K9s, K9s, and more K9s. The Terrier group.

Hi my friends,

After a long hiatus I am back to bring to you the dogs of the Terrier group. I would like to tell you all about their history, temperament, and appearance. Enjoy!



THE TERRIER GROUP



Airdale Terrier

History: The Airdale Terrier comes from the Valley of the Aire in England and was used as a guard dog and messenger dog during wartime and now is often used on farms to hunt rodents.

Temperament: They have a sweet disposition and learn quickly but also get bored easily. They require a lot of exercise and also a good amount of grooming and stripping of lose hair.

Appearance: Airdales have a short but strong and muscular body with a deep chest. They can weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. Their head is well balanced with a long and flat muzzle. The eyes are small and dark and the ears are small, v-shaped, and folded towards the front. Their long and straight legs are strong and muscular. The tail is of fair length, set high, and carried straight up. Airdales have a hard, dense, and wiry top coat with a soft under coat.

Colors: The sides and the upper part of the body are black and the rest is tan.



American Staffordshire Terrier

History: They are a crossbreed between a Bulldog and a Game Terrier and were first bred during the 19th century in England. They were used for bull baiting.

Temperament: They are loyal, protective, and very people oriented. They enjoy being part of a family and also like to have a job to do or get bored easily. This dog needs a lot of exercise but very little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and have a stocky but muscular body with a deep and broad chest. These dogs have great strength and need a strong handler. Their head is of medium length with a rounded muzzle and deep, broad, and pronounced cheek muscles. Their eyes are round, dark, and sunken into the skull. The ears can be cropped or natural. The legs are straight, set wide apart, and large-boned as well as very muscular. The tail is short but not docked. It is set low and tapering. The coat is short, close to the body, and glossy.

Color: They come in any color and can have any variety of markings.



Australian Terrier

History: As the name states, they were first bred in 1868 in Australia and assisted their owners with the control of rodents and snakes in the outback. Now they are mostly used as guard and herding dogs.

Temperament: They are an alert and courageous breed that adapts easily and is affectionate and friendly towards their owners. They need a moderate amount of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 9 and 14 pounds and have a small but sturdy body. Their chest is deep with a distinguished keel. Their head is long and strong with a muzzle that is equal in length to the skull. The eyes are small, oval, and dark. The small ears are erect and pointed. Their medium size legs are straight and round and the high-set tail is docked. Their medium length coat is harsh and straight with a short and soft under coat. They have a topknot which consists of long hair on top of their head.

Colors: They come in blue and tan or sandy and red.



Bedlington Terrier

History: The Bedlington Terrier comes from the Bedlington Mining Shire in England and was first bred in the 1800s. The coal miners used them as race dogs because of their great speed and endurance.

Temperament: They are a mild and gentle but highly energetic breed. They need lots of exercise as well as lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh 17 to 23 pounds and have a muscular body with a deep chest. The head is round, narrow, and deep with a long and strong muzzle. The eyes are small, almond-shaped, and dark. Their triangular-shaped ears have a round tip and hang flat. The legs are muscular with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front legs. Their tail is medium long and thick but tapering. The coat is a mixture of hard and soft hair that stands out from the body and can also be curly especially on the head.

Color: They come in blue, sandy, liver, tan, or bi-colored of any combination of these colors.



Border Terrier

History: The Border Terrier is one of the oldest terriers and comes from the border country between England and Scotland. They were first bred in the 1800s and were used to protect livestock and hunt vermin.

Temperament: The Border Terrier is a good tempered and affectionate dog. They learn quickly and are highly trainable. They also require lots and lots of exercise but little grooming.

Appearance: The Border Terrier weighs between 11 and 15 pounds and has a narrow but well-boned and muscular body with a moderate chest. The head looks similar to that of an otter with a short and well filled muzzle that is dark in color. They have medium size, dark hazel eyes and small, v-shaped ears that are dropping forward. The legs are straight and muscular and the tail is short, thick at the base, and tapering. The wiry top coat and the short, dense under coat need to be stripped at least twice per year.

Color: They come in red, wheaten, blue and tan, and grizzle and tan.



Bull Terrier

History: The Bull Terrier was first bred in 1860 by the English dog breeder James Hinks and was used as a sporting dog. At first they were all white but later had some other color variations due to cross breeding. Now they are a pure bred again and all white with a small mark on the head.

Temperament: Bull Terriers are playful, clownish, and very friendly. They love kids and make great family dogs but don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. They need lots of exercise but very little grooming.

Appearance: The Bull Terrier weighs between 50 and 70 pounds and has a strong and muscular build with a broad chest. The head is strong, long, and oval-shaped with a flat and long muzzle. Their small and dark eyes are well sunken into the head and their small, thin ears are close together and erect. The legs are big boned, straight, and of moderate length and the tail is short, fine, and tapering. Their short coat is flat and harsh.

Colors: They are white or white with a small mark on the head only.



Cairn Terrier

History: They were first bred in the early 1900s in the Highlands of Scotland and often used to hunt foxes and badgers. They were trained to track the rock dens of the game and bark until the farmer came and killed the game.

Temperament: They love their families but also test their limits. They can be easily trained and learn quickly. They do like to dig and chase, so they need a fence that goes down deep or has chicken wire around the bottom. They also benefit from a fair amount of exercise and moderate amount of grooming.

Appearance: The Cairn Terrier weighs 10 to 14 pounds and has a well-muscled and strong body. The head is broad with a strong and not too long of a muzzle. Their eyes are medium size, sunken in, and hazel. The small ears are pointed, erect, and set wide apart. The legs are short but straight and the tail is of medium length with lots of hair but not feathered. They have a short and hard top coat with a dense and soft under coat.

Colors: They can come in any color except of white.



Dandie Dinmont Terrier

History: They were first bred in the 1700s by gypsies to catch otters and badgers. They became famous with the story “Guy Mannering” written by Sir Walter Scott in 1844. The main character in the story was named Dandie Dinmont.

Temperament: They are affectionate with their families but reserved with strangers. They are an intelligent and independent breed that needs lots of exercise and also lots of grooming.

Appearance: The Dandie Dinmont weighs between 18 and 24 pounds and is slightly longer than tall. Their body is strong and flexible with a well developed chest. The head is large and strong with a strong and deep muzzle. Their large eyes are round and dark hazel and their pointy ears hang low and wide apart. They have short but muscular legs with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front legs. The tail is approximately 8 to 10 inches long, thick at the base, and tapered. They have a hard top coat and a soft under coat with feathering on legs, ears, chest, cheeks, sides, and tail. A distinguishing feature is the soft and silky topknot.

Colors: They come in pepper or mustard colors.



Glen of Imaal Terrier

History: They were first bred about 100 years ago in the lowlands of the County Wicklow and were used to hunt badger and fox. They were also used as turnspit dogs. This means they were tied to a large wheel over a hearth that they had to turn by walking in circles. Kind of like a canine propelled rotisserie.

Temperament: They are active and agile but somewhat on the silent side. They need a fair amount of exercise and a moderate amount of grooming which consists of stripping the dead hair out of their coat.

Appearance: They weigh between 30 and 35 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. Their body is muscular with a wide and deep chest and their strong and powerful head has a tapering muzzle. The eyes are of medium size, round and brown. The ears are small and erect or thrown back. Their muscular legs are short and bowed and the tail is docked at ½ the length. Their coat is medium length and harsh with a soft under coat.

Colors: They come in wheaten, blue, and brindle colors.



Irish Terrier

History: The Irish Terrier is the oldest terrier breed and was used during WWI as a messenger dog.

Temperament: They are smart, adapt quick and well, and make a good guard dog. They are also great with kids and need lots of exercise but little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 25 and 27 pounds. Their moderately long body is strong and muscular with a deep and muscular chest. The head and muzzle is long with a flat skull. Their small eyes are dark brown and the small ears are V-shaped and drooping forward. Their moderately long legs are strong and muscular and their tail is docked at ¾ of length. The short top coat is dense and wiry with a fine and soft under coat. They also have a long beard and long eye brows.

Colors: They come in bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten.



Kerry Blue Terrier

History: They come from the county Kerry in Ireland and were used for hunting small game, herding sheep and cattle, and retrieving game from water.

Temperament: They are energetic, fun-loving, and tough dogs. They like the chase and therefore are not suited for a household with cats. They benefit from a great deal of exercise and their hypoallergenic coat needs lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 33 and 40 pounds and have a short but strong body with a deep chest. Their head is long and well proportionate with a long and strong muzzle. The eyes are small and dark and the small ears are V-shaped and folded forward. They have long legs that are strong and muscular and a moderately long tail that is straight and erect. Their soft and dense coat is wavy and of moderate length. They also have a long beard, long eyebrows, and the hair on top of the muzzle is kept long as well.

Colors: They come in solid blue gray.



Lakeland Terrier

History: They were first bred in the early 1800s in England and were used for hunting and keeping foxes away from sheep herds.

Temperament: They are friendly, bold, and confident. Lakeland Terriers need lots of exercise as well as lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh around 17 pounds and have a strong and supple body with a deep but narrow chest. Their head is moderately broad and flat with a straight and strong muzzle. The small eyes are oval and liver color and the small ears are V-shaped and folded forward. Their straight legs are strong and well-muscled. The tail is docked, erect, and set high. They have a hard, wiry top coat with a soft under coat and the typical terrier beard and long muzzle hair.

Colors: They come in solid blue, black, liver, red, or wheaten as well as in wheaten with saddle markings in blue, black, liver, or grizzle.



Manchester Terrier

History: The Manchester Terrier comes from England and was used to hunt rats.

Temperament: They are a lively, sharp witted, and loyal breed that forms strong bonds with their owners. They make good watchdogs and need a moderate amount of exercise and little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 12 and 22 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. Their body is sturdy with a deep but narrow chest. The long head is narrow and wedge-shaped with a well-defined muzzle. The small eyes are almond-shaped and black and the ears can be either naturally erect or cropped. They have straight and muscular legs and a moderately short tail with an upward curve. The short coat is smooth, dense, and glossy.

Colors: They are jet black with rich tan markings.



Miniature Bull Terrier

History: They are a cross breed between a Bulldog and an English Terrier and gained popularity in the 19th century. They are well known because of Spuds McKenzie and Target adds.

Temperament: They are strong, active, and clownish. Since they are very good vermin hunters, it is best not to have small pets such as hamsters or guinea pigs in the house. They need lots of exercise but little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh 25 to 33 pounds and have a symmetrical, square, but strong build with a broad chest. Their long head is strong, deep, and oval-shaped with an egg-shaped muzzle. The small eyes are well sunken and dark. The ears are small, thin, and erect. They have very strong and muscular legs and the tail is moderately long and tapered. Their short coat is flat and harsh.

Colors: They come in white , white with markings on the nose, and any other color with markings on the nose.



Miniature Schnauzer

History: They derived from the Standard Schnauzer and were first bred in 1899 in Germany. They were used as farm dogs to hunt vermin.

Temperament: They are smart, cheerful, and highly trainable. They need a moderate amount of exercise but lots of grooming in the form of stripping the dead hair.

Appearance: They weigh 12 to 20 pounds and have a short but robust body with a moderate chest. The head is rectangular and strong with a strong and moderately blunt muzzle. Their large eyes are of light color and the ears are cropped and high set. Their strong legs are good-boned and straight and their tail is docked, erect, and set high. They have a hard and wiry outer coat with a dense undercoat. As most terriers, they have long eyebrows and a long beard, as well as feathering on the legs.

Colors: They come in salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black.



Norfolk Terrier

History: They derived from the Norwich Terrier and were first bred in 1979 in England. Often used for hunting vermin, they are the smallest of the Working Terriers.

Temperament: They are fearless, energetic, loyal, and affectionate. The Norfolk Terrier is a highly adaptable breed that needs moderate exercise but lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 11 and 12 pounds and have a compact body with good substance and bones and a moderately deep chest. The head is wide and slightly rounded with a strong wedge-shaped muzzle. The small eyes are oval and dark and the small ears are V-shaped and dropped. Their short legs are strong and powerful and the tail is docked at medium length. They have a hard, wiry, but straight top coat and a dense under coat with a ruff around the neck.

Colors: They come in red, wheaten, black, tan, or grizzle.



Norwich Terrier

History: They come from England and were used as barnyard ratters. They are basically the same kind of terrier as the Norfolk Terrier but with erect instead of dropped ears.

Temperament: They are fearless, energetic, loyal, and affectionate. Just as the Norfolk Terrier, the Norwich Terrier is highly adaptable and needs a moderate amount of exercise and lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 11 and 12 pounds and have a compact body with good substance and bones and a moderately deep chest. The head is broad and slightly rounded with a strong wedge-shaped muzzle. The small eyes are dark and oval and the medium size ears are naturally erect. Their legs are short and powerful and the tail is docked at mid-size. Their straight top coat is hard and wiry with a dense under coat and a ruff around the neck.

Colors: The come in red, wheaten, black, tan, or grizzle.



Parson Russell Terrier

History: They were first bred in the mid 1800s in England and were used to hunt red fox. They were named after the Rev. John Russell and commonly known as Jack Russell Terriers until recently their name was changed to Parson Russell Terrier.

Temperament: They are very outgoing, friendly, and affectionate. They can be very vocal and are a bundle of energy. Therefore, they need lots and lots of exercise. Grooming is minimal.

Appearance: They weigh between 13 and 17 pounds and have a square and muscular body with a flexible chest. Their head is strong and well proportionate with a strong rectangular muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark and the small ears are V-shaped and dropping. Their long legs are strong, good boned and muscular. The tail is set low and has the appearance of a squirrel tail. Their smooth and broken top coat has a good sheen to it. They also have a soft under coat.

Colors: They come in white, white with black markings, white with tan markings, and white with tri-color markings.



Scottish Terrier

History: King James the VI adored them and used them to hunt and dig for vermin. They came to the US in 1890.

Temperament: They are gentle, loving, and alert but can be a little aggressive with other dogs. They require lots of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 18 and 22 pounds and have a short but muscular body with a broad and deep chest. The head is long and of medium size with a muzzle equally in length to the skull and slightly tapered. The small eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown and the small ears are naturally erect. They have straight, heavy-boned legs and a tail that is thick at the base and tapering. The top coat is hard and wiry with a soft and dense under coat. There is feathering on the lower body, legs, beard, and eyebrows.

Color: They come in black, wheaten, or brindle.



Sealyham Terrier

History: They come from Wales and were used to hunt badgers, fox, and otters.

Temperament: They are a charming and inquisitive breed that needs to be occupied or they get bored. They need lots of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 23 and 24 pounds and have a strong but short body with a deep and broad chest. The head is long, broad, and powerful with a medium long and smoothly formed muzzle. The eyes are very dark, medium size, and oval. The ears are rounded at the tip and folded forward. They have strong and good-boned legs and a docked tail that is carried upright. Their coat is weather resistant with a hard and wiry top coat and a soft, dense under coat.

Skye Terrier

History: This is the oldest terrier breed and comes from the Isle of Skye where they were used to destroy vermin. The reason why they were such good hunters is that their long hair protects them from injuries during the hunt.

Temperament: They are good tempered, loyal, and elegant. A fearless breed, the Skye Terrier has great stamina and strength and thus, needs lots of exercise. The long hair needs lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 35 and 45 pounds and have a long and low body with a deep chest. The head is long and powerful with a strong and tapered muzzle. Their eyes are of medium size and dark brown and their medium size ears are well feathered and either naturally erect or dropped forward. Their short legs are muscular and straight and their tail is long and well feathered. They have a hard, straight, and flat top coat with a short, soft, and woolly under coat. There is lots of feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. The top coat hangs down on each side from head to tail.

Colors: They come in black, blue, grey, silver, fawn, or cream and have no markings.



Smooth Fox Terrier

History: Farmers during the 17th century used them in the British Isles to dig out fox and other vermin.

Temperament: They are friendly, playful, and good with kids but still are very good diggers. They need lots of exercise but little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 16 and 18 pounds and have a square and muscular body with a deep and broad chest. The head is flat and narrow with a muscular and gradually tapering muzzle. The small eyes are deep-set and dark and the small ears are V-shaped and dropping forward. They have long and muscular legs and a tail that is docked at ¾ of length and carried high. The coat is smooth, flat, hard, and dense.

Colors: They are predominately white with black or brown markings.



Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier

History: They were first bred 200 years ago in Ireland and lived on farms where they herded sheep and hunted down vermin.

Temperament: They are an alert and interested breed that is good with kids. They have a happy and steady disposition and need lots of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and have a medium size, square but muscular body with a deep chest. The head is moderately long and rectangular with a strong and powerful muzzle. The eyes are reddish brown, of medium size, and almond-shaped. The ears are small and drop forward. They have straight and well-boned legs and a high-set tail that can be either docked or natural. The soft coat is silky and wavy. There is no under coat.

Colors: They come in wheaten only.



Staffordshire Bull Terrier

History: In the 19th century, English coal miners from the county of Staffordshire bred a bulldog with a terrier to have a small, strong, and fast dog to work in the coal mines with them. Now they are known as pitbulls and bad people use them for dog fights.

Temperament: Pitbulls are very affectionate and intelligent. They learn fast and are very obedient as well as courageous. Since they are a strong and muscular breed, they require a strong handler. They also need extra strong toys since their jaw is strong and powerful. They need lots and lots of exercise but very little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh 25 to 45 pounds and have a short but very muscular body with a very deep and broad chest. The head is short, deep, and broad with a short but very muscular and powerful muzzle. The eyes are round, of medium size, and dark and the ears are small and dropping to the side. There straight legs are well-boned, set wide apart, and extremely muscular. The tail is undocked, of medium length, and tapered. They have a smooth, short coat that is close to the skin and no under coat.

Colors: They come in solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle, or any combination of these colors.



Welsh Terrier

History: This is an old English terrier from Wales that was used to hunt badgers, fox, and otter. A fellow by the name of Prescott Lawrence brought the first Welsh terrier to the USA in 1888.

Temperament: They are friendly, intelligent, and they love their family, kids, and other dogs. They can be a little difficult to house break and they love to chase. Welsh terriers need lots of exercise and lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh around 20 pounds and their body is of good substance with a medium size chest. Their rectangular head is strong and powerful with a strong and square muzzle that is half the length of the head. The small, almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and the small, V-shaped ears fold towards the front. Their legs are straight and muscular and the tail is docked at 1/3 of length and carried upright. Their coat is hard, wiry, and dense with a short, soft under coat. They have lots of feathering on their legs and muzzle as well as a long beard and eyebrows.

Colors: The come in black with tan markings on the legs, face, and underside.



West Highland White Terrier

History: They come from Scotland and were used for hunting small vermin. In 1906 the breed came to the USA.

Temperament: They are affectionate, happy, faithful, and they love people. They only need a moderate amount of exercise but lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 15 and 22 pounds and have a compact and muscular body with a very deep chest. The head is round and broad with a short, blunt but powerful muzzle. The medium and almond-shaped eyes are set wide and dark and the small ears are pointy and erect. They have short, muscular, and well-boned legs and a short tail that has a good substance. The long top coat is straight and hard with a short, dense under coat. There is feathering on the legs and sides. Distinctive to this breed is the facial hair that is plucked in the shape of a ball.

Colors: They only come in white.



Wire Fox Terrier

History: They came from the British Isles in the 17th century and were used to chase fox and other small game out of dens.

Temperament: They are friendly, playful, and make good watchdogs. However, they like to dig a lot. They only need a moderate amount of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: They weigh around 18 pounds and have a square and muscular body with a deep, narrow chest. The head is narrow and flat with a long, flat muzzle. The small, round eyes are deep-set and dark and the small, V-shaped ears fold forward. Their long legs are muscular and strong and their tail is set high, of good substance, and docked at ¾ of length. They have a dense and wiry top coat with a fine, soft under coat and feathering on the legs only. However, like most of the terriers, they have long eyebrows and a beard.

Colors: They come in white with black and tan markings.

And this, my friends, concludes the terrier group. Stay tuned for the next blog on the toy group. Hopefully you don’t have to wait as long as you had to for this one.

Love and Peace,

Tiny

K9s, K9s, and more K9s. part three - The Working Group

Hi my friends,

yeah, part three of the dog blog is here! Today I will tell you about the members of the Working Group. You will learn about their history, temperament, and appearance.

Hope you'll enjoy!

THE WORKING GROUP

Akita

History: Akitas originated in Japan and were first brought to the U.S. in 1937 by Helen Keller. They used to hunt bear in Japan and are now a symbol of health, happiness, and long life. When a child is born in Japan, it will receive a statue of an Akita dog.

Temperament: Akitas have a strong guard instinct which can lend them to be a bit aggressive. Thus, they are not well suited for a household with small children. They are also very dominant and need training early on. They don't like other dogs much and they are very alert, responsive, and courageous. Akitas need lots of exercise but their coat needs minimal grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 75 and 120 pounds and have a large, powerful, and very muscular body with a deep chest. They are slightly longer than tall. Their head is massive and broad with a full muzzle. The eyes are small, oval, and dark brown and the ears are small, triangular-shaped, and erect. They have strong, muscular, and very powerful legs and the tail is long, full, and strongly curled. Their harsh coat is standing up straight with a dense, thick, and soft undercoat.

Color: Akitas come in any color and any variety of markings.

Alaskan Malamute

History: They are named after the Alaskan Innuit tribe Mahlemuts who used them as sled dogs.

Temperament: Malamutes are majestic, dignified, and affectionate. They are a highly intelligent and athletic breed that needs lots of exercise and also a lot of grooming.

Appearance: They can weigh between 75 and 85 pounds and have a powerful, muscular, and heavy-boned body with a deep and broad chest. The head is broad and deep with a long and bulky muzzle. The eyes are medium size, almond-shaped, and brown and the ears are triangular and erect. Their muscular legs are strong and heavy-boned and their tail is of medium size, well furred, and carried over the back. They have a very thick and coarse guard coat with a dense, oily undercoat.

Colors: They come in shades of light grey to black with white markings on the underbody, legs, feet, tail, and face.


Anatolian Shepperd Dog

History: This breed originated in Turkey 6000 years ago and was used as a guard dog. They came to the U.S. in 1950

Temperament: They are protective, loyal, and loving. However, they can be reserved with strangers. They are highly trainable and need lots of exercise. Their coat is low maintenance.

Appearance: This is a large breed that can weigh between 110 and 150 pounds. They have a rugged and powerful body with a deep chest. The head is large with a centerline furrow and a broad and strong muzzle. The eyes are medium size, oval, and brown and the ears are V-shaped, rounded at the tips, and drooping to the side. They have well developed, strong, and muscular legs. The tail is long and curled upward at the tip. They have a short and rough topcoat with a thick undercoat.

Colors: They come in all colors and patterns.


Bernese Mountain Dog

History: They come from the Swiss canton of Bern and were used as farm dogs.

Temperament: They are calm, confident, and make good family dogs. They need a moderate amount of exercise but their coat needs lots of grooming. They also shed a lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 80 and 110 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. Their body is muscular with sturdy bones and a deep and broad chest. The head is flat and broad with a strong and straight muzzle. The eyes are oval and dark brown and the ears are of medium size, triangular, and hanging close to the head. Their strong legs are straight and muscular and the tail is medium long and bushy. The coat is moderately long, thick, and slightly wavy.

Colors: They come in tri-colored. The base color is black with rust and white markings.


Black Russian Terrier

History: They were bred after WWII by the Soviets at the Red Star Kennel which was a government operated kennel that bred work dogs for the armed services. The dogs were bred to be highly trainable, aggressive, and low maintenance.

Temperament: They are highly intelligent and trainable. Since they are very protective, they make good guard dogs. They can be a little aggressive with other dogs and when threatened. They need lots of exercise and their coat is low maintenance.

Appearance: They weigh between 80 and 140 pounds and have a well-muscled and large-boned body. Their head is moderately wide and round with a broad and tapering muzzle. The medium size eyes are oval and dark. The ears are also medium size, triangular-shaped with rounded tips, and hanging. Their straight legs are well-boned and muscular and their tail is thick and saber-like. The coat is coarse and wavy with a soft undercoat. The have long hair over the eyes and lips and also have a long beard.

Colors: They come in black only.


Boxer

History: Boxers originated during the 19th century in Germany and were used to hold down large game such as wild boar and bison. They are now one of the most popular breeds of dogs.

Temperament: They are very patient and affectionate. They love kids and can be very protective of them. They need lots of exercise but little grooming. However, they drool a lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 60 and 75 pounds and have a square, strong, and muscular body with a wide chest. The head is square and well proportionate with a broad and square muzzle. The eyes are oval, dark, and set towards the front of the head. The ears are large, set high, and either cropped and erect, or natural and hanging. The legs are large and muscular and the tail is docked. The short and smooth coat is shiny and close to the body.

Colors: They come in fawn and brindle and can have white and black markings on the muzzle, ears, feet, and chest.


Bullmastiff

History: The Bullmastiff came from England in 1860 and were used to keep away poachers from large estates. They are a crossbreed between a Mastiff and a Bulldog and were bred to be as large as a Mastiff and as fast as a Bulldog so they could charge poachers and hold them down.

Temperament: Bullmastiffs are fearless, confident, and protective. They need specific training, require little exercise, and very little grooming. Due to their large body, they can actually exhaust themselves very fast.

Appearance: They weigh between 100 and 130 pounds and their large body is strong and muscular with a wide and deep chest. The head is large and broad with lots of wrinkles and a short, broad but deep muzzle. The eyes are of medium size and dark and the ears are V-shaped and hanging close to the cheeks. Their muscular legs are broad and straight and their strong tail is also straight and tapering. They have a short and dense coat.

Colors: They come in red fawn and brindle with a dark muzzle and ears.


Cane Corso

History: This is a rare breed coming from mostly South Italy. They were used as guard dogs and hunting dogs during boar hunt.

Temperament: They are a large breed, athletic, intelligent, and easily trained. They are very affectionate and love kids. However, due to their large size, should not be around small children unsupervised. They need lots of exercise and little grooming. Although their coat is short, they do shed a lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 90 and 110 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. Their body is muscular and well-boned with a broad chest. The head is large and wide with a deep, broad, and square muzzle. The eyes are medium size, almond-shaped, and dark brown and the ears either cropped and erect or naturally hanging and triangular-shaped. Their strong legs are straight and muscular and the tail is thick, not tapering, and docked at the 4th vertebrae. Their short coat is stiff and shiny with a light undercoat.

Colors: They come in black, grey, fawn, red, and brindle.


Doberman Pinscher

History: The first Doberman Pinscher was owned by the German tax collector Louis Doberman in the 1900s and was used as a guard dog. He was a cross breed between a Rottweiler and a Pinscher.

Temperament: Dobermans are affectionate, loyal, and obedient. They are also energetic, watchful, and fearless. They need lots of exercise and little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 65 and 85 pounds and have a medium size, square body with a broad chest. They are very muscular and powerful. The head is long and blunt with a flat and pointed muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and brown and the ears are cropped and erect. They have long, straight legs and their tail is docked at the second joint. Their short, smooth coat is close lying with an invisible grey undercoat.

Colors: They come in black, red, blue, and fawn with rust markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and below the tail.


Dogue de Bordeaux

History: There is not much known about this French breed besides that it was used to guard bulls, herd cattle, and hunt bear, boar, and jaguar.

Temperament: They make very good guard dogs, get attached to their families, and are calm and affectionate. They need a moderate amount of exercise, little grooming, but drool a lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 120 and 145 pounds and have a very muscular, powerful, and stocky body with a deep chest. The head is massive and angular with a short, broad, and powerful muzzle. The eyes are oval and hazel to dark brown. The small ears are oval-shaped with rounded tips and hanging. The legs are strong-boned and muscular and the thick tail is of medium length and straight. They have a fine, short, and soft coat.

Colors: Their color reaches from fawn to dark red.


German Pinscher

History: The German Pinscher is actually closer related to the Schnauzer than the Pinscher. They were almost extinct but the breed was revived by Werner Jung, a fancier of the breed. They are excellent hunting dog.

Temperament: The German Pinscher is a fearless, protective breed that needs lots of training to be sociable. They have a lot of energy and need lots of exercise but little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 30 and 35 pounds and have a medium size, square, and muscular body with a moderately deep chest. The head is elongated with a flat and long muzzle. The eyes are of medium size, oval-shaped, and dark and the ears are set high, cropped, and erect. The tail is docked at the second joint. Their short, dense coat is smooth and close lying.

Colors: They come in fawn to red or black, and blue with red or tan markings.



Giant Schnauzer

History: They originated in the Bavarian part of Germany and were used as farm help or guard dogs for butchers and breweries. Now they work in police training.

Temperament: The Schnauzers are very intelligent and learn quickly. They are highly energetic and love to have a job but can be a little territorial. They need lots of exercise and lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and are larger than the Standard Schnauzer. Their body has a strong and muscular build with a strong, square chest. The head is rectangular and strong with a moderately broad and strong muzzle. The eyes are of medium size, oval-shaped, and dark brown and the ears are cropped and pointy. The strong legs are flat and straight and the tail is docked at the second joint. Their hard and wiry coat is very dense with a soft undercoat. They have coarse hair above the eyes, on top of the head, and as a beard.

Colors: They come in black and in salt and pepper.




Great Dane

History: The Great Dane was first seen in Egyptian drawings around 3000BC and in Chinese literature in 1121BC. They are a crossbreed between an Irish Wolfhound and an English Mastiff. The Germans used them to hunt boar and to guard large estates.

Temperament: They have a gentle, loving disposition and make excellent family dogs. They require lots of exercise but little grooming.


Appearance: They weigh between 100 and 180 pounds and have a large, well-muscled, and powerful body with a broad and deep chest. The head is rectangular and finely chiseled with a square muzzle. The eyes are of medium size, deep-set, and dark and the ears are set high and either cropped and erect or natural and hanging. Their strong legs are broad and muscular and the tail is broad at the base and tapering with a slight upward curve. The short, thick coat is smooth and glossy.

Colors: They come in brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black markings), and mantle (black with white markings).



Great Pyrenees

History: They originated in Central Asia and Siberia in the 17th century and migrated to the mountainous regions of south-west France, thus, the name. Once only owned by nobility, they now guard flocks.

Temperament: They are tolerant, affectionate, and make great guard dogs. However, they are not very obedient and bark a lot. They need lots of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 85 and 100 pounds and are slightly larger than tall. Their elegant body is of medium substance and covered with lots of hair. The chest is moderately broad. They have a wedge-shaped head with a muzzle that blends smoothly with the skull. The eyes are medium size, oval, and dark brown and the small ears are V-shaped with a rounded tip. The legs are well-boned and muscled and the large tail is well plumed and carried low. Their thick coat is long and flat with a dense and fine undercoat and lots of feathering.

Colors: They come in white only.



Great Swiss Mountain Dog

History: They originated in Switzerland during the 19th century and are used for draft work and livestock management.

Temperament: They are social, alert, faithful, and make great family dogs. However, they need lots of patience with house breaking but only a moderate amount of exercise and little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 130 and 140 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. Their large, powerful body is heavy-boned and well-muscled with a deep and broad chest. The head is broad and flat with a large, blunt, and straight muzzle. The medium size eyes are almond-shaped and dark and the medium size ears are triangular-shaped and hanging loose. The long legs are strong and muscular and their thick tail is tapered at the tip only. They have a short, dense topcoat with a thick undercoat.

Colors: They come in black with rust markings on the cheeks, over the eyes, on the chest, legs, and under the tail, and white markings on the nose, muzzle, feet, chest, and tip of tail.



Komodor

History: The Komodor originated in Hungary and is a direct descendent from the Aftscharka, the dog of the Huns. They were used to guard sheep and cattle. Since they guard but not herd, they work on their own and do not go by commands.

Temperament: They are a dignified and affectionate breed with great strength and courage. They can be a little reserved with strangers and require lots of obedience training. They also need lots of exercise and an enormous amount of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 80 and 100 pounds and have a large, well-boned and muscled body with a powerful, deep chest. The head is large and broad with a straight muzzle. The medium size eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown and the elongated ears are triangular-shaped with a rounded tip, and hanging long. Their straight legs are well-boned and muscled and their long tail has a slight upward curve. The dense coat is very unique and made up of soft, long cords that are formed naturally with a soft, woolly undercoat. The cords need an extreme amount of grooming to keep them from getting tangled.

Colors: The come in white only.



Kuvaz

History: The Kuvaz was the dog of the Hungary armed guards and was used to protect nobility. Today they herd sheep.

Temperament: They are courageous, fearless, protective, and can work for long periods of time. They are not very affectionate and are reserved with strangers. They need lots of exercise and grooming.

Appearance: Kuvaz weigh between 70 and 115 pounds and have a large and sturdy build with a deep chest. The head is elongated but not pointy with a straight muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanted, and dark brown and the ears are V-shaped with a rounded tip and hanging. The legs are long and muscular and the long tail is carried low and is curled at the tip. They have a medium coarse, straight to wavy coat with a fine undercoat and lots of feathering.

Colors: They come in white only.



Leonberger

History: The Leonberger originated in Germany in the 1800s and was used as a farm dog. They were even featured on postal stamps since they were a very popular breed.

Temperament: They are gentle, calm, playful, and love kids. They only need a moderate amount of exercise but more grooming and they also shed a lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 100 and 150 pounds and have a muscular and powerful build with a broad chest. The strong head is rectangular with a long and slightly arched muzzle. The medium size eyes are oval and dark brown and the medium size ears are triangular and hanging close to the head. They have powerful and well-boned and muscled legs and their tail is long with an upward curve. Their water resistant topcoat can be medium to long with a soft and dense undercoat. They also have a very distinctive mane of soft to coarse hair around the neck and on the chest.

Colors: They come in lion-yellow, red, red-brown, sand, and any combination of these colors with a black mask.



Mastiff

History: The Mastiff originated in Egypt around 3000BC and was featured in many drawings. The Roman emperor Caesar owned Mastiffs to fight bulls, lions, and gladiators. The way they fight their prey is by means of pinning them down. Later they were used as guard dogs.

Temperament: They are powerful but gentle, loyal, and dignified. Due to their large size, they can only tolerate a small amount of exercise or they will get exhausted easily. They need little or no grooming. Because of their large size and their instinct to pin down prey, they should be supervised around small kids.

Appearance: The Mastiff can weigh between 160 and 200 pounds and has a massive, powerful, and muscular body with a wide and deep chest. The head is very broad with a short but broad muzzle. Their eyes are medium size, set wide apart, and dark brown. The ears are rather small, V-shaped with rounded tips, and hanging closely to the cheeks. Their legs are powerful and muscular with a rather wide apart stance. The long tail is tapering and has a slight curve. Their coarse coat is short and straight with a dense, short undercoat.

Colors: They come in fawn, apricot, or brindle with ears, muzzle, and nose in a darker color.



Neapolitan Mastiff

History: They originated in Egypt and Persia and then became part of the Roman army. Later they made their way to North Italy where they were used as guard dogs on farms.

Temperament: They are loyal, calm, watchful, and protective. Since they are very large and hunt in the same way as the Mastiff, they should be supervised when around small children. They can only tolerate a moderate amount of exercise, need little grooming, but drool an awful lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 110 and 150 pounds and have a massive and heavy-boned body with a broad and deep chest. They have lots of lose skin around the head and neck area. The head is large with a square, deep muzzle and lots of wrinkles. The eyes are set very deep, almost hidden, and amber in color. The ears are set low and hanging loosely. Their legs are powerful, muscular, and heavy and their tail is wide and thick at the base, tapering, and docked at 1/3 of its length. The coat is short, dense, and smooth.

Colors: They come in grey, black, mahogany, and tawny.



Newfoundland

History: European fishermen brought them to Newfoundland. There they pulled in the nets for the fishermen and hauled wood.

Temperament: They have a very sweet disposition, are intelligent, and easily trained. They only need a moderate amount of exercise because of their large size but need a lot of grooming on a daily basis.

Appearance: They weigh between 100 and 150 pounds and their large and strong body is heavy-boned and well-muscled with a deep and full chest. The head is massive and broad with a broad and deep muzzle. The eyes are small and dark and the ears are small as well, triangular-shaped with rounded tips, and hanging close to the head. Their powerful legs are straight and muscular and their tail is broad and strong with a slight curve at the tip. The long and flat coat is very coarse and water-resistant with a soft and dense undercoat.

Colors: They come in black, brown, grey, and white with black markings.



Portuguese Water Dog

History: They originated in Portugal, thus the name, and accompanied fishermen on their boats. They dove for fish, retrieved broken nets, and carried messages between boats. Due to technology, the breed was jobless and became almost extinct. A wealthy family who loved the breed saved them from extinction and established a breeding program.

Temperament: They are an athletic and active breed that needs lots of exercise. They are loyal, intelligent, and highly trainable. Their coat is hypoallergenic but needs lots of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 30 and 50 pounds and have a robust, mid-size build with a broad and deep chest. Their head is large and well-proportioned with a substantial and tapering muzzle. The eyes are of medium size, round, and black and the ears are heart-shaped, thin, and hanging close to the head. Their strong legs are very muscular and the long tail is thick at the base and tapering. They have a thick, strong, healthy coat that is hypoallergenic. There is no undercoat. The coat can be either wavy or curly.

Colors: They come in black, white, brown, and black with white markings, or brown with white markings.



Rottweiler

History: The Romans brought Rottweilers with them when they invaded Europe. Later they were used in Germany to guard herds of livestock.

Temperament: They are clownish, love their families and are very protective of them. They don’t like strangers and need lots of training to be socialized. Since they are a very active breed, they need lots of exercise but little grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 85 and 130 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. They have a powerful and muscular body with a broad and deep chest. The head is of medium length and broad with a straight, broad, and tapering muzzle. The eyes are medium size, almond-shaped, and dark brown and the ears are also medium size, triangular and hanging to mid-cheek. Their long legs are broad and muscular and their tail is docked. The coarse coat is dense, straight, and flat with a very short undercoat.

Colors: They come in black with rust markings over each eye, on the cheeks, side of muzzle, legs, chest, and under the tail.



Saint Bernard

History: They originated in the Swiss countryside and had multiple uses there. Besides being guard dogs, carting dogs, and avalanche dogs, they rescued travelers trapped in snow while crossing treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy.

Temperament: They are highly intelligent, have a lot of stamina, and make great family dogs. They do require lots of exercise, lots of grooming, and they shed and drool a lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 130 and 180 pounds and have a large, strong, muscular, and powerful body with a moderately deep chest. The head is massive with a wide and powerful skull and a short muzzle. The eyes are medium size, set towards the front, and dark brown. The ears are also medium size and hang close to the head. They have very muscular and well developed legs and their long tail is very heavy, hanging low, and has an upward curve at the end. Their coat is dense, rough, and smooth. They come in short and long hair varieties.

Colors: They come in white with red or brown markings.



Samoyed

History: They were first bred and used by the Samoyed people of Siberia for herding reindeer, hauling sleds, help with the hunt, and guard the villages.

Temperament: They are a gentle, loyal, and intelligent breed. They love to chase and need a job to do or they bark excessively. Since they are a very active breed, they require lots of exercise and also lots of grooming for their long coat.

Appearance: They weigh between 45 and 65 pounds and have a well-boned and muscled body with a deep chest. The head is wedge-shaped and broad with a medium length and width but deep muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark and the ears are triangular-shaped, thick, and erect. Their legs are straight and well developed and their tail is moderately long and covered with lots of hair. The long coat is straight and standing up with a soft, short, and thick undercoat.

Colors: They come in pure white only.



Siberian Husky

History: They were first bred by the Chukchi tribe of the eastern Siberian peninsula and were entered in the first 408 mile long dogsled race in 1908. During WWII they were used by the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit.

Temperament: They are friendly, gentle, alert, and outgoing. Since they love to chase and can jump pretty high, a tall fence is necessary to keep them from taking off and roaming. They need lots of exercise and their thick coat needs daily brushing or the undercoat will get matted.

Appearance: They weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and have a medium size and moderately boned body with a deep and strong chest. The head is of medium size and slightly rounded with a tapered muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and brown or blue and the ears are triangular-shaped, thick, and erect. The legs are straight and well-muscled and the tail is of medium length, well furred, and carried over the back like a sickle. Their medium length coat is straight and smooth with a soft and very dense undercoat.

Colors: They come in all colors from black to white with a variety of markings.



Standard Schnauzer

History: They came from Germany and are named after the German word for beard and mustache. Their job was to guard farms and livestock.

Temperament: They are alert, protective, sociable, and affectionate. They love kids and get along well with their families. Since they are a strong-willed breed, they need to be trained early and also require a lot of exercise or they will get mischievous. Their coat needs regular stripping which gets rid of the dead hair from the undercoat.

Appearance: They weigh between 35 and 50 pounds and have a robust, sturdy, and square body with a medium width chest. The head is strong and rectangular with a strong and wedge-shaped muzzle. The eyes are medium size, oval, and dark brown and the ears are cropped and erect. The legs are muscular and strong and the tail is docked. Their thick, tight coat is wiry and hard with a soft undercoat that needs regular stripping. They also have a long beard and mustache.

Colors: They come in black and in pepper and salt.



Tibetan Mastiff

History: They originated in 1100BC in the Himalayan Mountains of China and were used to guard families and their properties. They also came along when flocks were moved to higher pastures to guard the flocks and the tents.

Temperament: They are an intelligent and independent breed. They are highly protective and don’t like strangers. Often people have to confine their Tibetan Mastiff when they have visitors. They need lots of exercise and a moderate amount of grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 140 and 170 pounds and are slightly longer than tall. Their large and powerful body is well-muscled and has a deep chest. The broad head is heavy and strong with a square muzzle. The eyes are medium size, almond-shaped, and any shade of brown and the ears are V-shaped and hang close to the head. Their straight legs are well boned and well muscled and the tail is medium long and well feathered. The long coat is thick and coarse with a heavy but soft undercoat.

Colors: They come in black, brown, and blue-grey with or without tan markings.


So, these were the members of the Working group. In the next blog I will tell you about the 27 different breeds of the Terrier group. Stay tuned!

Love and Peace,
Tiny