The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but has all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. There is debate as to whether they were originally bred for hunting small game or meant to be simply a companion. In all likelihood, both are true, as they are adaptable to city and country life. The Italian Greyhound’s coat can be any color, except brindle and classic black and tan.
History
As with many ancient breeds, their depiction in art and architecture provides insight into their origin. Miniature greyhounds appear in ancient decorative arts of the Mediterranean countries dating back 2000 years. During the Renaissance, Italian noblemen adopted the breed as their own and it became known as the Italian Greyhound. The breed made its way to England in the seventeenth century, gaining steadily in popularity.
Temperament
Playful and intelligent, the Italian Greyhound is generally easy to train and prefers to spend most of his time with his owner. They like attention, affection, are peaceful, are a gentle friend to adults, and children. Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that loves to run and play and requires daily walks. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment and his short, smooth-as-satin coat makes him one of the easiest breeds to groom.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
- Ranging from 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Companion, small game hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Fairly active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily light exercise is fine.
Grooming
- Very easy care.
- Bathe only when necessary.
- Little to no shedding.
An Irish Wolfhound must be “of great size and commanding appearance.” He has a large, muscular greyhound-like shape, and he is the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. A superb athlete and an endurance runner, an old Irish proverb describes him perfectly: “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.” The breed’s recognized colors are gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, and others.
History
One of the earliest recorded references to Irish Wolfhounds is in Roman records dating to 391 A.D. Often used as royal gifts, they hunted with their masters, fought beside them in battle, guarded their castles, played with their children, and lay quietly by the fire as family friends. They were fierce hunters of wolves and the oversized Irish elk, so good that their prey disappeared from Ireland and the hounds fell upon hard times. By the 19th Century, there were few IWs left in Ireland.
Temperament
Although now primarily a family companion, the Irish Wolfhound will still instinctively give chase to fleeing prey. His large size commands more room, more exercise, and a bigger car. The breed’s harsh, natural coat requires regular brushing.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1897.
- Ideal size ranges from 30 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Irish elk/wolf hunter, family companion.
Environment
- Apartments? Not so much.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Average shedding.
The Irish Terrier sports a beautiful red coat, an alert expression, and a trim outline with piercing eyes that reflect a rare intelligence. He is a gallant picture of authentic terrier type and character. The breed is good-tempered, spirited, and game. The breed’s coat is short and wiry in texture.
History
His origin has been much debated, but there is indisputable evidence that he is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. Early Irish Terriers came in a variety of colors, including black and tan, gray, and brindle. It was only near the end of the 19th century that the solid red color becomes a fixture of the breed. In World War I the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger and sentinel.
Temperament
The Irish Terrier is a smart, quick dog that quickly adapts to new situations. He’ll guard his home and family members with determination and pluck. This breed is great with children when raised with them and is deeply loyal to its owner. Pups require firm boundaries so they will grow into respectful adults.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
- Average size: 18 inches tall at the shoulder and approximately 25-27 pounds.
- Vermin hunter; farm dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
- Daily moderate to extended exercise.
Grooming
- Brush regularly.
- Bathe only when necessary.
One of the most distinctive Sporting breeds, the mahogany red Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog. Originally bred to be red and white, the solid red color appeared in Ireland in the 19th century and became a mark of quality and superior sporting ability. Over two feet tall at the shoulder, the Irish is known for his style, powerful movement, and clown-like personality.
History
The Irish Setter became popular in the 18th century throughout Ireland and the British Isles. Developed from a mix of Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and a dash of Gordon Setter, the breed was originally used to “set” game, crouching low near the birds so that the hunters could walk up and throw a net over bird and dog. When firearms were introduced, the Irish adapted into a gun dog that pointed, flushed, and hunted in an upright stance.
Temperament
A rollicking breed, the Irish Setter is high-energy and requires regular exercise. His outgoing and stable personality make him a favorite with families. Their long, glossy red coat, although beautiful, must be groomed regularly to prevent snarls or mats.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1878.
- Average size: 60 to 70 pounds and 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Bird dog, show dog.
Environment
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily brushing and combing.
- Bathe only when necessary.
- Average shedding.
The clown of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel will think of creative ways to accomplish even the slightest of tasks. Strong and intelligent, the tallest spaniel breed possesses several unique characteristics its liver-colored curly coat and signature “rat tail.” The water-repellent double coat consists of dense, tight ringlets with a topknot of long, loose curls and a smooth face. The “rat” tail is thick and covered with curls at the base, tapering to a fine point covered with short, smooth hair.
History
A dog of ancient lineage, there is evidence of Irish Water Spaniel-type remains going back as far as the 7th and 8th centuries AD. In the late 1100s, dogs found in southern Ireland below the River Shannon were called Shannon Spaniels, Rat-Tail Spaniels, or Whip-Tail Spaniels, among other things. Records document the “Water Spagnel” with “long, rough, curled hair and a tail somewhat bare and naked.” Today’s IWS is a true dual-purpose hunting dog, as qualified with the upland game as with waterfowl.
Temperament
A typical Sporting dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is an active and energetic companion. He possesses the natural instinct to please, making him relatively easy to train, but regular exercise is important. Suitable for allergy sufferers, their hypoallergenic coats require brushing every few weeks and trimming every two months to neaten and shape the coat.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1884.
- Ranging in size from 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 65 pounds.
- Waterdog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Love a large yard.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
- Easy on allergy sufferers.
Tall and lean, the Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog. As a sighthound, the breed pursues game using its vision and speed. Today, however, the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion. The breed can be any color, including black, fawn, and red, often combined with white or brindle markings. The Greyhound has been owned by many prominent figures in history, including President Rutherford B. Hayes and General George A. Custer.
History
One of the most ancient breeds known to man, evidence of the Greyhound was first discovered in tomb carvings in Egypt dating back to 2900 B.C. Aristocracy and culture has always surrounded the Greyhound, and in early times, only royalty bred them. As hunters in England, they were used on practically all kinds of game from deer, stags, and foxes, but the hare is the Greyhound’s natural quarry. In America, Greyhounds arrived with the Spanish explorers in the 1500s and were among the first dogs recorded at American dog shows.
Temperament
Although a loving companion, the Greyhound possesses the typical independent spirit of the hound, so patient training is necessary. They enjoy the company of their families as well as other dogs. The breed’s short, smooth coat is easy to maintain. Due to the Greyhound’s athleticism, they need daily exercise but should be kept on a leash or in a fenced area due to their tendency to run.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
- Ranging in size from 60 to 70 pounds.
- Hare hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Low activity indoors.
- Thrive in warm to moderate climate.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
The National Dog of Cuba and the country’s only native breed, the Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with a friendly disposition. His wavy, silky coat is profuse, but remains extremely light, insulating and protecting the breed against harsh tropical heat. His coat, which comes in all colors, should remain untrimmed. The Havanese’s popularity in the show ring has grown quickly, and they are also now high in demand as a family pet. The Havanese does really well with children and other pets.
History
An old breed, the Havanese is a descendent of breeds brought to Cuba from Spain and could also be related to the Tenerife, an ancestor of the entire Bichon family. Once known as the Havana Silk Dog and the Spanish Silk Poodle, the Havanese evolved from its role as a pampered lap-dog of the aristocracy into a family companion responsible for being a watchdog, child’s playmate, and herder of the family’s poultry flock.
Temperament
The Havanese is trainable and intelligent and possesses a naturally affectionate temperament, which making the breed an ideal family pet. Although a toy dog, they remain energetic and require some form of daily exercise. The breed’s non-shedding coat makes it suitable for allergy sufferers, but regular grooming is necessary to keep the coat in top condition.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1996.
- Ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
- Light to moderate daily exercise.
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
- Easy on allergy sufferers.
Despite his regal and majestic appearance, the Great Pyrenees is a keen worker, faithfully guarding his flocks no matter the weather or terrain. With his intelligence, scenting ability, and excellent sight, he is an invaluable companion to the shepherd. The breed possesses a beautifully thick, weather-resistant white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or various shades of tan.
History
It is thought that the Great Pyrenees originated in Central Asia or Siberia and followed the Aryan migration into Europe. The breed takes his name from the mountain range in southwestern Europe, where they are used to guard flocks on the steep slopes. In addition to its association with the peasant shepherd, the Great Pyrenees was also cherished by the nobility and appointed French court dog in the 17th century.
Temperament
While affectionate with his family and quiet and tolerant in general, if there is something to guard or protect, the Great Pyrenees can become quite territorial. Because they were bred to work independently and make decisions on their own, Pyrs may not be the star of the local obedience class. The breed should be exercised daily on a leash or in a fenced area. New owners should be prepared for barking, especially at night, and brushing approximately once per week.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1933.
- Ranging in size from 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Protector of sheep.
Environment
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Low activity indoors.
- Thrive in moderate to cool climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Bathe only when necessary.
- Average shedding, heavy seasonal shedding.
Large, sturdy, and confident, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMD or “Swissy”) is a draft and drover breed robust and agile enough to perform farm work in very mountainous regions. As a working dog, Swissies like having a job to do and enjoy participating in hiking, carting, obedience trials, herding, weight pulling, and backpacking with their owners. The breed’s short, dense coat is black with symmetrical rust and white markings.
History
Developed in the remote and isolated areas of Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was originally used for draft work, livestock management (herding and guarding), and as a farm sentinel. The breed was assumed to have died out by the late 19th century, as their work was being done by other breeds or machines, but they were rediscovered in the early 1900s.
Temperament
The “Swissy” is a social dog that enjoys being a member of the family. Owners should be patient with housetraining; dogs may grasp the concept in a few weeks, but it can take many months for them to become reliable. Daily exercise is necessary but should be moderate due to their large size and dark, thick coat, which can cause them to overheat in high temperatures. Coats need to be brushed once or twice a week.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1995.
- Ranging in size from 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Cattle driver.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Thrive in moderate to cool climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Average shedding.
A “gentle giant,” the Great Dane is nothing short of majestic. Sometimes referred to as the “king of dogs,” this extremely large dog breed is known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality. Striking in the show ring, this breed is also popular as a family pet. Coat colors can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle.
History
Historians claim that there are drawings of dogs that resemble the Great Dane on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. The earliest written description of a dog resembling the breed can be found in Chinese literature of 1121 B.C. The origins of the Great Dane as we know it today can be traced to the Irish Wolfhound with a mixture of old English Mastiff. The breed was originally developed by the Germans to hunt boar, a ferocious animal. When no longer used for hunting, the breed changed to one of a companion and estate guard dog.
Temperament
Great Danes have gentle and loving dispositions, making them excellent family companions, but as with all dogs, they should be supervised around young children. Daily exercise is necessary, but their short coats require minimal grooming.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1887.
- Minimum height of 30 inches tall at the shoulder for males, and 28 inches tall for females.
- Boar hunter; estate guard dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
