Large Munsterlanders (or 'Munsters') are well-proportioned dogs who carry themselves well. Their coats are flowing and dense with a good deal of feathering on the legs and tail. Their smaller relations are more setter-like, but in all other aspects, apart from colouration, are similar in appearance. Large Munsterlanders are either black or blue roan with white, while the smaller version is brown (liver) and white or liver roan. The Large Munsterlander adult dog stands at 60-65cm and weighs about 25-29kg, and females are 58-63cm and around 25kg. The adult Small Munsterlander stands at 54cm for adult males and 52cm for females, with weight around 15-17kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

A massive, powerful dog, the Neapolitan Mastiff is recognised by his loose, wrinkly skin and slow, bumbling gait. His serious demeanor and natural protective instincts make him an excellent watchdog, but he is calm and affectionate unless provoked. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy drooler, especially in hot temperatures or after eating and drinking, so it helps to keep a towel handy. He should be taken on walks twice a day.

DID YOU KNOW? An ancient breed used by the Roman Army during wars, the Neapolitan Mastiff was rediscovered in the 1940s in Italy. A Neapolitan Mastiff played “Fang” in the Harry Potter movies.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Italian Mastiff

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Giant dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A strong, multipurpose working dog, the Newfoundland is big in size yet sweet in temperament. This noble breed is a master swimmer with natural lifesaving instincts, and his thick, plush coat protects him from frigid waters. Intelligent and friendly, the Newfoundland is easy to train and is a great fit for families with children. He requires daily exercise, and his coat needs to be brushed regularly.

DID YOU KNOW? The Newfoundland was a popular choice for several former U.S. Presidents. James Buchanan owned a female named “Lara,” Rutherford B. Hayes had a male called “Hector,” and Ulysses Grant’s son, Jesse, owned a male named “Faithful.”

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

An energetic, compact and hardy breed, the Norfolk Terrier originated in England where farmers used them to bolt vermin such as foxes from their dens. Admired for his gameness, loyalty and charm, the Norfolk Terrier does well in families with other animals. He is known for his ability to adapt to any situation, making the breed ideal for city or country life. An affectionate, loving companion, the Norfolk requires regular brushing and stripping to maintain his coat.

DID YOU KNOW? The Norfolk Terrier was known as the Norwich Terrier with drop ears until 1979 when it became a separate breed.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A true Northern spitz, the Norwegian Buhund is a moderately sized, square dog with prick ears and a tightly curled tail. Bred to herd sheep and guard livestock, this self-confident, alert breed is an excellent watchdog. He is cheery and affectionate, making him an ideal fit for active families with children. Highly energetic, the Norwegian Buhund needs plenty of exercise daily, and his easy-care coat requires minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? Developed in Norway by the Vikings in the year 900, this farm dog’s name is a derivative of the Norwegian words “bu,” meaning homestead, and “hund,” which means dog. The Norwegian Buhund’s thick, soft coat sheds heavily twice a year.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Norwegian Elkhound is a versatile, hardy, rugged Scandinavian breed used by the Vikings to hunt elk and bear. His strength and stamina are unmatched. Bold, friendly and deeply devoted to his human companions, this dog is a good fit for families with children. His intelligence and protective instincts make him an ideal watchdog. A lively breed, the Norwegian Elkhound requires moderate exercise twice daily.

DID YOU KNOW? This ancient breed originated in Norway in 5000 B.C.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Norsk Elghund, Grå Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A barnyard ratter from England, the Norwich Terrier is a spirited, stocky dog with prick ears and a slightly foxy expression. Despite his small size, the Norwich is an eager and fearless worker of substantial substance. Due to the breed’s hunting instincts and typical terrier curiosity, he should have regular exercise. A fun-loving companion, the Norwich is ideal for city or country homes. His wiry coat requires regular stripping and brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The name Norwich Terrier covered the drop-eared and prick-eared varieties until 1964, when the drop-eared variety was recognised in England as a separate breed, the Norfolk Terrier.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

First developed in western England, the Old English Sheepdog originated about 150 years ago. A loving house dog, the Old English Sheepdog is intelligent, even-tempered and equally at home in an apartment or large house. An athletic dog with clownish energy, he requires regular exercise or a job. His beautiful, profuse coat requires regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? Prince Eric’s companion, “Max,” in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is an Old English Sheepdog. Old English Sheepdogs have been featured in several Jim Hensen creations, including the popular television show for preschoolers “Sesame Street,” the 1986 fantasy film “Labyrinth,” and the television series “Fraggle Rock.” President Franklin Delano Roosevelt owned an Old English Sheepdog named “Tiny.”

ALSO KNOWN AS: Shepherds Dog, Bob-tailed Sheepdog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

An English scenthound bred to hunt otter on land and water, the Otterhound is distinguished by his shaggy, rough coat and webbed feet. His large, robust body and deep, powerful voice make him an excellent watchdog. Lively and good-natured, this dog is a devoted family companion. The Otterhound requires frequent weekly grooming to prevent matting in his coarse, dense coat.

DID YOU KNOW? The Otterhound is a rare breed. There are less than 1,000 Otterhounds worldwide.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

A dainty, fine-boned toy breed distinguished by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears, the Papillon was popular in France and Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries. A drop-eared type, called Phalenes, can be born in the same litter as erect-eared Papillons. Lively, friendly and alert, this elegant breed makes an excellent companion. He is happy in both city and country homes. Affectionate and playful, he does best with families who shower him with attention. The Papillon’s long, silky coat requires regular brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? Papillon means “butterfly” in French.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Continental Toy Spaniel, Phalène, Continental Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain Continenta

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

A bold and clever fox hunter first bred in England in the mid-1800s, the Parson Russell Terrier has exceptional strength and endurance. Friendly, outgoing and playful, the breed is tenacious in the field and affectionate at home. Though good with children, he does not tolerate rough handling. Full of energy, the Parson requires regular exercise and attention, and his clean coat is relatively low-maintenance.

DID YOU KNOW? The Parson Russell Terrier got its name from the renowned British huntsman, the Rev. John Russell, "The Sporting Parson."

ALSO KNOWN AS: Parson, Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The powerful, quick Pharaoh Hound is a striking, versatile dog originally bred to hunt rabbit by sight and scent. He is distinguished by a chiseled, wedge-shaped head with large, erect ears on a well-muscled body. Friendly and affectionate with his human companions, the Pharaoh Hound retains his playfulness throughout his life. Daily fenced or leashed exercise is vital for this active, athletic breed.

DID YOU KNOW? One of the oldest-known domesticated dogs, the Pharaoh Hound originated in Egypt in 3000 B.C. The Phoenicians brought the breed with them when they settled on the Mediterranean island of Malta, where the breed is recognised as the national dog. When the Pharaoh Hound is happy or excited, he blushes, turning a glowing, rosy color in the nose and ears, a trait unique to the breed.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Kelb tal-Fenek

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids