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’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

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:

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

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

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

Temperament: This breed is a friendly but also brave and proud. They are an affectionate dog especially with children. They are also aggressive in some ways that could threaten a stranger and also stubborn at times. They are not easy to train so they their owners should take time and a lot of patience in training this breed. And much better start the training while they are still on their puppy stage.

Activity: They are required to have daily exercise Also, walk and jog to keep them healthy and gain more energy. They have the skill to walk for miles.

Health: Slow development of joints, entropian due to their wrinkles as well as cherry eye. Their life expectancy is from 10-14 years.

Grooming: They are a short haired breed therefore it is very easy to groom them. An occasional brushing would be best for their coat to prevent tangles. They are not a heavy shedder. Bathe them if necessary.

Group: Working
Color: Brindle/white, black/brindle. Solid white or pied, Fawn or Tan.
Height: Males- 18-19.5 inches (46-50 cm.), Females- 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm.)
Weight: Males- 65-100 pounds (29-45 kg.), Female- 55-85 pounds (25-38 kg.)
Country Of Origin: USA

Dynamics: Carlos Woods is responsible for raising this breed that started last 1988 through the combination of American, English bulldogs and the Staffordshire bull terriers.

Photo by freewebs

Description: The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd has a slightly wavy coat that is moderate in length. It has feathering on the back of its legs and a mane and frill around its neck. Its skull is flat and clean cut, and its upper jaw does not hang over the lower jaw.

Dynamics: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an affectionate and playful dog. It is great with children and is courageous and very active. It is also attentive and is easy to train. This dog has to be given attention otherwise it becomes nervous and destructive. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a dog that always needs to be doing something. Socialization is needed so that it will not grow up suspicious of strangers. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not usually dog aggressive and can get along with other dogs.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg)

Height: 13 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm)

Color: The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd comes in either blue or red merle, red or black tricolor, or all with white or tn markings. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white.

Country of Origin: The Miniature Australian Shepherd was bred in the United States in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds.

Activities: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an active breed and therefore needs to be regularly walked and exercised. This is a working dog and has to be always on the go.

Grooming: An occasional brush with a firm bristle brush is enough to groom the Miniature Australian Shepherd. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a life expectancy of 12-13 years. This breed is prone to blindness and deafness as the gene for the merle combination carried this factor. This breed will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Elf

Dynamics: The Norfolk Terrier is a very affectionate and active dog. It is courageous and easy to train as long as the training is consistent. It is very friendly and can get along with children. Attention should be given to this dog because it will dig around or bark as much as it wants if it has nothing to keep it occupied. The Norfolk Terrier is also good with other pets, and it loves to play especially with toys and balls. Like most dogs, the Norfolk Terrier has to see its owner as the leader of the pack to avoid behavior problems. For example, when jogging together, make sure that the Norfolk Terrier is jogging on the side or behind and not in front. This will make it think it is the leader and will be hard to train.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 10-12 pounds (4½-5½kg)

Height: 10 inches (25cm)

Color: The coat of the Norfolk Terrier can either be red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, or grizzle. It can also have white markings.

Country of Origin: The Norfolk Terrier was once considered as one breed with the Norwich Terrier. They were separated in 1964, in England, due to differences like the Norfolk having hanging ears while the Norwich has prick ears.

Activities: The Norfolk Terrier was bred to become a working dog. It is very active and has a lot of energy. It should be taken out for a walk and sufficient exercise daily.

Grooming: The Norfolk Terrier’s coat is medium in length and waterproof. All it needs is regular combing and brushing. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norfolk Terrier has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. This is generally a healthy and hardy breed. It will do all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Tangenes

Description: The Newfoundland is a strong and massive dog, with a broad head and a short wide muzzle. Its ears are pendant and its eyes are a dark brown, wherein the conjunctiva should not show as it does with a St. Bernard. Its nose is black but is brown for bronze-colored Newfoundlands.

The Newfoundland is hardy and big, but it is agile and has an elegant gait. It has a water-resistant long outer coat, with a thick oily undercoat. Its feet are webbed and this makes the Newfoundland a good swimmer. There are dewclaws on its hind legs that should be removed. Its tail hangs down.

Dynamics: The Newfoundland is an intelligent dog with a good temperament. It is patient and obedient, and is known to be friendly with people. It is calm and gentle, and loyal and devoted. It will act on its own if needed, and can be protective. It will place itself between an intruder and its family in order to protect its owners.

The Newfoundland gets along well with people and other dogs, given the proper socialization and upbringing. It is generally good with other pets and animals. It also gets along well with children, as it is a patient and playful breed. It loves companionship and is very sociable. The Newfoundland likes the outdoors very much. It loves to swim and play in the water. It drinks a lot and gets messy with it because it likes to get wet.

In training the Newfoundland, the owner has t o be calm and patient. Training has to be confident and consistent. This breed is very sensitive to your tone of voice and should not receive harsh treatment when it makes mistakes. Also take into account that the Newfoundland moves slow because of its huge body.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Working

Weight: males 30-150 pounds (59-68 kg), females 100-120 pounds (45-54kg)

Height: males 27-29 inches (69-74cm), females 25-27 inches (63-69cm)

Color: The color of the Newfoundland’s coat is most often black, sometimes with little white markings on the feet, end of the tail, and the chest. The coat can also be black with blue highlights, bronze, brown, gray, or even white with black markings.

Country of Origin: The Newfoundland’s origin is believed to be in Canada. There are stories that the Newfoundland came from crosses between Tibetan Mastiffs that were brought to Canada by the Europeans in the 1700s.

Activities: The Newfoundland can entertain itself around the house by just lazing around but, like all dogs, it needs to be taken outside for a walk everyday. Play sessions and exercise are good for the breed, too. It also likes to swim and frolic.

In the past, the Newfoundland helped fishermen by hauling in nets, carrying boat lines, and retrieving anything that fell overboard to the water. This breed can also help with rescuing shipwrecked and drowning people. The Newfoundland is basically an outstanding water rescue dog. On land, the Newfoundland is just as useful as it is used to haul lumber, pull mail sheds, and carry or deliver things.

Grooming: As the Newfoundland has a long coat, daily brushing with a hard brush is important. Bathe only when absolutely necessary. Dry shampoo if needed.

Other Info: The Newfoundland has a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years. Like most dogs, this dog is prone to hip dysplasia and a hereditary heart disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS). This breed should have its heart checked when it is 8 to 12 weeks old to find out if it has SAS or not. The Newfoundland is okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. This breed is sensitive to heat and prefer cool climates.

Photo: DanDee Shots