also, they are known as Bobtail because of their docked tail. In year 1880’s they were then exported to the United States that was first shown by 5 of the top wealthiest families in US and by that they became more popular especially in dog shows.

Photo by Harald Urnes

AKA: New Zealand Sheepdog

Description: The New Zealand Huntaway does not have a standard look. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and coat colors. This is mainly due to the fact that the breeders weren’t really concerned about the appearance of the dog and focused instead on the dog’s abilities.

Dynamics: The New Zealand Huntaway is a sheep herding dog unique for using its voice in driving the sheep. It got its name from special events called “huntaways,” developed at sheep-herding trials for the breed. The New Zealand Huntaway is not a guard dog, and is not a good watch dog. But it has a bark that can alert its owners, and it can be trained when and when not to bark. It can be trained to keep quiet and save its voice for work.

The New Zealand Huntaway is an intelligent and friendly breed. It gets along well with children, and is friendly with strangers. It is also good with non canine pets. Its owner should be calm and confident, training the dog in clear and concise ways. The owner should also know how to discourage the New Zealand Huntaway from barking when he wants something as this is allowing the dog to be dominant.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: general 40-65 pounds (18-29.5 kg); the New Zealand Huntaway come in various shapes and sizes.

Height: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)

Color: The New Zealand Huntaway comes in any color.

Country of Origin:The New Zealand Huntaway is the product of breeding barking sheep-herding dogs. There were many breeds involved in the program, including the Black Labrador, Hound, Border Collie, nd Germn Shepherd. The New Zealand Huntaway is the proof of the success of the breeding program, and is recognized in its land of origin, New Zealand, as the breed made for the intended purpose of sheep herding.

Activities: As sheep herding dogs go, the New Zealand Huntaway is an active and playful dog. It should be taken outside regularly for a walk and plenty of exercise. It should also be given a time to run around free in a safe and open area.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the coat of the New Zealand Huntaway is enough for grooming. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The New Zealand Huntaway has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. This breed is generally healthy and can do well living in an apartment as long as it has sufficient exercise.

Photo: Cgoodwin

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

AKA: Bhotia, Bhote kukur

Description: The Himalayan Sheepdog is a Nepali dog breed. It is now rare, and not much is known about it. What is known is that it is a large dog, with similarities in appearance to that of the Newfoundland dog and the Tibetan Mastiff. It has a long double coat, ranging from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is the rarest of them all. The Himalayan Sheepdog usually has a patch of white fur on the chest. It also has a long, round and hairy tail.

Dynamics: The Himalayan Sheepdog can be ferocious and strong-willed. This makes it great guard for livestock and farm houses. This breed is intelligent and at times can be very stubborn. Obedience training may be necessary. It is an excellent family dog. It is naturally reserved with strangers, though, because of its guarding instincts.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian

Weight: 62-84 lbs (28-38 kg)

Height: 26-32 inches (66-82 cm)

Color: The double coat of the Himalayan Sheepdog ranges from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is rare.

Country of Origin: Nepal

Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.

Other Info: The Himalayan Sheepdog can live for some 10-13 years if they are bred properly.

Photo by Dogsindia.com

AKA: Greek Sheepdog, Greek Shepherd

Description: The Hellenikos Poimenikos is a dog breed of medium to large size. It has a solid body and massive head, exuding superior physical strength and power. The muzzle and cheeks are wide and deep, with the jaws forming either a scissors or plain bite. The ears should not be cropped. The eyes are almond-shaped and the eyelids are tight.

The chest is broad and deep. The coat is thick, it body covered with slightly long rough-looking hair. The tail is thick at the base. Some tails are long, some are short. Some have no tail. The breed is generally characterized by its heavy bone structure, good muscle, and thick coat.

Dynamics: The Hellenikos Poimenikos is a working dog that requires great patience. It is proud and hardworking as a sheep and goat guard. It works better in pairs, moving at the sides of the flock and looking out for wolves and other predators. It is a loyal, independent, and brave dog, with a strong protective instinct for the animals and territory. It can adapt to any rough condition. It is naturally observant and wary, and it will only heed to its owner or shepherd.

The Hellenikos Poimenikos has a serious temperament. It does not tolerate violent behavior and can be dominant when the owner does not have strong leadership over it. It is wary of strangers and cautious in getting along with others. It is aggressive towards other animals. It has a loud and powerful bark that is given as a warning to back off its territory. To avoid excessive aggressiveness, proper socialization is required. The Hellenikos Poimenikos can also be trained to be trustworthy.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian

Weight: males 84-110 pounds (38-50 kg), females 70-92 pounds (32-42 kg)

Height: males 25-29 inches (65-75 cm), females 23-26 inches (60-68 cm)

Color: The coat colors of the Hellenikos Poimenikos include black, grayish-brown, and white.

Country of Origin: The Hellenikos Poimenikos originates in Greece.

Activities: The Hellenikos Poimenikos is an energetic and serious dog breed that needs to work to keep itself busy. Boredom will only cause it to develop destructive behavior and excessive barking.

Grooming: Brushing and combing at least once a week is enough. Remove dead hairs. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Hellenikos Poimenikos has a life expectancy of 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed. This breed is not meant for the city life. It is a natural flock guardian, and is best on an open field guarding the flock from wild predators.

AKA: Karakachan

Description: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a compact and well-constructed dog with a well-balanced body. It has a broad and massive head which slightly narrows at the muzzle. The nose is black, the eyes deeply placed and dark brown in color. The ears are slightly set high. The jaws form a scissors bite.

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog’s body consists of a strong neck with folds of skin, a broad chest, and a strong, straight back. The tail is carried curved or ring-shaped over the back. The legs are powerful, straight and parallel to each other. The coat is of medium length to long. Short hair covers the face and front of the legs but a fluffy layer of hair covers the rest of the body.

Dynamics: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is an easy, alert, and careful working dog. It has an independent mind, and is mildly aggressive, although this aggressiveness increases when it is threatened. It is very reserved towards strangers, and gets along well with children (at worst it is tolerant with children). Strangers aside, it is devoted and loyal to its family and the people it grew up with.

The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a true working dog, and not the usual family pet. It has a well-developed sense of smell, hearing, and sight. It can easily adapt to any environment and quickly react to any situation. It is a guard dog by heart, bred to protect and defend pets, the farm, and its family. When socialized since puppyhood with the farm animals and pets, the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog will not be a threat to them.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian

Weight: males 99-125 lbs (45-57 kg), females 88-114 lbs (40-52 kg)

Height: males 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), females 25-28 inches (63-72 cm)

Color: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog can come in any color, although usually its coat is white with big black spots.

Country of Origin: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog came from Central Asia, from the Afghanistan and Iran area, where migrations of the Bulgarians started. It can be said that the breed originated in Bulgaria.

Activities: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog is a moderately active dog, very calm and cautious in guarding and working. It only needs to do its job, and is a very serious breed.

Grooming: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog only needs to be brushed every 2-3 days. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Bulgarian Shepherd Dog has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. It is a generally healthy breed and there is no disease specifically threatening to it.

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: Chodsky Pes, Chodenhund, Czech Sheepdog, Bohemian Herder

Description: The Bohemian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with long thick fur and rich undercoat. Its body is longer than it is tall, and has a great build. It is compact and well-proportioned. Its ears stand erect and pointed, highly set on its head. This breed has a fluid gait, light and patient.

Dynamics: The Bohemian Shepherd is a patient yet active dog. It is not aggressive and can be easily trained. It has a patient temperament and gets along well with children and other dogs and pets. It is not prone to any unstable behavior. It is friendly and devoted to its family and children but is reserved with strangers.

The Bohemian Shepherd makes a great watch dog and companion dog. It has an excellent nose, is agile and is very obedient. It also excels as a guide dog and is excellent in working alongside handicapped people.

Breed Group: not recognized by any kennel club

Weight: 35-55 lbs (16-25 kg)

Height: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm)

Color: The Bohemian Shepherd’s coat color is black and tan.

Country of Origin: The Bohemian Shepherd originates in the Czech Republic. It has been known to exist there since the 1300s and has been professionally bred since the 1500s.

Grooming: The Bohemian Shepherd is easy to groom despite its long hair. Occasional brushing is enough. Like any other shepherd dog, it udnergoes normal shedding in the summer.

Activities: The Bohemian Shepherd is very active, hardworking, and loves a great challenge. This breed is used for herding, search and rescue, service-training, agility, and sledding. It is also an excellent watch and guard dog, as well as a patient companion dog.

Other Info: The Bohemian Shepherd can live indoors and outdoors. What is important is that it can connect with the people it is with since this breed is people-oriented.

AKA: Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Shepherd, Chien de Berger Beige

Description: The most popular the four Belgian shepherd dogs, the Groenendael is a muscular black dog with a body that is squarely proportioned. It has a coat that is moderately long, especially a little full at the neck, underside, legs, and tail. The face and lower legs have short hair. The Groenendael has a dense undercoat.

The Groenendael has almond-shaped brown eyes, a black nose, and triangular ears that stand erect. The muzzle is long and the chest is deep, reaching into the elbow. The front legs are straight and parallel to each other. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs but it is imperatively removed from the back legs. The feet is cat-like and round. The skull is flat and the teeth is in a scissors or level bite.

Dynamics: The Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is a serious, smart, and obedient dog. It has strong protective and territorial instincts, which makes it a very good shepherd and guard dog. It can be shy or sensitive, and needs extensive socialization from puppyhood. The training should be patient and not harsh for the Groenendael has a tendency to be uncooperative if it feels heated upon.

Due to its protective instincts and loyalty, the Groenendael can become an excellent police and guard dog. But it can also be a very good pet. It is a loving companion and it is good with children if socialized with them.

The Groenendael is best when it has something to do. If left alone, it will find some ways to entertain itself. It has a lot of energy inside it and can be dominant at times. Extra care should be taken when introducing it with other dogs and non-canine pets. The breed tends to be dominant over them unless properly socialized.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 65-75 lbs (29-34 kg), females 60-70 lbs (27-32 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (55-61 cm)

Color: The Groenendael’s coat is black. Some may posses a little white on the chest, chin or toes.

Country of Origin: The Groenendael, or the Belgian Shepherd, got its name from a village in Belgium. It was bred by Nicholas Rose, by pairing a Petite and a Picard d’Uccle.

Activities: This working dog needs a lot of exercise and is used to an active outdoor life. It is also best for them to be free from a leash and kennel and in a safe area.

Grooming: Grooming the Groenendael requires daily combing and brushing because of its heavy outer coat and dense undercoat. Take special care when they are shedding. Clip hair to form the ruff and legs, toes, and outer ears. The Groenendael sheds twice a year with additional shedding throughout.

Other Info: The Groenendael has a life expectancy of 13-14 years. It hardly has any major health problems but it is prone to epilepsy,skin allergies,eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. It also has a tendency to be either excessively shy or excessively aggressive, and this is generally not a good thing for a Groenendael. Be careful not to overfeed this breed because it can become lazy and obese.

This breed will be okay in an apartment but it has to be sufficiently exercise and taken outdoors from time to time. It will sometimes want to sleep outdoors, though generally it wants to be with his family.

Presently, the Groenendael is being used in herding, as a watch and guard dog, in drug detection, search and rescue, and as a family companion.