Historians claim that there are drawings of dogs that resemble the Great Dane on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. The earliest written description of a dog resembling the breed can be found in Chinese literature of 1121 B.C. The origins of the Great Dane as we know it today can be traced to the Irish Wolfhound with mixture of old English Mastiff. The breed was originally developed by the Germans to hunt boar, a ferocious animal. When no longer used for hunting, the breed changed to one of a companion and estate guard dog.

Weight: Dogs 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg.) Bitches 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg.) Dogs of even larger size are more prized.

Great Danes have a life expentancy of about ten years although many see their twelth and thirteenth birthday.

These are large dogs with dense coats and strong, powerful bodies that enables them to perform their rescue in cold water. They make a great family pet and enjoys the company of children as long as they don’t roughhouse.

Examples of this breed are: Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Portuguese Water Dog.

Personal Protection Dogs

These large, powerful dogs are bred to guard. They are strong, intelligent, and devoted to their owners. They are affectionate to their families but reserved with strangers. These dogs need a confident owner or they can become very dominant and aggressive. Early training and socialization as well as daily exercise are required for this breed.

Examples of these breeds are: Doberman Pinscher, Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, and Boxer.

Estate Guarding Dogs

If you are looking for a strong dog with a muscular and powerful body, a dog who will protect your family and your territory, then these dogs are exactly what you need. They are extremely loyal, devoted, and will literally protect you to death. They are very territorial breeds who, without proper training and early socialization, can become overly aggressive and dominant. They need an owner who is capable of handling this strong-willed breed. However, with early socialization, proper leadership, and the right training, this breed can be gentle and friendly toward strangers.

Exampled of this these powerful breeds are: Mastiff, Rottweiler, Komondor, Great Dane, Bullmastiff, Kuvasz, Akita, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees.

Sled Dogs

This breed of dog, also called the Nordic breed, were first developed to pull sleds. Their thick, insulated coat protects them from the cold. Warm climate makes them miserable. These dogs shed year round and require regular brushing. Do not get this breed if you are allergic to dog hair or if you are fastidious about having a spotless house. However, if you like a large, friendly and powerful breed, someone who you can play with in the snow, then this is the breed for you. Early obedience training and socialization are required for these dogs, as well as regular exercise.

Examples of this breed are: Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute.

Toy breeds are very playful, usually high-strung, and always lovable. They are happy, lively, and can entertain you for hours with their seemingly unlimited amount of energy and enthusiasm. They are very affectionate of their owners and initially suspicious of strangers. They get along well with children, although kids should be taught not to roughhouse with them and to be careful in handling their fragile body. These dogs demand constant attention from their family.

These dogs are great for apartment dwellers. Keep in mind, however, that they can be very noisy and tend to bark excessively. They also make great pets for busy people because these breeds do not need to be exercised regularly. They get enough exercise just running around the house.

Because of their size, they are very often spoiled compared to larger breeds. A toy dog has a big dog behavior wrapped in a little package. The Brussels Griffon, for example, has a high-prey drive toward small animals and can be dog-aggressive. They can be tough, stubborn, and hard to housebreak. Training and socialization are needed for this breed.

Below are examples of toy breeds:

Chihuahua, Brussels Griffon, Papillon, Pug, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Havenese, Affenpinscher, Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound , Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Pomeranian, Toy Manchester Terrier, and the Silky Terrier.

The Fighting Breed

As the name states, these terriers were originally bred to bait bulls and fight other dogs. They are brave, confident, and aggressive. Fortunately, these breeds are no longer exploited and their fighting instincts have been tamed down. They are now kept as guard dogs and companion pets. They are active, playful and affectionate to their owners but suspicious of strangers. They need a strong, confident owner who can dominate them and be able to handle this tough breed.

It is very important to socialize these dogs from puppyhood in order to avoid aggressiveness and rough behavior. They are not recommended for families with children, as they can be very aggressive and dominant.

Examples of these fighters are: Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The Vermin Hunters

These terriers are active, alert, and confident. They were originally developed to hunt for otter, badger, and other vermin. They are bright, independent, and always ready to take on a job. This breed should be kept on leash when outside because of his high-prey instinct toward small animals. However, with proper training and early socialization, this breed will be very happy walking alongside you off-leashed. Terriers have a tendency to become destructive and chew, leave marks, and bark incessantly if left alone for long periods of time. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Below are the names of these hunters:

Scottish Terrier, Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Skye Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Australian Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Irish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Norfolk Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and the Fox Terrier (Wirehaired and Smooth).

Retrievers are large dogs with a strong, robust, well-built body. They are smart, loyal, affectionate to their owners and get along very well with children. They generally accept strangers and other dogs. Their easy-going and playful nature makes them an excellent family pet. These dogs do not do well in prolonged isolation. They may display destructive behavior such as excessive barking, chewing, and digging when left alone for a long period of time. They are very active and need plenty of exercise and a job to do to keep them busy.

Examples of retrievers are: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and Flat-Coated Retrievers.

Spaniels

Spaniels were bred to hunt and flush birds. They are loyal, good with children, and affectionate to their owners. They need daily exercise and fit in perfectly with an active family. Spaniels do not like being left alone for long periods of time. Isolation and lack of training will cause them to whine and become timid.

Examples of spaniels are: Clumber Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Setters

Setters are hunting dogs. They are very active and energetic, qualities that make them an excellent jogging partner. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do such as hunting and agility work. Lack of exercise makes them nervous and high-strung. They are bright and loyal dogs who thrive human companionship.

Examples of setters are: Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, English Setter, and Brittany.

Pointers

Pointers are large, energetic dogs who love to stay busy. With their long legs, they were originally used to spend many hours running the fields in search for fowls. They get along with children and create a strong bond with their families. If not given enough exercise, these dogs may display destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking.

Examples of pointers are: Pointer, Vizsla, Weimaraner, German Shorthaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and German Wirehaired Pointer.

Because of the difference in personalities and traits of these breeds, it would be wise to consult an expert such as a vet or a breeder of that specific breed before you make the purchase. This way, you know what to expect and if that particular breed will fit into your environment and lifestyle. Below are examples of breeds that fall under this category:

Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Schipperke, Shiba Inu, Tibetan Terrier, Keeshond, Lowchen, American Eskimo Dog, Boston Terrier, Chow Chow, Tibetan Spaniel, Poodle (Standard and Miniature), Finnish Spitz, Dalmatian, and the Chinese Shar-Pei

Exotic Breeds

If you are interested in owning a rare, hard to find breed, consider the following listed below:

Norwegian Lundehund: The name means “Puffin Dog.” This breed is famous for his six toes and genuine talents that are traced back to puffin hunting at the time of the Ice Age.

Leonberger (Leo.): This large, energetic dog was first developed in Germany and has lion-colored coat.

Swedish Vallhund: Originated in Sweden and was used to herd sheep and cattle. This Spitz type breed makes a great family pet.

Cesky Terrier: Originated in Czechoslovakia in 1949 by crossing a Scottish Terrier with the Sealyham Terrier.

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog: Originated in the United States. This versatile dog is a first-class worker both in hunting game and herding cattle. At home, he is very protective of his family and makes and excellent guarddog.

Polish Owczarek Nizinny Sheepdog: A shaggy dog known in the United States as Polish Lowland Sheepdog or simply PONS. This breed is intelligent, confident, and territorial. He is loyal and affectionate to his family and suspicious of strangers. This dog is easily adaptable and makes a great watchdog.

The scent hounds are dogs that are bred to follow scent. They are trained to track down prey by using their excellent sense of smell. Their strong drive to follow a scent makes them hard to obedience-train because they can easily get distracted by any smell in their surroundings. They are affectionate to their family, great with children, and gets along well with strangers. They are active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise.

Examples of scent hounds are: Beagle, Dachshund, Harrier, Otterhound, American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Black and Tan Coonhound, English Foxhound, Bloodhound, and Petit Basset Griffon Venden.

Sighthounds

Sighthounds use their eyesight to spot a prey before they go for the chase. The instinct to run after a prey or an object makes this breed difficult to obedience train. Early socialization, especially with small animals such as cats and birds, is mandatory in order to tame down this breed’s prey instinct. They need daily exercise and proper obedience training.

Examples of sighthounds are: Saluki, Whippet, Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Greyhound, Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, Basenji, Irish Wolfhound, and Scottish Deerhound.

Large Game Hounds

Large game hounds were bred to have stamina, strength, and endurance. Their superior sense of smell makes them an excellent hunting companion. Originally bred to hunt elk and other game, this breed tends to be aggressive toward small animal. Early training and socialization is required to modify this behavior. This breed makes a great watchdog. They are initially suspicious of strangers and does not tolerate roughhousing. Children should be taught to be gentle with breed. Owner of large game hounds must have time to train and exercise this active breed.

Examples of large game hounds are: Rhodesian Ridgeback and Norwegian Elkhound.

There are seven standard group of dog breeds that are assigned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are: The hound group, the herding group, the sporting group, the working group, the toy group, the terrier group, and the non-sporting group. Below is information regarding specifically the Herding group.

The Herding Group

These intelligent, hard-working dogs were originally bred to herd cattle, sheep, and other domestic animals under the supervision of a shepherd. There are two types of dogs that fall under this category – cattle and/or sheep driving dogs and sheep herders.

Cattle and/or Sheep Driving Dogs

The cattle and/or sheep driving dogs moved sheep and cattle over long distances and usually without any human direction. These dogs have a solid and stocky build. They can be unpredictable, aggressive, and reserved with strangers. These traits, however, can be prevented through proper training and early socialization.

Examples of cattle/sheep driving dogs are: Briard, Canaan Dog, Australian Cattle Dog, Bouvier des Flanders, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Sheep Herders

The other type of dogs in the herding group are the sheep herders. These dogs were bred to move the flock. They are alert, agile, and very athletic. They are affectionate to their family but suspicious of strangers. When properly trained, these dogs usually get along with children. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do. Set some time to socialize and train this breed on herding or other constructive exercise.

Examples of sheep herders are: German Shepherd Dog, Puli, Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Collie, Border Collie, Bearded Collie, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren.

maltese dog

Given the health problems the breed is one which relishes love and affection and the companionship of its family. While they may be one of the cuttest dogs available today they are not suitable for those who have little time to dedicate to them. The Maltese requires that its’ coat be groomed on a daily basis to maintain its beautiful look. The coat will also have to be clipped ever eight to ten weeks, though some people to give the dog a much shorter cut. When its hair is cut properly the Maltese is a low shedder, and can prove suitable for those with allergies but who still want to have a pet dog.

The Maltese does not like to be roughly handled so it may not be the ideal pet for a family where there are young boisterous children!

Height Min Max
Bitch 7.5ins 9ins
Dog 8ins 10ins

Weight Ave
Bitch 4-7lb
Dog 4-7lb

Bulldog

In 1835 baiting and dog fighting were outlawed in England and from then on Bulldog owners began selective breeding to eliminate the more aggressive elements of the breed and attempted to establish a determined animal but one that was good natured and suitable as a family pet.

The Bulldog has something of a comical appearance, with a short, stout body and a rather glum and reproachful expression.The overall look of the dog should be powerful and vigorous with a short, sturdy (not stout) body and a peculiar rolling gait. One of the distinctive elements of the Bulldog is its loose skin, especially at the head, neck and shoulders. Another distinctive feature is the massive skull. The Bulldog sort of shuffles along in a loose-jointed manner with some sidewise motion, but he should still be able to move freely and with vitality.

Unfortunately the lifespan of the Bulldog is limited to around 8-10 years and this is not helped by a number of health problems the breed suffer from. These problems include heart problems, thyroid problems, ectropion, entropion, cataracts, elongated palate, a range of eye disorders, inverted tails, recessed tails, stenotic nares, and skin problems. The short muzzle of the dog means that he should not be overly exerted as this may cause breathing problems for him.

While it was originally bred to be a fighting dog it is, nevertheless, a gentle, easy going, and affectionate animal, it is known to be extremely amiable, friendly, and loving, and loves to spend time with his family. Known to be one of the most dependable breeds around, the Bulldog makes a wonderful family pet, and is fine for the more inexperienced dog owners as well as those with experience.

The Bulldog is safe around children and will generally get along with other pets in the family but beware if one of these tries to take his food! If you opt for a Bulldog don’t expect to take him for long country walks, the animal is built for laziness but care must be taken to ensure that he receives sufficent exercise. Exercise should consist of gentle strolls rather than vigrous workouts, short walks in the cool of the evening are ideal.

Height      Min      Max
Bitch     31cm     36cm
Dog     31cm     36cm

Weight     Min     Max
Bitch     23kg     25kg
Dog     23kg     25kg