Dog Breeds Notes: 2 (copy)

Terrier Group

• Contains 29 breeds recognized by the AKC.

• Examples: Australian Terrier, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier.

• Russell Terrier: Recently added, separated from Parsons Russell Terrier due to distinct body structure and height differences maintained in the U.S. and Europe.

• General Characteristics:

  • Feisty and energetic, bred to go to ground to follow prey.

  • Little tolerance for other animals.

  • Bred to hunt and kill vermin.

  • Require special grooming (stripping) to maintain appearance.

Miniature Schnauzer

• History:

  • Derived from the Standard Schnauzer in Germany.

  • Bred as a small farm dog for vermin control.

  • Farmers bred down the Standard Schnauzer for a smaller size, suitable for house and farm.

• Description:

  • Distinguished, handsome appearance.

  • Whiskers and double coat (hard, wiry outer coat and soft undercoat).

  • Coat colors: salt and pepper, black and silver, solid black.

  • Squarely proportioned build.

  • Weight: Dog 14-18 lbs, Bitch 11-15 lbs.

  • Height: Dog 14-18 inches, Bitch 12-14 inches.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Alert and spirited, obedient to command.

  • Friendly, intelligent, willing to please, easy to train.

  • Excellent watchdogs with good territorial instinct, prone to barking.

• Medical Issues:

  • May suffer from health problems associated with high fat levels.

  • Hyperlipidemia: May increase the possibility of pancreatitis.

  • Diabetes, bladder stones, eye problems.

  • Low or non-fatty and unsweetened foods may help avoid these problems.

Manchester Terrier

• History:

  • Developed in England, originates from the Black and Tan Terrier (oldest known terrier breed).

  • Bred to hunt rats and other small vermin.

  • Two varieties: toy and standard.

• Description:

  • Small, black, short-coated dog with distinctive rich mahogany markings and a taper style tail.

  • Sleek, sturdy, elegant look.

  • Wedge-shaped, long, clean head with a keen, bright, alert expression.

  • Weight: Toy variety does not exceed 12 lbs, Standard variety is 12-22 lbs.

  • Height: Slightly less than the length.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Neither aggressive nor shy.

  • Keenly observant and generally friendly with other dogs.

• Medical Issues:

  • Von Willebrand's disease: Bleeding disorder affecting a dog's ability to clot.

  • Hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts).

Smooth Fox Terrier

• History:

  • Originated in the British Isles in the seventeenth century.

  • Owned by farmers to eradicate vermin.

  • Used keen nose, eyesight, and stamina to drive fox and other quarry out of underground dens.

  • Not usually used for hunting today but maintains drive and determination.

• Description:

  • Predominantly white with black or tan markings.

  • Hair grows all over the body equally.

  • Requires scissoring or clipping to maintain a clean look.

  • Weight: Dog 18 lbs, Bitch 16 lbs.

  • Height: Dog 15 inches at the withers, Bitch around 13 inches at the withers.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Playful and energetic, enjoys spending time with children and learning new tricks.

• Medical Issues:

  • Deafness, luxating patellas, eye disorders (lens luxation, cataracts).

Toy Group

• 21 current breeds. Breeds include Chihuahua, Maltese, Havanese, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Poodle(toy).

• Italian Greyhounds are in the toy group, not the hound group.

• Toy poodles are in the toy group, miniature and standard poodles are in the non-sporting group.

• General Characteristics:

  • Bred in size as watchdogs and companion dogs.

  • Size not commensurate with their temperament and courage.

Pomeranians

• History:

  • Name from the historical region of Pomerania (Germany and Poland).

  • Originally herders of sheep.

  • Recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1870 as the Spitz dog.

  • Queen Victoria brought a Pomeranian from Florence, Italy, in 1888, heavily influencing its popularity.

  • Size decreased by 50% during Queen Victoria's lifetime.

• Description:

  • Compact, short-backed, active toy dog.

  • Double coat: short, dense undercoat with a harsh textured longer outer coat.

  • Heavily plumed tail.

  • Colors: white, black, brown, red, cream, blue sable, blue and sable, black and tan, merle.

  • Merle gene alters base coat color and modifies eye color and coloring of the nose and paw pads.

  • Weight: 3-7 lbs for both dogs and bitches.

  • Height: 5-11 inches at the withers for both dogs and bitches.

  • Ratio of body length to height at the withers is one to one (1:1).

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Friendly and lively.

  • Bond quickly with owners.

  • May suffer from separation anxiety if not trained to spend time alone.

  • Defensive of territory and will bark at outside noises.

• Medical Issues:

  • Merle colored dogs suffer from mild to severe deafness, increased intraocular pressure, and microthalmia.

  • Luxating patella.

Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies)

• History:

  • Named for the English city where they originated.

  • Used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills.

  • One of the few small dogs that originally belonged to the working class.

  • Became a companion animal to families of European high society.

• Description:

  • Emphasis on coat color, quality, and texture.

  • Hair should be glossy, fine, straight, and silky.

  • Head is small and rather flat on top.

  • Weight: 3-7 lbs on average for both dogs and bitches, bitches being slightly smaller.

  • Height: About 6-7 inches for both dogs and bitches.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Active, loves attention, overprotective.

  • Harder to train due to their nature to work without human assistance.

  • Bark a lot, making them excellent watchdogs.

• Medical Issues:

  • Genetic disorders: hydrocephalus, luxating patella, portosystemic shunts, retinal dysplasia.

Silky Terriers

• History:

  • Developed at the end of the 1800s in Australia.

  • Created when Yorkshire Terriers from England were bred to Australian Terrier bitches.

  • Called Silky Terrier in North America and Australian Silky Terrier in Australia and the rest of the world.

• Description:

  • Moderately low set, slightly longer than tall.

  • Refined bone structure.

  • Silky coat.

  • Weight: 8-11 lbs, bitches are slightly smaller than dogs.

  • Height: About 9-10 inches at the withers for both dogs and bitches.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Keenly alert and active.

  • Love to run and play.

  • Important to keep them busy and social to avoid boredom.

• Medical Issues:

  • Generally healthy dogs.

  • Minor concerns include intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation.

  • Sometimes affected by diabetes, epilepsy, and tracheal collapse.

Non-Sporting Group

• Consists of 19 current breeds.

• Includes American Eskimo Dog, Dalmatian, Poodle (standard and miniature), Tibetan Spaniel.

• General Characteristics:

  • Very diverse group with different personalities.

  • Great variance with respect to size, coat, personality, and overall appearance.

Löwchen

• History:

  • Existed for at least 400 years as a companion breed in pre-Renaissance Europe.

  • Ladies of the court groomed it in the likeness of a little lion.

  • Popular as comforters and foot warmers.

  • May be related to the Bichon Frise but has a relatively obscure history.

  • Once considered one of the rarest dog breeds.

• Description:

  • Small, bright, and lively dog with lion characteristics.

  • Compact, balanced body.

  • Relatively short, wide muzzle.

  • Lively gait accentuates a lion cut with a long flowing mane.

  • Weight: 12-18 lbs for the dog, 10-15 lbs for the bitch.

  • Height: 12-14 inches for a dog, 11-13 inches for a bitch.

• Behavior:

  • Very friendly and happy dog.

  • Active, playful, and intelligent.

  • Makes a good pet for families.

• Medical Issues:

  • Pretty healthy dog.

  • Potential health problems include patellar luxation and eye problems (cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy).

Shiba Inu

• History:

  • Descended from primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan.

  • Bred to hunt small wild game such as boar and bear.

  • Smallest of the Japanese native breeds.

  • "Shiba" means brushwood (either the breed's hunting terrain or the color of brushwood leaves in the fall), and "Inu" means dog.

  • Nearly disappeared due to bombing raids and distemper during World War II, but bloodlines were combined after the war to produce the modern breed.

• Description:

  • Alert and agile with keen senses.

  • Compact frame with well-developed muscles.

  • Double-coated with a stiff, straight outer coat and a soft, thick undercoat.

  • Fox-like face, ears, and legs.

  • Weight: 25 lbs for dog, about 20 lbs for bitch.

  • Height: 14-16.5 inches for dog, 13.5-15.5 inches for bitch.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Independent and intelligent.

  • Should always be on a leash unless in a secured area due to a strong prey drive.

  • Can show dog aggression, especially between female Shibas, influenced by their prey drive.

• Medical Issues:

  • Allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion (eyelid folds inward), and luxating patella.

Tibetan Spaniel

• History:

  • Very old breed (as old as 1100 BC).

  • Prized as pets and companions in Tibetan monasteries.

  • Development influenced by dogs from China and other Buddhist countries.

  • Referred to as a little lion dog because of their resemblance to chinese guardian lions.

• Description:

  • Domed head, small in comparison to the body.

  • Black nose.

  • Short, blunt muzzle.

  • Teeth meet in an undershot or level bite.

  • Medium-sized eyes, set wide apart, oval in shape.

  • Does not have extra skin around the eyes (helps distinguish them from Pekingese).

  • Weight: 9-15 lbs for dogs and bitches.

  • Height: about 10 inches for both dogs and bitches.

• Behavior:

  • Happy and assertive.

  • Very intelligent.

  • Aloof with strangers and somewhat nervous.

• Medical Issues:

  • Progressive retinal atrophy.

  • Susceptible to allergies.

  • Prone to EPI due to their facial shape.

Herding Group

• 25 current breeds recognized by the AKC.

• Includes: Bearded Collie, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Icelandic Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog.

• General Characteristics:

  • Newest AKC classification (created in 1983).

  • Breeds control the movement of other animals (sheep, goats, horses, cattle).

  • Developed for specific jobs, unlike the working and sporting groups.

Icelandic Sheepdog

• History:

  • Came to Iceland with the Vikings in 870-1030 AD.

  • Used to work sheep, cattle, and horses.

  • One of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world.

  • Looks similar to dogs found in graves in Denmark and Sweden from around 8000 BC.

  • Iceland's only native dog.

• Description:

  • Medium-sized with prick ears and curled tail.

  • Rectangular shape when seen from the side.

  • Two types of coats: long and short.

  • Thick and extremely weatherproof coats.

  • Marked difference in appearance between the sexes.

  • Weight: 20-30 lbs, bitches are slightly smaller.

  • Height: 18 inches for a dog, 16.5 inches on average for a bitch.

• Behavior:

  • Tough and energetic.

  • Hardy and agile herding dogs which bark.

  • Alert dogs that give visitors an enthusiastic welcome without being aggressive.

  • Hunting instincts are not strong.

• Medical issues:

  • Fairly healthy breed.

  • Some dogs can have cataracts, cryptorchidism, and patellar luxation.

Bouvier de Flanders

• History:

  • Originated in Belgium.

  • Early breeders were farmers, butchers, and cattle merchants.

  • First Flanders dogs had varying size, weight, and color.

  • Breed was not completely defined until the early twentieth century.

• Description:

  • Powerfully built, compact, short-coupled dogs.

  • Rough coat.

  • Strong and muscular neck, widening gradually into the shoulders.

  • Impressive head, proportionate to the body and build.

  • Weight: 80-120 lbs for the dog, 60-80 lbs for a bitch.

  • Height: 24-27 inches at the withers for the dog, 23.5 - 26.5 inches at the withers for bitches.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Rational, gentle creatures.

  • Loyal and protective.

  • Blend of characteristics makes them good family pets and keen guard dogs.

• Medical Issues:

  • Prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts.

  • High pain threshold.

Bearded Collies

• History:

  • One of Britain's oldest breeds.

  • Thought to have originated in Central Europe.

  • Used to herd animals in Scotland, becoming known as Highland collies.

  • Name changed to Bearded Collies based on the appearance of their face.

• Description:

  • Medium-sized dogs.

  • Medium-length coat.

  • Long and lean body.

  • Head is in proportion to the size of the dog.

  • Skull is broad and flat.

  • Weight: 40-60 lbs, bitches slightly smaller than dogs.

  • Height: 21-22 inches for the dog, 20-22 inches for the bitch.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Happy dogs with inquisitive personalities.

  • Bond firmly with owners, but not possessive or protective.

  • Attentive, stable, self-confident, and typically do not show signs of shyness, fearfulness, or aggression.

• Medical Issues:

  • Prone to Addison's disease (insufficient production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in the adrenal cortex).

  • Occurs in approximately 2-4% of Beardies.

Miscellaneous Group

• Contains 16 current breeds (subject to change).

• Breeds start here and then move to other groups as they are better defined.

• Includes: Chinook, Rat Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Spanish Water Dog.

• General characteristics:

  • Hard to generally characterize this group.

  • Many breeds worldwide are not currently recognized by the AKC.

  • Breeds in this group may compete and earn titles in certain dog shows but are not eligible for championship points.

  • When the AKC determines that a breed is continuing a healthy dynamic growth, it may be admitted to registration in the stud book and compete in regular classes.

Dogo Argentino

• History:

  • Originated in Cordoba, Argentina.

  • Developed by Dr. Antonio Martinez in the early 1900s.

  • Crossed 10 different breeds, including a now-extinct breed from Cordoba.

  • Developed for big game hunting (wild boar and puma).

• Description:

  • Large, white, short-coated dog.

  • Very muscular with a strong body.

  • Rarely has any markings (any type of marking or spot is considered a flaw).

  • Body length is slightly longer than the height.

  • Broad, slightly domed skull.

  • Muzzle is slightly higher at the nose than the stop when viewed in profile.

  • Tail is set low, thick at the base, and tapers to a point.

  • Weight: 90-130 lbs.

  • Height: 25-29 inches for the dog, 24.5-27 inches for the bitch.

• Behavior:

  • Bred to be fierce hunters but gentle with the hunter's families.

  • Get along fairly well with other dogs if properly socialized.

  • Smart, silent, courageous, and brave as hunters.

• Medical Issues:

  • Hip dysplasia and skin diseases are common.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

• History:

  • First described around July.

  • Were dogs of the Inca and their descendants.

  • First brought to the U. S. in 1966.

  • Some experts believe they were introduced to Peru during the Chinese immigration.

• Description:

  • Sight hound, elegant and very slim.

  • Absence of hair all over the body for most varieties.

  • Skin color can be chocolate brown, elephant gray, copper, or mottled.

  • Three sizes: small, medium, and large.

  • Weight: 9-55 lbs.

  • Height: 10-26 inches.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Affectionate with family but wary of strangers.

  • Lively, alert, and friendly with other dogs.

  • Do not like to be alone.

• Medical Issues:

  • Hairless variety has more health issues than the coated or powder puff varieties.

  • Hairless dogs may be missing some of their teeth.

Chinook

• History:

  • One of the few American dog breeds.

  • Developed by Arthur Tweedwell Walden in the early 1900s.

  • Bred mastiffs with Greenland Huskies and German & Belgian Shepherds.

• Description:

  • Impressive dog with a hook-shaped muzzle, dark almond eyes, and black eye markings.

  • Close-fitting coat.

  • Tail is in the shape of a sickle.

  • Weight: 55-90 lbs.

  • Height: 21-27 inches at the withers.

• Behavior and Temperament:

  • Calm, non-aggressive, and friendly.

  • Kind with strangers and children.

  • Generally good with dogs.

• Medical Issues:

  • Hereditary problems include epilepsy, hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism (occurs in about 10% of male dogs).

SIMPLIFIED

Terrier Group

• 29 AKC breeds.

• Bred to hunt vermin; feisty, energetic.

• Examples: Australian, Irish, Kerry Blue, Scottish, Wire Fox Terriers.

Miniature Schnauzer

• Origin: Germany, small farm dog.

• Appearance: Whiskers, double coat (salt & pepper, black/silver, black).

• Temperament: Alert, friendly, trainable, good watchdog.

• Health: Watch for high fat levels, diabetes.

Manchester Terrier

• Origin: England, rat hunter.

• Appearance: Black, mahogany markings.

• Temperament: Observant, friendly.

• Health: Von Willebrand's, hypothyroidism.

Smooth Fox Terrier

• Origin: British Isles, vermin control.

• Appearance: White with black/tan.

• Temperament: Playful, energetic.

• Health: Deafness, luxating patellas.

Toy Group

• 21 breeds.

• Bred as watchdogs, companions.

• Examples: Chihuahua, Maltese, Havanese, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle.

Pomeranians

• Origin: Pomerania (Germany/Poland), sheep herders.

• Appearance: Compact, double coat (various colors).

• Temperament: Friendly, lively, may have separation anxiety.

• Health: Deafness (merle), luxating patella.

Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies)

• Origin: England, rat catchers.

• Appearance: Silky coat.

• Temperament: Active, attention-loving, overprotective.

• Health: Hydrocephalus, luxating patella.

Silky Terriers

• Origin: Australia, cross of Yorkies and Australian Terriers.

• Appearance: Silky coat.

• Temperament: Alert, active.

• Health: Generally healthy, watch for disc disease.

Non-Sporting Group

• 19 breeds.

• Diverse in size, coat, personality.

• Examples: American Eskimo, Dalmatian, Poodles, Tibetan Spaniel.

Löwchen

• Origin: Europe, companion breed.

• Appearance: Lion-like cut.

• Temperament: Friendly, happy, playful.

• Health: Generally healthy, watch for patellar luxation.

Shiba Inu

• Origin: Japan, small game hunter.

• Appearance: Fox-like.

• Temperament: Independent, intelligent.

• Health: Allergies, glaucoma, hip dysplasia.

Tibetan Spaniel

• Origin: Tibet, monastery dogs.

• Appearance: Lion-like.

• Temperament: Happy, intelligent, aloof with strangers.

• Health: Retinal atrophy, allergies.

Herding Group

• 25 breeds.

• Control movement of animals.

• Examples: Collie, Shepherd, Border Collie.

Icelandic Sheepdog

• Origin: Iceland, Viking import.

• Appearance: Prick ears, curled tail.

• Temperament: Tough, energetic, alert.

• Health: Generally healthy, watch for cataracts.

Bouvier de Flanders

• Origin: Belgium, farm dogs.

• Appearance: Rough coat.

• Temperament: Rational, loyal, protective.

• Health: Hip dysplasia, cataracts.

Bearded Collies

• Origin: Britain, herding dogs.

• Appearance: Medium coat.

• Temperament: Happy, inquisitive, stable.

• Health: Addison's disease.

Miscellaneous Group

• 16 breeds.

• Developing breeds.

• Examples: Chinook, Rat Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid.

Dogo Argentino

• Origin: Argentina, big game hunter.

• Appearance: White, muscular.

• Temperament: Fierce hunter, gentle with family.

• Health: Hip dysplasia, skin diseases.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

• Origin: Peru, Inca dogs.

• Appearance: Hairless.

- Temperament: Affectionate, wary of strangers.