A large and muscular dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was not only developed as a hunter but also as a family protector. The breed can be light wheaten to red wheaten and are sleek and glossy in appearance. Originally bred to hunt lions the breed is also known as the African Lion Hound.
History
A native of South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. In 1877 Reverend Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia where big game hunters found them outstanding in the sport of hunting lions on horseback. They raised and bred these dogs with an appreciation for their exceptional hunting qualities, the ridge on their back becoming a unique trademark. In 1950 outstanding specimens were imported to the United States and the breed was admitted to registration by the AKC in 1955.
Temperament
Due to their short coats, Ridgebacks shed very little and require only weekly brushing and occasional baths. The breed is also athletic, requiring regular exercise. Trustworthy with children, they are “people” dogs and like to be where you are, possibly curled up on the couch if permitted.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1955.
- Ranging in size from 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 70 to 85 pounds.
- Lion hunter; guard dog.
Environment
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance, and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor, and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He is medium in size and his coat is black with rust to mahogany markings. Discover more about our Rottweiler Puppies for sale.
History
The Rottweiler’s ancestors were the drover’s dogs accompanying the herds the Romans brought with them when invading Europe. The controllable herding and guarding instincts were recognized by the Germans, and dogs were selectively bred for these traits. As the need for its services diminished, the Rottweiler almost fell into extinction. In the early 1900’s, a newly formed club established a breed standard. The breed has not appreciably changed since that time.
Temperament
Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are musts. They require minimal grooming maintenance.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1931.
- Ranging in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Guard dog; cattle driver.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
The small, foxlike Schipperke is known for its mischievous expression and distinctive black coat, which stands off from the body and is harsh to the touch. This enthusiastic, joyful, and sometimes willful dog has a thickset and cobby body and lacks a tail. Although historically a watchdog and vermin hunter, today this ageless breed enjoys competing in conformation, agility, and obedience, often well into its teens. Discover more about our Schipperke Puppies for sale.
History
The Schipperke originated in the Flemish regions of Belgium, bred down in size from a black sheepdog called the Leauvenaar. The breed worked as a companion of tradesmen as well as a watchdog and ratter on the river barges, which is where they got the name “Schipperke” since the Flemish word “schip” means boat. Another common nickname for the Schipperke is “Little Captain.”
Temperament
The Schipperke is extremely active and loves to be involved in what is going on around him, but due to their watchdog tendencies, they can turn into barkers if not taught otherwise. Equally happy in an apartment or a home with a large yard, they should be kept on a leash when not in a fenced area and be taken to obedience classes. The breed’s coat needs only weekly brushing and an occasional bath, although they do shed several times a year.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1904.
- Ideal size: 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Watchdog; companion.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular combing and brushing.
- Heavy seasonal shedding.
Resembling a larger, coated Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is a keen and alert sight hound, seen often in lure coursing events and the show ring. One of the oldest breeds, the Deerhound possesses a preeminent hunting ability. The hair on the body and neck is harsh and wiry, while the coat on the head, breast, and belly is much softer. Coat colors include blue-gray, gray, brindle, and black, among others.
History
Known centuries ago as the Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound, and Highland Deerhound, the Scottish Deerhound became a clearly identified breed in the 16th and 17th centuries. He was the best breed to use for the pursuit and killing of deer, and at the time, could be owned by no one of rank lower than an earl. These exclusive ownership rules nearly led to the breed’s extinction until breeders revived the Deerhound in the early 1800s.
Temperament
While he possesses a quiet and dignified personality in the home, the Scottish Deerhound may try to chase any furry animals that run past him. For that reason, the breed should be exercised on a leash or in a fenced area. Although he enjoys his family, his size may be intimidating to smaller children. The breed’s crisp, somewhat wiry coat, however, is exceptionally easy-care, requiring only brushing and occasional bathing.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
- Ranging in size from 75 to 110 pounds.
- Deer hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming is recommended.
- Average shedding.
Although small, the Sealyham Terrier is the embodiment of power and determination a true terrier! The Sealyham’s wiry, weather-resistant double coat should be all white. Lemon, tan, or badger-colored markings are allowed on the head and ears. Very keen and alert, the breed was used as a hunter in the past, although today they excel as a family pet and participant in Earthdog competitions. Discover more about our Sealyham Terrier Puppies for sale.
History
Originally bred in Wales, the Sealyham was developed from the West Highland White Terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The breed derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who created this breed to quarry badger, fox, and otter. Always game and very quick, the Sealyham’s white coat was necessary so that they could be distinguished from the varmint they went into the ground to capture!
Temperament
This proud, compact, sturdy little dog makes an ideal companion. Charming and inquisitive, he loves his family, but as a spirited terrier breed, needs something to keep his active mind occupied. The breed may enjoy hunting on the farm but can thrive anywhere if they are allowed to enjoy a brisk daily walk. Brushing and combing are necessary at least twice a week to remove mats and trimming are necessary every month.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1911.
- Ideal size about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and approximately 24 pounds.
- Badger/otter/fox hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means “lion” and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid to stand up for himself! One of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics, this portable pooch has a distinctively arrogant carriage with his head well up and tail curved over the back.
History
Cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years, it is believed to have descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was discovered by soldiers in England during World War II.
Temperament
As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is a companion and house pet, he should be lively, alert, friendly, and trusting towards all. He requires minimal exercise, but his long, luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1969.
- Ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and 9 to 16 pounds.
- Companion, house pet.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Fairly active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Daily brushing.
- Periodic professional grooming recommended.
- Little to no shedding.
- Easy on allergy sufferers.
The Skye Terrier is an elegant dog and fiercely loyal to those he knows and loves. Although a rare breed, anyone who has the opportunity to share hearth and home with a Skye is truly fortunate. Given the chance, and with loving instruction, Skyes participate in obedience, agility, tracking, and pet therapy, as well as serving as couch companions.
History
One of the oldest terriers, the breed originated on the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. Bred to destroy vermin, their acute sense of smell and strong muscular bodies gave them the ability to locate the fox, badger, and otter preying on a farm’s livestock. Their long double coat and profuse hair over their face protected them from injury and inclement weather. Due to Queen Victoria’s penchant for the Skye Terrier, the breed became popular in the nineteenth century. A dog named “Greyfriar’s Bobby” epitomizes the devotion for which the Skye Terrier is known. Bobby guarded the grave of his master, Constable John Grey, for fourteen years until he died at the age of sixteen, after which a statue was erected in Edinburgh in his honor.
Temperament
Skyes are a medium-sized dog with short legs, a long body, and a large head. The coat must be brushed several times a week to avoid uncomfortable mats and trimming is necessary to keep the hair from dragging along the ground.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1887.
- Ranging in size between 35 to 45 pounds.
- Elegant, dignified, agile; vermin hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Fairly active indoors.
- The Skye Terrier is good for apartment life. It is relatively active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise
Grooming
- Frequent brushing.
- Periodic professional grooming recommended.
- Average shedding.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active, friendly, and playful breed. They are predominantly white in color with black or tan markings. Fox Terriers are highly trainable and excel in events such as agility. Originally in the same category as the Wire Fox Terrier, the breeds became separate in 1984.
History
The Smooth Fox Terrier originated in the British Isles in the 17th century. Owned by farmers who needed help eradicating vermin, the breed used its keen nose, remarkable eyesight, and stamina to drive fox and other quarries out from their underground dens. Although seldom used for hunting today, the breed still maintains its drive and determination. They will dig tirelessly for underground vermin.
Temperament
The Smooth Fox Terrier has a sleek, easy-to-maintain coat. Its sturdiness and size combined with its friendly and playful nature make it an excellent companion for children. They are bold but not aggressive towards people. Fox Terriers make excellent watchdogs in the home. New owners should be aware that the breed’s innate sense to dig may affect the family yard or flower beds unless the dog is taught otherwise.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1885.
- Should not exceed 15 inches tall at the shoulder and 18 pounds.
- Vermin hunter.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding, heavier seasonal shedding.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog with great strength for its size. He is active and agile and comes in six color varieties: solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle. Today, he serves primarily as a family companion and is seen in the show, obedience, and agility rings.
History
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity from his past history. The breed originated in the nineteenth century when coal miners in Staffordshire, England, wanted a small, fast dog. They combined the Bulldog with a small local terrier similar to the Manchester Terrier. The result was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today.
Temperament
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent, and affectionate with a sense of humor. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children, in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog. He looks forward to daily exercise, and his powerful jaws enjoy a supply of sturdy chew toys. While he is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way. The Staffie’s coat is short and smooth and needs only a quick brushing once a week.
- Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1975.
- Ranging in size from 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and 24 to 38 pounds.
- Game sports.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily extended vigorous exercise.
Grooming
Often described as “a clown in the cloak of a philosopher,” the French Bulldog originated as and continues to be used as a companion dog. The breed is small and muscular with a heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face, and trademark “bat” ears. Prized for their affectionate natures and even dispositions, they are generally active and alert, but not unduly boisterous. Frenchies can be brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white.
We love these guys so much, we even did a whole blog dedicated to the French Bulldog.
History
Lacemakers in 19th Century Nottingham, England selectively bred the early bulldog for a downsized or “toy” bulldog, for use as a lap pet. When the Industrial Revolution displaced some lacemakers to France, they took the dogs with them, and soon the “toy” bulldogs became popular in France, where wealthy Americans doing the Grand Tour saw and fell in love with them. In the late 1800s, these “toy bulldogs” became known as French Bulldogs.
Temperament
Frenchies are indoor dogs but require air conditioning in warm weather. While good at alerting their owners to danger (Look! The UPS Guy is coming!), their main role is that of lap warmer. The Frenchie requires minimal exercise and grooming.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1898.
- Must weigh 28 pounds or less.
- Companion.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Moderate activity indoors.
- Thrives in moderate climates.
Exercise
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Light brushing.
- Average shedding.
