Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff)’s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking, and conformation. He is often identified by his stocky body and strong, powerful head. The breed’s short coat can be any color, and either solid colored, parti-colored or patched.

History

Until the early 19th century, the Bulldog used for bullbaiting in England was more active and longer-legged than the breed as we know it today. It is thought that the cross of this older Bulldog and a game terrier breed created the Staffordshire Terrier. Originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half or Pit Dog, it became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England. When accepted for AKC registration in 1936, the name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to reflect the heavier American type and to distinguish them as separate breeds.

Temperament

The Am Staff is a people-oriented dog that thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do. Although friendly, this breed is loyal to his family and will protect them from any threat. His short coat is low-maintenance, but regular exercise and training are necessary.

Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1936.

• Ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder.
• General-purpose dog.

Environment

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

Exercise

• Moderate to extended daily activity.

Grooming

• Regular brushing.
• Average shedding.

Although a very rare breed, the American Water Spaniel has its own state-wide fan club as the State Dog of Wisconsin! A truly dual-purpose dog, bred for companionship and top-notch retrieval ability, the AWS is active, muscular, and medium in size. This breed’s unique coat can be solid liver, brown or dark chocolate and ranges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled.

History

The American Water Spaniel developed primarily in the Great Lakes region of the United States in the mid-1800s, with ancestors that include the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. They were the first breed developed in this country as an all-around hunter that could retrieve from boats. Breed enthusiasts kept the AWS out of the show ring for a short time in fear of ruining his reputation as a hunter, but the breed became recognized by the AKC in 1940.

Temperament

An excellent sporting and family dog, the American Water Spaniel possesses great energy and eagerness for the hunt yet is controllable in the field. Similarly, he loves his daily exercise but also enjoys just hanging out with his family. Friendly and eager to please, the AWS responds well to obedience training. His short coat requires regular brushing.

Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1940.

• Ranging in size from 15 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and 25 to 45 pounds.
• Gundog; retriever.

Environment

• Apartments are ok.
• Average sized yard.

Exercise

• Moderate to extended daily exercise.

Grooming

• Brush 1-2X/week.
• Infrequent bathing.
• Light shedding.

Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day. Their agility, strength, and courageousness allow them to easily control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. Stubborn cows don’t discourage this dog they just become more determined to get the job done! The breed can be blue or red (can be in mottled or speckled pattern), with or without black, blue, or tan markings.

History

In the 1800s, Australians began crossing Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians and Black and Tan Kelpies. The result was a dog identical in type and build to the Dingo, only with a thicker set and peculiar markings and also an excellent worker. Known originally as the Blue or Australian Heeler, the ACD has been a huge help to the Australian beef industry, enabling farmers to maintain huge herds.

Temperament

Happiest in wide-open spaces, ACDs are very high-energy dogs and extremely intelligent, so they need a job such as herding, obedience, or agility to keep them happy. While wary of strangers, the breed bonds closely to its family, though the owner must establish themselves as the pack leader. Their smooth, short coat requires only occasional baths and brushing.

Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1980.

• Ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Cattle herder, livestock guardian.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Love big yards.

Exercise

• Extended daily exercise.
• Vigorous activity.
• Love to learn and train.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Light brushing.
• Infrequent bathing.
• Average shedding.

One of America’s native breeds, the American Foxhound is also one of our rarest. This tall hound sports a close, hard coat that can be any color. The Foxhound in this country is used for four purposes, thus calling for hounds of different characteristics: competitive field trial hounds and “trail” hounds (speed is most important), fox hunting hounds (slow workers with good voices), and pack hounds (15 to 20 hounds or more, used by hunt clubs and farmers).

History

The American Foxhound’s origins date back to the early 1700s in Virginia and Maryland, where it developed from the Walker, Trigg, and Goodman strains of foxhounds. George Washington is the father of the American Foxhound he ran a breeding program and often referenced his hounds in his journals.

Temperament

The American Foxhound was bred to run, so they are an ideal pet for those who live in rural areas or on large farms. They can do well in smaller areas, however, with owners who provide them with adequate exercise. Hounds raised in the home tend to be mild-tempered and easy-going, getting along with children and most other pets. Their short coat is easy to care for, but owners will need patience and persistence in training, as the breed can be stubborn and independent.

Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1886.

• Ranging in size from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Fox hunter.

Environment

• Apartment? Not really.
• Love large yard

Exercise

• High energy.
• Vigorous exercise, daily.

Grooming

• Frequent brushing with a firm brush.
• Average shedding.

A small to medium-size Nordic type dog, the American Eskimo Dog is known for its bright white coat, jet black points (lips, nose, and eye rims), and erect triangular ears. Although once used as a circus dog, they are primarily companion dogs today and participate in conformation, obedience, and agility competitions. The breed’s white double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with longer guard hairs forming an outer coat that stands off from the body.

History

A member of the Spitz family, the “Eskie” descended from the European Spitzes, including the white German Spitz, the white Keeshond, the white Pomeranian, and the white Italian Spitz. Contrary to its name, the breed has nothing to do with the Eskimo culture. During the 19th century in America, the breed performed regularly in trick-dog acts in traveling circuses throughout America, prized for their beautiful appearance, intelligence, and agility.

Temperament

Intelligent, alert, and friendly, the American Eskimo Dog is also an excellent watchdog, protective of his home and family. The Eskie learns quickly and is eager to please his owner, but requires daily exercise. Their voluminous coat sheds and needs to be brushed and bathed on a regular basis.

• Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1994.
• Divided into Toy, Miniature, or Standard size, ranging from 9 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Loving and devoted companions.

Environment

• Apartments are ok.
• Active indoors
• Small yard is fine.

Exercise

• Love long walks.

Grooming

• Brush frequently with a firm brush.
• Average shedding.

The largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute possesses great strength and endurance. He is not designed to race, but rather to carry large loads over long distances. Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are highly athletic and still capable of enjoying sledding, weight pulling, backpacking, jogging, and swimming with their owners. The Malamute coat is thick and coarse, with a plumed tail carried over the back. The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red. Face markings, including a cap on the head and a bar/mask on the face, are often distinguishing features.

History

An American breed, the Alaskan Malamute was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who settled in Alaska. They have always been used as sled dogs for heavy freighting in the Arctic. The breed is the cousin to the other Arctic breeds: the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky, and the American Eskimo dog.

Temperament

Majestic and dignified, the Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate and friendly family dog. He is highly intelligent and learns quickly, but can also be strong-willed, so training should start early. As an athletic breed, daily exercise is a necessity. The Malamute’s coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1935.
• Ideal size: Males 25 inches tall at the shoulder and 85 pounds; Females 23 inches tall at the shoulder and 75 pounds.
• Freighting.

Environment

• Apartments are not ideal.
• Thrives in large yard.
• Like to roam. High fence, watch for digging.
• Bring on the cold.

Exercise

• Moderate to extended.
• Love long walks.
• Be careful in hot weather.

Grooming

• Frequent brushing.
• Heavy shedding
• Infrequent bathing

Large, powerful, and alert, Akitas are a working breed that originated in Japan. Dignified and courageous, the Akita today is popular in the show ring and also participates in performance and therapy work. The breed’s thick double coat can be any color including white, brindle, or pinto. An Akita trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back.

History

One of seven breeds designated as a national monument in its native Japan, the Akita has been used as a versatile hunting dog there for many years. There is even a spiritual significance attached to the breed when a child is born in Japan, the family will receive a puppy as a statue signifying health, happiness, and long life. The Akita first arrived in the United States when Helen Keller brought one over in 1937.

Temperament

Although known to be a quiet dog (they are known as the “Silent Hunter” in Japan), the Akita has strong guarding instincts and will sound the alarm if an intruder breaks into their house. Their temperament can range from calm to bouncy and aggressive, so the breed should always be supervised around small children and other animals. They like to be “pack leaders,” so obedience training is also necessary for a harmonious household. The breed will groom itself like a cat, but daily brushing is still necessary, as is daily exercise.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1972.
• Ranging in size from 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Bear hunter; guard dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok if walked regularly.
• Thrives in large yard.

Exercise

• Moderate.
• Long walks.

Grooming

• Brush frequently with a firm brush.
• Heavy shed 2X/year.
• Bathe only when necessary.

The undisputed “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is the largest and hardiest of the terriers and an all-around useful dog. The breed’s coat is hard, dense, and wiry, with a softer undercoat, and comes in both tan and black and tan and grizzle. This breed was one of the first used for police duty in Germany and Great Britain and has also been popular with Presidents, including Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge.

History

The Airedale is thought to have originated in the valley of the Aire in England, descended from the now-extinct black-and-tan type terrier. The first Airedales looked completely different from how they appear today and were known as Working, Waterside, and Bingley Terriers. Eventually, the Airedale became known as a dog that could do it all and was used for wartime guard, messenger duty, rodent control, and hunting birds and game.

Temperament

The Airedale has a sweet disposition, but when challenged, is not afraid to stand up for himself. Obedience training is important for these quick learners, but make sure to keep it interesting as they can get bored easily! They also thrive with daily exercise. Although relatively easy to maintain, the Airedale coat needs regular brushing and stripping.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
• Approximately 23 inches tall at the shoulder (less for females).
• Badger/water rat hunter.

Referred to as an aristocrat, the Afghan Hound’s appearance is one of dignity and aloofness. Well covered with thick, silky hair, very fine in texture, the Afghan hound’s coat is a sort found among animals native to high altitudes. They can come in all colors, and while the breed is an excellent hound (hunting by sight) its popularity here has been generated by the breeds’ spectacular qualities as a show dog.

History

The Afghan hound was discovered by the Western World in Afghanistan and surrounding regions during the 19th century. As the breed developed in Afghanistan, two distinct types evolved from the southern and western desert regions and the northern regions. During WWI, the breed literally disappeared in the Western world. The start of the Afghan Hounds we have today dates back to 1920 when a group of them was brought to Scotland.

Temperament

Known for being aloof, dignified, and having a highly individualized personality, Afghan Hounds are prized and loved by their owners as companions and members of their families. However, it is important to take into account that their coat requires regular grooming, and their larger size necessitates regular exercise.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1926.
• Ideal size ranging from 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 50 to 60 pounds.
• Hunting dog; sighthound.

Afghan Hound Breed Standard Hound Group General Appearance

The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness. He has a straight front, proudly carried head, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. The striking characteristics of the breed-exotic, or “Eastern,” expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern, very prominent hip bones, large feet, and the impression of a somewhat exaggerated bend in the stifle due to profuse trouserings-stand out clearly, giving the Afghan Hound the appearance of what he is, a king of dogs, that has held to tradition throughout the ages.

The Affenpinscher (translated from German as Monkey-Terrier) is a peppy dog that has the face and impish nature of a monkey. This wire-haired terrier-like breed acts like a bigger dog as he proudly struts around. The coat of an Affenpinscher is usually black, but they also come in gray, silver, red, beige, or black and tan.

History

One of the most ancient of toy dogs, the Affenpinscher originated in Central Europe (Munich, Germany, and France), where they earned the nickname “little devil with a mustache.” During the 17th century, small terriers were frequently kept around stables, on farms, or in stores where they served as ratters. Bred down in size, these small terriers became companions in the home and kept mice from overrunning their mistresses’ boudoirs.

Temperament

Affenpinschers have a fun-loving, sometimes mischievous, personality. Their intelligence, appearance, and attitude make them a good house pet, but children should always be taught how to properly handle the dog. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but they enjoy daily walks. Their wiry coat should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1936.
• Ranging in size from 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Companion dog, watchdog.

Affenpinscher Breed Toy Group General Appearance

The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, “monkey-like terrier.” The breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries, and stables of rodents. In France, the breed is described as the “Diablotin Moustachu” or the mustached little devil. Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance.

Size, Proportion, Substance

A sturdy, compact dog with medium bone, not delicate in any way. The preferred height at the withers is 9 1/2″ to 11 1/2″. Withers height is approximately the same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to point of the buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.

History

One of the most ancient of toy dogs, the Affenpinscher originated in Central Europe (Munich, Germany, and France), where they earned the nickname “little devil with a mustache.” During the 17th century, small terriers were frequently kept around stables, on farms, or in stores where they served as ratters. Bred down in size, these small terriers became companions in the home and kept mice from overrunning their mistresses’ boudoirs.

Temperament

Affenpinschers have a fun-loving, sometimes mischievous, personality. Their intelligence, appearance, and attitude make them a good house pet, but children should always be taught how to properly handle the dog. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but they enjoy daily walks. Their wiry coat should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1936.
• Ranging in size from 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Companion dog, watchdog.

Affenpinscher Breed Toy Group General Appearance

The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, “monkey-like terrier.” The breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries, and stables of rodents. In France, the breed is described as the “Diablotin Moustachu” or the mustached little devil. Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance.

Size, Proportion, Substance

A sturdy, compact dog with medium bone, not delicate in any way. The preferred height at the withers is 9 1/2″ to 11 1/2″. Withers height is approximately the same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to point of the buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.

History

One of the most ancient of toy dogs, the Affenpinscher originated in Central Europe (Munich, Germany, and France), where they earned the nickname “little devil with a mustache.” During the 17th century, small terriers were frequently kept around stables, on farms, or in stores where they served as ratters. Bred down in size, these small terriers became companions in the home and kept mice from overrunning their mistresses’ boudoirs.

Temperament

Affenpinschers have a fun-loving, sometimes mischievous, personality. Their intelligence, appearance, and attitude make them a good house pet, but children should always be taught how to properly handle the dog. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but they enjoy daily walks. Their wiry coat should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1936.
• Ranging in size from 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Companion dog, watchdog.

Affenpinscher Breed Toy Group General Appearance

The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, “monkey-like terrier.” The breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries, and stables of rodents. In France, the breed is described as the “Diablotin Moustachu” or the mustached little devil. Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance.

Size, Proportion, Substance

A sturdy, compact dog with medium bone, not delicate in any way. The preferred height at the withers is 9 1/2″ to 11 1/2″. Withers height is approximately the same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to point of the buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.