Chaz breed info (add yours)

Well I used to love that site.. dogbreedinfo.com but it has recently been invaded by stupidity but I figured, we have MANY breeds here on chaz and lots of people, so lets try to get all the info on the breeds we own/love all together oh and no worries if "your" breed has already been mentioned, because the more info we have on each, the better.. and everyone has something different to add! oh and please add as much as you can, i think it will be a great resource for those looking for a dog


GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

acceptable colors:

Temperament:

Height:

Weight:

Health Problems:

Exercise:

Life Expectancy:

Grooming:

What to look for in a breeder:

Ideal living conditions:

"Ideal" owner:

Trainability:

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)




Oh and pictures if youd like!!

opcorn:

Beagle

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

acceptable colors: Any True Hound Color

Temperament: Typical hound. Happy, fun, non agressive. Pack dog so should be good with other dogs

Height: 10 - 15 in. Divided in the US for show reasons to 13" Bealges and 15" (over 13 under 15)

Weight:

Health Problems: Epilepsy, HypoThyroidism, Beagle Pain Syndrom, Factor 7 Deficency (sp?)

Exercise: Daily walks

Life Expectancy: 12-15yrs

Grooming: Minimual. They do shed lot

What to look for in a breeder: Health testing and titles

Ideal living conditions: Inside with the family. Could make an apartment dog with the right amount of exersize

"Ideal" owner:

Trainability: Non existant. LOL. They are stuborn and will only do something if there is something in it for them

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in) . Not a good off leash or Obediance dog. Good with kids. Some dogs are not good with small fury animals.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

Color Link: (Explains the colors) Hound Colours

THE CHIHUAHUA​

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though small in size. (took this from the AKC..think they summed it up pretty well).

acceptable colors: can be any color – solid, marked or splashed and the coat may be long or short.

Temperament: Alert, projecting the "napoleon-like" attitudes of self importance, confident, self-reliance. Bond very closely to their owners and can be demanding when it comes to affection

Height: I dunno lol short

Weight: A well balanced little dog not to exceed 6 pounds.

Health Problems: Patellar Luxation, Hypoglycemia in puppies

Exercise: Small but active little dogs that require mental stimulation. Indoor play sessions, daily walks and training

Life Expectancy: One of the longest living breeds, 15+ years

Grooming: A bath about once a month is about all it takes. Some longer coats require weekly brushing.. they shed.

What to look for in a breeder:
- avoid breeders that use the term "teacup" "pocketsized, apple head, deer head, etc.." chihuahuas are chihuahuas.
-look for a breeder that does health testing

Ideal living conditions: Chihuahuas are suitable for most living conditions, their small size makes them great for apartment life and their bond to their owners usually makes them easy travelers. although the prefer the warm, so coats are needed for harsher winter months. but because of their size families should have older children or children who understand that dropping/rough handling could hurt the small dog

"Ideal" owner: The "ideal" owner for a chihuahua is somebody who enjoys a VERY close bond with their dog and always having a dog in their lap or following them around. but that also understands that although they are small, chihuahuas are DOGS, not babies. if you let them get away with everything, they will be little horrors to live with.

Trainability: Chihuahuas are smart, capable little dogs and when given the right motivation (usually food..) they are very willing to learn. because of their small stature.. potty training is rumored to be difficult

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)

Chihuahuas are known for only getting along with other chihuahuas, a "breedist" trait.
Most are good with respectful children who do not grab/drop/scare them.
They bond closely with their owners but with the right socialization are friendly with kind strangers.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)
Chihuahua Club of America

Papillon

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

acceptable colors: Papillons are ALWAYS particolored. They are white with varying patches of color. Color can range from just a solid headed white dog to a dog that is primarily colored (irish marked almost). Colors include: Sable- red sable, black, lemon, shaded, etc. Tricolor- comes in three varieties- traditional tricolor, hound tricolor, and minimal tricolor. Bicolor- black and white, red and white, or lemon and white. Unacceptable colors and markings are dilutes- blue and liver (also can come in dilute tris). Split faces, bald faces, etc. Or solid white.

Temperament: Friendly with their people. Can be a bit aloof with strangers, or can be very friendly with them. Super intelligent and clingy dogs. They tend to be pretty high energy compared to most toy dogs. They are very sweet and affectionate dogs and yet at the same time are very athletic and driven. The key term for them is lively lol. They are very happy, animated, and energetic little dogs.

Height: 9-12 inches. Over 11 inches is a fault, over 12 is a DQ

Weight: 6-10 lbs

Health Problems: PRA, Luxating patellas

Exercise: They don't have high exercise requirements but I can tell you they will thrive much more with at least an hour or two of exercise a day.

Life Expectancy: 14 - 16

Grooming: Minimal to moderate. They need a comb out for their ears every now and then. Bathe and trim feet about once a month. They DO shed, but do not blow coat.

What to look for in a breeder: Showing is nice, agility, therapy dogs, obedience, etc are also nice. PRA and Patella screenings.

Ideal living conditions: Indoors only! They can't deal with extreme temperatures. A fenced yard would be nice but it's not required if they get exercised outside.

"Ideal" owner: Someone who likes a very interactive breed. Someone that enjoys teaching their dogs things and taking their dogs with them.

Trainability: Very very very high. They are brilliant little minds and usually (haha) want to work with you.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in) Good with well mannered or older kids. Can be breakable so be careful with rough kids and dogs. Excellent in flyball, obedience, and agility. Also can make great service dogs and therapy dogs. For this they are often referred to as 'the working toy dog' or 'the border collie of the toy group'. They tend towards the vocal side of things.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

Papillon Club Of America Homepage

PCART
Welcome to Papillon 911 Rescue and Adoption, Inc.
Papillon Haven Rescue - Rescued Papillons for immediate adoption

Papillons playing:



4 red sable papillons and a hound tricolor:



Helping out:



Obedience:



Sports (from Braylor's papillons)

Jack Russell Terrier​

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A small hardy terrier bred for going to earth after quarry. They come in three coat types, smooth, broken and rough. ALL coat types should be harsh and wirey. A JRT should be lively and confident. (this does not mean hyper and obnoxious). JRTs should be square, ie as tall as they are long with small flexible chests. The over all look should be balanced and athletic.

acceptable colors : Must be at least 51% white. Tan, tri, and black markings are acceptable. Brindle is not.

Temperament: Fearless, outgoing confident and assertive. This breed tends to meet aggression with a agression. Should be active but NOT be hyper. Very often a one person dog, very 'into' their human.

Height: 10-15 inches

Weight: ~ a pound an inch.

Health Problems: Luxating patellas, PLL (eye issue) and juvenile cataracts.

Exercise: Decent amounts of physical and or mental stimulation, especially as youngsters. Sedates walks around the block won't cut it.

Life Expectancy: 14 or more years.

Grooming: Very little.

What to look for in a breeder: Watch for breeders who check eyes and breed young. Many issues don't show up till the dog is a bit older. Look to see if the breeder does anything with their dogs, be it hunting, agility, terrier trials. JRTs are a common choice for byb so make sure its someone who is preserving the working traits in this wonderful breed.

Ideal living conditions: Any place can be a good home if the people are right. Typically not an apartment dog, but it can work if the owners are diligent about meeting their dog's needs.

"Ideal" owner:Not a first time dog owner's dog. The right owner will have a fair bit of dog experience and a good idea how to train a dog. Someone who is active or wants to do dog sports, or work their terrier is ideal.

Trainability:Highly trainable when motivational methods are used. Very smart and quick to learn (though you have to be careful, at times what you think you are teaching is not what they are learning)

Other traits: Not generally a good choice for homes with cats, or other small pets. Normally intolerant of manhandling by 'rude' children. Same sex aggression is common in this breed so other existing dogs need to be taken into consideration when thinking about getting a JRT. They are a ubiquitous breed in many dog sport areas such as flyball and agility. Having a good sense of humour is paramount to being a happy JRT owner.

Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)
JRTCA.COM
Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada - Home

YORKSHIRE TERRIER​

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

acceptable colors: Steel Blue & Tan, Some puppies may be born with a white star on their forehead but it generally disappears over time.

Temperament: These dogs are terriers first and foremost, they are tough and energetic. They need to be watched carefully because they will get themselves into trouble because they are not aware of their size.

Weight: Under 7 pounds. Although a decently bred yorkie should be between 4 and 7 pounds, anything less needs a lot of attention and care and may have additional health problems.

Health Problems: Liver Shunts and MVD are very common in Yorkies, other issues to look for include Luxating Patellas and Leggs Perthe Disease.

Exercise: Yorkies can do well in most settings, they really enjoy the opportunity to get out and run but can get a lot of exercise just running around inside and therefore they may good apartment dogs.

Life Expectancy: It is not uncommon to hear of yorkies living to be 15-17 years.

Grooming: The yorkies coat is very versatile and the cut you choose to keep will determine how much grooming you need to do. In a full show cut, the dog will need daily grooming, in a shorter clip the dog will only need occasional grooming however you should expect to visit a groomer on a somewhat regular basis.

What to look for in a breeder: Breeding dogs within the standard size, while it is common practice to use larger moms and smaller dads, the moms should still be within the standard, that is under 7 pounds. You also want to know if there is any history of LS or MVD in their lines.

Ideal living conditions: Yorkies are very adaptable and can live in almost any setting.

"Ideal" owner: Someone experienced with the stubborn terrier attitude and the special needs of small dogs.

Trainability: Again, they can be stubborn but they are also highly intelligent and if you put your mind to it they can be trained.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)

Tend to do better in warm conditions but with proper attire can adapt to the cold fine. As long as they are socialized properly they are fine with other dogs, cats, and people.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Border Collie originated from the Scottland/England border. This is where the name the "Border" Collie came from. Border Collies are among the world's smartest dog breeds. They are highly trainable with lightning fast responses and alterness to anything its owner is doing. The Border Collie is a working dog. They are used by many farms and ranchers to move any type of stock. Today, Border Collies are used in many dog sports, but it's original purpose is to be a stockdog.

Acceptable colors: Any

Temperament: The Border Collie is intense to most avarage owners. They are generally very willing to please there owner for as little as a petting from them.

Height: 18-22in. But anything is excepted.

Weight: 20-50lbs. Again, anything is excepted.

Health Problems: Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, PRA (Collie Eye Anomaly), and Deafness.

Exercise: They require daily exercise, but working bred Border Collies should have a good off switch.

Life Expectancy: They are expected to live fairly long. Usually about 12-16 years.

Grooming: They require little daily grooming. Most Border Collies have a nice wash 'n wear type coat.

What to look for in a breeder: The best type of breeder to look for when wanting a Border Collie is one that works his/her dogs in herding. Even though bred for stockwork, these dogs come with great off switches and excell in many other dog sports.

Ideal living conditions: Any, as long as it has the right, dedicated owner.

"Ideal" owner: Someone who wants a shadow, intellegence, and a dog that gives 110% in everything.

Trainability: Very, very high.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in): They can either be a child's best friend or worst enemy. If in the right hands, they love children. They do well meeting other dogs and should be taught to do well. Generally, most farm Border Collies live outside in kennels. They do well in this enviroment if provided with the proper shelter. They do well in most hot and cold climites.

Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..): USBCHA, ABCA, BC Boards, and Little Hats.



An obsession amoung most Border Collies: The Ball.



Another big obession among Border Collies: The Sheep.





Showing just how different the color in Border Collies can vary:



And just for the cuteness factor, a puppy Border Collie.

Ugh I missed the first question! lol

Papillon

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The papillon is of the toy spaniel group of breeds, originating as a bred down version of hunting spaniels to be a ladies' pet. They possibly also contain a bit of spitz ancestry from volpino italianos and/or old style pomeranians. The papillon comes in two varieties, the papillon with erect ears and the phalene with drop ears. Phalene looking dogs are recorded back to the 1400-1500s through tapestries and paintings by the old masters. The papillon variety appeared first in the 1800s.

From "A New Owner's Guide To Papillons" by Deborah Wood (She just nails it imo):

"Papillons are energetic, busy, curious, bright little dogs. If you want a quiet lapdog who enjoys nothing more than spending the day snuggled up on a couch calmly watching television with you, then another breed of dog is probably a better choice. Many first time papillon owners are shocked when their dog would prefer not to snuggle. Although almost all papillons are lively, people oriented dogs, there is a range of energy levels and the need for constant entertainment among papillons. Some papillons reflect the more laid back personality of their spaniel ancestors and are content to chase a toy around the living room for 15 minutes and then cuddle for an hour. Other papillons are more like miniature border collies, and will generally get themselves into terrible trouble if they don't have at least an hour or two of interactive, demanding activity in a day.

While papillons are busy, generally hardy, and certainly athletic dogs, they are also very sensitive dogs. Be prepared to spend the next 15 years of your life with two bright, brown eyes staring at you, waiting for you to play. These thinking, active, demanding, intelligent dogs are unique in dogdom and a source of constant joy if they're matched with the right human."

acceptable colors: Papillons are ALWAYS particolored. They are white with varying patches of color. Color can range from just a solid headed white dog to a dog that is primarily colored (irish marked almost). Colors include: Sable- red sable, black, lemon, shaded, etc. Tricolor- comes in three varieties- traditional tricolor, hound tricolor, and minimal tricolor. Bicolor- black and white, red and white, or lemon and white. Unacceptable colors and markings are dilutes- blue and liver (also can come in dilute tris). Split faces, bald faces, etc. Or solid white.

Temperament: Friendly with their people. Can be a bit aloof with strangers, or can be very friendly with them. Super intelligent and clingy dogs. They tend to be pretty high energy compared to most toy dogs. They are very sweet and affectionate dogs and yet at the same time are very athletic and driven. The key term for them is lively lol. They are very happy, animated, and energetic little dogs.

Height: 9-12 inches. Over 11 inches is a fault, over 12 is a DQ

Weight: 6-10 lbs

Health Problems: PRA, Luxating patellas

Exercise: They don't have high exercise requirements but I can tell you they will thrive much more with at least an hour or two of exercise a day.

Life Expectancy: 14 - 16

Grooming: Minimal to moderate. They need a comb out for their ears every now and then. Bathe and trim feet about once a month. They DO shed, but do not blow coat.

What to look for in a breeder: Showing is nice, agility, therapy dogs, obedience, etc are also nice. PRA and Patella screenings.

Ideal living conditions: Indoors only! They can't deal with extreme temperatures. A fenced yard would be nice but it's not required if they get exercised outside.

"Ideal" owner: Someone who likes a very interactive breed. Someone that enjoys teaching their dogs things and taking their dogs with them.

Trainability: Very very very high. They are brilliant little minds and usually (haha) want to work with you.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in) Good with well mannered or older kids. Can be breakable so be careful with rough kids and dogs. Excellent in flyball, obedience, and agility. Also can make great service dogs and therapy dogs. For this they are often referred to as 'the working toy dog' or 'the border collie of the toy group'. They tend towards the vocal side of things.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

Papillon Club Of America Homepage

PCART
Welcome to Papillon 911 Rescue and Adoption, Inc.
Papillon Haven Rescue - Rescued Papillons for immediate adoption

Papillons playing:



4 red sable papillons and a hound tricolor:



Helping out:



Obedience:



Sports (from Braylor's papillons)

Jen, I agreed with most of your post but just thought I would add a few things! Hope you don't mind If you disagree with anything I am happy to chat about it

The German Shepherd Dog​

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The German Shepherd Dog originated in germany as A herding dog. They are very versitile and can do most any job, Although they Might not be the Best at each job. German shepherds are used for herding livestock, they are used as theropy dogs, Guide Dogs, Police dogs, guard dogs and best of all, Loyal pets. The German Shepherd is Known for being Highly Intelligant and very intune with their owners emotions. A german shepherd should be protective of its family. Although many these days are not.

Acceptable colors: Black/Tan, Black, Black/Red, Black/Cream, Many colours of sable.
They come in Solid livers, Solid blues, Black/blue, Black/Liver and white but White is An automatic DQ while I am unsure about the other, rarer colors if they are accepted or not(?)

Temperament: Good temperment. They are usually aloof with strangers but should be easily approachable. They usually take a little while for them to warm up to strangers. But they should.

Height: Males should be 25 inches(64 cm) And bitches should be arounf 23 inches( 58 Cm)

Weight: Males- 75-80 lbs.. Females- 60-70 lbs

Health Problems:Hip dysplasia, elbow Dysplasia,blood disorders, digestive problems, bloat, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflamation of the cornea).

Exercise: Need a nice bit of excersise but most have a Good "Offswitch"..German shepherds like to have a "job" so to speak so giving it a Backpack to carry or a sled to pull etc. would make your GSD very happy. They need more mental stimulation then physical as they are very smart and can get bored easily.

Life Expectancy: 12-13years.

Grooming: Not alot of grooming. A nice brushing once a day when they are blowing their coat would be nice.This breed does shed a little all year but will blow its coat twice a year.

What to look for in a breeder: Somebody that WORKS their dogs. Somebody who has Titled breeding dogs in Shutzhund, Tracking, Obediance, Agility Etc. Look for somebody who Health tests and Cerfs their dogs. Somebody who Keeps there dogs and puppies IN the house so they are properly socialized. Try to stay away from breeders who have dogs who can't function the way a GSD should. Most show breeders have dogs with overly arched backs.

Ideal living conditions: They like to be inside the house with their family's. They do best in a place with a good sized yard but are able to adapt to living in an apartment as long as they get out for exersize a few times daily.

"Ideal" owner: Somebody who is active and knows the breed well. Not the best breed for somebody with anxiety issues. Maybe not the best breed for first time dog owners. Somebody who is experienced in owning a dog period.

Trainability: Very easy to train. Most are Extremely intellegant and are very eager to please.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in).
If properly socialized they do well with dogs, cats, pets and kids. Again, Very aloof with strangers. Not the best Idea to leave a GSD unsupervised with a Cat or other small animal as they usually have a High prey drive.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)




These are taken from: 4GSD - Coat Colours
Sable:


Black/Tan




Long haired Black/tan


White


Longhaired Solid liver


From google.
Long haired Black


Schutzhund dog


guide dog


Police dog


Im sure the More Experianced german sheoherd people will chime in with more to add.. Without actuallly owning one yet my experiance is still limited

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Originally a cattle dog, they're very confident. Considered a medium dog, they're short because they are a dwarf breed. Ancestry is somewhat unknown, but likely there's spitz ancestry.

acceptable colors: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings.
White is allowed on legs, chest, neck (either in part or as a collar). muzzle, underparts and as a narrow blaze on head.
Blue, fawn, "whitely" (predominantly white with colored markings), mismarks and fluffies are serious faults.

Temperament: They should never be shy. Shyness is disqualifying. They shouldn't be aggressive, but defensiveness/guardiness isn't at all uncommon. They've got a bit of tenacity and are absolute clowns.

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: Males, about 27 pounds, females about 25 pounds.

Health Problems: The current list of health top health concerns is:
Hip dysplasia
Eye problems: progressive retinal atrophy, retinal folds, persistent pupilarily membranes, cataracts
Cancer and autoimmune system problems (including underactive and overactive immune systems)
Reproductive problems: uterine inertia during whelping, sterility in males (related to autoimmune problems?)
Degenerative Myelopathy is also becoming a serious concern

Exercise: Moderate. They tend to do better with multiple shorter sessions than one long one.

Life Expectancy: About 15 years

Grooming: Moderate brushing. They have an undercoat, so there is seasonal shedding - and often quite a lot.

What to look for in a breeder: Same stuff as with any breed - health testing, proving the dog's in some venue, knowledge of the breed, contracts, ongoing support.

Ideal living conditions: Indoors with a yard. They don't handle extreme temperatures well (hot or cold), so need to have sufficient shelter from those.

"Ideal" owner: ME!
Someone who will appreciate the antics, someone who is good at keeping food out of reach, someone who doesn't mind vacuuming, someone who will train their dog - pemmies are way to smart and way too cunning to go without training. Someone who will spend time interacting with the dog - they live to be the center of attention, and will cause trouble if needed to get that attention.

Trainability: High. They're typically a very food motivated dog, which certainly helps. They're very intelligent. But they're not the typical "yes ma'am" type of herding breed. There's spitz ancestry, so expect some independence and creativity. They don't do well with repetitive training - they figure things out quickly and will then move on to figuring out how to not do it if it's repeated. They do enjoy putting their own spin on things, so when training, it helps to keep a sense of humor.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)
Some can be quite vocal, but not all are. Good with older kids. I would be hesitant to recommend them for someone with young kids. They can be good with cats if raised with them or taught how to behave. They do tend to be mouthy. They're usually very outgoing with strangers.

They've done well in obedience, agility, tracking and herding.

Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

PWCCA - Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Inc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Tollers began in the early 1900's in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada to "toll" (lure) ducks into shore to give the hunters a better shooting range. The dog was then sent to retrieve the birds. Tolling is an act of playfully bouncing along the shoreline after sticks or a ball that the hunter is throwing for the dog. The ducks are intrigued by the Toller's playful antics and are drawn in closer.

Appearance: Tollers have a medium-long double coat accepted in varying shades of red with or without white markings on paws, face, chest, and tail tip. Tollers are permitted to have flesh or liver pigment that blends with the coat, or black pigment.

Temperament: Tollers are very out-going, happy, and are loads of fun but also know when to be serious. They are supposed to be reserved with people that they don't know, but not shy. They're very excitable, high energy dogs but should have an off switch. Most Tollers are quite content to lie around the house most of the day, doing whatever it is you're doing, but are always ready to spring into action when appropriate.

Height: 17-21". Ideal height for females is 18" and ideal for males is 19".

Weight: The standard calls for 37-51lbs. Most females are between 30-40lbs, and most males between 45-50lbs.

Health Problems: CEA and PRA, thyroid, hip-dysplasia, and varying auto-immune disorders.

Exercise: Anywhere from 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day should make most Tollers happy. Some require more. Tollers will go all day if you let them though, regardless of energy level.

Life Expectancy: 12-14yrs on average.

Grooming: Minimal grooming is needed. Depending on the coat, a once a week brushing is fine, and many don't even need that. They don't really have a very doggy smell that I've never noticed, so bathe when you feel the dog needs one -- generally once a month or longer. Feet and ears should be kept trimmed to keep the dog looking tidy. Tollers shed a fair amount, some more than others depending on the amount of coat. Some dogs have heavier coats than others.

What to look for in a breeder: Somebody who health tests (CERF, OFA, thyroid), and somebody who competes, trains, and titles their dogs in multiple venues. Not just conformation.

Ideal living conditions: Tollers thrive on being a part of the family in your home. They adore their people. A fenced yard is ideal, but I wouldn't say a requirement for a Toller as long as you're willing to provide them with an adequate amount of exercise and time away from the home.

"Ideal" owner: Somebody with a sense of humour, somebody who wants a serious but eager and fun little worker, and somebody who is willing to put in the time and effort to properly socialize (very important in this breed!), train, and exercise a Toller.

Trainability: Easy. They have a bit of an independent, "what's in it for me" streak but also adore learning and working with you. They're very intelligent and grasp new concepts quickly.

Other traits: Tollers need heavy socialization. They make great family pets, but must be exposed to kids from an early age or they might be afraid. Many Tollers get along with and live with cats, but there are also many Tollers who are very prey driven toward cats. Many Tollers are also screamers when they're excited. Tollers do well in heat or cold for reasonable amounts of time. Just be aware that they will drive themselves to exhaustion, especially in the heat. They don't always know when to stop themselves if they're intent on something (like a ball).


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:

NSDTR Club of Canada

NSDTRC(USA) Home

TollerLinks - Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (click on the flags for breeders)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Doberman originated in Germany by tax collector Louis Dobermann, who wanted a medium sized guard dog as well as a companion to accompany him on his rounds. Since Louis Dobermann was also the local dog catcher, nobody knows for certain which breeds went into the creation of the Doberman but the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Greyhound, Manchester Terrier and German Shepherd are thought to have all contributed to the breed.

Appearance: Dobermans are supposed to be a moderate, medium sized, athletic, but powerful looking dog. They wear a sleek, close fitting smooth coat that is accepted in Black, Red, Blue, and Fawn all with rust markings.

Temperament: The Doberman is a very high energy, intense, alert working breed. They are totally and completely devoted to their family, and often velcro themselves to one person in particular. Dobermans are generally reserved with new people, but not shy or aggressive. They like to observe their surroundings and take everything in, always watching out for their people. Once a Doberman gets to know you, they're as sweet as can be, but don't expect a Doberman to be your new best friend upon first meeting the dog.

Height: Females are 24-26" tall and males 26-28" tall

Weight: Females are between 55-70lbs and males 75-90lbs.

Health Problems: The #1 health problem facing the breed is Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that means the heart cannot contract properly. A dog diagnosed with DCM pretty much recieves a death sentence. There are medications to help a dog possibly live a bit longer, but no cure. Some dogs don't even show any symptoms of DCM and just collapse and die all of a sudden. Hypothyroidism, cancer, Von Willebrands Disease (hemophelia), liver issues, and hip dysplasia are other concerns. There is also the possibility of Wobbler's and also Gastric Torsion (bloat).

Exercise: As young dogs, Dobermans require a lot of exercise. They need to get out for a good run, about an hour or two long, sometimes more. As the Doberman starts to mature, they don't require quite as much. A good run a few times a week should make most dobermans happy. They're quite content to be couch potatos most of the day until you say it's time to go.

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years on average. I've known a couple 14 year olds and one 16 year old, but that's not very common. DCM can take them much too soon.

Grooming: Minimal grooming is required. You want to keep your Doberman's nails nice and short to maintain those tight feet, and a bath once a month (or longer) will suffice.

What to look for in a breeder: Somebody who health tests (very important) and proves their dogs in some sort of venue, preferably multiple venues. There is a working vs. conformation split in this breed, so be aware of that. Also, avoid breeders advertising "King" or "Warlock" Dobermans (or oversized Dobermans in general). An oversized Doberman is not a healthy Doberman.

Ideal living conditions: The Doberman needs to be in a home with it's family. They are by no means an outdoor dog. The Doberman not only has a coat that does not do well in most weather conditions, but they also just do not do well when away from their people. I would not have a Doberman without a fenced in yard, but I won't say that a fenced yard is a requirement. Other people have different views.

"Ideal" owner: Somebody who likes a dog who thrives on being with you (they take the term "velcro dog" to a whole new level), somebody who likes to spend a lot of time training and working with their dog, and somebody who enjoys a bit of a challenge.

Trainability: Relatively easy. Dobermans are thinkers and don't just do something because you told it to. They like to think of new, perhaps (in their minds) "better" ways to go about something. The Doberman is a highly intelligent breed and if left to it's own devices, can and will outsmart it's owner. They can be pretty naughty and definitely require fair but firm handling. They are very quick to catch on to new things.

Other traits: Socialization is key. This breed is a serious working dog bred for the purpose of protection in mind. In order to have a stable, well rounded dog make sure your Doberman gets to meet all sorts of different people and things from an early age. With proper socialization and training, many Dobermans excel at things like therapy work. Do the breed a favour and make sure your Doberman is a good canine citizen. Another important note is that same sex aggression is very common in the breed. Males especially. It is advised never to have a male Doberman living with any other male dog, intact or not. Most female Dobes are good in multiple dog homes with other females, but not all. Dobermans are also a very vocal breed -- they moan, groan, whine, etc. to express their opinions. They are not generally barky though.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:

DPCA | Home

Westhighland white terrier

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Westie originated in Scotland around the 1800's and originatly used to chase and dig out foxes and badgers and other vermine.

acceptable colors: White is the only acceptable color in the breed.

Temperament: Outgoing, very hardy breed that is pretty much up for anything. They love to dig and be outdoors. The Westie is friendly, but slightly aloof with strangers. A very confident breed that is very happy and free.

Height: Male dogs should stand 11 inches at the withers and Bitches should stand 9-10 Inches at the withers.

Weight: Male's weight between 15 and 20 pounds and Bitches 13-16 Pounds.

Health Problems: The Westie is prone to Craniomandibular osteopathy, liver Disease, jawbone calcification, chronic hernias and skin problems.

Exercise: The Westie needs lots of excersise. They need a walk or two a day, and lots of mental stimulation like throwing a ball or playing tug-a-war. I find them to be pretty high energy.

Life Expectancy: Westies can live between 12-17 years.

Grooming: The Westie needs daily brushings, Show dogs are have their coats stipped by removing the dead hairs or the top layer of hairs. This keeps the coat harsh and wiry. Most pet Westies get clipped into a westie cut, but this soften's the coat. Baths are not recommended for the Westie because of their sensative skin as well it soften's their coat.

What to look for in a breeder: Look for a breeder who does health testing

Ideal living conditions: A place with a yard that they can run and romp all they want, being inside with the family is a must, they love partaking in the family activities.

"Ideal" owner: An owner who like's being outside and romping around, and who is willing to have a dog follow you around all day with a toy in their mouth. They should be willing to take the dog everwhere they do. They should also understand the breeds prey drive and need to chase small furry creatures.

Trainability: They are an independant breed, and stubborn so they need a firm, constant hand. They can and will outsmart you so you must always be on your feet. But they learn things very quickly

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)

The Westie is very good with children, but with everyother breed needs lots of socialization. They do have a high prey drive so training with small rodents is a must if you have them. They tolerate the heat and the cold pretty well. This breed does well in agility and earth dog sports

*Pictures from photobucket*

COLLIE (Rough and Smooth)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: (From UKC Standard - Characteristics) The Collie has a strong physical structure, enabling it to perform its intended purpose, which is herding. Its coat is thick enough in both coat varieties, the Smooth and the Rough, to protect it from the elements. In the Rough, it is not so weighty as to tire it. The Collie is a balanced dog, easily trainable, is oriented to people and duty, and is a good watchdog, whether it is of the family's property, the children or the livestock.

From FCI standard 'General Appearance': Appears as gifted with intelligence, alertness and activity. Stands with dignity governed by perfect anatomical formation, with no part out of proportion, giving appearance of working capability.

Acceptable Colors: (In the US) The four recognized colors are "Sable and White," "Tri-color," "Blue Merle" and "White." There is no preference among them. The "Sable and White" is predominantly sable (a fawn sable color of varying shades from light gold to dark mahogany) with white markings usually on the chest, neck, legs, feet and the tip of the tail. A blaze may appear on the foreface or backskull or both. The "Tri-color" is predominantly black, carrying white markings as in a "Sable and White" and has tan shadings on and about the head and legs. The "Blue Merle" is a mottled or "marbled" color predominantly blue-grey and black with white markings as in the "Sable and White" and usually has tan shadings as in the "Tri-color." The "White" is predominantly white, preferably with sable, tri-color or blue merle markings. Edited to add - the sable merle is a common color, although not accepted as such by the standard, there are people working to get it added. The Sable Merle is a sable with a darker but muted red/brown merle pattern (not typically as distinctly marked as other breed's Red/Sable Merles).

Note: The White is not accepted in UK and most of Europe.

Temperament: A friendly breed with those they know, but can be protective of family and home. Not typically aloof, but do tend to be quiet and watchful around strangers until it is determined they can be trusted. Usually have an innate love of babies and small children, even if not raised with them.

Height: Males: 24-26 in, Females: 22-24 in (In Europe, both sexes are 2 inches shorter than the US standard).

Weight: Males: 60 - 75 lbs, Females: 50-65 lbs (Again, in Europe, they are considerably smaller: Males 45-65 lbs, Females 40-55 lbs).

Health Problems: Eye disorders (Collie Eye Anomaly, Progressive Retinal Atrophy); Hip Dysplasia, Drug Sensitivity (MDR1); hypothyroidism; dermatomyositis

Exercise: Moderate exercise needed. Can be good apartment dogs if given adequate exercise.

Life Expectancy: Usually 10-15 yrs.

Grooming: Roughs are double coated and require a weekly brushing to maintain shedding. Smooths do shed, but not in the same manner. Weekly brushing also keeps them in top condition. Bathing not needed unless the dog gets dirty.

What to look for in a breeder: Breeder who does health testing, and works their dogs in some event to showcase the versatility of the breed. Someone looking to eradicate the problems inherent in the breed.

Ideal living conditions: Indoor dog.

"Ideal" owner: Active family, but happy with 'weekend warriors'. Very good for families with children of all ages.

Trainability: Easy to train with positive methods. Do not respond well to harsh correction.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in): Highly intelligent and excel as service and guide dogs. Awesome performance dogs, who will attempt many sports. They may not always be a top contender, but you'll see them in a lot of places giving it their 'all' with a sense of humor. Great with children and other pets when raised with them and taught proper interaction. Herding instinct that goes uncontrolled can result in fence running and car chasing, but only in dogs without proper mental stimulation.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

American Working Collie Association American Working Collie Association Home Page
Collie Club of America Collie Club Of America Homepage
WSU Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Dept (for MDR1 info): Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine

AMERICAN HAIRLESS TERRIER



GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The American Hairless Terrier is a small to medium sized, well-balanced, muscular dog with a sleek and elegant look. It comes in two sizes, miniature and standard. The miniature stands under 13inches tall. The standard is 13inches to 18inches tall. They are alert, intelligent, and loving dogs. Their high energy makes them good playmates for children, and their intelligent and loving nature makes them loyal family members.

Acceptable Colors: Hairless Variety: Any skin color is acceptable. The skin is usually parti-colored with an underlying skin color and freckles or spots of contrasting color. Freckles enlarge with age, and skin color will darken when exposed to the sun.

Coated Variety: The coated American Hairless Terrier may be solid white, bi-color, tri-color, sable or brindle, but must always have some white, which may be of any size and located anywhere on the dog. The white area may be ticked as long as white predominates. The remaining accepted colors are: black, tan (ranging from dark tan to very light tan and from intense dark mahogany red to light red with black nose and eye rims), chocolate (ranging from dark liver to light chocolate with self-colored nose and eye rims), blue and blue fawn (with self-colored nose and eye rims), apricot (ranging from orange to faded yellow with black nose and eye rims), and lemon (ranging from orange to faded yellow with self-colored nose and eye rims).

Temperament:
The American Hairless Terrier is an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make him easy to train. The ancestors of this breed were bred to hunt. The lack of coat makes the hairless variety unsuited for hunting, but both varieties still have a strong hunting instinct and the coated dogs are fearless, tenacious hunters with seemingly unlimited energy. The American Hairless Terrier is an exceptionally friendly companion, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. American Hairless Terriers enjoy human companionship immensely and will enthusiastically share any activity with their owners.

Height: The American Hairless Terrier ranges in height from 10 to 18 inches tall.

Weight: Varies from 10 to 20 lbs (can't find documentation - this is my personal estimate based upon size ... most dogs I've seen weighed basically 1 lb/in. )

Health Problems: Patellar Luxation, Cardiac disorders, Eye disorders (Primary Lens Luxation)

Exercise: Moderate exercise needed. Can be good apartment dogs if given adequate exercise.

Life Expectancy: Usually 15+ yrs.

Grooming: Very minimal grooming needed. Sun protection needed for hairless variety.

What to look for in a breeder: Breeder who does health testing, and works their dogs in some event to showcase the versatility of the breed. Someone looking to eradicate the problems inherent in the breed.

Ideal living conditions: Indoor dog.

"Ideal" owner: Active family, but happy with 'weekend warriors'. Very good for families with children of all ages.

Trainability: Train with positive methods. They are terriers and can be stubborn, so they must have discipline and set rules from an early age to avoid behavioral problems.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in): Awesome performance dogs, especially terrier racing. Great with children and other pets when raised with them and taught proper interaction, although will still chase strange animals and 'varmints'. The hairless variety is one of the only truly hairless breeds, with no hair on the body, and are therefore often good for those with allergies. Information on 'allergy testing' can be found on the AHTA website.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

American Hairless Terrier Association

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The cardigan welsh corgi, fondly called the "cardi," is a hardy, dwarfed cattle dog from Cardiganshire County in Wales. It's famous cousin is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. the cardi is called corgi WITH the tail.

While both are corgis, they come from different ancestral heritage. Cardis originate from the tekkal dogs, from which also doxies and bassets also originated. They are the older of the two corgi breeds, and were developed specifically to drive cattle.

acceptable colors: Almost any color is acceptable, however a dog with too much white is not desirable. White must not touch the outside corner of the eye. Colors are black and white, tricolor with tan points, tricolor with brindle points, brindle, red and blue merle. Brindle merles and red merles are not acceptable.

Fluffies are not acceptable in the show ring, but are ridiculously cute and I really want one one day.

Temperament: Instincts towards herding, though not all cardigans will display this tendency. Active, curious, and incredibly intelligent. They have a natural suspicion of "new" people or things, and must be socialized heavily. Many cardigans are reactive or aggressive towards other dogs.

They are a "serious" breed, in that they are a goofy-in-your-face type breed like labs are. They do not love everyone, but they will tolerate them.

Height: 10 to 13 inches

Weight: approx 25 to 40 lbs

Health Problems: none. Just kidding LOL Um... some auto immune disorders crop up, like Addison's and Lupus. Many corgis are dysplastic, and so testing MUST be done on every parent. Invertebral disk disease does crop up as well as degenerative myelopathy and other diseases inherant in dwarfed dogs.

Corgis tend to have growth plate closure issues and care should be given to what is fed to a young corgi as too much calcium and protien can affect the skeletal health down the road. Puppies that are overweight will often grow into dysplastic adults.

Exercise: As puppies, care should be taken that the puppy not play "too hard" and injure itself. Cardis are very active little dogs and daily exercise is important. However, the mental stimulation is far more important as corgis are a thinking breed and are destructive if their mental energy is not somehow expended.

Think about cardis like this: a 30 lb dog that used to drive cattle is not going to be a 30 lb dog that just anyone would want to have LOL

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Grooming: if the dog is not a fluffy, just knock the dirt off and be on about your way Lol just teasing. I'd say a good brushing twice a week should be enough. The coat is extremely wash and wear!

What to look for in a breeder: I personally wouldn't buy from anyone who makes excuses for why they don't test for HD or DM. If they didn't show, I wouldn't be too worried as long as they do herding or agility or something.

Ideal living conditions: Cardis are pretty versitile as a breed. They're small enough to travel well, but large enough not to be "foo foo" (please don't be offended LOL I just couldn't think of another way to describe cute little fluffy doggies!)

"Ideal" owner: mentally and physically active with a desire to have a constant companion who always has a "ready to go" attitude. Cardis will fit in to any house hold. They love kids and get along well with other pets IF SOCIALIZED PROPERLY.

Trainability: Cardis are very bright and they will out think you. You have to be on your toes when you train them. They will find every loop hole in your training method. Trust me on this one. :rofl1:


Other traits: They are complete lovely mush balls with their people. A sweeter breed you're not likely to find. They are loyal to a fault and they tend to bond very tightly with one person in particular. They display herding tendencies even when playing, and other herding breeds are their best play buddies.


Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:

The breed club: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America
Cardi Commentary: Cardigan Welsh Corgi info

Bouvier De Flander

Bouvier De Flanders​

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Originally bred for herding cattle. The french name translates to english "cow herder" or "Ox herder" The Bouve was created in france, and Belgum by the flemish people who wanted a dog that could herd, act as a stock dog, guard dog, pull carts, kill vermin and be a family companion. The Bouve today is widly used as a family pet, guard dog, police dog and as well to herd cattle.

acceptable colors: Grey, black, fawn, brindle, dark grey. A white star on te chest is allowed

Temperament: The Bouve is a calm dog that is very assertive and outgoing. They are aloof with strangers, but not overly agressive. They are a happy even tempered dog that is outgoing and boiusterouse. Tjhey have a very high prey drive and love to herd things. They are great guardians of their family and will protect them to the end.

Height: Males are 24 1/2 inches to 27 1/2 inches and Bitches are 23 1/2 inches to 26 1/2 inches.

Weight: Male weigh between 77-100 pounds and bitches weigh between 60-85 pounds.

Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart conditions and thyroid problems. Eye problems such as cataracts, entropion and glaucoma.

Exercise:The Bouve is high energy dog that needs lots of excerise and mental stimulation. They are a dog that needs a job to do. Either that be hauling kids around in a wagon or herding cows. They need to have a long hard walk daily to keep them happy.

Life Expectancy: 9-12 years.

Grooming: The Bouve needs alot of grooming, they have thick, whiry coat that needs brushing daily, they also need to see the groomers to maintain their coat and shape. The bouvier does not shed.

What to look for in a breeder: A breeder that does all health testing, also titles.

Ideal living conditions: Bouviers need a big yard to romp and play in. The need to be with their family and like to be inside at night..

"Ideal" owner: An owner that can spend lots of time playing and excerising and walking their dog. They also need a job to do. So an owner willing to provide that would be awesome. If they get bored they are a dog that will "do" before "thinking"

Trainability: They are very trainable. And learn very fast and need obediance training because of that. They have a very high prey drive so you need to keep that into consideration.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)
Bouviers are fantastic with other dogs, because of their high prey drive they do need traning with smaller animals and pets. They thrive in the cold weather but the heat is a little harder for them to tolerate because of their thick coat, often owners will shave them in the summer. The Bouve excells in agility, herding classes as well as schutzhund, and pulling.







Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

Bouvier des Flandres Club of Canada

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: One of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd. Originally a herding breed, they are often seen doing police work and protection sport.

acceptable colors: Fawn, with or without black overlay. Black mask.

Temperament: Energetic and alert. Always ready to jump into action.
From the FCI standard:
"Its lively, alert temperament and its confident nature, showing no fear or aggressiveness, should be obvious in its body stance and the proud attentive expression in its sparkling eyes."
(I love that part )

Height: About 22-24 inches

Weight: Males 55-65 pounds, females 45-55 pounds.

Health Problems: I'm not entirely sure, but hips, elbows, eyes, epilepsy are pretty high on the watch list.

Exercise: Lots! These dogs are extremely high energy and high drive and need a lot of exercise. Preferably structured and not just aimless running around.

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years, depending on who you ask.

Grooming: Minimal. Their coat tends to stay quite clean. They do have an undercoat, so need brushing out for that.

What to look for in a breeder: The usual...health testing, support system. Also knowledge of not only the breed, but their lines. Someone who proves their dogs in some sport or real life work. Producing stable temperaments is important. An unstable mali is more of a nightmare than it might be in some other breeds.

Ideal living conditions: These dogs are very handler oriented and need to live in the home with their people. They also need some way to get plenty of exercise. A yard is ideal, but if not then be prepared to spend sufficient time away from home meeting his needs.

"Ideal" owner: Someone who is experienced with energetic, drivey dogs. Someone who is prepared to train the dog and preferably give them a "job". Someone who is energetic and active.

Trainability: Very high. They tend to be eager to please and always ready to go. They're very athletic and versatile, so pretty much anything you want to do is possible.

Other traits: (good with kids, cats, other dogs, pets, strangers.... likes the cold, likes the heat... activies/sports the breed does well in)
Some might be too high drive for young children and cats, some can learn to calm down. They often are missing an off switch and their prey drive is quickly triggered. They are often "pack" oriented though, so they quickly learn what's acceptable and not in interacting with members of their house.

If you're going to own a mali with young kids or cats, be sure you're prepared to put in time supervising and training him to behave appropriately.

They tend to be all weather dogs. They do love the cold. Heat can be an issue, because they won't stop just because they're hot. The owner needs to make sure they take a break and cool off properly.

Useful links for those who want to own/know more about this breed:
(good breeders, breed info sites, clubs, etc..)

Gallery of Dogs
Belgian Malinois, Malinois
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I agree, other than the size. The standard goes to 26 inches. My dog is around 25.5 inches, and is pretty average for a male. I've seen many males larger at FR trials & seminars, SchH seminars, and in the show ring, but I've not seen many that were that much smaller than him. I think 22-24 would be a fair size range for bitches, but I'd not fault one a bit larger.