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 agg
ressive. 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 protec
tive, 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 t
raining, 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
