Dog Breed Information Affenpinscher The Affenpinscher originated in the 17th century in Germany - it's name meaning ' monkeylike terrier' and was originally developed to control rats and other vermin. It is a wiry-haired, terrier-like toy dog and stands between 24-28cm at the shoulder and weight is 3-4kg. Affenpinsher's have a dense, rough coat, wiry in texture, which needs brushing at least twice a week and cutting twice per year. Their coat colours are black, grey, silver or black and tan. They have a prominent chin with hair-tuft and mustache, bushy eyebrows and large dark eyes. They are a great housedog, and because of their small size, are ideal for apartments, although they do have boundless amounts of energy so need daily walks and indoor play. They are alert, extremely inquisitive, intelligent, loyal, quiet and yet fearless towards any aggressor. Great with older children and make excellent watchdogs. Afghan Hound Originally from the mountainous areas of Afghanistan in the 19th century where they were used as a hunting hound. In appearance they are an elegant aristocrat, with dignity and aloofness they proudly carry their heads and are known as the King of Dogs, being both Nobel and majestic. Their coats are thick yet extremely fine in texture, long and silky and comes in many colours although mainly a sandy colour. They have large feet and almond shaped, dark eyes, long ears and their tail has a curl or ring at the tip. They are tall and slender and stand between 63-74cm at the shoulder and weighing between 23-27kg. They need regular grooming and a large amount of regular exercise or they can become highly strung. Therefore their home has to have a lot of outside space, acreage if possible, as they are an extremely fast and agile runner and need the space to exercise well. They are very loyal, affectionate and sensitive and make great family pet, but do better with older children. They can be difficult to train and need to be handled in a firm but calm manner. Airedale Terrier The Airedale is the largest of the Terrier breed and are often called the 'King of Terriers'. They were originally developed in the early 1900's in York, England and used for rodent control and hunting birds and game. They are intelligent, fun-loving, playful and friendly with strangers . They easy to train, but need a firm and confident handler. They are courageous and very protective of their family. Good with other animals and with children if they are socialised correctly with them. Their coat is hard, dense and wiry, and colours are tan and black and with regards to grooming they need a regular brush and a daily was of their beard Their height is from 56-61cm and can weigh between 20-29kg. Their life expectancy is approx 10-12 years. As with any dog they need a daily walk and to enable them to exercise freely they will need an average sized garden. Akita Akitas were originally bred in Japan for hunting large game. They are a large powerful dog, that need good training and a firm pack leader. They are intelligent, dignified, courageous and fearless, yet loyal and reserved, however they can become aggressive with dogs and other animals and need to be supervised around other pets and children. Their height is between 61-71cm at shoulder. Their coat is course, stiff, short haired and comprises of two layers which needs weekly brushing. The coat colour's include white, brindle and pinto. Their tail curls high over its back and ears are erect. They need regular long daily walks and ideally needs a large yard with room to exercise. Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamute are decended from the Arctic wolf. They are extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and affectionate, very friendly and great with older children. Unfortunately they do have a strong prey instinct and therefore need to be supervised around other small animals. They are easy to train but need a firm handler. They are happy to live outdoors but need lots of shade as they do not do well in the heat and need a large garden and lots of daily exercise and long walks. Their height is 56-66cm and weigh approx 32-42kg. They have a thick course double coat in colours of white, greys, black and shadings of sable to red. Eyes are almond shaped and dark brown and they have a lifespan of approx 12-15 years. American Staffordshire Terrier The American Staffordshire Terrier is intelligent, happy, outgoing, confident, good-natured, loyal and affectionate and very obedient. They are also extremely courageous, have a high pain tolerance, and make an excellent guard dog. They are very good with children and highly protective of its owners. They like to live inside and are ok living in an apartment but still need a long daily walk or jog. Their coat is thick, stiff and glossy in all colours and needs regular brushing and bathing to ensure its shine. Their height is 41-48cm, and they can weigh between 25-30kg. Life expectancy is approx 10-15 years. Anatolian Shepherd Anatolian Shepherds are loyal, alert, easy to train, independent, brave but not aggressive. They have fantastic site and hearing and make a great watch dog as they are very suspicious of strangers. Training needs to be started as early as possible, as they can be very difficult to handle once they are fully grown. They are fairly good with children and other animals, but must be socialized with them. They need a good sized secure garden to exercise and need daily long walks. Their height is between 66-76cm and weight approx 45-68kg. Life expectancy is between 12-15 years. Australian Cattle Dog The Australian Cattle Dog (usually known as the Blue Heeler) is a 'working dog'. They are extremely energetic with a huge amount of stamina, tireless, agile, courageous, loyal and one of the most intelligent breeds. They can be trained to a high level and ideally needs a job to do as they can become easily bored. They need extensive exercise with multiply daily walks or jogs. Their height is between 43-51cm and weigh approx 14-16kg. They have a short dense double coat in colours of red, blue and black and white markings which needs very little grooming. They can become aggressive towards other dogs. Australian Kelpie The Australian Kelpie is another working dog, herding is in its blood and they will try to herd anything that moves. They are extremely intelligent, energetic, work-hungry and impressively loyal - usually a one-man dog. They make excellent pets as are great with children and are very protective of its family. They have a short double coat with colours including black, tan, brown, blue. Can tolerate all kinds of weather and are happy to live outdoors but need very long daily jogs if they are not used as a working dog. Their height is between 43-51cm and weight approx 12-20kg. Life expectancy approx 10-13 years. Australian Shepherd The Australian Shepherd is easygoing, lively, intelligent and easy to train. They are gentle and affectionate making them a great family pet as they get along well with children and other dogs. They are also courageous and make a great guard dog. They need a large garden for exercise and regular daily walks. They are bred herders and like to herd anything that moves. Their coat is of medium length and colours include blue, black , red, and/or tan with white markings. This needs brushing occasionally and baths when necessary. They can grow to a height between 46-48cm and weight between 20-29kg, and have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years. Basenji The Basenji originated in Africa where they were used for hunting rats and other vermin. They are 41-43cm tall at the shoulder and weigh between 9-11kg. Their coat is fine, short and smooth and comes in black & white, red & white, tan & white and black, tan & white. They are very curious, intelligent and have an added bonus of not having any odour. They can be reserved and do best with older children who know how to control them. They are happy to be kept indoors and enjoy the company of another Basenji of whom they will not fight. As with all dogs, a daily walk is needed also. Their life expectancy is 12 years Beagle The Beagle was believed to have been bred by French Monks in the Middle Ages for hunting rabbits and hares. They are intelligent, bold and affectionate, very lively and have much stamina. Their coat is short, dense and waterproof and comes mainly in black, white, tan and brown. Their height is 33-41cm and they weigh 9-14kg. Life expectancy is approximately 13 years. They make a great family pet and need daily walks and lots of attention. Bloodhound The Bloodhound is a good-natured, sensative and tolerant dog. Robust yet affectionate. The Bloodhound was used for hunting and introduced into England by William the Conqueror in 1066. They have a smooth, short coat which is waterproof and their colours are black & tan, red & tan or solid red. Their height is 61-66cm and they weigh 40-50kg. Their life expectancy is 10 years. They are excellent with children and tend to endure all the rough and tumble with ease. They need regular daily walks but be prepared to go off the trail as they get carried away with the scent they follow. Borzoi The Borzoi originated from Russia where they were used in pairs to bring down wolves. They are aloof and can be temperamental. They do not like strangers but are very affectionate towards their owners yet their owners need to be firm with them. Their coat is very silky and is either straight or curly and comes in any colour. Their height is 68-74cm at the shoulder and weight is 28-48kg. They make a good family dog. They do not bark too much and also do well with other dogs. However, they are a hunter and therefore do not do well with smaller animals and should not be trusted off the leash. Life expectancy is 10-12 years. Bull Terrier The Bull Terrier are very strong, muscular dogs. They are very loyal to their owners, obedient and polite. However they do need a strong leader and are suited to owners who are very active. They need regular, long brisk walks as they tend to put on weight easily and can become lazy. Their coat is short, dense, flat and harsh to the touch. Their colours are either pure white or black/brindle with red, fawn and/or white markings. Their height is 56-61cm at the shoulder and weight is 20-36kg. Life expectancy is 10-12 years. Cocker Spaniel The Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest breeds of dog. They are intelligent and robust yet gentle and very playful. They are extremely affectionate and make great companions. Their coat is of medium length, very fine and comes in various colours. Their height is 36-43cm at the shoulder and weight is 13-15kg. They make a good family dog and get on well with family cats. They do well in apartment or small house living but enjoy lots of payful exercise and a regular daily walk. Life expectancy is 12-15 years. Dachshund Dachshunds are affectionate, playful, intelligent, proud and brave. They are a great family dog and are very devoted to their owners although they do need an owner who is firm as they can be difficult to train. They are more suited to homes with older children who can become their leaders. If not handled correctly they can become a victim of 'small dog syndrome'. Depending on their breed, Toy, Standard or Miniature, they can grow between 13 to 30cm, and weigh between 3.5 - 4.5kg. Their coat can vary from short, long and wiry and the coat colours are varied such as black, red, chocolate, tan, fawn, wheaton or grey. They are great for small homes and do not necessarily need a garden but do need a daily walk. Their life expectancy is approx 12-15 years Elkhound The Elkhound is one of the oldest known breeds and originated in Norway where it was used to track moose, elk, bears and mountain lions. They are very alert, sturdy and bold, yet friendly and can be reserved with strangers. They are also independent and very trustworthy which makes them and excellent choice for families with children. However, they can be difficult to train, bark a lot and tend to fight with other dogs, but get along with the family cat if you have one. They have a double waterproof coat which is thick, hard and grey with black tips. Their height is 48-52cm and weight is 20-27 kg. They are better suited to a home with a large garden as they need good daily exercise and long walks. Their life expectancy is between 12-15 years English Bulldog Looks can be deceiving in the English Bulldog, as they are gentle and affectionate animals. They are very gentle with children and so make a good family companion and they need lots of attention. Their great courage make them an excellent guard dog too. They manage well in a small house or apartment yet still need a moderate daily walk. However, they are very sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold. They weigh approx 22-25kg and their height is between 30-40cm at the shoulder. They have a short, fine smooth coat that come in various shades of brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow, yellow. Their life expectancy is 8-9 years English Setter Originally from France, the English Setter was brought to England in the 1800's. They make an excellent family pet as they are very friendly, affectionate, calm and gentle, and great with children. They are also agile and have high energy levels, so do need a good sized garden for exercise and a brisk daily walk. They have a medium length coat which is soft and flat and needs regular grooming. Their height is 61-70cm at shoulder and weigh approx 20-30kg and life expectancy is 10-12 years. Finnish Spitz The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland. It is a hunting dog and is very active and courageous. They need a strong leader and good training and make a great family pet. They are active, playful and friendly and get on with children of all ages. They can be reserved around strangers. They do not like the heat do bark a lot. They are happy to be indoors but need a daily amount of exercise generally of the jogging/running nature. Their height is 39-50cm at shoulder and they weigh approx 14-16kg. They have a double coat which consist of a soft undercoat and long harsh top coat which comes in colours of honey gold, brown and golden red. They do require regular brushing as they shed constantly. Their life expectancy is around 13-15 years. Greyhound The Greyhound, orignally bred for hunting small animals such as rabbits and hares, are extremely relaxed and reserved at home. They are devoted, sensitive and gentle and make a good pet in a family with older children. They are also intelligent, brave and have enormous stamina. They get along with other dogs but have a natural instinct to chase smaller animals so it is not a good idea to have cats or other small pets around them. Their height is 70-75 cm and they weight is 27-32kg. Their coat is smooth and short and comes in all colours. They need a fair amount of daily exercise, ideally a long brisk walk, jog or run. Neopolitan Mastiff The Neopolitan Mastiff is a massive, powerful dog who need a strond, firm and confident handler. They have a straight dense coat which hangs in wrinkles and folds. Their colours are black, grey, blue and chocolate, sometimes with white markings. They are affectinate, calm and peaceful but can be reserved with strangers and are excellent guardogs. They tend to drool a lot especially in hot weather and need to be kept indoors where they are quite inactive. They need a daily walk. Their height is 60-75cm and weight is 75-85kg. Life expectancy is 8-10 years. Shar Pei The Shar Pei originated in China where they were used as working farm dogs. They are loyal, intelligent, easy going and calm yet brave and dominent.. They are good family dogs and get on well with other pets as long as they are raised with them. They can be friendly with strangers and as long as they get a regular daily walk they are calm and peaceful inside and do not need a large yard. However they are sensitive to warm weather and need plenty of water. Their height is 46-50cm and weight is 18-25kg. Life expectancy is 10-11 years. Schnauzer The Schnauzer originated from Germany where they were used as vermin hunters, they were also used as messenger dogs in WW1. They are intelligent, lively, affectionate and playful. They do need firm owners as they can become dominent if not handled correctly. Their double coat is wiry and dense on the outer with a soft undercoat. The coat needs daily brushing and regular trimming and grooming. Their height is 43-50cm and weight is 14-20kg. They do well with a small yard but need daily walks and playful exercise. Life expectancy is 13-15 years. Close Window