Australian Kelpie

A Highly Prized Sheep Dog
The Australian Kelpie is a working breed that originated in Australia. They were bred to work with sheep having little or no guidance, making them highly prized among farmers and ranchers. Today Australian Kelpies have been imported throughout the world and their charges have expanded to include cattle, goats, ducks, chickens, and other livestock.

Appearance

Australian Kelpies are medium-sized dogs that stand between 17-20 inches and weigh in at 25-45 pounds. They have prick ears and a medium length tail that is low set. Their double coat is weather resistant, short, and dense. Colors of the Australian Kelpie include black or red that may or may not have tan, fawn, chocolate, and blue

History

The history of the Australian Kelpie begins in the late 1800s, when old Collies (not to be confused with today’s breeds) were imported to Australia from England for livestock work. One of these dogs was crossed with a back and tan female from New South Wales with the name of Kelpie. She was named after the mythological water horse from Celtic folklore, and her pups became the bases for the breed. Legend states that her father was a Dingo, or that there is at least Dingo in her bloodline. Whether or not this is the case, it is generally accepted that Dingos were added to the strain at some point to create the Australian Kelpie.

Temperament

Australian Kelpies are loyal, intelligent, friendly, and truly excel at the tasks they were bred for. These dogs are agile as well, and this mixed with their intelligence allow them to excel in agility and other dog sports. When working they use an “eye”, much like the Border Collie, but will also nip at the heel of more stubborn cattle, just as an Australian Cattle Dog would. Another clever trick they will utilize is if a flock of sheep is packed together in a tight location and they need to get to the other side, these dogs will jump on the back of the nearest sheep and run across the top of the flock. This breed can be kept as companions, but will need to be stimulated. Bored Australian Kelpies may become frustrated and in turn become destructive.

Health and Care

The Australian Kelpie is not suited for apartment life. They need room to roam for them to remain happy and content. If not working they need long walks daily and a busy owner that can keep up with them.

Generally a healthy breed the Australian Kelpie suffers from little genetic problems. They are prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can lead to blindness. Their life expectancy is around 12 years.

The coat of the Australian Kelpie requires only the occasional brushing. They are average shedders.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Queensland Heeler
The Australian Cattle Dog is a herding dog that is breed for driving and controlling cattle. They were developed in Australia solely for this purpose, the result of six decades of cross breeding. Today the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, is still extremely popular with farmers and ranchers worldwide.

Appearance

Australian Cattle Dogs are a muscular and compact breed. They stand between 17-20 inches and weigh in at 35-45 pounds. Their double coat is weather-resistant and short, and has two varieties, red and blue, giving them the common nicknames of Red or Blue Heeler. These coats are not solid, but rather a “speckled” appearance, caused by a mottling of all the colors in their fur. Other marking can occur, for Blue Heelers they can have black, blue, or tan markings on the head, as well as tan on the legs, breast, throat, and jaws. Red Heelers can have darker read markings on their head, and are preferred to be even. Some Australian Cattle Dogs have a stripe of white hair on their foreheads, similar to a blaze on a horse; this is known as a Bentley Mark.

History

The development of the Australian Cattle Dogs began in the 19th century when Europeans began to settle Australia. A dog known as the Smithfield was brought alongside these pioneers to work their cattle, but they were a bit noisy, and above all did not adapt well to the climate. The Smithfield was crossed with the Dingo, and this cross became known as the Timmins Biters. During this same time the now extinct Old Smooth Collie were also being bred to the Dingo for herding sheep, leading to a mix referred to as the Hall’s Heeler. These two mixes, along with the added blood of the Bull Terrier, Australian Kelpie, and Dalmatian, eventually brought us the Australian Cattle Dog we know today.

Temperament

Australian Cattle Dogs are highly intelligent, full of energy, and known to have a bit of an independent streak. Like most herding dogs, they are highly active both in energy and mind. They need plenty of exercise, and if they do not have a working job to do, can turn destructive. This breed excels at dog sports, and it gives them the stimulation needed to be happy in a non-working environment. In absence of a true charge, such as cattle or sheep they may herd anything from birds, other dogs, or people, even without instruction. This is not an ideal breed for homes with children, and some individual dogs can be nippy. They tend to get along well with other dogs it is familiar with, but can turn aggressive towards unknown animals. By nature the Australian Cattle Dog is wary, which makes it an excellent watchdog.

Health and Care

The Australian Cattle Dogs are generally a healthy breed, and their life expectancy is around 12 years. They are prone to deafness, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can lead to blindness, and hip/elbow dysplasia.

Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment life. They need at least a large yard with room to roam, daily walks, and something to stimulate them mental if they are not working dogs. This breed retains many Dingo traits, and will prefer the outdoors, even on a cold night. Some dogs are even known to dig or burrow themselves a den, rather than sleep in their doghouse.

The coat of the Australian Cattle Dog requires little grooming. They should be brushed regularly and shed their coat twice per year.

Argentine Dogo

Argentina’s Hunting Dog

The Argentine Dogo is a large, muscular dog that was developed in the South American country of Argentina for big game hunting. Unfortunately throughout the years it has also become a well-known fighting dog. This has led to the Argentine Dogo to be an illegally owned pet in various parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom.

Argentine Dogos are large, white, short-coated dogs with highly muscular bodies. At the minimum height males stand at 24 inches at the withers, while the females stand at 23 inches, however the maximum height can reach as tall as 27 inches. Ears are sometimes cropped, but will also be left to hang naturally.

Argentine Dogos are normally evaluated as hunting dogs, and continually bred for the same results. In the 1920s an Argentine man by the name of Antonio Martinez started breeding a dog for the roles of pet, family guardian, and hunting dog capable of taking on large game such as wild boar and jaguars. Martinez started with the now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog as his base for the breed. This bred was known to be a large ferocious hunting and fighting dog. Later the dogs were crossed with many breeds, which include, but are not limited to, the Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, and Irish Wolfhound. Martinez continued his selective breeding until the first standard for the Argentine Dogo was written in 1928.

The Argentine Dogo was specifically bred to avoid the dog aggression problems that were found in the Cordoba Fighting Dog, one reason being its inability to hunt in a pack. Unfortunately, these dogs are now being bred by many for the sole purpose of dog fighting. These dogs will continue fighting despite substantial injury, making them highly sought after for this purpose. The Argentine Dogo has even been imported to the United States for dog fighting as well, where it is illegal.

Argentine Dogos are loyal and affectionate with their families. They do well with children because of their high pain tolerance and are protective of their territory and people without fear. Dogs get along well with other pets as long as they have been socialized by a young age. Any type of aggression is not desirable within the Argentine Dogo, despite the breeding that is being done by dog fighting rings.

Ardennes Cattle Dog

Bouvier des Ardennes

Bordering on Extinction
The Bouvier des Ardennes is a working dog from the European country of Belgium. The breed was actually believed to be extinct, and was listed as such by the Belgian Kennel Club. It was not until the late 1980s that some dogs were discovered still living in their homeland. Dedicated breeders are making an effort to have them conform to the standard. Another line of Bouvier des Ardennes were found in 1996 that may help revive this extremely rare breed.

Appearance

In appearance, the Bouvier des Ardennes looks little like its well-known “cousin”, the Bouvier des Flandres. The breed is shorter, standing between 22-25 inches, and lighter, weighing only between 40-60 pounds. Its rough, thick coat comes in a variety of colors, not including white, with the most common being a mixture of gray and black. On the head the coat is shorter and flat, except for a ruffled “beard”. Its ears are pricked and the breed is often born tailless. In countries where it is allowed the tail of a Bouvier des Ardennes is customarily docked.

History

The history of the Bouvier des Ardennes is shared in many ways by the other “Bouvier” dogs. Much like the Belgian Shepherd Dogs, at one time many of the regions in Belgium had their own type of Bouvier or bovine herder, working cattle dogs. Dating back as far as the 1600s they were needed for driving cattle to market, but as the motorized age arrived that need sufficiently dwindled, and so did the number of dogs. It was WWI, however, that caused many of these breeds to face extinction. The Bouvier de Roulers, Bouvier de Moerman, and Bouvier de Paret, were lost, and many thought the Bouvier des Ardennes had joined them.

Temperament

The Bouvier des Ardennes is a true farm dog, with high endurance and energy; it is highly adaptable and suited to almost any task. They are obedient, loyal, and friendly to their masters but extremely wary of strangers. Generally they do well with children. The Bouvier des Ardennes will go to any lengths to defend its family and property.

Health and Care

Bouvier des Ardennes are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan is between 11-12 years. They are an active breed and need daily walks as well as a fenced in yard. The coat of a Bouvier des Ardennes needs little grooming.

Arabian Hound

Saluki

Dog of the Bedouin
The Saluki is a sighthound that arguably could be one of the oldest dog breeds. They originate from the Middle East, where they were and still are kept by the nomadic Bedouin tribesmen. Also referred to as the Royal Dogs of Egypt, dogs bearing a striking resemblance to today’s Saluki grace many Egyptian relics.

Appearance

The Saluki is a slim, elegant, and graceful breed. They are longer than they are tall, standing between 22-28 inches at the shoulder, and weighing in at 31-55 pounds. Their coat is short and smooth, with silky feathered hairs on its long ears and legs. Their tail is long and carried in a natural curve with more feathering on the underside. There is a smooth variety, although it is rare, with a slightly coarser fur. The coat can be a wide range of colors including, white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle, tri color (white, black, and tan), and black and tan. Salukis that have a white patch at the base of the neck are known by the Bedouins to have the “Kiss of Allah”, and are especially prized.

History

The name Saluki likely derives from either the former Arabian city of Saluk or from Seleukia of ancient Syria. Carvings depicting dogs that resemble the breed exist from ancient Sumeria and Egypt dating back as far as 7000 BC. There are even stone inscriptions of King Tutankhamen hunting with a pair of these dogs, and several mummified bodies have been found. Traditionally dogs in general are considered unclean in the Islamic culture, but to the Bedouins, the Saluki is considered a holy gift from God. These prized dogs are known as the “Noble One” and allowed to sleep in their master’s tents. They were used to hunt a wide variety of prey such as gazelles, foxes, jackals, and hares, often working in tandem with hawks. Their people held them in such high regard that to protect their feet from the hot sand they were carried to the hunt on camels. Salukis were never bought or sold; instead they were given as gifts of friendship or homage.

Temperament

A Salukis interests can be varied, at one moment they can be quiet and dignified, and in the next playful. They bond strongly with their owners, yet still crave independence. They rarely bark, so when it does occur you should listen to its concerns. This breed does well with older children and with similar dogs. Because of the Salukis hunting instinct it is difficult to have any non-canine pets in the household.

Health and Care

Salukis in general are a healthy breed with a lifespan is around 12 years. They have few genetic diseases, but can be prone to some eye diseases and cancer. Salukis, as with most sighthounds are often sensitive to anesthesia.

Most Salukis can adapt to apartment life, but only if they are regularly exercised. However, they do best with a large, high fenced yard. Regardless of the amount of room at home they need long, brisk walks daily, and preferably somewhere safe to run. They should never be allowed of lead as their prey instinct can easily take over, and they can reach speeds of 40 mph with a lot of endurance. Bred for the extreme heat Salukis thrive in warmer climates.

Salukis are fairly easy to keep groomed, but their longer feathered areas should be brushed regularly to prevent matting. They are average shedders.

Arabian Greyhound

Sloughi

Dog of the Berber
The Sloughi is a sighthound of the Berber people of North Africa, originating in the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. A rare breed outside its homeland, the Sloughi was traditionally used for hunting and as a guardian.

Appearance

Like all sighthounds, the Sloughi is built for speed, and although they resemble Greyhounds they are not as brawny, even in top physical condition. Often they are described as “looking sad” and have dropping ears and a long tail that is held low. Their coat is short and dense, while colors include different shades of red to sand or fawn, with or without a black mask or mantle, and may have black brindling. Some standards allow a small white patch on a Sloughi’s chest, but it is not desired.

History

Sloughi’s are thought to be an ancient breed of dog, once considered to be related to the Saluki. It is now believed that their closest relative is another African sighthound, the Azawakh. The exact origins of the breed have been lost, but it is thought that their ancestors came from Asia. Written record of them exists from the 13th century, but it is likely they have existed for more than 1,000 years. Like the Saluki, the Sloughi is treasured by its people, in this case, the nomadic Berber. They are treasured members of the family, often they would be decorated with jewelry and their legs were rituality branded by their masters. An owner would go without his own blanket to keep them warm, and they are mourned when they die. They were used for hunting various prey, such as hare, gazelles, foxes, and jackals, often working with falcons. Today, they are still a rare breed outside their homeland. Sloughis have never gained a wide popularity and were almost met with extinction by the turn of the 20th century.

Temperament

Sloughis are a proud and dignified breed, and although they are affectionate towards their owners they will never be subservient. They will always make the first move when meeting someone knew, and do not like to be approached by an enthusiastic stranger. Generally they get along well with children they have been raised with. Indoors they are calm and quiet, and yet outside they are almost entirely different dogs. They retain a high hunting instinct and will always chase anything outside that is smaller than they are. Inside they may be good companions to a housecat they have been raised with, but outside that same cat is fair game. When training this breed one must remember that they are an independent dog, and in some ways difficult to train. Sloughis need a patient handler that they can respect, for it is out of respect that they obey.

Health and Care

Generally a healthy breed, the lifespan of a Sloughi is about 12 years. They are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, and like most sighthounds, are sensitive to anesthesia and certain medications.

A Sloughi is generally not fit for apartment life; they do best with a yard and need daily walks. Ideally they have the opportunity to have a chance to get out and run, but because of their hunting instincts should never be off leash unless it is in a safe, fenced, area.

The short coat of a Sloughi requires very little grooming. They are average shedders.

Appenzeller Mountain Dog

Appenzeller Sennenhund

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is a herding breed that originated in Switzerland. They are one of the four Sennenhunds, or Swiss Mountain Dogs, the other three being the Grosser Schweizer, Berner, and Entelbucher. All four of these breeds share the same coat colors, although they very in size. The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is the rarest of the four.

Appearance

A medium breed, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog stands between 19-23 inches and weighs in at 55-70 pounds. They have a short double coat that is tricolor, black or havana brown with rust and white. There should be rust markings over each eye, on the cheeks, legs, and either side of the chest. White should be on the muzzle, feet, tip of the tail, chest, muzzle, and a blaze on the forehead. The tail of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog is curled tightly over the back.

History

It is believed that the Appenzeller Mountain Dog is descended from large Molossers brought to Switzerland either by the Romans or Phoenician traders. Unlike the other Sennenhunds, it seems as if there is a bit of spitz in the breed as well (evident in the curled tail), which adds to a second theory that they are descended from a native dogs. The word Senn is the term for Alpine herdsmen, so a Sennenhund is a “dog of the Senn”. Traditionally the Appenzeller Mountain Dog was used to for herding cattle, as guard dogs, and for general farm work.

Temperament

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is an intelligent and lively breed that is affectionate with their family, but tends to bond strongly with a single person. They generally get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets, provided they are socialized early. A natural watch dog, most are wary of strangers. Appenzeller Mountain Dogs like to work and be outdoors; if they are left too long without enrichment or a task to do they can turn destructive.

Health and Care

The life expectancy of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog is 11-13 years, they are a healthy breed.

Appenzeller Mountain Dogs are not suited for apartment life. This is a breed that needs plenty of room to run. Daily, brisk walks are a must.

The short coat of an Appenzeller Mountain Dog requires little attention, just a quick brush when necessary.

Basenji

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American Kennel Club

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The Barkless Dog The Basenji is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, originating from the Congo and central Africa. It is a unique breed in many ways, and one of their most well known qualities is that Basenji's do not bark, although they do make an unusual yodel sound. Appearance Basenjis are small, shorthaired dogs with erect ears and tightly curled tails. Their foreheads often have wrinkles, especially when they are young. Typically they stand about 16-17 inches at the withers and weigh around 22 to 24 pounds. Coats vary from red and white, black and white, tricolor, and brindle, although the brindle is not formally recognized. Still other Basenji variations exist in their homeland. History The history of the Basenji (meaning “small wild thing from the bush”) is obscure and for the most part undocumented, however it is generally accepted that it is one of the most ancient breeds, sharing characteristics with other primitive dogs, such as the Dingo and Canaan Dog. They bred without human interference for centuries and dogs very similar to today’s breed were found on the walls and tombs of the ancient Egyptians. However, by the time they were discovered by Europeans in 1895 they were found almost exclusively in the Congo. There they were used in small packs to hunt game, including, antelope, monkeys, and wild cats. Early attempts to bring the breed to England were a failure, the imported dogs dying of disease foreign to their immune systems. It wasn't until the 1930s that a successful breeding stock was brought to the United Kingdom, and then later, the United States. Most of the modern Basenjis today are descendants from these few imports. Temperament Basenjis are independent, and yet also bond well with their owners. They are extremely intelligent, can be mischievous, and are known to become destructive if left to their own devices for to long. Most suffer from some degree of separation anxiety. They get along well with most children, but will not tolerate being teased, and will never become a real playmate for them. Normally they will get along well with other dogs, in fact they are happiest with one or two others in their household, but some individual dogs can be headstrong. Basenjis do not like strangers, and will let you know if anything is amiss. Health and Care Unfortunately Basenjis are prone to various diseases, one being an inherited kidney disorder called Fanconi Syndrome. Symptoms for this disease do not normally occur until after the age of four, although owners can have them tested by their vet. They also can carry a recessive gene that causes Genetic Hemolytic Anemia, although most Basenjis today are descendants from a line that has tested clean. Among this disorders they are also prone to more common illnesses, such as hip dysplasia, malabsroption, progressive retinal atrophy, coloboma, and persistent pupillary membrane. In general, though, the Basenji is a fairly healthy breed. Their life expectancy is roughly 12 years. The Basenji can adjust to apartment life, provided they are regularly exercised. They are both active indoors and out, and will do best with at least a small yard. Basenjis have a short coat and are also known for their cat-like cleanliness, even cleaning themselves with their paws, so very little grooming is needed.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Turkish Protector

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originates from Anatolia, Turkey. Originally the breed was used for guarding flocks of sheep from predators and thieves. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is still used in its homeland as a guardian.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs stand between 26-30 inches at the withers and weigh between 90-150 pounds, the females being smaller then the males. In Turkey their ears are often cropped very short, in the case of being attacked by wolves. Their tails only curl when they are alert; generally it hangs low with a slight curl upward. They have a short double coat, and the most common colors are fawn with a black mask. All colors are acceptable on the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and can include biscuit, white, brindle, gray, liver, or red, in a number of combinations.

It is often believed that the Anatolian Shepherd dog has existed in Turkey for as many as 6,000 years old. Several different “breeds” existed in different regions, including the Akbash and Kangal Dog, and therefore it is debated as to whether they are separate breeds or simply one in the same. Currently the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the only breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but the Turkey government is fighting for international recognition of the other breeds through the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, as well as there cousins, are greatly prized for their abilities in Turkey. They often battle wolves when protecting their flocks as well as jackals and even bears. The first Anatolian Shepherd Dogs entered the United States in the 1950s.

Above all the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a working breed. They are highly intelligent, independent, and highly protective. Anything that is part of its “flock”, which can include family members as well as other pets, will be fiercely protective if need be. This breed requires a dominant owner as well as proper socialization at a young age, however they will never be accepting of strangers. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is not a breed for the inexperienced owner.