Akita
The breed stands 64 to 70 cm at the shoulders. Females weigh
anywhere from 34-50kg. Males are 34-54kg. The Akita Inu
come in only five colours: Red, Fawn, Sesame, Brindle, and
Pure White. All except white must have whitish hair on the
sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and
tail. Black masks, as seen in the American Akita, are not
permitted in the Japanese Akita Inu.
All colors are accepted in the American Akita. The Pinto color is not accepted as a
Japanese Akita color, but is as an American Akita color. In the U.S., some breeders
interbreed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and
allows more colors. It is felt by some that combining the two types leads to improved
appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. In the United States, there
is only a single Akita breed registered by the American Kennel Club, whereas they are
separated into two breeds in every other country in the world except Canada.
Alaskan Malamute
The breed standard calls for a natural range of size,
with a desired freighting weight of 75 to 85 pounds
(34–39 kg) and a height of 23 to 25 inches (58–64
cm). Heavier individuals (90lbs and dogs smaller than
75 pounds are common—there is often a marked size
difference between males and females. Weights
upwards of 95 pounds or more are occasionally seen;
these dogs are uncommon and are produced primarily
by breeders who market a 'large Malamute.' These
large sizes are not in accordance with the breed's
history or show standards.
The coat is a dense double northern dog coat,
somewhat harsher than that of the Siberian
Husky. The usual colors are various shades of
grey and white, sable and white, black and white,
red and white, or pure white. Eyes are almondshaped and are always brown; blue eyes are an
indication of mixed breeding and will disqualify
the dog in shows.
The physical build of the Malamute is compact
with heavy bone. In this context 'compact' means
that their height to length ratio is slightly longer
than tall, unlike dogs like Great Danes which are
longer and lankier in their ratios.
Photos courtesy of Kathleen Corkum - Edgemere
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian is a muscular breed, with thick neck,
broad head, and sturdy body. Its lips are tight to its
muzzle and it has triangular drop ears. It stands 27 to
32 inches (69 to 81 cm) at the withers and weighs
between 80 and 150 pounds (36 to 68 kg), with
females on the smaller side and males on the larger
side. The coat may be any color, although most
common are white cream, "sesame," and white with
large colored spots that do not cover more than 30%
of the body—known as piebald—these colors may or may not be accompanied by a black
mask and/or ears.
The Anatolian was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible on its own for
guarding its master's flocks. These traits make it more
challenging as a pet; owners of dogs of this breed must
determinedly socialize the dogs to turn them into
appropriate companions.
They are intelligent and can learn quickly but might
choose not to obey; this is not generally a dog for a
beginning or shy owner. They become very protective
of other animals in the household, and will treat them as
their "flock." They have also been known to kill bears to
protect their charges.
Photos courtesy of Corenna Kelly, Royal Canadian Anatolians
Bernese Mountain Dog
A tri-colored dog of large size, the “Berner” (as they are often called) stands 23 to 27.5
inches (58-70 cm) at the withers. Breed standards for this breed normally specify no
weight, but the usual range is 65 to 120
pounds. The breed is instantly recognized
by its distinctive tri-color pattern: body,
neck, legs, head and ears are solid black; the
cheeks, stockings and thumbprints (or ghost
eyes) are tan; the toes, chest, muzzle, tail tip
and blaze between the eyes white. The
pattern is rigid and varies only slightly in
the amount of white. A perfectly-marked
individual gives the impression of a white
“Swiss cross” on the chest, when viewed
from the front in sitting position. The eyes
are an expressive dark brown and are almond shaped. Male Bernese mountain dogs are
normally larger in size than females but both genders are extremely strong.
Bernese are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house; they need activity
and exercise, but do not have a great deal
of endurance. They can move with
amazing bursts of speed for their size
when motivated. If they are sound (no
problems with their hips, elbows, or other
joints) they enjoy hiking and generally
stick close to their people.
The Bernese temperament is a strong
point of the breed. They are affectionate,
loyal, faithful, stable and intelligent. The
majority of Bernese are very friendly to
people, and other dogs. They often get
along well with other pets such as cats, horses, etc. They are very trainable provided the
owner is patient and consistent in training; Bernese need time to think things through.
They do not respond well to harsh treatment, however Berners are very willing and eager
to please their master. Bernese love to be encouraged with praise and treats. The breed is
very sweet and good with children, despite their great size. Overall, they are very stable
in temperament, patient, and loving.
Photos courtesy - Linda Wozniak
Black Russian Terrier
BRTs are confident, calm, highly intelligent, brave
and loyal. However, without proper training and
socialization, they can become aggressive. It should
never be timid, and will not hesitate to defend the
people that it loves if it thinks they are threatened.
The BRT may seem aloof, but needs human
companionship and bonds deeply to its family. They
are wary of strangers and take a long time to warm
up to unfamiliar people, thus they make excellent
guard dogs.
BRTs are dominant by nature and need confident
owners who have experience handling similar dogs.
The Black Russian Terrier, because of its breeding as a working dog, has a very strong
"work ethic", and needs a job to do in order to be happy.
Early training is a must, as it will exploit any owner
who has failed to establish clear dominance, and it's
just too big to not be trained.
They are very responsive to firm, consistent training,
and excel at Obedience competitions. They also
perform well in other dog sports, such as Agility and
Schutzhund training. They have a low-shedding coat,
and need grooming at least once a week.
Photos courtesy of Audrone Kairys, Black Terrier
Boxer
The Boxer is a short-haired breed, with a shiny, smooth coat that
lies tight to the body. The recognized colors are fawn and brindle
often with a white underbelly and white on the front or all four
feet. These white markings, called flash, often extend onto the
neck or face, and dogs that have these markings are known as
"flashy". "Fawn" denotes a range of color, the tones of which
may be described variously as light tan or yellow, reddish tan,
mahogany or stag/deer red, and dark honey-blonde. In the UK,
fawn Boxers are typically rich in color and are called "red". "Brindle" refers to a dog with
black stripes on a fawn background.
The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous
attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his
master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright
and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His
intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly
desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and
is never false or treacherous even in his old age.
Bullmastiff
To understand the Bullmastiff it’s helpful to know
the history and why it is a working breed. “He
stands as if he owns the ground he stands on,
looks you in the eye as an equal and yields to no
one.” (Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada, “History
of the Breed”, David Hancock)
The Bullmastiff was originally nicknamed the
“Gamekeeper’s Nightdog” and was bred in
England to pounce and pin poachers intruding on
estates. To perform their job they needed to be
even tempered, agile, strong, silent, and have an instinct to pin
without biting. Once pinned, the dog would hold the intruder
until his master arrived, placing the person into custody.
Today, the Bullmastiff is a loving home companion and effective guard dog. They are
bold, courageous and fearless, even-tempered, loyal, loving, and independent. Males are
between 25-27 inches at the highest point of the withers and from 110-130 lbs. Females
are 24-26 inches at highest point of the withers and 100-120 lbs. They come in brindle,
red, and fawn. Their lives are short but sweet, normally living from 7-10 years but there
have been some that have reached a healthy 14 years of age.
In the city, or in a rural setting a Bullmastiff is happiest at home with his family. He can
be a couch potato and a great working companion. Bullmastiffs love children and make
quite a cute pair. They are not bothered by ear pulling or tail pulling due to their high
pain tolerance: However, they are not a children’s dog mainly due to their size, and
should always be supervised by an adult. Since they are very social and sensitive to
extreme temperatures due to their short muzzle, a bullmastiff should never be chained
outside for any length of time for health and mental wellbeing. They are a short hair
breed and do not require much maintenance, they do shed and drool moderately. They
have weather repellant coat and don’t need to be bathed on a regular basis.
They require moderate exercise but
keep in mind an active bully is a
healthy bully. They were bred to
be agile and are able to run fast
and strong for short spurts.
Bullmastiffs can clear a 4’ fence,
so a 6’ fence is recommended or
required by many breeders.
A breeder may also require you to
take puppy kindergarten and
beginners obedience. It is always a
good idea since your cute puppy
will grow into a muscular 100+ lbs. This training will help him become a good family
member and neighbor.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Vey
Jennifer Vey – The Bullmastiff
I have been involved in the breed for 5+ years and am a member of the Bullmastiff
Fanciers of Canada and the Halifax Kennel Club. I feel fortunate to have our breeder,
Jenny Baum of Beowulf Bullmastiffs, as a mentor and a close friend.
Our first bully, Kobe ( Am. Can. CFC Ch. Beowulf Long Time Runnin), came to us
originally as a pet but turned out to be a show dog as well in limited showings. He has
earned numerous prestigious awards including Best Bred by at the American Bullmastiff
Association National Specialty in 2004. He earned his US championship at specialty
shows and earned his Canadian title in one weekend at the Ontario Bullmastiff Specialty
in 2004. He most recently earned his CFC title in one weekend consistently earning
group placements from all 4 judges at 5 years old. He also has one leg on his RN title
with a score of 94.
Aiko (Beowulf’s Glorious Gift) is our new baby and has already starting her obedience
and rally career at 1 year old. She has earned a leg towards her RN title earning a 2nd
place with a score of 95. We hope to do agility in the future.
I have enjoyed obedience, rally, hiking, showing, some agility, tracking, drafting, lots of
cuddling, and just plain fun times with my bullies. Like most bully owners, I am
obsessed with them, and could not imagine a more loyal, loving companion to have by
my side.
Canaan Dog
Typical of the group, they tend to be aloof. Although they are devoted to their families,
they maintain a strong flight reflex, "the highly developed caution toward humans that
had allowed her [the breed] to survive in its native land for thousands of years." When
confronted with a new or bewildering situation, such as a change in homes, dogs may
bolt. Pursuit by well-meaning people seems to puzzle rather than frighten them. They are
innately capable of caring for themselves in such a situation. In today's world of multilane, fast-moving traffic and dog-control laws, strong measures should be taken to
prevent such an occurrence.
Canaans at play are a joy to watch,
"boxing" and stalking one another and
"talking" back to each other and their
families. These dogs first entered the
States in 1965. In just a few years, the
Canaan has established type and a strong
national club. The breed's Israeli standard
includes a section on character, indicating
that mistrust (of outsiders), endurance,
readability and tractability are all very
high. The Canaan Dog is a member of
both the AKC and CKC Miscellaneous
Classes
Today their versatility lends them to many
tasks: herding, alerting and tracking,
making them in demand for sheep dog trials, search-and-rescue, and obedience
competition. Their sturdiness enables them to work into their teens.
Owners agree—they do bark, one of their guard attributes. In close proximity, barking
can be a problem, and this natural tendency must be curtailed.
Photo courtesy of the Courtesy of Canaan Club of Ontario - Sufat Sheleg Canaan Dogs
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog should always be powerfully built, athletic, and imposing in
appearance. It should be of "powerful physique giving the impression that he is not built
for speed but rather for hard work.
As is typical of spitz breeds, it has erect, triangular ears, and a heavily feathered tail that
is carried over its back. Males should be distinctly more masculine than females, who are
finer boned, smaller, and often have a slightly shorter coat.
The Eskimo Dog has a mane of thicker fur around its neck, which is quite impressive in
the males and adds an illusion of additional size. This mane is smaller in females. Eskimo
Dogs can be almost any colour, and no one colour or colour pattern should dominate.
Solid white dogs are often seen, as well as white dogs with patches of another colour on
the head or both body and head. Solid liver or black coloured dogs are common as well.
Many of the solid coloured dogs have white mask-like markings on the face, sometimes
with spots over the eyes. Others might have white socks and nose stripes with no eye
spots or mask.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog's temperament reflects its original work and environment. It is
loyal, tough, brave, intelligent, and alert. It is affectionate and gentle, and develops a deep
bond with its owner and is intensely loyal. Canadian Eskimo
Dogs are best suited as companions for adults, rather than
children, as they can be over-excitable. When used as sled dogs,
they were often required to forage and hunt for their own food.
Consequently, many Canadian Eskimo Dogs have stronger prey
drive than some other breeds. Owing to their original
environment, they take pure delight in cold weather, often
preferring to sleep outside in cold climates. Like most spitz
breeds they can be very vocal.
Photos remain the property of Larquoia kennels and are authorized for use for
download at the 250th show of the Halifax Kennel Club Show taking place on
August 30, 31 and September 1 2008.
Doberman Pinscher
Developed in Germany during the 1890s by Louis
Dobermann, the Doberman Pinscher was created as
a protection dog that accompanied his master on his
rounds as a tax collector. A strong, loyal dog whose
sharp temperament was appreciated by those who
wanted a reliable protector whose bravado need not
be acted upon to be considered a threat.
Although temperament has changed significantly,
this mid-sized, energetic dog still requires an owner
equal to its strong, intelligent personality.
Known as a “velcro” dog, the Doberman must be part
of the family and its natural guarding tendencies
understood and respectfully directed. Those
considering acquiring a Dobie must understand that
exercise and training are part of the responsibilities of
ownership.
As Breed Specific Legislation looms over the heads
of Doberman fanciers, it is important to educate
potential owners and public servants on the illustrous
history of service that the Breed has provided.
http://dpca.org/faithful/index.html
Celebrating 100 years of recognition by the American Kennel Club, 4 years earlier than
the first registration of the Breed in Canada (1912), the ‘Cadillac of dogs” – the
Doberman Pinscher - has served as
Canine hero - the “Devil Dog” of the Marines in WWII - many of those who
survived returned as life companions to the men they served;
Excelled as a seeing eye dog in the famous Pathfinder School established by
Glenn Staines in the 1930s followed up by Joanna Walker’s famous Pilot Dogs
Program of Joanna Walker;
A reliable and dedicated Schutzhund and guard/protection dog in the world of dog
sport, K-9 and police departments around the world;
Search and Rescue – Canadian Michelle Limoges - http://dpcc.ca/articles/dpccsar.htm
Therapy dog – in our area the work of Clarke Johnson with the St. John
Ambulance Dog Program
has been noted and well respected
http://www.sja.ca/NSPEI/CommunityServices/Programs/Pages/TherapyDogServices.
aspx
A loving family guardian, protector and friend – and in the end, who could ask
for more?
To learn more about the Doberman Pinscher, visit the Doberman Pinscher Club of
Canada at http://dpcc.ca & to understand more about its working capabilities, visit the
United Doberman Club at http://uniteddobermanclub.com
In loving tribute to Kit – time was short; but the
memories linger.
Photos courtesy: Clarke & Brenda Johnson & Valerie
Brideau
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher is a square, sturdy dog with typical working
dog features. It has small, triangular ears and rather small,
lively brown eyes. The head is well proportioned to the body,
with a strong flat skull. The long jaw is well formed and
powerful. The feet are compact supporting its muscular body.
The smooth coat is close and harsh with symmetrical markings
of black, tan and white.
This is a breed with all the intelligence, personality, agility and loyalty you could ask for
packed into a sturdy little package. It is important to make sure that this little herder is
compatible with your personality and lifestyle, as this is a dog that will be happiest if it is
by your side every waking hour. The Entlebucher, while being independent and self
confident, is nonetheless very attached to its people and must be made a part of the
family. One of the greatest qualities of this breed is its unwavering devotion to its master.
This is not a breed that will do well if left in the back yard, unless, of course, that is
where the family is as well.
The breed is territorial and slightly suspicious of strangers, making it a competent watch
dog. They have an impressive bark and naturally announce the arrival of newcomers.
While they are naturally confident and social dogs, socialization and training is required.
Entlebuchers are generally regarded as great dogs with children, although there may be
exceptions. The additional time required to train a smart, willful dog is a major
consideration for a busy parent. Due to the Entlebucher’s keen sense of social hierarchy,
the head of the household will need to be actively involved in the training. This is an
active, physical breed and loves to play and rough house. Once trained to be gentle with
children, however, an Entlebucher is an excellent play mate and may even round up
children like a small herd of cattle.
Eurasier
The Eurasier is a balanced, well-constructed,
medium-sized Spitz (Spitzen) type dog with
prick ears. It comes in different colors: fawn,
red, wolf-grey, black, and black and tan. All
color combinations are allowed, except for
pure white, white patches, and liver color. The
FCI standards call for the Eurasier to have a
thick undercoat and medium-long, loosely
lying guard hair all over the body, with a short
coat on the muzzle, face, ears, and front legs. The tail and the back of the front legs
(feathers) and hind legs (breeches) should be covered with long hair. The coat on the
Eurasier's neck should be slightly longer than on the body, but not forming a mane. The
breed may have a pink, blue-black or spotted tongue.
Eurasiers are calm, even-tempered dogs. They are watchful and alert, yet reserved
towards strangers without being timid or aggressive. Eurasiers form a strong link to their
families. For the full development of these qualities, the Eurasier needs constant close
contact with its family, combined with understanding, yet consistent, training. They are
extremely sensitive to harsh words or discipline and respond best to soft reprimand. The
Eurasier is a combination of the best qualities of the Chow Chow, the Wolfspitz, and the
Samoyed, resulting in a dignified, intelligent breed.
Eurasiers are not suitable as working dogs. They were bred as companion dogs. Training
should always be done through
family members, not through
strangers or handlers. Eurasiers
should never be restricted to only
a yard, kennel, crate, or chained
up. They would pine and become
depressed.
This breed enjoys all kinds of
activities, especially if the
activities involve their family.
Eurasiers are calm and quiet
indoors, outdoors they are lively
and enjoy action. Eurasiers rarely
bark but if they do, they usually
have a good reason.
Photos courtesy of Josee Dessouroux – Macarrasbrook Eurasiers
Great Dane
The Great Dane (also known as the ‘German Mastiff’ or ‘Granddanois’, affectionately
called the ‘Gentle Giant’ or just ‘Dane’) is among the world’s tallest breeds. Germany
lays claim to this breed’s origin. Originally bred to chase wild
boar, Great Danes became popular estate dogs due to their
speed, strength, fearlessness, and graceful appearance,
eventually rising to worldwide prominence.
The Great Dane gets along well with children, other dogs, and
any household pets. Some Great Danes are dominant with other
dogs of the same sex or have a high prey instinct with small
cats.
Great Danes should be socialized when young. The Great Dane
is usually wary around strangers, but will welcome friends of
the family.
Photo courtesy of Sonia Bernett - Rockingdane
Great Pyrenees
The Great
Pyrenees dog
conveys the
distinct
impression of
elegance and
unsurpassed
beauty
combined with
great overall
size and
majesty.
He has a white
or principally white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of
tan. The breed possesses a keen intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression.
Exhibiting a unique elegance of bearing and movement, his soundness and coordination
show unmistakably the purpose for which he has been bred, the strenuous work of
guarding the flocks in all kinds of weather.
Character and temperament are of utmost
importance. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is
confident, gentle, and affectionate. While
territorial and protective of his flock or
family when necessary, his general
demeanor is one of quiet composure, both
patient and tolerant. He is strong willed,
independent and somewhat reserved, yet
attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges
both human and animal.
Photos courtesy of Leo and Karen Melanson - Karleo Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, muscular, tricolour (black, rust, and white;
typically with a white blaze) dog. Males should weigh around 60 - 70 kg (132 - 154 lbs)
the height is 65 - 72 cm (25.6 - 28.6 in) at the shoulders. The females weigh 50 - 60 kg
(110 - 132 lbs) and are
60 - 68 cm (23.6 - 26.8
in) tall at the shoulders.
The length to height
ratio is around ten to
nine.
The fur is a double
coat, the top coat being
around 5 cm long, the
bottom coat being thick
and a type of gray
which must be on the
neck, but can be all over the body; with such an outstanding coat, most Swissies blow
coat twice a year.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a reputation of combining protectiveness with a
gentle nature, particularly with respect to its love of its family, especially children.
These dogs are strong, active, and remarkably agile for their size. A Greater Swiss
Mountain Dog can be trained for weight-pulling competitions and/or to pull carts behind
them carrying goods or even a person. They also excel at herding and pack hikes. Also,
unlike other mountain dogs, they do not drool excessively. Prospective owners need to be
prepared to give them lots of time and attention.
Swissies have a very strong pack instinct. They are protective of their family and training
is important for them to learn their place. They want the pack to be together and get
distressed when a member wanders off. Photo courtesy of Brian & Sera Fradgley – Alberta Roots
Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is a powerful, heavy-built dog. It has a broad, wedge-shaped head,
slightly tilted eyes and small, triangular ears covered with thick
fur that prevents frostbite. It has strong, muscular, short-haired
legs. The tail is usually rolled along/across its back, but it may
also hang down in a wolf like manner. When it lies down and
curls up to rest, the tail often covers the nose.
Its coat is of medium length and consists of two layers. The
inner layer consists of short wool like fur, the outer layer of
longer, coarser, water-repellent fur.
A characteristic of most Greenland Dogs is the "úlo", a triangular shaped area on the
shoulders. It is named after a common woman’s-knife from Greenland which is of the
same shape.
In Greenland this breed exists in much the same condition as it had when originally
arriving there, and are kept as chiefly as a working dog valued for its strength and speed
rather than a malleable temperament. As a result of living in a pack structure very much
similar to their wolf forebears, the Greenland dog takes a very firm and confident owner
to make a good pet.
Hovawart
The Hovawart is an outstanding watch dog and somewhat reserved
towards strangers. They make excellent family dogs as they are
totally devoted to their family. They are a working dog breed, and
require a consistent and loving yet strict training and meaningful
activity throughout their lives.
The Hovawart does exceptionally well in search and rescue tracking and working dog
activities. The females are generally lighter in build and often love agility. In training and
especially obedience work the trainer must keep positive reinforcement in mind all the
time, as the Hovawart is not as eager to please as many other working dog breeds. It is
important to realize that the Hovawart works with you and not for you. They do have the
ability to think and act independently.
Their guarding instinct for example does not require any real training, it is inherent, its
what they were bred for. The Hovawart may easily become reluctant if training is built
only on punishments.
The owner of a Hovawart should ideally have previous experience in owning and training
a dog and as such the Hovawart is not usually suitable as a first dog.
Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian (Carelian) Bear Dog is a
Finnish or Karelian breed of dog. In its
home country it is regarded as a national
treasure. In Finland they are more often
used for hunting moose and elk although
they will hunt any kind of animal. Bear and
moose tests are conducted in Finland,
Sweden and Norway to determine an
individual's ability as a beardog and weighs
heavily in the dogs breeding potential.
This dog will put a bear to flight or attack it
with great pugnacity and will sacrifice its
own life for its master. Its quick reflexes
and fearless nature have also made it very
popular for hunting other aggressive game
such as the wild boar. It was the breed's
ability to hunt and offer protection against a
bear that earned the breed its name.
Proper socialization and training is necessary as these dogs demand proper authority and
respect to work well with their master and other animals. Treating them harshly will
cause them to mistrust so one must be firm but careful when working with them. They
must have a trusting and obedient master/dog relationship for everyone's safety.
They are extremely loyal to their master and love their people. For this reason, they must
be around them. They also love children and love to play. It is very unusual for a KBD to
bite a human, however, if more than one lives together there is a hierarchy in the pack
much like wolves. One will be the alpha dog or leader and the others will usually defer to
him/her.
This is not a dog that can be tied to a lead outside, kept in an apartment or never worked
with. They are very social, outside hunting dogs and they need plenty of space to run free
and get lots of exercise. If they get bored they will dig up the yard or try to get out to go
hunting. These traits tend to prevent the breed from becoming popular companion dogs.
They are very territorial and will alert their master to the presence of any strangers or
other animals nearby that they do not know.
Photo by infocusbymiguel.com – Courtesy of Dawne Deeley – TsarShadow Carelians
Komondor
The Komondor's temperament is like that of most livestock guarding
dogs; it is calm and steady when things are normal. In cases of trouble,
the dog will fearlessly defend its charges. It was bred to think and act
independently and make decisions on his own. It is extremely
affectionate with its family and friends and gentle with the children of
the family. Although wary of strangers, it will nonetheless accept them
when it is clear that no harm is meant. It is very protective of its
family, home and possessions.
Because of the Komondor's size, power, and speed, its owner must have it under control.
Obedience training is a must, preferably starting at an early age (4 - 8 months).
Komondors generally take well to training if started early. They should be exposed to
new situations, people and other dogs as a puppy. Because it is a natural guard dog, a
Komondor that is not properly socialized may react in an excessively aggressive manner
when confronted with a new situation or person. Again, puppy training is strongly
recommended for all Komondors.
Given the proper environment and care, a Komondor is a responsible, loving dog. They
are devoted and calm without being sluggish. As in any breed, there is quite a range of
personalities, so your needs should be outlined clearly to your breeder. An experienced
breeder can try to identify that personality which would be happier as an independent
livestock dog, or that which wants more to please and would make a good obedience dog
or family pet. Adolescence can be marked by changes in a Komondor's temperament,
eating habits, trainability and general attitude. Many Komondor are "late bloomers", not
fully mature until nearly three years of age.
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large dog with a dense coat which is usually white in color and can range
from wavy to straight in texture.
Although the fur is white, the
Kuvasz’s skin pigmentation should
be dark and the nose should be
black. The eyes should have an
almond shape. Females usually
weigh between 35-40 kg (75-90
pounds) while males weigh
between 45-52 kg (100-115
pounds) with a medium bone
structure.
As with many livestock guardian
dogs, the color of the Kuvasz's
coat serves a functional purpose and is an essential breed criterion. Shepherds
purposefully bred
the Kuvasz to
have a light
colored coat so
that it would be
easier for the
shepherd to
distinguish the
Kuvasz from
wolves that
would prey on
the livestock
during the night.
The Komondor, a
cousin of the
Kuvasz, has a
white coat for the same reason. Traditionally, the Hungarian Kuvasz's coat could be
either white or cream colored with a wavy texture. However, there is some debate,
particularly in the United States, concerning the appropriateness of "cream" colored coats
in show-quality dogs and whether the coat should be straight or wavy in texture. Since
washing and brushing out a coat, as done for shows in the US also causes the coat to
appear straight, the debate may be circular. Straighter coats may also have appeared as
the result of breeding programs that developed after World War II, when the breeding
lines in Hungary were isolated from the rest of the world as a result of Soviet occupation.
The Kuvasz is a very intelligent dog and is often
described as having a clownish sense of humor
which can last throughout their adolescence and
occasionally into adulthood.They are intensely loyal
yet patient pets who appreciates attention but may
also be somewhat aloof or independent, particularly
with strangers. In keeping with their origins as a
livestock guardian, Kuvaszok are known to be
fierce protectors of their families. Given their
intelligence, constant awareness of their
surroundings, as well as their size and strength, they
can be quite impressive in this role. A Kuvasz should be courageous, disciplined and
stable, while hyperactivity, nervousness and shyness are to be faulted.
The combination of intelligence, independence and protectiveness make obedience
training and socialization necessities. Furthermore, despite their intelligence, they should
not be perceived as easily trained. Their independent personalities can make training a
difficult task which can wear on the patience of even experienced owners. As a result,
they are not recommended for novices and those who do not have time to train and
socialize them properly. An adolescent Kuvasz should be able to learn basic obedience
commands and consistently respond to them; however the instinctive need to investigate
strangers and protect its owner may cause the Kuvasz to act independently when off leash
and ignore the calls of a frustrated handler. While not all Kuvasz are prone to barking,
many of them fulfill their guardian role by vocally warning off potential threats, both real
and imagined. On the other hand, many of these qualities make the Kuvasz excellent
guardians for sheep or large estates. Photos courtesy of Olga Schmidt – Brantwood Kuvusok
Leonberger
The Leonberger has a medium length soft to
coarse double coat that is very water resistant.
Males often have particularly thick fur on the
neck and chest creating the appearance of a
mane. There is distinct feathering on the backs
of the front legs and thighs.
Coat colour can range from lion yellow, red,
reddish brown, and sandy. Black hair tips are
permitted, but black must not determine the
dog's basic colour. All Leonbergers have a black mask. The Leonberger sheds very
heavily.
Leonbergers are very loving and great with children. They are very large yet do not
necessarily need a big garden and
house to roam around. They are
adaptable and do not take up much
more space when curled up to sleep
than any other medium to large dog.
Like any dog they ask for nothing
more than to have a daily walk and
bit of brain stimulation. Aggression
often comes from improper training
when young or from bad
experiences.
A well raised Leonberger can
provide loving and loyal
companionship. Since World War II, the numbers and popularity of Leonbergers have
grown and in Britain alone there are over 2,000 registered Leonbergers.
Photos courtesy of Fran Cozens - Wanderweg
Mastiff
The Mastiff is a large, massive, symmetrical dog with a well-knit frame. The
impression is one of grandeur and dignity. Dogs are more massive
throughout. Bitches should not be faulted for being somewhat smaller in all
dimensions while maintaining a proportionally powerful structure. A good
evaluation considers positive qualities of type and soundness with equal
weight.
A combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. Dignity, rather than
gaiety, is the Mastiff's correct demeanor. Judges should not condone shyness or
viciousness. Conversely, judges should also beware of putting a premium on showiness.
Neapolitan Mastiff
An ancient breed, rediscovered in Italy in the 1940's, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavyboned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and
defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose
skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds
on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the
Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and
imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his
characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or
showy.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal to his owner, not aggressive or apt to bite
without reason. As a protector of his property and owners, he is always watchful and does
not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is calm yet wary. In
the show ring he is majestic and powerful, but not showy.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog
originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They
are known for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural
water rescue tendencies.
The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due partly to
their webbed feet and amazing swimming abilities.
Newfoundland dogs require grooming at least once every
two weeks.
Extremely loving and patient, as puppies Newfoundlands
are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak
The breed originated in Newfoundland from a breed
indigenous to the island, that later became known as
the St. John's Dog.
The speculation they may be partly descended
from the big black bear dogs introduced by the
Vikings in 1001 A.D. is based more in romance
than in fact. It is more likely that their size results
from the introduction of large mastiffs brought to
the island by many generations of Portuguese
fishermen, who had been fishing the Grand Banks
of Newfoundland since the 1400s.
By the time colonization was permitted in 1610,
the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been established in the
breed. In the early 1880s fishermen from
Ireland and Englandtraveled to the Grand
Banks of Newfoundland, where there they
described two main types of working dog: one
more heavily built, large with a longish coat,
whereas the other was lighter in build, an
active, smooth-coated water dog.
The heavier one was the Newfoundland and
the other was the known as the Lesser St.
John's Dog, the forerunner of the Labrador
Retriever. The dogs were used in similar ways to pull fishnets and heavy equipment.
Photos courtesy of Devon Nutbeem - Homeport
Portuguese Water Dog
The closest relative of the PWD is widely thought to be the Standard
Poodle. Like Poodles and several other water dog breeds, PWDs are
highly intelligent, have curly coats, and do not shed. However, unlike
Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs are robustly built, with stout legs,
and their tails are left naturally long and undocked. They have
webbed toes, for swimming, which one can notice by trying to pass
one's finger between the dog's toes. Their eyes are brown, and their coats can be black,
reddish brown, white, or black and white.
PWDs have a single-layered coat that does not shed, and therefore their presence is
tolerated extremely well among many people who suffer from dog allergies. Some call
PWDs hypoallergenic dogs, but any person with dog allergies who seeks a dog with these
qualities should actually spend time with the animals before purchasing, to test whether
the dog is actually non-allergenic to them.
Portuguese Water dogs make excellent companions. They are loving, independent, and
intelligent and are easily trained in obedience and agility skills. Once introduced, they are
generally friendly to strangers, and actively enjoy being petted, which, due to their soft,
fluffy coats, is a favour that human beings willingly grant them. As water dogs, the
PWD's retrieving instinct is strong, which also gives some dogs tugging and chewing
tendencies.
While excellent companions to those who understand their needs, Portuguese Water Dogs
are not for everyone. Their intelligence and working drive demand consistent attention in
the form of regular vigorous exercise and mental challenges. Gentle and patient, they
look (and are) soft, cuddly, and cute -- but they are not to be mistaken for "couch
potatoes". When bored, PWDs will become destructive. A PWD can get into the garbage,
silently snag food off the kitchen counters when your back is turned, and can even learn
to open cabinet doors.
Rottweiler
The Rottiweiler, or Rottie as its known
to its friends, is a black dog with clearly
defined tan or mahogany markings on
the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs. The
coat is medium length and consists of a
waterproof undercoat and a coarse top
coat. Rottweiler coats tend to be low
maintenance, although they experience
shedding during their periods. The skull
is typically massive, but without
exaggeration.
In the hands of a responsible owner, a well trained and socialized Rottweiler can be a
reliable, alert dog and a loving companion. Rottweilers are very affectionate, good
natured and family oriented. However, any poorly trained dog can become a danger in the
wrong circumstances, especially a strong dog. Rottweilers that are well trained and cared
for can be as well behaved as any other dog and in general they are very fond of children,
very devoted, quick to learn, and eager to please. However, if they are not receiving the
mental stimulation they need, they will find creative and sometimes destructive ways to
elicit it. Such behavioral problems as chewing and barking for attention can be a result of
lack of human interaction. The Rottie is a working dog that is also good for protection of
children, as well as guard duties. Rottweilers are
truly happy with a “job”.
In the hands of a responsible owner, a well trained
and socialized Rottweiler can be a reliable, alert
dog and a loving companion. Rottweilers are very
affectionate, good natured and family oriented.
However, any poorly trained dog can become a
danger in the wrong circumstances, especially a
strong dog. Rottweilers that are well trained and cared for can be as well behaved as any
other dog and in general they are very fond of children, very devoted, quick to learn, and
eager to please. However, if they are not receiving the mental stimulation they need, they
will find creative and sometimes destructive ways to elicit it. Such behavioral problems
as chewing and barking for attention can be a result of lack of human interaction. The
Rottweiler is a working dog that is also good for protection of children, as well as guard
duties. Rottweilers are truly happy with a “job”.
The Rottweiler is a steady dog with a self-assured nature, but early socialization and
exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible is very important in
developing these qualities. The Rottweiler also has a natural tendency to assert
dominance if not properly trained. Rottweilers' large size and strength make this an
important point to consider: an untrained, poorly trained, or abused Rottweiler can learn
to be extremely aggressive and
destructive and, if allowed to
run at large, can pose a
significant physical threat to
humans or other animals. They
can be strong-willed and
should be trained in a firm and
consistent manner. The owner
must be perceived by the dog
as the leader. If the owner fails
to achieve this status the
Rottweiler will readily take on
the role. Aggression in
Rottweilers is associated with
poor breeding, poor handling, lack of socialization, natural guarding tendencies, and
especially abuse.
The Rottweiler is not usually a barker. Male dogs are silent watchers that notice
everything before they attack. When the male attacks, he tends to go very still, there's no
warning growl or movement and are often quite stoic. Barking is usually a sign of
annoyance with external factors (car alarms or other disturbances) rather than a response
to actual threats.
Photos courtesy of Lisa Boucher
Samoyed
Samoyeds have a lot of vitality, and well cared for
Samoyeds are known to retain their youthful,
energetic spirit well into their senior years. The
average lifespan for a Samoyed is 12 to 16 years,
although some will live a little longer. Being a
working breed, they have excellent stamina, and
without daily exercise they will become bored and/or depressed, which can lead to
excessive barking, destruction, weight
gain, irritability, and escape artist
behavior.
Samoyeds' friendly disposition makes
them poor guard dogs; an aggressive
Samoyed is rare. With their tendency to
bark however, they can be diligent watch
dogs, barking whenever something
approaches their territory.
Samoyeds are excellent companions,
especially for small children or even other
dogs, and they remain playful into old age. Known to be stubborn at times and difficult to
train, due to unwillingness rather than lack of intelligence; they must be persuaded to
obey commands.
With their sled dog heritage, a Samoyed is not averse
to pulling things, and an untrained Samoyed has no
problem pulling its owner on a leash rather than
walking alongside.
They will instinctively act as herd dogs, and when
playing with children, especially, will often attempt to
turn and move them in a different direction.
The breed is characterized by an alert and happy expression which has earned the
nicknames "Sammy smile" and "smily dog."
Photos courtesy of Margaret MacFadden - Snowstar
Schanuazer – Giant
The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, dominant dog which needs a
firm, consistent but friendly handler. Unnecessary harshness will only
do harm. Early and consistent training is necessary as Giant Schnauzers
tend to be very willful and highly intelligent dogs. Their ability to
understand a command does not always translate into obedience.
Giant Schnauzers are fiercely loyal, often becoming so attached to their owner that they
follow them around the house. They are extremely kind natured (similar to that of a
retriever or Labrador) and a good choice for those with children.
Giant Schnauzers need vigorous exercise at least twice every day and can easily make a
15 mile hike.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust, heavy-set dog,
sturdily built with good muscle and plenty of bone;
square-built in proportion of body length to height.
His rugged build and dense harsh coat are
accentuated by the hallmark of the breed, the arched
eyebrows and the bristly mustache and whiskers.
The breed comes in black and salt and pepper and
its coat requires regularly grooming to maintain its
handsome outline.
The Standard Schnauzer has highly developed senses, intelligence, aptitude for training,
fearlessness, endurance and resistance against weather and illness.
His nature is of a high-spirited temperament, strong-willed dog that will test the patience
of mild-mannered folks.
The Standard Schnauzer
needs and deserves a lot
of attention, training and
an owner with a good
sense of self-deprecating
humour.
In the right home, this
robust breed is a perfect,
fun-loving, devoted
companion.
Photos courtesy of Line Champagne - Champagne Standard Schnauzers
Siberian Husky
Original Purpose: The Siberian was the primary
mode of transportation for the Chukchis of
Northern Siberia.
They needed a hardy dog with both speed and
endurance; capable of carrying a light load at a
moderate speed over great distances.
Temperament and General Characteristics:
Medium size (35-60 lbs, 20-23 ½ inches) with a
thick double coat. Friendly, gentle, alert, energetic, athletic, independent, and very
intelligent all describe the Siberian. Although their look may deter intruders, the Siberian
should NOT display the protective qualities of a guard dog (they say a Siberian will hold
the flashlight for the burglar!). They are normally
very good with children and will tolerate some
unintended mistreatment from a child. This said, an
adult should never leave a young child unsupervised
with any dog and should always quickly stop any
mistreatment.
Siberians also normally get along well with other
dogs and actually often do best in a multi dog family
where they have a playmate to wear off some of their
energy and to keep them company when their owners
are not at home. Many DO have a very high prey drive, which can cause a problem with
them around small animals including chickens, rabbits and cats. They have an inborn
desire to run and are therefore NOT a breed that will naturally stay around an unfenced
area. In fact, many are NOT safe off lead AT ALL and some are even extreme escape
artists. The owner must be very vigilant of these facts to keep their Siberian safe from
being hit by a car or other dangers facing a dog running at large.
Grooming, Exercise and General Care: When they are not shedding they require little
grooming care. However, they have a thick double coat that they blow (shed) once or
twice a year. When this happens the owner will think they are drowning in fur and
frequent, even daily, grooming is required to keep things under control.
They require a high level of exercise and if this is not given then their owner will likely
have a destructive, hyper dog on their hands. They especially love to dig and if left
unattended will re-landscape your backyard in a matter of minutes whether you want it or
not.
Frequent, very long walks will help give this breed the exercise it requires but more
extensive exercise is better. Running or biking with them on cool days, letting them run
loose with a playmate in a securely fenced area, and sledding or skijoring with them in
the winter are even better ways to wear off the high energy of a Siberian. If your Siberian
is good off lead then getting them involved in a sport like agility is another great option
for this canine athlete.
The combination of their intelligence,
independence and desire to run is likely the
greatest challenge for the novice Siberian
owner. FAR too many people obtain this
breed because they love their beauty but find
they are totally unprepared for the reality of
living with a Siberian. However, if the owner
has the time, patience, determination, and
good sense of humour to work with them, the
Siberian, if bred properly, does possess the
temperament, intelligence and athleticism to be capable of doing many activities and
being a wonderful companion.
Article and Photos courtesy of Brenda Potter - Chimini Siberians
St. Bernard
The St. Bernard Dog is a
very large breed of dog
originally bred for rescue
and as a working dog. A
full-grown male can
weigh between 160 and
240 lb and the
approximate height is
27½ inches to 35½ inches
Saint Bernards are one of
the largest dog breeds .
There are two varieties of
the breed: the shorthaired or smooth-coat
variety and the longhaired or rough-coat
variety.
St. Bernards are gentle, friendly, and generally fond of children. It is strikingly similar to
that of the English Mastiff, since it was used to redevelop that breed when it was near
extinction after World War II. Extremely loyal, this breed is eager to please its owners but
due to its size, it is essential that proper training and socialization begin early in life while
the dog is still a manageable size. An unruly St Bernard presents a problem for even a
strong adult so control needs to be asserted from the beginning. St Bernards will bark at
strangers and their size makes them good deterrents against most intruders although their
aggression as guard dogs rarely equals breeds designed for that purpose.
Photo courtesy of Mark Grant