Developed along the Chesapeake Bay and named the state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a truly American sporting breed and the toughest water retriever. He is a strong, powerfully built medium-sized breed with yellowish or amber eyes and a distinctive coat – a short, harsh, wavy outercoat with a dense fine wooly undercoat. His color can be brown, sedge, or dead grass and must be as close to that of his working surroundings as possible.

History

In 1807, an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland, and two Newfoundlands were rescued from the cargo. When bred to local retrievers, including the English Otter Hound, Flat-Coat, and Curly-Coated Retriever, the “Chessie” type developed. Bred to work on land and water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originally hunted waterfowl in rough and icy waters, often retrieving several hundred birds per day.

Temperament

The Chesapeake is a happy and intelligent breed whose courage, working ability, and love of water mesh best with active, outdoor-loving families. His coat is short, but owners must brush and maintain it regularly, as both the outercoat and undercoat contain oils for protection in harsh conditions.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1878.
• Average size: 55 to 80 pounds and 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Waterdog; Retriever.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Low activity indoors.
• Love large yard.
• All-weather.

Exercise

• Daily vigorous exercise.
• Love to swim.

Grooming

• Daily brushing.
• Infrequent bathing.
• Average shedding.
• Distinct scent is normal.

The Cavachon is not a pure breed. Rather, it’s a “designer dog” combination of Bichon Frise and King Charles Spaniel. The result is a sweet-tempered, fuzzy ball of fluff that can make a lovely companion for the right person.

Size

Cavachons are small dogs, which makes them a nice choice for people who live in small apartments or houses, as well as for people who travel extensively in recreational vehicles. When fully grown, these dogs tend to range in height from 12 inches to 13 inches.

Coat

Cavachons tend to have soft, silky coats with slight waves. Standard colors include:

• White
• Apricot and white
• White with black or black and tan markings

Temperament

If you’re looking for an aggressive guard dog, this designer combination is definitely not the right choice for you. Rather than being aggressive, Cavachons are quite the opposite. They are gentle, accepting, and tolerant (for the most part). This makes them a good pet option for families with children, as well as for households where there are other pets.

Exercise

Cavachons are generally energetic, but not hyperactive. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough to help them burn off some of their excess energy. A daily walk and a game of fetch or some other activity will provide some mental stimulation as well.

Attention Needs

Cavachons tend to be cute, friendly animals that can make excellent companion animals for the right person or family. They have loving personalities and form close bonds with their human companions. They crave companionship and attention, and they like to be active. If you want a small pet that will be an affectionate and loyal sidekick, a Cavachon might fill the bill.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an elegant, energetic toy breed that is compatible for city or country life. Successful in conformation shows, obedience, and agility, they also make wonderful therapy dogs due to their sweet, gentle natures. The breed also became a TV star when featured on “Sex and the City” as Charlotte York’s dog. Their silky coats come in four colors Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid red), and Black and Tan.

History

For centuries, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (a namesake of King Charles II of Britain) has been recorded in paintings and tapestries together with their aristocratic families. It is obvious from these works of art that Cavaliers were a luxury item and lived “the easy life” as housepets. Though used successfully for shooting small game, the Cavalier’s true purpose has always been that of companion.

Temperament

Friendly and easy to train, the Cavalier is a trustworthy companion for children and thrives as part of a family. The coat requires weekly brushing, but no trimming. The breed is adaptable in their need for exercise, happy with either sleeping on the couch or taking long walks.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1995.
• Average size: 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and between 13 and 18 pounds.
• Companion.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Somewhat active indoors.
• Be careful in hot climates.

Exercise

• Daily walk is fine.

Grooming

• Regular grooming recommended.
• Average shedding.

Known as the Corgi with the tail, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds. Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is low set with moderately heavy bone and a deep chest. Originally used as a drover and farm dog, the breed is small and powerful, capable of great speed and endurance. Coat colors include red, sable, brindle, black and blue merle. White markings are common.

History

The Cardigan first arrived in Cardiganshire (its place of origin) with the Celts in 1200 BC. The breed became useful because the Crown owned practically all land, and the tenant farmers were permitted to fence off only a few acres surrounding their dooryards. The rest was common land, on which the crofter was permitted to graze his cattle. Instead of herding the cattle, the Corgi would nip at their heels and drive them as far afield as desired.

Temperament

The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments but need some form of daily exercise. As a companion dog, they love to be with their people and are loyal, affectionate, and even-tempered. The breed’s double coat requires regular brushing.

• Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1935.
• Ranging in size from 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall at the shoulder and 25 to 38 pounds.
• Cattle dog; all-purpose farm dog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate to extended exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Daily light brushing.
• Seasonal shedding.

Noble, majestic, and powerful in presence, the Cane Corso is a muscular and large-boned breed. One of two native Italian “mastiff type” dogs that descended from the Roman Canis Pugnaces, the breed’s name derives from the Latin “Cohors” which means “Guardian” and “Protector.”

The breed’s coat is short but not smooth (like the coat of a cow), very coarse and thick in order to be perfectly waterproof. It can be black, gray, fawn, or red, with brindle variations and a black or gray mask also acceptable. Make no mistake: This is a whole lot of dog, both physically and temperamentally. They’re smart, trainable, eager to please, versatile, and docile, and intensely loyal with their humans, especially children.

History

The Cane Corso is a native of Italy, where they played watchdog and hunted wild boar. Prior to 1988, the Cane Corso was known only in southern Italy, and was considered very rare, but has still been featured in many paintings throughout Italy’s history.

Temperament

The Cane Corso is easily trained because of its extreme intelligence. As a large and athletic breed, they need a lot of exercise. They are affectionate to their owner and bond closely with children and family. Cane Corsos are light shedders, which make grooming simple all they need is an occasional brushing.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 2010.
• Ranging in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Property watchdog; large-game hunter.

Exercise

• Moderate daily exercise is fine.
• Very powerful.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Occasional brushing.
• Light shedding.

The intelligent and cheerful Brussels Griffon has a terrier-like disposition and is known for his almost human expression. This affectionate breed comes in a variety of colors, including red, beige (black and reddish-brown), black and tan, or black. This breed makes a good watchdog and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. A Brussels Griffon was featured in 1997’s hit, “As Good As It Gets”, starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

History

Developed in Belgium, the Brussels was developed from primarily the Affenpinscher and the Belgian street dog a dog similar to the Fox Terrier, except heavier. Brussels Griffons were often kept in stables as rat catchers. Gradually they became regular members of most Belgian households. Old folk songs and tales of the period mention “bearded dogs” in reference to the spunky Brussels Griffon.

Temperament

The affectionate, charming and curious personality of the Brussels Griffon makes it a good companion dog. However, this breed is not typical of the “pampered pet” stereotype of Toy breeds. Their active indoor lifestyle and small size make them ideal for apartment life, but they still need to be taken for daily walks. The breed can have either a rough or smooth coat. Each coat needs twice-weekly brushing and shaping every three months.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1910.
• Ranging in size from 8 to 10 pounds; not to exceed 12 pounds.
• Companion dog, watchdog.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Moderate to high indoor activity.

Exercise

• Moderate daily exercise.

Grooming

• Regular grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.

Playful and clownish, the Bull Terrier is best described as a three-year-old child in a dog suit. Given his muscular build, the Bull Terrier can appear unapproachable, but he is an exceedingly friendly dog, with a sweet and fun-loving disposition and popular in the obedience, agility, and show rings. The Bull Terrier can be all white (markings on the head are permissible) or colored.

History

Bulldog-terrier crosses, of various sizes and colors, became popular as sporting dogs in the early 1800s. Around 1860, English dog dealer James Hinks developed a more refined version of these crosses, distinguished by its all-white coat. These dogs soon established themselves as a new breed the Bull Terrier. In Hinks’ day, they were often referred to as White Cavaliers. In the early 1900s, Bull Terriers were back-crossed with brindle Staffordshires to produce a colored variety.

Temperament

Bull Terriers become very attached to their owners and families and do not thrive when left alone. The breed loves children, but obedience training is necessary and care must be taken that they don’t get overstimulated around younger children. Their short coats are easy to care for, but the breed requires daily exercise.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
• No size standard, but most stand 21 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 50-70 pounds.
• Game sports.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Active indoors.
• Love warm climates.

Exercise

• Moderate to extended daily exercise.
• vigorous play activities.

Grooming

• Very easy care.
• Occasional brushing.
• Average shedding.

The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting, and therapy work. The Bullmastiff’s coat may be red, fawn, or brindle.

History

The Bullmastiff’s known history in England begins around 1860 when they were developed to keep large estates and game preserves free of poachers. Gamekeepers needed a dog that could track quietly, cover short distances quickly and pin and hold poachers without mauling them. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. Breeders were hoping to create a dog faster and more aggressive than the Mastiff, yet bigger than and not as ferocious as the Bulldog.

Temperament

The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident, yet remains docile and sweet-natured with his family. They are natural guardians of the home because they do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding estates. Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training. The breed does not require much exercise or grooming and can live happily in a house or apartment. They are great with children and other dogs.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1934.
• Ranging in size from 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 100 to 130 pounds.
• Guard dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.
• Thrive in moderate climates.

Exercise

• Daily short to moderate walks.

Grooming

• Occasional brushing.
• Little shedding.

The Brittany is a medium-sized, leggy, dual-purpose dog, equally suited for sport and companionship. According to AKC Registration Statistics, it has surged in popularity in the last 50 years due to its talents as both a hunting and show dog. Originally called the Brittany Spaniel, it is now referred to simply as the Brittany, as its hunting style more closely resembles that of pointing breeds. Its dense, flat or wavy coat can be orange and white or liver and white in either clear or roan patterns.

History

The Brittany was named for the French province where it originated, but records of its development are largely lost. There is a great deal of resemblance between the Brittany and Welsh Springer Spaniel, which leads many people to believe that the two breeds share the same ancestors. It is possible that native Brittany spaniels mated with English pointing dogs around 1900, intensifying their hunting prowess in the process.

Temperament

The Brittany is strong, quick, and agile, requiring exercise and activity to occupy his body and mind. He is a happy and alert dog who possesses a willing attitude. Regular brushing is important, but their shorter coats need minimal maintenance.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1934.
• Average size: 30 to 40 pounds and 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
• Bird dog, companion.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Very active indoors.
• All-weather.

Exercise

• Extended daily exercise.
• High energy.

Grooming

• Regular brushing.
• Light shedding.

Rigorous and alert, this powerful and agile breed is a native of France. A working animal, the breed’s most common job has been herding, but their acute sense of hearing also makes them an excellent watchdog. The Briard’s long, luxurious coat can be any solid color except white; they are usually black, gray, or tawny.

History

Centuries-old and beloved by the French since the Middle Ages, the Briard has been depicted in 8th-century tapestries and mentioned in records of the 12th century. In early times, Briards were used to defend their charges against wolves and poachers. After the French Revolution, the Briard’s work gradually transformed into the more peaceful tasks of herding the flocks and guarding their masters’ property. In America, the Briard’s history is not well documented some credit the Marquis de Lafayette with introducing the breed, but Thomas Jefferson also brought representatives of the breed to this continent.

Temperament

The Briard is happiest leading a busy, active life. This breed is an independent thinker, so patience is necessary when training. Like many sheepdogs, this breed may be wary of strangers. However, the Briard is very sensitive to his family’s feelings and makes an excellent pet if time and effort are put into raising him. Grooming-wise, the breed’s coat needs brushing every day to prevent mats.

• Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1928.
• Ranging in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Sheepherder; livestock guardian.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Moderately active indoors.
• Average to large yard.

Exercise

• Moderate daily exercise.
• Love to learn and train.

Grooming

• Regular professional grooming is recommended.
• Light shedding.