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: 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

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: Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bulldog

Description: The French Mastiff is a mastiff breed that is short, stocky, and muscular. Its head is a distinctive feature, with an undershot and powerful jaw, and a distinguishable black or red mask around and under the nose, lips, and eye rims. The nostrils are very open and the upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The ears naturally hang down.

There is a dewlap on the neck. The thick skin is loose. The front legs are straight and the tail is straight, curving when the dog is excited.

Dynamics: The French Mastiff has a calm and gentle personality, although originally it was considered ferocious. It is a brave and loyal companion, and is patient and devoted to its family. It is gentle with children and other family members. It makes a wonderful watchdog and guard dog.

The French Mastiff can be aggressive with other dogs. It has to be socialized and trained firmly from an early age. The male French Mastiff generally does not tolerate other male dogs.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2kg)

Height: 23-30 inches (58-75cm)

Color: The French Mastiff comes in shades of fawn to mahogany. The black or red mask on the face is always present. White markings on the toes and chest are acceptable.

Country of Origin: The French Mastiff comes from France, where it has been a dog of many services throughout history, from being a war dog to becoming a cattle driver and bodyguard.

Activities: The French Mastiff needs a lot of exercise as it has a huge amount of energy within. This breed has served man throughout history as a war dog, flock guardian, dog fighter, cattle driver, watch dog, and guard dog.

Grooming: The French Mastiff’s coat does not need that much attention. An occasional combing and brushing is enough.

Other Info: The French Mastiff has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, although litters are small and birth is difficult because of the puppies’ large heads. The French Mastiff will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.