AKA: Ridgeback, African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound

Description: The Rhodesian Ridegback is large and well-muscled dog. It has a flat broad head with a long and deep muzzle and a defined stop. Its nose can be black, brown, or liver, and its eyes are usually brown. Its ears are set high and dropping down and tapering. It has a deep chest, and strong straight front legs. The body ends with a long and tapering tail that curves upward a little. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most distinctive feature is its clearly defined symmetrical ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction running down the middle of the back.

Dynamics: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to be a ferocious and sophisticated hunter, but it is also a calm and gentle dog to its master or family. It has a good nature and is obedient and even-tempered. It can play roughly though and may not do well with small children. This is an intelligent and serious dog, straightforward and confident. It is brave and and can have an imposing presence. Towards strangers, this dog is reserved and quiet. But it can socialize well when trained.

When training the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is important that the training be consistent and firm. This breed does not respond well to meek or passive owners, and might refuse to take us seriously. Without the proper training and socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback may develop destructive behavior and may become combatant with other dogs or pets. It might also become stubborn and may refuse to follow you. But once you have established that you are the leader and the dog is the follower, then the Rhodesian Ridgeback will prove that is is a loyal and protective companion.

Breed Group: Southern, Hound

Weight: males 80-90 pounds (36-41kg), females 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)

Height: males 25-27 inches (63-69cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66cm)

Color: The color of the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat range from light wheaten to shades of red. Sometimes there are little white patches on the chest and toes.

Country of Origin: The Rhodesian Ridgeback came from Zimbabwe, South Africa, where it is known as a hunting dog and retriever. It also took care of children and guarded property. When hunting in packs, this breed is excellent in hunting lions, which earned them the name of African Lion Hound.

Activities: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has great stamina and energy. It needs a lot of exercise and a lot of opportunities to run around. It should be walked everyday and allowed to run free in a safe and secure area.

Grooming: Grooming the Rhodesian Ridgeback is easy because it has a short and smooth coat. Brush occasionally with a bristle brush. Dry shampoo only when necessary. It is an average shedder.

Other Info: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed but can also be prone to the usual ailments like hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus. The Rhodesian Ridgeback will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is getting enough exercise.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Jindo Dog, Jindo Gae, Chindo

Description: The Jindo is a medium-sized dog of the spitz family. Its head is used to differentiate it from other breeds; the topskull is broad and rounded between the ears and, together with its well-developed underjaw, helps create an octagonal shape to its head on a frontal view. The ears are set high, standing upright but leaning forward past the vertical. When the Jindo is relaxed, the ears lean slightly off to the sides. As a puppy, the ears are normally down until 5-6 months of age.

The eyes of the Jindo are almond-shaped and dark brown or dark red brown. The nose is black on non-white dogs. For white dogs, the nose may have a little white or flesh pink on the nose.

The body of the Jindo can either be muscular and short or slender. Nevertheless, either body structure still exudes agility, strength, and dignity. The legs are moderately angulated, fit for travelling long distances and hilly terrains. Feet are tight and compact. The tail is thick, and can be carried straight, sickled, or curled.

Dynamics: The Jindo has a serious temperament and is a natural worker. It has a strong will and is very independent. It is a very free-spirited breed, and needs to be respected. It can be protective and territorial. It is loyal and obedient to its owner and family. It can be very affectionate and loving, but it is reserved and does not show affection to strangers.

Socialization, coupled with a firm and consistent training, is required in raising the Jindo. This breed has a high prey drive and it may exhibit an aggressive attitude towards others. It is especially recommended to socialize the Jindo with children. The Jindo should not be left alone around small animals. This breed can also be aggressive towards other dogs.

Breed Group: Working, although not recognized internationally

Weight: males 35–50 pounds (16-23 kg), females 25–40 pounds (11-18 kg)

Height: males 18–25 inches (48-65 cm), females 16–22 inches (41-58 cm)

Color: The Jindo can be white, yellow, red, red and white, tan, tan and white, black, black and tan, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Jindo is a native breed of Korea, originally bred on the island of Jindo in Southwest Korea. It is protected by Korean laws, and is the most popular breed in the country.

Activities: The Jindo loves to roam around and is always in action. This breed was developed to hunt down wild boars, rabbits, badgers, and deer. It hunts either in groups or on its own. The Jindo should be sufficiently walked and exercised to help avoid the dog being bored and looking for mischief.

Grooming: The Jindo sheds heavily twice a year. Brushing the coat daily is necessary to remove loose and dead hair. Bathing occasionally is also needed. Other than that, the Jindo grooms itself like a cat to be clean.

Other Info: The Jindo has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is a generally healthy dog, but hypothyroidism is an issue among this breed. The Jindo will do okay in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

AKA: Ainu Dog, Hokkaidoken, Ainu-ken, Ainu Inu, Seta, Shita

Description: The Hokkaido Dog a muscular dog with a sturdy body. It has small erect ears that face forward are set high on the head. The eyes are small and dark brown. It has solid strong teeth that form a scissors bite. Some of the breed has black spots on the tongue, and others have the blue black tongue distinctive to the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei. The lips have dark pigmentation. The forelegs are straight. The back is lean and solid. The tail is curled in a Spitz fashion, carried high above or over the back.

Dynamics: The Hokkaido Dog is a fearless and loyal dog breed that has a good-natured temperament. It is intelligent and is quick to earn, with a natural sense of direction, always returning to its master. It is a determined hunter, as well as a guard and watch dog.

It is gentle and obedient to its owner and family. But it can be aggressive and stubborn with other dogs. It should not be free around other animals, too, because it might unleash its hunter instincts. It gets along with children well if raised with them since puppyhood.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)

Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)

Color: The Hokkaido Dog’s coat comes in sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown, or white.

Country of Origin: The Hokkaido Dog is a Japanese Spitz breed, and is rarely seen outside Japan. It was named after the Ainu tribe that came to Japan thousands of years ago.

Activities: The Hokkaido Dog requires a moderate amount of exercise to keep fit. This breed is used in big-game hunting (especially in hunting bears), as a guard dog of a property, and as a draft animal pulling sleds.

Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.

Other Info: The Hokkaido Dog is not fit for the city or apartment life. It prefers to be outdoors. It has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.

AKA: Epagneul Francais

Description: The French Spaniel has a well-formed head, of medium length and width. It has a sloping stop, with a brown nose, dark oval eyes, and long feathery ears set back and hanging. The neck is muscular and arched, and the back is slightly sloping. The thighs are muscular and well-rounded. The chest is wide and deep. The tail is not docked and is usually set low. The coat of the French Spaniel is feathery along the back of the legs, belly, tail, and ears.

Dynamics: The French Spaniel has a calm and even temper. It is affectionate and is gentle with children. It has the tendency to become so attached to its owners. This breed is people-oriented and do not like to be alone. It can be easily trained and is sensitive, so training and caring for it has to be consistent, firm, but gentle. This is an intelligent and brave breed, enthusiastic and persistent in hunting and possessing an excellent nose.

Breed Group: Hunting

Weight: 44 – 55 pounds (20-25 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), females 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)

Color: The coat of the French Spaniel comes in white with liver markings, which can either be small or dominating. Speckling may be present.

Country of Origin: The French Spaniel is a distant descendant of the Chien d’Oysel from the middle ages. The French Spaniel is a rare breed, even in its homeland France, where it was almost endangered but was revived by Father Fournier.

Activities: The French Spaniel loves exercise, and it has the amount of stamina for it. This breed is known as a remarkable hunting companion, retriever and flusher.

Grooming: The feathery coat of the French Spaniel should be brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The ears has to be checked to avoid infections.

Other Info: The French Spaniel is not recommended to live in the city or in an apartment. This is an active dog made for the hunt and action. This breed can resist the cold and harsh conditions.

Photo by Trisha Shears

AKA: Bourbonnais Pointer, Braque du Bourbonnais, French Pointer

Description: The French Pointing Dog is a medium-sized pointing dog with muscular features and a round head. Its nose is the same color as its coat and its eyes are big with the color of hazel or dark amber. Its ears are slightly set at eye level hanging down.

The body of the French Pointing Dog is solid, wide, and muscular. Its chest is wide and deep, and its ribs are well-sprung and rounded. The tail is set low and short. Sometimes, the tail is naturally absent. The forelegs are straight, and both legs are well-constructed.

Dynamics: The French Pointing Dog is an affectionate dog with a calm personality. It is only when hunting and running around when its passion and vigor is clearly seen. The Braque du Bourbonnais is intelligent and quick to learn. It can adapt quickly to any terrain and condition. It is also very cooperative and agreeable, which makes it an excellent hunting and companion dog.

The French Pointing Dog is a people-oriented dog and likes to be with its family at all times. It can also get along well with other breeds.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 39.5-55 lbs (18-25 cm), females 35-48.5 lbs (16-22 cm)

Height: males 20-22.5 inches (51-57 cm), females 18.5-22 inches (47-56 cm)

Color: The coat of the French Pointing Dog has two colors: liver and fawn. It can be moderately ticked, with possible spotting. There is also a spot that covers one eye.

Country of Origin: The French Pointing Dog comes from the Province of Bourbonnais, France, tracing far back to 1598.

Activities: The French Pointing Dog is a hunting dog so it naturally prefers to be outdoors. Lots of exercises and time outdoors is needed for this breed.

Grooming: Brush and bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails trimmed.

Other Info: The French Pointing Dog has a life expectancy of 13-15 years. It is generally healthy, but still prone to hip dysplasia, ectropion eyes, and pulmonic stenosis of the heart. The French Pointing Dog is not fit to live in an apartment. It may be people-oriented but it is an active breed which is bred for hunting and outdoors.

Photo of Vrac du Rocher des Jastres, by Mic comte