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Breeds A-G

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Breeds A-G

   Airedale Terrier

Group Terrier
Country of Origin England
Breed History

Originally known as the Waterside Terrier and sometimes the Bingley Terrier. Named after the Valley of Aire in Yorkshire, England where they derived from crossing the old English black and tan terrier with the Otterhound in the mid-1800's. Used in the 19th century for big game hunting and vermin killing . Apart from his uses as a terrier the Airedale has been trained as a gundog where he is particularly valuable working large ducks because of his agile and powerful swimming ability. Airedales have also been used to pull carts, as guard dogs, police dogs and as military assistants.

Life expectancy They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years
Colour Black body-saddle, top of neck and top surface of tail. All other parts Tan.
Coat Hard, dense, wiry outer coat.  Soft fur undercoat.
Exercise Four exercise periods totalling 80 minutes per day. Best for country or rural areas. Responsive to training, the easiest to train of all terriers.
Character and Temperament The Airedale Terrier is known as the "king of terriers." They excel in agility, eyesight, hearing and has untiring courage. Airedale Terriers have excelled in being a hunter for foxes, badgers, weasels, otters, water rats and ducks. Owners should be strong and confident, combining firm discipline with patience and precision. The Airedale is a friendly and adaptable dog showing all the terrier characteristics. They need firm handling as they are naturally dominant and can be stubborn, but normally they love to please and are obedient. They are not very aggressive towards other dogs but will stand their ground if challenged. They are fun-loving dogs and good with people. They make excellent family dogs, particularly good with children and always ready to join in their games.  They are protective towards their families and homes and make good guard dogs.
Grooming Low Shedder. Brush about 3 times per week. Needs professional trimming, clipping, or hand stripping 4 times per year.

   Basset Hound

Group Hound
Country of Origin France
Breed History Basset Hounds appear to have origins that date back to the sixteenth century when French stag hounds were bred to short legged hounds. The dog gained popularity among the aristocracy and the working classes in France in the late 18th Century. The English learned about the breed that was easy to follow on foot, and later both the British and the French brought the Basset to the colonies. Today they are used for hunting and as companions. They are also popular in the show-ring
Life expectancy Between 9 to 15 years
Colour Generally black, white and tan, but occasionally lemon and white.
Coat Short to medium coat with minimum shedding
Exercise 60-80 minutes per day
Character and Temperament The Bassett Hound is sociable, calm and playful with a good sense of humour.  Good with children and other family pets.  They have charm and their expressions are intelligent and aristocratic. Basset Hounds are independent, good natured and gentle. They can be stubborn when on the scent of an animal, especially deer, in that they are adamant about tracking the scent.
Grooming Except for ears and drool, the Basset is an easy care pet. His short coat repels dirt and water and needs minimal brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. He needs few baths and appreciates rubdowns with a coarse cloth or hound glove. Clean the folds of the skin when necessary.

   Beagle

Group Hound
Country of Origin Great Britain
Breed History The Beagle has existed in Britain at least since the reign of Edward III. It is said that Edward III used a pack of 120 of them on the battlefield during the One Hundred Years' War. During the Renaissance they were used to hunt hares and wild rabbits in Wales and France, and have also been used to hunt wild pig and even deer in Scandinavia, as well as cottontail rabbit in the United States. These early hounds probably did not resemble the Beagles of today. In the 1700s, rabbit-hunting dogs all but disappeared in England as foxhunting grew in popularity. Farmers kept the breed alive by keeping packs of Beagles, but it wasn't until the 1800s that the breed developed into the dog we know today as the happy-go-lucky dog with a nose that doesn't quit.
Life expectancy 9 - 15 years - A well bred can be expected to live 12-15 years
Colour White, black, tan, red, lemon and blue mottle. They can be any combination of Hound colours other than liver. Chest is always white. Tricolour Beagles are almost always born black and white, with brown and other spots appearing later on in life. Some Beagles change colours most of their lives.
Coat Beagle coat is hard and short but sheds. It is a double coat, with fine undercoat and coarser top coat; it is generally thicker in winter and sheds most heavily in spring.
Exercise 60-80 minutes per day
Character and Temperament Gentle and generally pleased with life, the Beagle can also be stubborn and difficult to obedience train or house train. Few Beagles compete in obedience trials, for they are easily distracted by the sight or scent of any animal that crosses their path. They are good natured dogs, excellent escapologists and will attempt to dig their way out of any confinement. Beagles love children, but need to be exposed to cats at an early age in order to develop a good relationship with felines
Grooming This breed is easy to groom, a quick daily brush to remove any dead and loose hairs. Keep a check on their ears for signs of infection and trim the nail regularly.

   Bernese Mountain Dog

Group Working
Country of Origin Switzerland
Breed History The Bernese Mountain Dog can trace their ancestry to the Roman invasion of Switzerland over 2,000 years ago. The Mastiffs of Rome were crossed with the native flock-guarding dogs which produced a breed that was able to withstand severe weather, such as in the Alps. The Bernese Cattle Dogs were used as guard dogs and draft dogs in Caesar's army. After this, the breed was mainly used as an all-purpose dog for farming, herding, pulling carts and other farm jobs. Although his ancestors entered Switzerland with the Romans and he served his masters well, the Bernese Mountain Dog nearly died out as a breed early in the 20th Century. But for the dedication of a handful of fanciers, we would not know the breed today.
Life expectancy 7-9 years although many do live up to 10 years or longer
Colour Jet black with a white muzzle and blaze, white chest, paws and tail tip - rich chestnut or tan colour separates the black and white on the legs and cheeks
Coat Thick, moderately long, straight or slightly wavy but never curly, with a bright, natural sheen. Few dog breeds can match the stunning appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog with his satiny black long coat accented by patches and snippets of white and rust,
Exercise 60 - 80 minutes per day. As puppies their exercise should be restricted to the garden for the first 4 to 5 months this will  allow their bones and joints to form properly. Bernese Mountain Dogs requires regular daily exercise but it is worth noting that until they are fully grown they should not be taken on long tiring walks.
Character and Temperament Bernese Mountain Dogs are active, friendly, and very easygoing. Their temperament shines as brightly as their coat. This is a people-loving dog who is also a willing worker. With gentle but firm and consistent training, he can pull a cart, compete in obedience or tracking, do search and rescue work, become a therapy dog, or participate in agility trials. Neither a scrapper nor a workaholic, the Bernese pursues his dual career as family companion and helpmate with skill, friendly assurance, and devotion.
Grooming The Bernese is time-consuming to own. Although baths are rarely needed unless the dog rolls in mud, his thick coat needs twice weekly brushing and he sheds profusely.  Hair between the pads should be trimmed regularly.
Links Longlease Bernese Mountain Dogs

   Border Collie

Group Pastoral
Country of Origin Great Britain
Breed History The Border Collie was born in the British Isles and grew to maturity in the border country of England and Scotland. Border Collies were developed from such breeds as the Bearded Collie, Harlequin, Bob-tailed Sheepdog and Smithfield. Bred for stamina and brains, the Border Collie has the natural instinct to herd. It wasn't until the mid 1960s that the Kennel Club began to register the Border Collie. But few would disagree that the Border Collie is the finest sheepherding dog, a marvellous competition dog, and a suitable if somewhat hyperactive pet for lively households.
Life expectancy Average life expectancy 12-14 years, although some live until 18 years of age
Colour The most common colour is Black & white but they are also found in  white & tan, brown, blue merle, red and tricolour. White should never predominate
Coat Two varieties; moderately long, and smooth; both are thick and straight.
Exercise 2 hours a day - MUST have plenty of exercise to keep them well muscled and their brains occupied. Failure to do this can result in a badly behaved and aggressive dog.
Character and Temperament The Border collie is attentive, lively, alert, determined and brave.  Totally devoted to their owner and always ready to work. The Border Collie is a highly intelligent, hard-working dog that responds quickly and eagerly to training. They are the world's premiere sheepdog unsurpassed in terms of patience, agility and stamina. Border Collies thrive on games and is willing to please. The Border Collie is even tempered, but they need constant physical and mental activity for a well balanced dog. If they have insufficient activity they will find work to do, which could be herding your children.
Grooming Regular weekly grooming is required to remove tangles and maintain the coat. Border Collies need daily brushing to remove dead hairs. Bathe when necessary. Check ears and coat regularly for ticks.

   Border Terrier

Group Terrier
Country of Origin Great Britain
Breed History The Border Terrier first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since.. Once known as the Reedwater Terrier, the Border Terrier was originally developed to hunt alongside Foxhounds in the countryside of northeast England. They were bred around the border of England and Scotland, where sheepherding is common. Treasured for their ability to kill foxes and other animals who crept into the farmyard for livestock, the Border Terrier was more specifically bred to have long enough legs to follow a horse, but still be small enough to go to ground and hunt animals such as foxes. They are still working terriers in the countryside but in urban areas are mainly family companions.
Life expectancy 12 to 14 years
Colour The Border Terrier comes in a variety of colours including red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan. There is sometimes a small white spot on their chest.
Coat Harsh and dense with close undercoat. Border Terriers have wiry, rough coats.
Exercise The Border Terrier needs a good amount of exercise and the opportunity to run as they were bred to hunt and have a large amount of vitality and stamina.
Character and Temperament The Border Terrier is an affectionate, fun-loving dog. They are brave, adaptable, good with people and love to play, especially with children. They can be independent and are generally good with other pets. The Border Terrier is very intelligent and trainable. They require firmness and patience in their training which should start early. A no-nonsense little dog, they are game for anything.
Grooming Border Terriers' wiry coats need minimal grooming. Clip out knots and brush occasionally with a bristle brush. Trim coat on the head, legs, neck and top of tail. Bathe only when necessary.

   Boxer

Group Working
Country of Origin Germany
Breed History The Boxers origins come from the mid-nineteenth century the mating of a small Bullenbeisser (mastiff-type breed) female to a local dog produced a female who was then mated to an English Bulldog. Boxers were once used for fighting and bull baiting but over the years they become more refined with a non-aggressive temperament.
Life expectancy 10 - 12 years
Colour Fawn, can range from light tan to mahogany. Brindle, with white markings on muzzle, chest, belly, feet, neck, and inner legs are permitted to cover up to one-third of the body. The face must have a black mask, but a white blaze-line is permitted from the muzzle upward between the eyes.
Coat Short coated.
Exercise The Boxer needs daily exercise and play to stay in shape and satisfy his nature. Walks and a frolic in the park several times a week.
Character and Temperament Although the Boxer is a loyal and intelligent family companion, his somewhat stubborn and self-confident character and high prey drives require careful consideration. Boxer should be even-tempered, dignified but with a touch of impish spirit, and full of courage. he is good-natured, suffering the pokes and prods of children with stoicism, accepting friendly strangers, and always ready for a romp or a game.
Grooming His hard coat does shed and needs some grooming with a soft brush. His coat's natural sheen can be enhanced with occasional rubdowns with a chamois cloth.

   Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Group Toy
Country of Origin England
Breed History Cavalier King Charles Spaniels origins are from the King Charles Spaniel, who through selective breeding from the Toy Spaniel was produced to have a more exaggerated head with a great dome and flatter face, possible from the Pug though it is uncertain. Cavalier were a crossing of the King Charles and the Cocker Spaniel. Their name is from King Charles II who kept a large number of Toy Spaniels. They were a favourite of the aristocracy in the early nineteenth century. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was commonly used as a ladies’ pet and they were used to warm laps during cold carriage rides.
Life expectancy A healthy Cavalier can live 13 to 15 years
Colour Red and white (Blenheim),  Black and tan, Ruby, Black white and tan 
Coat Long, silky, free from curl
Exercise Minimal exercise is needed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but they are prone to put on weight if they are not exercised regularly
Character and Temperament This is an affectionate, undemanding and easy to train family dog. Eager to please and can do well in obedience classes. An excellent companion for both children and the elderly alike. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is distinguished by their longer nose and heavier build from the King Charles Spaniel. They have beautiful large dark eyes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a loving dog, they are good natured and fond of children. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will be happy to run in the field or just sit by your side. A fearless, lively little dog with a cheerful disposition, they are sociable with both people and other dogs. One of the most popular of all the toy breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly, happy, loving companion.
Grooming Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need weekly grooming with a firm bristle brush. Special attention should be given to their ears. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should only be bathed when necessary.

   Cocker Spaniel

Group Gundog
Country of Origin Great Britain
Breed History Developed along with its cousins the Clumber, Sussex, Springer, Field, and toy spaniels, the breed had its beginnings in Spain but developed in England. The spaniel family originated in Spain. In the 1800's the spaniels were divided into two groups; springers who's function was to "spring game"; and cockers named for their ability to flush and retrieve birds from dense undergrowth. The English cocker spaniel descends from the cocker dogs developed in Wales and southwest England. The Cockers were crouchers, and they were used particularly to hunt woodcock.
Life expectancy Can be expected to live until they are 13 or 14 years old
Colour Multitude of different colours, including, black, red, orange and brown, combinations of black with white, liver with white, red and white, blue roan, orange roan, black roan, parti colours and tri colours
Coat Flat and silky in texture.
Exercise The Cocker Spaniel needs a moderate amount of exercise and will get pudgy if allowed to be a complete couch potato. This breed loves to swim so take care when in the vicinity of water to ensure their safety, allow them time off the lead to play and run of their energy.
Character and Temperament A well-bred Cocker is sweet, loyal, cheerful, playful, trustworthy, easily trained, adaptable -- all those things most sought after in a family pet. They are busy friendly little dogs who thrive on human companionship wanting nothing more than to please their owners. A gentle, popular pet, they are also called the Merry Cocker because of their energetic, playful, eager to please nature and their unique tail wagging which includes their entire hindquarters. They are ideal pets when there are children about and get on well with other household animals.   Cockers can be very manipulative but who can resist those soft pleading eyes
Grooming Brush and comb the English Cocker Spaniel three times a week to remove dead hair and keep coat shiny and lying flat. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Check ears for grass seeds and signs of infection. Brush and trim hair over the toes and base of the feet.

   Dalmatian

Group Utility
Country of Origin Croatia
Breed History Although the breed's origin is shrouded in the mists of time, it is certain that a Dalmatian-like dog has existed for thousands of years, for engravings portray a spotted dog following Egyptian chariot, and historians have noted reference to spotted dogs resembling Dalmatians as far back as 3000 BC. It was in Britain that the Dalmatians became well established as a dog of the British aristocracy, running alongside their horse-drawn carriages. They have been used as a watchdog, draft dog, shepherd, ratter, bird dog, trail hound, retriever, circus and stage performer and of course as a firehouse mascot. The Dalmatian was popular among horsemen as well, for its affinity for horses made it an ideal coach dog for country jaunts, trips to shows, and for parades and celebrations.
Life expectancy 10 to 14 years
Colour White with black or liver spots. 
Coat Short, fine, dense and close. The Dalmatian is among the most easily recognized of dogs, for no other breed in this country sports its distinctive spotted coat. Dalmatian puppies are born all white and begin to develop their spots by ten to fourteen days.
Exercise Up to 2 hours a day - Dalmatians are able to travel at a moderate pace almost indefinitely. They love to run, jump and climb so caution should be taken at all times to ensure their safety.
Character and Temperament This is an outgoing friendly dog with a willing nature and an eagerness to please. They are mild mannered, affectionate dogs who enjoy human company and love to clown around. The Dalmatian is poised and alert; strong, muscular and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression. They are capable of great endurance, combined with speed. They will make a excellent companion for anyone who has the time to exercise and train them. Dalmatians will bond very closely with their owner, more so than other breeds and may exhibit separation anxiety when left alone.
Grooming Groom thoroughly once a week with a grooming mitt and finish off with a soft cloth to promote shine.

   English Bull Terrier - (upper)

Group Terrier
Country of Origin Great Britain
Breed History Bull Terriers were crossed with the old English Bulldog and terriers early in the 19th century. At this time they were a lighter more agile dog who was used to bait bulls, dog fighting and to tackle vermin. Bull Terriers are prized for their courage, agility and speed.
Life expectancy They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Colour Most usually white but also breed in black, brindle, red, fawn or tricolour.
Coat Short smooth coat, with little shedding.
Exercise Up to 2 hours a day. Bull Terriers are an active breed that require a fair amount of exercise, both free running and roadwork.
Character and Temperament Bull Terriers are friendly, affectionate dogs with a wonderful sense of humour. Puppies need early socialization to prevent them from becoming dominant. Their physical strength is matched by their supreme intelligence. They are an outgoing dog with a dominant nature which needs firm handling by their owner. Bull Terriers are tenacious fighters. They are most often dog-aggressive and have a high prey drive towards small animals such as cats.
Grooming Their short coats require grooming twice a week with a rubber grooming mitt.

   English Bulldog

Group Utility
Country of Origin England
Breed History The Bulldogs roots are firmly planted in British soil being mentioned in many written works in history. Shakespeare refers to the breed in King Henry VI. Bulldogs have been used as a butcher’s dog to help control oxen, as a guard, as a hunting dog and for the sport of baiting. They would take on opponents such as bulls, bears, badgers and even other dogs in the ring. Now breeders concentrate on developing their non-ferocious traits. The Bulldog is now a popular show dog around the world.
Life expectancy They have a life expectancy of around 8 years, although some will live longer.
Colour White, red, fallow (pale cream to light fawn), fawn colours and in brindle and piebald (patched) patterns
Coat The Bulldog coat is finely textured, short and glossy with moderate shedding.
Exercise 20 - 30 minutes per day. Two relatively short walks at a steady pace. They should never be exercised in very hot weather. Care should be taken not to over feed the Bulldog.
Character and Temperament The temperament of a Bulldog is said to be unmatched. They are calm, gentle, friendly and adoring with a mischievous amount of stubbornness. The Bulldog is a quiet pet, loyal to his family and protective when necessary, but happy to curl up on the sofa, eat two or three square meals a day, and have his belly rubbed occasionally. He can be a clown and can be stubborn to train, but he is good-natured and willing to be guided to good behaviour if he thinks it's his own idea. The Bulldog loves children and makes an ideal family pet.
Grooming Once a week with a rubber grooming mitt, Special care should be taken to powder their folds and wrinkles and under their tail during hot weather.

   French Bulldog - (lower)

Group Utility
Country of Origin France
Breed History The French claim the breed as theirs, but other would disagree. French Bulldogs are a descendant of small bulldogs, but it is not know whether they were from France or Spain.  Some stories say that the French Bulldog is a descendent of a Spanish bull-baiting dog. It seems more likely that in the 1860's when bulldogs were very popular in Britain some small varieties began to appear; these small dogs were imported to France by the French breeders and then crossed with French terriers. The result was the French Bulldog as we know it today. When it first appeared in Britain in 1893 the name was a big issue: how dare it be called a bulldog, which is a very British breed! Some early dogs were called Toy Bulldogs.
Life expectancy 10 - 14 years
Colour The Frenchie can be brindle, pied or fawn in colour. Pied is mainly white with brindle patches, no spots or ticking, and black eyelashes and eye rims.
Coat Short, smooth, close and finely textured
Exercise Minimal exercise is needed for the French Bulldog
Character and Temperament The French Bulldog are active, intelligent, muscular and heavy boned, with a smooth coat, and compactly built; of medium or small structure. "Frenchies" are bred primarily as pets and companions, but they also make a good watchdog. They are affectionate, intelligent little dogs that will tolerate well-behaved children. They can be jealous if they do not have all of your attention and, if left alone for long periods, can be destructive. They love human company and to be included in family life and activities.
Grooming The French Bulldog is easy to groom. Daily rub down of their coat with a rough cloth. The wrinkles on the face should be checked and kept clean. Teeth and nails should be tended to regularly.

   German Shepherd

Group Pastoral
Country of Origin Germany
Breed History Surprisingly, the GSD has been in existence as a distinct breed for only about 90 years. The breed traces its ancestors to a widely diverse group of sheepherding and farm dogs in Germany. In the late 19th Century, informal breeding groups of sheepherders banded together through a common interest in their dogs and attempted to produce dogs with the desired working attributes. Today, the German Shepherd is distinguished for his loyalty, courage, and ability to retain training for a number of special services. Members of the breed are widely used by police officers and the military, as guide dogs for the blind, guardians, drug and contraband detection dogs, and Search and Rescue dogs. Most, however, are purchased to serve the important role of devoted family friend and protector
Life expectancy Their life expectancy is 10 to 14 years
Colour Black, ash and iron grey with brown, yellow or light brown markings.
Coat Short-haired and long-haired varieties with heavy shedding.
Exercise German Shepherds are active dogs. They love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses. They require considerable exercise and long daily walks especially while growing.
Character and Temperament This is a highly intelligent loyal breed that requires a great deal of mental stimulation. The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled dog, alert and full of life. They make a wonderful companion, show or obedience dog. The German Shepherd is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, or search and rescue dog. German Shepherds are one breed that becomes truly bonded to their family and may suffer from separation anxiety when apart from their people. They will accept children if the children give them respect and do not torment them. The make excellent guard dogs.
Grooming Requires vigorous brushing every day. This is a shedding dog but the more you groom it the less it will shed.

   Golden Retriever

Group Gun dog
Country of Origin Great Britain
Breed History Like many of the sporting breeds, the Golden was born in Britain in the 1800s. Breed ancestry includes the extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, a small Newfoundland, the Irish Setter and other water spaniels. The Golden was developed by Lord Tweedmouth at his estate on the Tweed River near Inverness, Scotland, for retrieving shot waterfowl. In the early 1900s, Goldens were shown in England as Flat-coated Retrievers, Golden variety.
Life expectancy 9-15 years
Colour Although the Golden colour ranges from pale cream to deep gold, the deeper colours were originally preferred. Today the medium and light shades are more common than the burnished copper-gold.
Coat Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense, water-resistant undercoat.
Exercise The Golden needs moderate exercise to maintain health and condition, they need  daily walks and the opportunity to run freely.
Character and Temperament The Golden Retriever is a gentle, fun loving dog, they are noted for their intelligence, their affection for people and their tolerance of children. The Golden Retriever is an ideal family pet. They possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. A Golden Retriever is an ideal sportsman's companion, gundog, guide or service dog. They will attempt to drag, pull or carry anything they can fit into their mouths. Golden Retrievers love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible.
Grooming Because of the density of the coat they must be regularly groomed and trimmed.

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Last modified: Sunday, 30 March 2008

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