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