Machine Name
dog
Chinese Shar-Pei

An ancient breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei has existed in China since 200 B.C. Developed as a multipurpose farm dog, he is noted for his keen intelligence and stubborn nature. He is a quick learner and benefits from early training, socialisation and daily exercise. The Chinese Shar-Pei can be aloof and standoffish with strangers but is a devoted family dog. His short, harsh coat requires little grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? Shar-Pei means “Sand Skin” but translates more loosely as “rough, sandy coat” or “sandpaper-like coat.”

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Living Considerations
Not suitable for children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living
Size
Medium
Height
Males – 66 to 45 - 50 centimetres at the withers
Weight
20 to 30 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Any solid color or sable
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Even-tempered, loyal and affectionate, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi originally was used as a drover and farm dog in Cardiganshire in 1200 B.C. Mostly a companion dog today, the Cardigan is small but capable of great power, speed and endurance. This breed can adapt well to city or country life if provided daily exercise. His double coat requires regular brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi were regarded officially in England as two types of one breed until 1934, when they were recognised as distinct breeds.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some 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
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living if adequately exercised
Size
Medium
Height
26 to 32 centimetres at the withers
Weight
Males - 13.5 to 17 kilograms, Females - 11 to 15 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Shades of red, sable or brindle; black or blue merle with or without tan or brindle points
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Herding, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
Brussels Griffon

Known for his almost human expression, the Brussels Griffon is an affectionate, charming and curious companion and an excellent watchdog. This sturdy Belgian breed is lively, intelligent and sensitive. His coat comes in two varieties — rough and smooth. Both varieties need bi-weekly brushing. Active indoors, the Brussels Griffon is suitable for apartments but still needs daily walks.

DID YOU KNOW? A Brussels Griffon was featured in the 1997 hit film, "As Good As It Gets," starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge, Brussels Griffon, Belgium Griffon, Petit Brabançon

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Little toy dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with older children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living
Size
Toy
Height
17.5 to 20.5 centimetres at the withers
Weight
 Males - 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms, Females - 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Red, belge, black or black-and-tan
Activities
Conformation, Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor
Bluetick Coonhound

The muscular, athletic Bluetick Coonhound is an excellent tracker skilled in treeing raccoons and other small animals. Like many coonhounds, the Bluetick is named for his coat colour, which has a dark blue spotted pattern. Highly intelligent, this breed is a loyal, affectionate companion that gets along well with children and other pets. His low-maintenance, glossy coat needs occasional bathing and grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The state dog of Tennessee, the Bluetick Coonhound is also the official mascot of the University of Tennessee. Bluetick puppies are born mostly white except for large, dark patches. Their ticking develops a few weeks later.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living
Size
Large
Height
Males – 56 to 69 centimetres at the withers, Females – 53 to 63.5 centimetres at the withers
Weight
Males – 25 to 36 kilograms, Females – 20.5 to 29.5 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Dark blue, mottled body with black spots and may have tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks and chest and below the tail, or red ticking on feet and lower legs
Activities
Hunting, Tracking, Field, Trials, Conformation
Indoor/Outdoor
Both, but can be hard to control indoors
Black Russian Terrier

Created after World War II, the Black Russian Terrier is one of the newest breeds in the world. Bred to be a powerful guard dog, this breed has a sharp sense of smell and double coat to protect him from harsh climates. Highly intelligent, the Black Russian Terrier is used by the Russian military. This easily trained breed needs moderate exercise, and his ruffled double coat requires extensive grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Red Star military kennel in Moscow developed the Black Russian Terrier to be part of the Soviet Union’s national security force. Seventeen breeds were used to create the Black Russian Terrier including the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, and Newfoundland.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Black Terrier, Tchiorny Terrier, Russian Black Terrier, Russkiy Tchiorny Terrier

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with children when properly trained, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living if sufficiently exercised
Size
Large
Height
Males – 69 to 76 centimetres, Females – 66 to 74 centimetres
Weight
34 to 59 kilograms
Coat
Medium-long
Energy
Medium
Colour
Black, may have a few gray hairs
Activities
Police and Military Work, Search and Rescue, Tracking, Agility, Obedience, Schutzhund, Conformation
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
Black and Tan Coonhound

With his powerful nose, fierce desire to hunt and great endurance, the Black and Tan Coonhound is used to track raccoons, deer and bear. This breed originated in the late 1700s when hunters in the Southeast crossed Bloodhounds and Foxhounds to create a new hound capable of independently tracking prey and following cold trails for long distances. Outgoing and playful, the breed requires moderate or fenced exercise daily.

DID YOU KNOW? The Black and Tan Coonhound does equally well hunting alone or with a pack and can handle even the most rugged terrain. Like many coonhounds, the Black and Tan is named for his coat colour, which is black with rich tan markings above the eyes and on the chest and legs.

ALSO KNOWN AS: American Black and Tan Coonhound

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with older children, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living
Size
Medium
Height
Males – 63.5 to 69 centimetres at the shoulder, Females – 58.5 to 63.5 centimetres at the shoulder
Weight
Males – 36 to 41 kilograms, Females – 29.5 to 34 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Black with rich tan markings
Activities
Hunting, Field Trials, Tracking, Agility, Herding, Obedience, Search and Rescue, Conformation
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
American Water Spaniel

Intelligent, energetic and eager to please, the American Water Spaniel is a versatile hunting dog and devoted family companion. One of the few breeds developed in the U.S., this rare breed only has about 3,000 registered dogs. The American Water Spaniel is an active dog that needs regular exercise. His naturally curly coat requires regular grooming and twice weekly brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The American Water Spaniel is an excellent swimmer, even in rough waters, using his tail as a rudder.

ALSO KNOWN AS: American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living if sufficiently exercised
Size
Medium
Height
38 to 46 centimetres
Weight
Males - 13 to 20 kilograms, Females - 11 kilograms
Coat
Varies from wavy to tight curls
Energy
Active
Colour
Solid liver, brown or dark chocolate, and may have white on toes or chest
Activities
Field Trials, Hunting, Agility, Rally, Conformation, Obedience, Therapy
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
American Staffordshire Terrier

Stocky and muscular with a strong, powerful head, the American Staffordshire Terrier resulted when the courageous Bulldog was crossed with a spirited, agile terrier breed. Friendly, intelligent and loyal, this people-oriented breed thrives as part of the family and when given a job to do. An excellent guardian, he loyally protects his family. The Am Staff has a low-maintenance short coat, but he requires regular exercise.

DID YOU KNOW? The most decorated dog of World War I was an American Staffordshire Terrier named “Stubby,” who earned the rank of Sergeant.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Amstaff

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Suitable for apartments, good with children, not hypoallergenic
Size
Large
Height
Males - 45 to 48 centimetres at the shoulders; Females - 43 to 45 centimetres at the shoulders
Weight
Males – 25 to 31 kilograms; Females – 18 to 28 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Any color
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
American Eskimo

The American Eskimo Dog, which descended from European spitz-type dogs, was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants. The breed comes in three size varieties: Standard, Miniature and Toy. Nicknamed the “Eskie,” this breed has a heavy white coat that requires weekly brushing. Although intelligent, affectionate and playful, the American Eskimo Dog can be skeptical of strangers.

DID YOU KNOW? Highly intelligent, trainable and agile, the American Eskimo Dog was a popular circus dog that performed tricks in acts in the late 19th century. An Eskie named Stout’s Pal Pierre was the first dog to walk a tightrope.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Eskimo Spitz, American Spitz, German Spitz

 

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 once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, Suitable for apartment living if sufficiently exercised
Size
Small
Height
Toy - 23 to 25 centimetres at the withers; Miniature – 30 to 38 centimetres at the withers; Standard, 38 to 48 centimetres at the withers
Weight
3kg - 18kg
Coat
Fluffy, double coat
Energy
Medium
Colour
White or white with biscuit cream
Activities
Conformation, Agility, Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
Akita

Developed in the mountains of Japan, the Akita originally was used to hunt bear, elk and boar. The breed can have an aggressive temperament, requiring supervision around small children and other animals. The Akita has a distinctive thick, double coat and plush tail that curls over his back. Although a fastidious groomer like a cat, he still needs daily brushing. Active and energetic, this breed should be exercised daily.

DID YOU KNOW? Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to the U.S., having received a puppy from the Ministry of Education during a visit to Japan in 1937.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, American Akita

 

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
  • 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
Living Considerations
Not suitable for children, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living
Size
Medium
Height
Males – 66 to 72 centimetres at the withers; Females - 61 to 66 centimetres at the withers
Weight
Males – 34 to 59 kilograms; Females – 31 to 46 kilograms
Coat
Puffy double coat
Energy
Medium
Colour
Any color including white, brindle or pinto
Activities
Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
Dog