American Foxhound Breed

American Foxhound Breed Introduction

The American Foxhound is a cousin of the English Foxhound, according to Wikipedia. Just as you might imagine, American Foxhounds, like English foxhounds, were originally bred to participate in foxhunts. The image that comes to mind when you think of a dog in a foxhunt is pretty close to an accurate image of dogs in the American Foxhound breed. They are medium-sized dogs, fast runners, and with a strong scent of smell.

Here are the characteristics of the American Foxhound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

American Foxhound's Behavior

Recommended for: hunting, housepet

Despite being the terror of foxes for the last couple of centuries, the American Foxhound can be quite lovable. Foxhounds are still keen hunters, however. Once they pick up a scent, they tend to follow it, no matter how hard you might command them to stop.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

American Foxhound's Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: 22-25 inches tall; female: 21-24 inches tall
• Coat: medium-length and close to the body.
• Color: varies
• Eyes: brown/hazel, large, and not close together.
• Ears: long and wide
• Skull: long and slightly domed.
• Muzzle: medium-long, straight and square-cut
• Nose: No information in the official AKC breed standard.
• Tail: moderately high

American Staffordshire Terrier Breed

American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Introduction

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are part football player and part ballet dancer. They are stocky and muscular, but also agile and graceful.

Here are the characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

American Staffordshire Terrier's Behavior

Recommended for: house pets

Special note: American Staffordshire Terriers tend to be territorial, sometimes towards humans but especially towards other animals. Some dogs can even be aggressive toward other animals, though on the whole they are not aggressive toward humans. This kind of behavior is common in many breeds of dogs.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

American Staffordshire Terrier's Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: 18-19 inches (at shoulders); females: 17-18 inches (at shoulders)
• Coat: Short, close, stiff, and glossy.
• Color: More than 80 per cent white, black and tan.
• Eyes: Dark and round
• Skull: broad.
• Muzzle: Medium length, rounded.
• Nose: black.
• Tail: Short, low.

American Water Spaniel Dog Breed

The American Water Spaniel dog breed is the lifeguard of dog breeds. Not only are American Water Spaniels active and outdoors-y, muscular and strong despite their only medium size. They're bred for the water. Hunters have used these dogs to retrieve from small boats such as skiffs or canoes. They are also quite adept at hunting on land.

Here are the characteristics of the American Water Spaniel breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

American Water Spaniel's Behavior

Recommended for: hunting

The American Water Spaniel is a hunting breed. Still, American Water Spaniels are usually eager to please, intelligent and friendly. Bounding energy makes this dog a tireless companion in the hunt. But this bounding energy isn't quite boundless--even in the midst of the hunt, American Water Spaniel dogs can be controlled. If you can keep up with them and have the space, American Water Spaniels may make good pets.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

American Water Spaniel's Physical Characteristics

• Size: 15 to 18 inches
• Coat: marcel (uniform waves) or closely curled.
• Color: brown, from "solid liver" to dark chocolate.
• Eyes: medium size, slightly rounded.
• Ears: long and wide.
• Skull: broad.
• Muzzle: medium-long and square.
• Nose: black or dark brown and wide.
• Tail: tapered and hairy.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed

Large, rugged, and powerful, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is no lumbering beast. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are also agile and enduring. They are natural guard dogs, especially when it comes to tending livestock.

Here are the characteristics of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog's Behavior

Recommended for: watchdog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed is recommended for guard dog duty because Anatolian Shepherd Dogs tend to be alert, calm, observant, courageous, responsive, adaptive, and above all loyal.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog's Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: from 29 inches; female: from 27 inches
• Coat: Short to rough; neck hair is slightly longer.
• Eyes: medium-sized, almond shaped, dark brown to light amber
• Ears: V-shaped, rounded apex
• Skull: large but in proportion to the body.
• Muzzle: blocky.
• Nose: black or brown.
• Tail: long.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde Breed

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde breed, also called the Appenzeller Mountain Dog breed, is known for its industriousness. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are generally versatile and enjoy work.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, and the Dog Breed Info Site

Recommended for: pet, working dog

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde dog breed is an old one and rare. Appenzeller Sennenhundes tend to be tough, brave, intelligent, and lively. They get along well with other animals. They are reserved when it comes to strangers but they welcome people they know. If raised properly they are good with children. Though they are close to the family, they tend to bond to one person. They learn quickly because they do not have a lazy bone in their body. They like to do something. If not working, they will actively watch over their territory and will not hesitate to bark. Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not take well to indoor environments or to confinement in kennels. The breed belongs to a farm or a rural environment, not an urban one.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde breed. Source: "Der Hund" website, a Swiss site.

• Size: males 20 - 22 3/4 inches, females 18 3/4 - 22 inches
• Coat: doublecoat, firm, close fitting
• Color: black or havana brown with symmetrical tan and white markings
• Eyes: small, almond-shaped, not portruding, bit oblique towards nose
• Ears: set high, hanging down, triangle shape, rounded tips
• Muzzle: strong lower jaw, tapering evenly
• Nose: black for black dogs, brown for brown dogs
• Tail: set high, mid-length, thickly coated

Argentine Dogo Breed

You don't want to tango with any Argentine Dogos: these dogs are tough! The Argentine Dogo breed (also called the Dogo Argentino) is a mixture of many breeds that were selected for their particular traits. What resulted was a large dog that can take on any predator when hunting.

The Argentine Dogo's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, Dogo Argentino Club of America

Recommended for: pet, working dog

The Argentine Dogo dog breed is a relatively young breed.They are tough and brave, possessing great stamina. They are meant to be the most docile of hunting dogs yet they are reputed to possess an aggressive temperament, one of the traits that was sought for by its breeders. They are dangerous when irritable and are thus not suited to be with children. This has led to the banning of Argentine Dogos in some countries.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Argentine Dogo's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Argentine Dogo breed as determined by the Dogo Argentino Club of America's published breed standard.

• Size: 23 1/2 - 27 1/2 inches
• Color: white
• Eyes: brown, set well apart
• Ears: massive, convex front to back
• Muzzle: concave upwards
• Nose: black, full nostrils
• Tail: long, thick, carried low

Australian Cattle Dog Breed

The Australian Cattle Dog breed is the hard worker of the dog world. Australian Cattle Dogs are always ready and able to get the job done, whatever the job may be. Dogs in this breed have the benefit of their physical strength and agility. They also have the benefit of intelligence, vigilance, courage, and reliability.

Here are the characteristics of the Australian Cattle Dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Australian Cattle Dog’s Behavior

Recommended for: herding dog, pet

Dogs of the Australian Cattle Dog breed are not just hard workers. They're also often the guardian angels of their families, loyal and protective. Always looking out for the chance to stare danger in the face, these dogs are generally good companions for people who live active lifestyles.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Australian Cattle Dog’s Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: 18-20 inches; female: 17-19 inches.
• Coat: a short, dense undercoat just beneath a smooth overcoat.
• Color: blue, red speckle.
• Eyes: medium-sized and oval-shaped.
• Ears: proportionately sized, slightly pointed.
• Skull: broad, with a slight curve between the ears.
• Muzzle: medium-long and deep.
• Nose: black.
• Tail: hanging low against the body.

Australian Shepherd Breed

Australian Shepherd Dog Breed

The Australian Shepherd Dog breed may only pretend to be from Australia--the breed was actually developed in the USA. But that doesn't mean you can't trust an Australian Shepherd. The breed is known for the strong work ethic of its members. Australian Shepherd Dogs not only enjoy being active. They generally have plenty of energy and staying power to keep going strong all day.

Never one to let a responsibility slide, Australian Shepherd Dogs have strong instincts to herd and protect. In fact, they may even try to herd friends, family, and any other humans or animals that come their way. If you bring one of these animals into your family, make sure you have plenty of dog toys and outdoor space for your new friend to work out her herding instinctive drives.

Here are the characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Australian Shepherd’s Behavior

Recommended for: house pet; given the temperament of this breed, an apartment setting is usually not the most suitable (according to Wikipedia)

The Australian Shepherd dog breed is known for the kind of no-nonsense attitude that tries to avoid a fight. Still, you might have a bit of a struggle if you have an outdoor party and the dog's herding instincts kick in. These dogs love to herd. Being a dog of endless energy, an Australian Shepherd will definitely appreciate having some outdoor space. According to Wikipedia, Australian Shepherd Dogs excel at many sports, especially herding, dog agility, frisbee, and flyball. In fact, if these dogs don't have the challenging activities they crave, they may turn on the furniture around them.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Australian Shepherd Dog Breed’s Physical Characteristics

• Size: Male: 20-23 inches; Female: 18-21 inches.
• Coat: medium-length, all-weather, medium-textured, straight to wavy fur.
• Color: Blue merle, black, red merle, or red; all colors may come with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points.
• Eyes: brown, blue, amber.
• Ears: triangular, proportionately sized.
• Skull: proportionately sized.
• Muzzle: as long as or slightly shorter than the back skull.
• Nose: From the American Kennel Club's breed standard: "Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the nose. Red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose."
• Tail: low hanging over the body.

Australian Terrier Breed

Australian Terrier Breed

Australian Terrier dogs aren't simply adorable the way most terriers are. They're also a bit rough-and-tumble, too. Not only do Australian Terriers tend to act more self-confidently than most small dogs. Their coarse outer coats attest to their heritage as hard-working outdoor dogs.

The Australian Terrier dog breed is a true child of Australia, unlike some other dog breeds with the word "Australian" in their name. The Australian Terrier breed is in fact the first breed developed in Australia to be formally shown in competition.

Here are the characteristics of the Australian Terrier breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Australian Terrier’s Behavior

Recommended for: companion dog.

Australian Terriers tend to have a lot of energy, but not so much that the average person can't keep up. With their heritage of hunting small animals, terriers can be aggressive. In the nineteenth century, Australian Terrier dogs were often put to work as guard dogs. Still, they also tend to be affectionate to their families and can be friendly with new people and animals, too.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Australian Terrier’s Physical Characteristics

• Size: height: 10-11 inches; the dog's head stands up quite a bit above this height.
• Coat: a rough and straight outer coat conceals a short, soft undercoat.
• Color: Blue and tan, solid sandy and solid red.
• Eyes: Small, dark brown to black
• Ears: Small and pointed straight up.
• Skull: Slightly longer than wide.
• Muzzle: According to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, "strong and powerful with slight fill under the eyes." To the average observer, the muzzle looks like a typical terrier dog's muzzle.
• Nose: Black.
• Tail: high-set and standing up straight at a 90-degree angle from the dog's body.

Azawakh Breed

Azawakh Breed Introduction
The Azawakh breed is built for speed and its bony looks attest to it. It is bred to adapt to the rugged climate of the Sahara and the sub-Sahara.
The Azawakh's Behavior
Source: Wikipedia
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Azawakh dog breed is known as an attentive breed . It was developed to both guard and hunt. Azawakhs' responses to strangers can vary from being reserved to openly hostile. However Azawakh dogs tend to be affectionate and gentle to those they accept. Azawakhs therefore make good family pets.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Azawakh's Physical Characteristics
Here are some of the characteristics of the Azawakh breed as determined by the Azawakh Club of America's link to the Federation Cynologique Internationale's published breed standard.
Size: males 25 1/2 - 29 inches, females 23 3/4 - 27 1/2 inches
Color: light sable to dark fawn, white stockings
Eyes: large, almond-shaped, dark, amber
Ears: set high, fine, drooping, triangle shape with rounded tip
Muzzle: half of head's length
Nose: open nostrils, black, brown
Tail: set low, long, thin, lean, tapered, white brush on tip

Akita dog

Learn all about Akita dogs, read about the Akita breed information, find out about the Akita Breed Standard, Akita behavior and more.

The Akita Breed Introduction

The Akita dog breed tends to produce large animals. But even more noticeable than Akitas' size are their unique shape. They have massive heads that are balanced out by their massive tails. The tails aren't just thick with plush. Akita dogs' tails actually curl up and then down the animal's side. The combination of size and elegance makes the Akita breed truly distinctive. The Akita breed is also far and away one of the oldest dog breeds, with a pedigree stretching back millennia.

All in all, to humans, Akita dogs may seem a little aristocratic, since not only are they elegant, powerful, and long-pedigreed, but they tend to be aggressive toward other dogs. Of course, millennia spent alongside humans means that Akitas don't necessarily make bad pets, especially for humans who have the space to let these dogs be their natural outdoors-y selves.

Here are the characteristics of the Akita breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Akita's Behavior

Recommended for: house dogs; the Akita breed's size and temperament makes an Akita dog less suitable for apartments.

Most Akita dogs tend to be quiet and keep to themselves. But Akitas are also alert, responsive and courageous. They tend to be aggressive toward other dogs.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Akita's Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: 26-28 inches; female: 24-26 inches
• Coat: Undercoat: thick, soft, and dense yet shorter than the outer coat. The outer coat is straight and stands out from the bottom a little bit.
• Color: Color is not an important feature of the Akita breed. The most common colors, according to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, are white, brindle, and pinto.
• Eyes: The Akita's distinctive eyes have a triangular shape, are Dark brown, small, deep-set, and have black rims.
• Ears: standing straight up, but small relative to the rest of the head.
• Skull: flat between ears, broad
• Muzzle: Broad and full
• Nose: broad, black
• Tail: large and full, curled

Akita's Origins and History

Country/Region of Origin: Japan

Original purpose: used as a hound to run large game, such as bears, in the mountainous areas of Japan

Name: The breed is named for the Akita Prefecture in Japan.

Historical notes: Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the most primitive breeds of dog.

Airedale Terrier Dog

Learn all about Airedale Terrier dogs, read about the Airedale Terrier breed information, find out about the Airedale Terrier Breed Standard, Airedale Terrier behavior and more.

The Airedale Terrier Dog Breed Introduction

The Airedale Terrier dog breed is the granddaddy of the terrier breeds, at least in terms of size. Airedale Terriers are the largest terriers. They needed that size, since the Airedale was originally bred to hunt great big otters.

Here are the characteristics of the Airedale Terrier breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Airedale Terrier's Behavior

Recommended for: working dog, hunter and retriever, family pet

The Airedale Terrier breed is known to its devotees as an independent, strong-minded dog. The American Kennel Club's official description of the breed even says that Airedale Terriers have a great sense of humor. But Airedales aren't so independent and strong-minded that they always have to do their own thing. In competitions, Airedales are the breed to watch in competitive obedience, dog agility, and Schutzund.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Airedale Terrier Physical Characteristics

• Size: approximately 23 inches, slightly less for females
• Coat: straight hair, hard, dense and wiry. The fur lies close to the body.
• Color: Tan for the head, ears, legs up to the thighs, elbows, and the undercarriage. The sides and upper body are black or dark grizzle.
• Eyes: small, dark.
• Ears: small, V-shaped.
• Skull: long and flat and narrowing very slightly to the eyes.
• Nose: black.
• Tail: fair length, set well up on the back and carried gaily but not curled over the back

Airedale Terrier Origins and History

Here are the historical basics of the Airedale Terrier dog breed according to Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: England

Original purpose: to hunt otters.

Name: the Airedale Terrier breed was developed in Aire Dale in Yorkshire, England.

Historical notes: Often called the "King of Terriers" and the "Waterside Terrier".

Afghan Hound Dog

Learn all about Afghan Hound dogs, read about the Afghan Hound breed information, find out about the Afghan Hound Breed Standard, Afghan Hound behavior and more.

The Afghan Hound Dog Breed Introduction

The Afghan Hound dog breed is often considered "exotic." Unlike most dog breeds in English-speaking countries, the Afghan hound originated not in Europe, but Afghanistan. Afghan Hound dogs certainly look unique. Many Afghan Hounds' legs almost look like they're wearing bell-bottom slacks. The fur is long and silky, falling down in great waves almost as if it were cloth. The ears look less like ears and more like flowing locks of hair. That fur effect is again thanks to the long, silken fur which cascades down in a unique rippled pattern. High hips finish off the unusual appearance. Despite the breed's elegant appearance, it was actually developed as a hunting breed. Afghan Hounds are sighthounds, meaning they hunt by sight rather than scent.

Here are the characteristics of the Afghan Hound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Afghan Hound’s Behavior

Recommended for: show dogs, pets

The Afghan Hound dog breed has a personality that tends to seem serious to humans, even aloof. But Afghan Hounds do know how to have a good time, and can be quite playful with their families. Just don't expect your Afghan Hound to do tricks. They are among the harder breeds to obedience-train, according to Wikipedia.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Afghan Hound Physical Characteristics

• Size: males: 26-28 inches; females: 24-26 inches
• Coat: Thick, silky, fine-textured hair completely covering everything but the head, front, underbelly, and feet. The ears and feet have more feathery fur. The hair on the dog's underbelly and front is short.
• Color: any color, except for a characteristic white "blaze" on the chest.
• Eyes: almond-shaped, dark.
• Ears: long.
• Skull: even.
• Nose: black
• Tail: set not too high on the body, with a ring-shaped or curved end

Afghan Hound Origins and History

Here are some historical notes on the Afghan Hound breed according to Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: Afghanistan

Original purpose: originally used to hunt wolves, foxes, and gazelles

Historical notes: The Afghan Hound dog breed's original native name was Tazi, thanks to its connection to the very similar Tasy breed of Russia. Snuppy, the very first dog ever cloned (by scientist Hwan Woo Suk), was an Afghan hound.

affenpinscher dog information

Learn all about Affenpinscher dogs, read about the Affenpinscher breed information, find out about the Affenpinscher Breed Standard, Affenpinscher behavior and more.

The Affenpinscher Dog Breed Introduction
The Affenpinscher is a toy breed resembling the terrier. Generally quiet, playful, and with unique "monkey-like" faces, Affenpinschers tend to make good house pets.

Here are the characteristics of the Affenpinscher breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Affenpinschers' Behavior
Recommended for: house pets

Affenpinschers tend to be very playful, inquisitive, and loyal. Otherwise, they are usually quiet. However, they also tend to respond vehemently to any aggression or threat.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Affenpinscher Physical Characteristics
Special characteristic: "monkey-like" face
Size: small, about 9 1/2-11 1/2 inches tall; about the size of a terrier
Coat: dense, rough hair about 1" long, possibly shorter in the back and longer on the head, neck, chest, stomach, and legs.
Color: Black, gray, silver, red, black-and-tan, or belge.
Eyes: round, dark, with black rims.
Ears: Cropped to a point.
Skull: round/domed
Muzzle: short, about as long as the space between the eyes
Nose: black and straight
Tail: small tail set high that stands out over the back of the dog while he or she is moving