AKA: Lajka Ruissisch Europaisch, Karelean Bear Laika, Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka, Laika, Russko-European Laika, Russian-European Laika

Description: The Russo-European Laika is wolf-like in appearance and generally has a white-marked black coat that is short and rough. It has a triangular head with an elongated muzzle, with dark eyes, large erect ears, and black nose. Its jaws form a scissors bite. The neck is short but strong, and the body is hardy with a deep oval chest. Its legs are powerful, and the tail is carried curled up. There are come Russo-European Laika that are born tailless.

Dynamics: The Russo-European Laika is an affectionate and devoted dog. When it reaches the age of eight months or older, it becomes attached to its owner and never forgets him or her. This breed can get aggressive and suspiciously reserved with strangers, and is not for the weak of heart. It does not bite though, fortunately. It usually avoids being petted or touched. To remedy this attitude, it is strongly recommended that the Russo-European Laika be socialized and handled and petted more often beginning at puppyhood. It will also get along well with children through socialization.

The Russo-European Laika is a territorial dog and usually show heavy dislike when its domain is intruded by other pets or another dog. This dog is a hunter, and its hunting instincts and attitude can be discriminating against predators and small game and prey. The Russo-European Laika should be taught as a puppy to leave domesticated animals and other household pets alone.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 40-50 pounds

Height: 20-24 inches

Color: The Russo-European Laika has a black coat that has white patches. There are dogs of this breed with a gray or red coat, and black is not really the standard color. However, black with white markings is the most common and is therefore the one generally accepted by the majority.

Country of Origin: The Russo-European Laika was bred in Russia and Finland in the 1700s.

Activities: Like all dogs, the Russo-European Laika needs to be walked daily and be given time to romp around and exercise itself. It is a natural hunter, and is an expert in treeing small game like squirrels and raccoons and baying moose, wild boar, and bears. The Russo-European Laika also makes a great guard dog because it gets easily alerted by other dogs, animals, and intruders.

Grooming: The coat of the Russo-European Laika is short, and so wiping it over with a damp cloth or an occasional brushing is enough to groom the dog. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: This is generally a healthy dog. The Russo-European Laika is not a city dog and may not do well living in an enclosed home or apartment.

Photo: Konrad Loesch

Description: The Roman Rottweiler is just like the standard Rottweiler, except that it is bigger and more mastiff-like in appearance and temperament. Its large and massive body brings out an impressive and noble air. Its head is broad and heavy, with some wrinkling, and a deep and well-defined stop. Its muzzle is full and also broad, and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its lips are well-developed and thick. Its eyes are deep set and well apart, and its pendant ears are carried forward and also set apart. It mouth and nose are dark in color, with the nose usually black but really just follows the base color of its coat.

The Roman Rottweiler’s coat is thick and can be long. The usually desired coat is a thick plush one. Its chest is deep with well sprung oval ribs. Its legs are muscular and powerful. Its tail can either be docked or left natural and curved over the back

Dynamics: The Roman Rottweiler has a calm and confident temperament. It is highly trainable, is athletic, courageous, and reliable. Of course, firm and consistent training and socialization is needed. Without a firm hand to guide it, it can become aggressive and uncontrollable. But it is usually a very loyal and devoted dog. It is an intelligent breed and and is a good worker and companion mixed into one. It can also get along well with children and other household pets as long as it has been socialized with them since puppyhood. It can get suspicious with strangers but it is amiable with family and friends.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Flock Guardian

Weight: males at least 120 pounds (54 kg), females at least 80 pounds (36 kg)

Height: males at least 26 ½ inches (67 cm)and can grow to more than 30 inches (76 cm), females at least 24 ½ inches (63 cm) up to 29 inches (74 cm) or more

Color: The coat color of the Roman Rottweiler can be black and tan, black and rust, black and dark, black and mahogany, red and tan, blue and tan or black. Other colors can be expected but not as desirable as those mentioned.

Country of Origin: The Roman Rottweiler came to Europe with the Roman legions, before that serving to herd and protect cattle that fed the Roman soldiers as they were crossing the Alps. The breed was settled in Germany, and this proved to be its end. The Germans wanted Rottweilers smaller in size and began breeding the now popular Rottweiler while the Roman Rottweiler’s line slowly shrunk.

Activities: The Roman Rottweiler should be walked everyday and sufficiently exercised. It likes to run in an open area and there will be no worry for the owner because the Roman Rottweiler will not wander away. Swimming and retrieving a ball is also a favorite past time.

Grooming: The coat of the Roman Rottweiler is easy to groom. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Of course, if the Roman Rottweiler has a long coat then it needs more attention. But normally, brushing everyday is the most important.

Other Info: The Roman Rottweiler has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is susceptible to ACL damage and hip dysplasia. It is also prone to entropion, and it tends to snore and overeat. This breed will do okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: CollosalRottweilers.com

AKA: Little River Duck Dog, Yarmouth Toller

Description: The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is like a small Golden Retriever in form. It is well muscled and strongly boned with strong sturdy legs. Its head is clean-cut and triangular in shaped, with ears that are set high. Its coat is dense and straight, with a slight wave on its back.

Dynamics: The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is an obedient and sensible dog. It is very devoted to its family and makes a good companion. It also gets along well with the children. It can be reserved around strangers, but with proper socialization as it grows up the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever can become a very playful dog. Its energy can largely be seen as it works and hunts. This breed is hardworking and has a natural tolling ability. It also naturally likes retrieving games, and is very eager for play and training sessions.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 37-51 pounds (17-23 kg)

Height: 17-21 inches (43-53 cm)

Color: The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever can come in various shades of red and orange. It can have small white markings on its feet, chest, tail tip and on the face.

Country of Origin: The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever comes from Canada, where it was developed to lure in ducks in the manner of a fox. This breed was crossed with retrievers and working spaniels, a combination which made them great in hunting and retrieving.

Activities: The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever has a lot of energy that it needs a lot of physical exercise. Daily walks and play or hunting sessions is great for this dog.

Grooming: The coat of the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever should be brushed and combed regularly with a firm bristle brush. Dry shampoo regularly but bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. It is a healthy working breed, although its limited gene pool is expressing an increase in health dangers. The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever will do well living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Malgorzata Korbel

Description: The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest breeds among the working terriers, alongside the Norfolk Terrier. Its short body is strong and sturdy, however, and it is accompanied with strong-boned legs. Its face has jaunty whiskers and eyebrows, and its muzzle is fox-like with large solid teeth. Its eyes are dark and expressive. Its ears stand upright. Its coat is wiry and straight, and the body ends with a tail docked by half.

Dynamics: The Norwich Terrier is an affectionate and assertive dog. It loves without any nervousness or trouble. It is also intelligent and is very easy to train. Training this breed has to be consistent and firm to be taught, however. Unstable discipline from its owner will only cause the dog to be confused. This is dog that loves everyone and is eager to please. It is good with children and can also get along well with other pets.

The Norwich Terrier is very active and courageous, and these traits may be the reason that it can be difficult to housebreak. Owning this dog means letting it know that you are the leader of the pack else the Norwich Terrier may develop the Small Dog Syndrome and think that he is the leader. This can potentially lead to behavior problems.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.5kg)

Height: 10 inches (25cm)

Color: The Norwich Terrier’s coat can be in red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, and grizzle. It can occasionally have white markings, too.

Country of Origin: The Norwich Terrier came from England. It was once grouped with the Norfolk Terrier as one breed but they were officially separated in 1964 due to physical differences. For one, the Norwich Terrier has prick ears while the Norfolk Terrier has its ears dropped. The Norwich Terrier is also more round in body while the Norfolk Terrier is more angular.

Activities: The Norwich Terrier was bred to work. It has a lot of energy and is usually active. It needs to be taken out on a walk daily and should also be allowed some exercise or play sessions.

Grooming: The Norwich Terrier has a shaggy average coat that is waterproof and easy to take care of. Daily combing and brushing is enough. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwich Terrier has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. This is a hardy breed but can also suffer from back and eye problems. The Norwich Terrier will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: DavidBarak

AKA: Norsk Elghund Gra, Norsk Elghund Sort

Description: The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog of the Spitz type. It has a sturdy body and a squarely build. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, and the muzzle and pointed prick ears are black. Its ears are very mobile and its eyes are dark brown. Its strong jaws form a scissors bite. Its body is relatively short, its chest deep and wide. The body ends with a tail rolled tightly over its back. Its forelegs are straight, and its paws are small and tight, with thick pads. The Norwegian Elkhound has no doggie smell.

Dynamics: The Norwegian Elkhound is a friendlt and energetic dog. It is also reliable and fearless. This breed makes a sensible guard dog, being so reserved with strangers and able to alert its family or companions for anything suspicious. The Norwegian Elkhound is generally an independent dog, but it can also be loyal and affectionate to its owners. Training this breed will require the owner to show good pack leadership. Gentle but firm discipline is needed.

The Norwegian is also good at hunting, bred to hold its prey at bay until the hunter arrives to finish the job. This breed can bark a lot and has to be taught when to stop. The Norwegian Elkhound also likes to roam around. This breed may be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. It is also not certain whether this dog gets along with noncanine pets or not. It is best to watch over this breed when it is in the company of smaller pets.

Breed Group: Northern, Hound

Weight: males 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), females 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)

Height: males 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.), females 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)

Color: The Norwegian Elkhound has a stand-off double coat that is of a gray color with a lighter undercoat and undersides.

Country of Origin: The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the most ancient breeds, dating back to 4000 to 5000 B.C. It originated in Norway. It was particularly used as a hunter dog in Scandinavia, especially when the game is a moose or an elk. This breed is good at scent tracking and can hold a quarry at bay for its owner. Aside from hunting, the Norwegian Elkhound is also used as a sled dog. Other talents also include herding, watchdogging, guarding, and agility.

Activities: The Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog that always needs to be doing something. A long walk or sufficient exercise everyday is important. The Norwegian Elkhound also enjoys running and just roaming around. Be careful that it doesn’t pick up a scent and go after a quarry if you’re not out hunting.

Grooming: The Norwegian Elkhound’s coat is coarse and weatherproof, so it is easy to groom. Just brush regularly. When it is shedding, remove its dead hair with a rubber brush or a wooden comb with a double row of metal teeth. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwegian Elkhound has a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years. It is prone to hip dysplasia, pyotraumatic dermatitis and PRA. As long as it taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised, it is all right living in an apartment. Norwegian Elkhounds prefer cool climates.

Photo: Sannse