Description: The Nebolish Mastiff is considered the most agile dog of the Mastiff breeds. Its body is muscular, structured with large bones. Its head is broad, its chest is wide, and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its coat is usually short or medium-length. But there are also Nebolish Mastiff dogs with long coats. Its body ends with a tail that can be docked.

Dynamics: The Nebolish Mastiff is a fearless, alert, and intelligent breed. It is known to be stubborn if it thinks that its owner cannot handle it well. Once a part of the family, however, it becomes a oyal and very protective companion. It brings about an air of dignity, and is good natured, patient, and even tempered. It can be playful with children and get along with them well. Socialization is important, of course, to void destructive behavior in the dog.

In training the Nebolish Mastiff, the owner has to achieve sort of pack leader status. He or she has to be dominant over the dog, otherwise the Nebolish Mastiff will belittle you and not follow you. It is intelligent this way. The training also has to be consistent and firm, with the line between the leader and the follower clear between the owner and the Nebolish Mastiff.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Working

Weight: 95-200 pounds (43-90 kg)

Height: 27-36 inches (79-90 cm)

Color: The coat of the Nebolish Mastiff can be either fawn or brindle, of any shade of the colors, including a rare silver. The coat can also have markings, although it is preferred that the dog not have any markings at all. The markings can be a black mask or any white markings on the body.

Country of Origin: The Nebolish Mastiff is one of the rarest breeds of the Mastiff types. The breed was developed in the Northwest and Canada, back in the late 1960s. There have been many reports on the exact breakdown of the breeding program of the Nebolish Mastiff, all still just claims and with no certainty.

Activities: The Nebolish Mastiff loves to run and swim, and so this dog should be taken out everyday for its daily delights. Walking everyday with a little play session can suffice for those owners who do not have much time on their hands. When walking out, the Nebolish Mastiff should be made to heel beside or behind the owner, as a sign that you are the leader and the dog should follow you. Otherwise, it will ignore you and take off on its own to have fun.

Grooming: Combing or brushing regularly is enough as a grooming routine for the Nebolish Mastiff. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Nebolish Mastiff has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. It is generally a very healthy breed, developed to be agile and free of genetic defects. This breed is not fit to live in an apartment, as it likes to explore and occasionally romp around. This breed loves warm climate, and loves the water.

Photo: Boxers of Whiteface Ranch

Description: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge has a square head that appears larger then its body. The head is a little wrinkled, with the forehead flat and sunken between the eyes. Its eyes are set low and a little far apart from each other. Its ears are set high and are round-tipped. The jaws are large, with the lower one turned up an protruding beyond the upper jaw. The muzzle is short but broad, and the dewlap has two folds.

The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge is known for its size and strength. It is bigger than the Olde English Bulldogge. It body is very muscular and proportional, although the neck is short and the head is large. The shoulders are broad, the chest deep, and the ribs so well-rounded. The front legs can either be straight of slightly bowed. The legs and thighs are as well-muscled as the rest of the body. The dog’s tail can either be cork-screwed, pump-handled, or bent. Its coat is short and is slightly coarse.

Dynamics: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge is a sweet and friendly dog. It gets along well with the entire family, including the children. It is playful and affectionate. It can be dominant, though, and may want to show their power to the submissive dogs through play. It is also reserved with strangers, and can be protective and a little territorial with people it doesn’t know. Socialization is important, and training should begin at puppyhood. Whoever owns a Larson Lakeview Bulldogge should also know how to be assertive towards this breed. It has to know that you should be obeyed, else it will act dominant towards you as well.

Breed Group: Working

Weight: males 70-110 pounds (32-50 kg), females 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg)

Height: males 20 inches (51 cm) and up, females 16 inches (41 cm) and up

Color: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge usually comes in brindle on white. The brindles can be red, grey, black, or brown. Calicos also exist.

Country of Origin: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge was bred by Kevin Larson at the Larson Lakeview Kennels, in Minnesota, USA. It took seven years and lots of breeds (American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and Bull Terrier) to finally make the breed.

Activities: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge is a working dog, and needs to be doing something in order for it not to become destructive. It needs to be taken on daily walks to exhaust some of its energy. It also likes to run around. Play is something that it looks forward to everyday.

Grooming: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge has short fair so there is no need for heavy grooming. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. It is also healthy for the most part, which is unusual for any kind of bulldog. This breed may not do well in an apartment since it likes to run around and play a lot, preferably on a large yard.

Photo: Great Dog Site

AKA: Water Dog of Romagna, Romagna Water Dog

Description: The Lagotto Romagnolo, or just Lagotto, is a small- to medium-sized dog with a squarely proportional body. Its eyes are big and round, in ca color between dark yellow ad dark brown. The head is big but proportional to its body, and its teeth forms a scissors bite. The ears are shped like a triangle with rounded tips. The coat is wooly and curly. The front legs is straight, as is the topline of the Lagotto Romagnolo.

Dynamics: The Lagotto Romagnolo is gifted in searching, especially truffle searching, because of its good nose. It is also a hardworking dog, always needing a job to do to keep itself occupied. This is an intelligent dog, and it can get along with others. It can get along with other dogs and is a good family companion. It is loyal to its family, and is very affectionate and easy to train. The Lagotto is a very energetic dog that likes to play, too. They are especially good at agility sports. It also has a happy disposition and has the willingness to work.

Breed Group: Sporting

Weight: Male 28-35 pounds (13-16 kg.) Female 5-6.5 pounds (11-14 kg.)

Height: Male 17-19 inches (43-49 cm.) Female 14-16 inches (36-41cm.)

Color: The Lagotto can be off-white, solid white, or white with brown or rust patches. It can also be brown or rust-colored, and a brown mask is also common.

Country of Origin: The Lagotto Romagonolo belongs to an ancient breed from Italy, in the lowlands of Comacchio and the marshlands of Ravenna.

Activities: The Lagotto Romagnolo is a natural when it comes to searching and retrieving. The breed was especially honed for the purpose of truffle searching. The Lagotto also loves to take a long walk. It also loves to swim. It also loves mud, and digging big holes so be careful when you let it out on the open.

Grooming: The Lagotto Romagnolo has a dense and curly coat so it needs to be regularly groomed. Bathe when necessary, but make sure to comb the hair on a regular basis to avoid the coat becoming matted.

Other Info: The Lagotto Romagnolo has a life expectancy of 16 years or more. It will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is taken outside for its daily exercise.

Photo by: Pleple2000

AKA: Kuvasz

Description: The Hungarian Kuvasz is a majestic and muscular sheepdog that has a fine bone structure and sturdy body. It is rectangularly proportional, longer than it is tall. It has a medium-length coat, either straight or wavy. The skin is dark despite having white hair. The hair on the head and feet is short, while it is abundant around the neck, chest, and tail. The coat is even much fuller in the winter. The tail is carried low but is raised when the Kuvasz is excited. Dewclaws on the hind legs should be removed.

The head is also finely boned and structured. The nose, the lips and inside the mouth are black. The ears are folded and hanging close to the head. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Kuvasz is an intelligent and brave sheepdog. It is also very protective and territorial. Its devotion to its family keeps it determined to protect and defend its people and territory. It can be willful and stubborn at times though, showing its independent side. Training the Hungarian Kuvasz will require a firm but gentle hand, and consistency.

Socialization is also important starting from puppyhood. The Hungarian Kuvasz can get along well with children if raised with them. It will be gentle and patient with the owner’s children, but may be suspicious of others. It is reserved and cautious of strangers. It also has the tendency to be annoyed with other animals. Dominance and aggression over another dog is common with this breed.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian, Working

Weight: males 100-115 pounds (45-52kg), females 70-90 pounds (32-41kg)

Height: males 28-30 inches (71-76cm), females 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)

Color: The skin of the Hungarian Kuvasz is generally dark, and the darker the better. The coat, however, is always white. Ivory coats are rare and not acceptable on shows.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Kuvasz comes from Hungary, where its popularity was at it peak back during King Matthias Corvinus’ reign. This breed was almost extinct during WWII but was revived.

Activities: The Hungarian Kuvasz need regular exercise and has the need to work always. It serves as a flock guardian, herder, and as a companion dog.

Grooming: The Hungarian Kuvasz’ thick coat should be brushed regularly. Avoid bathing it; instead rub talcum powder or cornstarch into the coat and brush it out. Check behind the ears for matting.

Other Info: The Hungarian Kuvasz has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is prone to common health issues like hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (due to inflammation of shoulder joints), hypertrophic osteodystrophy, skin problems and allergies. The Hungarian Kuvasz is not suitable for the city or apartment life. It is at its best when it is on an open area. It should not be left alone too long as it may become destructive. It prefers cold climates and is uncomfortable in warm weather.

Photo by Kuvaszprince

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.

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: 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: 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: Berner, Berner Sennenhund, Bouvier Bernois, Bovaro Bernese, Durrbachler

Description: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy medium-sized dog that appears heavy with its moderately long weather-resistant coat. The coat can be either straight or slightly wavy. The breed has a broad head, with a slight furrow in the middle. The ears are triangular and pendant. The eyes are dark and carry with it a gentle expression. The nose is black, and the teeth forms a scissors bite.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a compact body and a wide chest. It has a brisket that goes down to elbow. Dewclaws from the legs should be removed. It carries its long and bushy tail low but sometimes raises it up in an upward curve when it is alert.

Dynamics: The Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent and cheerful breed. It is easy to train and is a natural watchdog. It is a very friendly dog that can get along well with strangers and other pets and dogs. It also gets along well with children. Like other breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog has to be socialized as a puppy in order to avoid excessive shyness or excessive aggressiveness, as it is generally a sensitive dog.

The Bernese is neither sharp nor shy. It is good-natured and self-confident. It may be slow to mature, and be puppy-like and very playful for quite some time. The breed is also people-oriented, and loves to be with people.

Breed Group: Working, Guardian Dogs

Weight: males 85-110 lbs (38-50 kg), females 80-105 lbs (36-48 kg)

Height: males 24-28 inches (61-71 cm), females 23-27 inches (58-69 cm)

Color: The coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a tricolor double coat of black with symmetrical markings of rust and white. There is a white blaze on its chest, head, and toes. The rust markings are found over each eye, on the cheeks, on the sides of the chest, under the tail, and on each leg.

Grooming: Regular brushing of its long thick coat is required in grooming this breed. Extra care is especially needed when it is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.

Country of Origin: The exact origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog is not definite, but it is believed to have come from the Swiss mountains. There was an influx of foreign dogs in the 19th century which led Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib and others to preserve the breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog was named after the Berne canton of Switzerland where it is popular.

Activities: Bred as a farm dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog has been used in driving livestock, draft work, and farm guarding. It is also used for tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, search and rescue, carting, and competitive obedience. It is also a great companion dog with its calm and happy temperament. This breed needs regular exercises and outdoor activities.

Other Info: Normally, the life expectancy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is about 10-12 years. But it has recently decreased to 6-8 years. Despite it being a hardy breed, cancer is a very common cause of death. Many Berners die young from it, in fact. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eyelid problems. The Bernese Mountain Dog is not suitable for an apartment life. They do better in an open area and like being outdoors. This breed prefers cool climates, due to a discomfort when in warm weather.