Description: The Bouvier des Flandres is a massive and heavily-coated dog that has a thick beard and mustache. It also has shaggy eyebrows that add to its distinctive appearance. It has a black nose, dark brown oval-shaped eyes, and teeth that form a scissors bite. Its ears stand erect, triangular in shape, and may be cropped.

The Bouvier des Flandres has a proportionately square body. It has a broad and deep chest, and the tail is docked. The legs are muscular, with the front legs perfectly straight.

Dynamics: The Bouvier des Flanders is a gentle-mannered and calm dog. It is obedient and can be trained easily. It is intelligent enough to learn commands quickly, but the training has to be consistent, balanced, and firm. The Bouvier also needs to be clear on who the master is to avoid dominance problems.

The Bouvier is excellent with children, and can get along well with other household pets is socialized at an early age. Socialization is important to prevent over-protectiveness or shyness in the breed. The Bouvier is sometimes suspicious and reserved with strangers. But generally, it is a lively, enthusiastic, and responsible dog.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 75-90 lbs (34-41 kg), females 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg)

Height: males 23-28 inches (58-71 cm), females 22-27 inches (56-69 cm)

Color: The coat of the Bouvier des Flandres comes in black, fawn, blonde, gray, or brindle. Some may have a white marking on the chest.

Country of Origin: The Bouvier des Flandres comes from Belgium, where it was bred from a cross between the Griffon and the Beauceron.

Activities: The Bouvier des Flandres has an average demand for exercise. A daily walk and exercises would be sufficient for it to remain healthy and active. The Bouvier des Flandres is currently used as a watchdog and guard dog as well as a tracking dog. It is also being used as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue, police work, military work, carting, competitions, and schutzhund.

Grooming: The Bouvier des Flandres’ coat requires some attention when it comes to grooming. The coat has to be brushed regularly. Bathe or dry shampoo only when needed. Excess hair inside the ears and between the pads of the feet should be removed or trimmed. The coat needs to be trimmed at least three times a year.

Other Info: The Bouvier des Flandres has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. It is a healthy breed and is accustomed to harsh conditions. It is still prone to some health conditions though, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. The Bouvier des Flandres will do well in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised.

Description: The Borzoi is a tall dog that has an aristocratic appearance because of its height and its long narrow head. It has a slightly arched muzzle, black nose, and dark oblong eyes. Its ears normally lie back on its neck. The back of the Borzoi is naturally and gracefully curved. It has a narrow chest and there is a heavy mane of hair on the neck. The tail is long and curved, hanging low. The coat of the Borzoi consists of long silky hair that can be wavy or with large curls.

Dynamics: The Borzoi is an intelligent and proud breed. It can be trained and it can be very loyal to its family. But it is also a very independent dog, and does not bend easily to please people. Training the Borzoi should be based on mutual respect. Once the Borzoi trusts you and sees you as a friend, it will become sweet and affectionate with you.

The Borzoi is a serious and quiet dog. It can keep itself clean like a cat, and, while getting along fairly well with children, values its rest and does not take into rough play sessions. The Borzoi is by nature a hunting breed so it has to be watched carefully lest it runs off to chase other animals. It is very fast and has little territorial instinct. It cannot be trusted with small animals and non-canine pets. This breed also needs to be socialized well at an early age.

Breed Group: Hounds, Sighthound and Pariah

Weight: males 75-105 lbs (34-48 kg), females 60-90 lbs (27-41 kg)

Height: males at least 28 inches (71 cm), females at least 26 inches (66 cm)

Color: The coat color of the Borzoi can be white, golden, tan or gray with black markings, either solid or mixed.

Country of Origin: The Borzoi originated in Russia, although it is thought to have been brought there from Arabia. Its popularity spread throughout Europe when Queen Victoria came to own one.

Grooming: The Borzoi has a long silky coat but it is actually easy to groom. Regular brushing is enough. Bathing isn’t required, but dry shampoo may be necessary occasionally. Clip the hair between the toes to make it comfortable for the Borzoi.

Activities: The Borzoi needs plenty of exercise and some time to run around off the leash. Aside from hunting, the Borzoi’s talents include sighting and lure coursing.

Other Info: The Borzoi has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. This breed is sensitive to drugs and is picky about its meals. It is prone to bloat. Avoid exercises after its meals. The Borzoi will do well in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors and exercised sufficiently. Keep the dog in a least most often because it might run off suddenly when it finds something interesting to chase after.

Description: The Bloodhound is a big and powerful hound that is distinctive with its drooping ears and loose, wrinkled skin. This skin and its jowls give it a rather mournful expression. The folds of the skin are said to help in holding scent particles.

The Bloodhound has a short and fairly rough coat. The hair on the skull and ears is softer than on the rest of the body. The eyes are deeply set, with the lower eyelids falling away a little. Its nose is black and it has a long muzzle.

The Bloodhound’s body is very strong, as can be seen by its powerful shoulders and muscular back. The forelegs are straight, solid, muscular. The tail is carried in a curve above the topline of its back.

Dynamics: The Bloodhound is a mild-mannered and noble dog. It is a good companion to families and is great with children. It loves the attention it receives from children, although it is not wise to let the dog take more than the usual fun and pestering of children.

This breed needs a firm but gentle training. As a puppy it is very energetic and independent. Patience is needed in its training. The Bloodhound is an intelligent breed and will sometimes make their own decisions rather than follow yours.

The Bloodhound is a gentle and shy breed, rarely vicious and dominant. It might be aggressive towards other male dogs though. It can also become protective of its territory. It can have the tendency to howl, snore, and drool a lot. Other than these, the Bloodhound is a very friendly dog, welcoming and greeting visitors.

The Bloodhound is a very talented scent hound. It can follow any scent, even that of a human (which is rare). It is said that it can successfully follow trails that are over a hundred hours old. This breed is a certified tracker, and evidence made by it is admissible in the court of law.

Breed Group: Hound, Scenthound

Weight: males 90-110 lbs (41-50 kg), females 80-100 lbs (36-45 kg)

Height: males 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), females 23-25 inches (58-63 cm)

Color: The Bloodhound comes in black & tan, liver & tan, and red & tawny.

Country of Origin: The Bloodhound was perfectly bred by the monks of St. Hubert in Belgium. It is one of the ancient dog breeds, known to be more than a thousand years old.

Grooming: Grooming the Bloodhound is easy due to its short hair. A hand glove is preferred in grooming. Bathe only when necessary. Rubbing the coat with a rough towel or chamois is enough to make the coat shiny. Check and clean the ears regularly.

Activities: The Bloodhound needs a lot of exercises. It loves to run and has a very curious nose. When it comes to walking, running, or tracking, it seems to have an endless stamina.

Other Info: The Bloodhound has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Like all dogs, it is prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. This breed is known to bloat, so make sure to feed it two or three small meals a day instead of a large one. The Bloodhound is also susceptible to stomach cramps and entropion. The Bloodhound will do fine in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors occasionally and regularly exercised.