Meet the Breeds: A Guide to More Than 200 AKC Breeds

Meet the Breeds 5th Edition

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Copyright © 2016 by i-5 Publishing, LLC™

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of i-5 Press™, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

The Library of Congress has cataloged an earlier edition as follows:

The American Kennel Club’s meet the breeds : dog breeds from A to Z / author, The American Kennel Club.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-935484-59-2 (alk. paper)

1. Dog breeds. 2. Dogs. I. American Kennel Club.

SF426A534 2010

636.7’1--dc22

2010036360

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.

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Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?

The multifaceted responsibilities of dog ownership have been well publicized in recent years. We are vigorously cautioned to investigate all aspects of care and training before acquiring a dog. But this isn’t as easy as it sounds. A dog’s demands vary drastically by breed, and even individual puppies in the same litter can have different needs. Long-held notions about dog care are constantly revised with innovations such as dog parks, dog whisperers, and dog walkers. If you are prepared to manage some complication and inconvenience, large energetic dogs can live contentedly in small apartments, and hairless dogs can live happily in frigid northern climates.

Dogs are some of the world’s most adaptable creatures. They have been acclimating themselves to human lifestyles for thousands of years. We should never underestimate their ability to do this. Dogs have some basic and essential requirements, and we must honestly evaluate our ability to provide them with what they need.

Today most dogs are destined to spend their lives as pets, regardless of their instinctive abilities or heritage. Dogs come in every imaginable shape and size, and these differences comprise a lot more than superficialities of appearance. Mental and physical traits are inseparable. Inherited tendencies, sensory abilities, and energy levels will profoundly influence a puppy’s chances of acclimating to certain lifestyles. Every puppy’s personality is ultimately a combination of genetics and environment, but there are clear differences in canine temperament traits, based on a dog’s ancestry and intended function. A hound and a terrier not only look different, they think and act differently. Their perceptions, energy levels, and responses to training will differ. Many temperamental differences are easily predicted, but they may not be obvious without some breed knowledge or research. For instance, toy dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. They are all little and cute, but they are not all equally sweet, cuddly, and biddable. The Boxer and the Neapolitan Mastiff are both Working breeds, both watchdogs, but their basic temperaments differ drastically.

Knowing something about a breed’s history and innate temperament greatly improves the odds of choosing a good canine match. It also makes it easier to anticipate potential problems to which a puppy may be prone. Better yet, all of this information is available at the click of a mouse.

For every breed, in-depth information about temperament, health, and general care can be instantly accessed through a network of local and national dog clubs and from the American Kennel Club. Long before you bring your new Great Pyrenees puppy home, you will know that he is going to need more than average amounts of socialization, training, and exercise and that he is likely to demonstrate strong guardian instincts at maturity. Taking the time to discover these details before acquiring a puppy makes all the difference in the world.

Meet the Purebred Dog

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. You probably have some idea of which traits you really want in a puppy, which unanticipated traits you are prepared to cope with, and which traits you really want to avoid. Specific qualities associated with the breeds in these groups provide some idea of where to begin your search.

Sporting Breeds

First developed in thirteenth-century Iberia, sporting dogs were bred to work closely with hunters to assist with hawking, netting, and especially shooting. Rather than capturing or killing their quarry, they helped locate it, retrieve it, or both, as they still do today. As soon as they were introduced to the rest of Europe, sporting breeds became immensely popular, and they have remained so ever since. Their intelligence and natural versatility make them easy to train for a wide range of activities. Many Sporting dogs are still used for hunting. They also compete in organized field trials. But the majority of them live as companions. Some of the most popular breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Cocker Spaniel, are found in this group.

Sometimes referred to as bird dogs or gundogs, there are four basic types of sporting dog. Spaniels are used to flush birds and game into the open, setters and pointers locate game, retrievers fetch game, and water retrievers retrieve dead and wounded game specifically from the water. Some Sporting breeds have been further specialized to hunt certain types of game or work in particular kinds of terrain. For instance, the Clumber Spaniel is a slow, steady hunter, easy to follow on foot. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was designed to retrieve game from the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay. A number of sporting breeds are also classified as multipurpose breeds, known as HPR breeds because they hunt, point, and retrieve.

In general, Sporting dogs are friendly, sociable, and highly responsive to humans. They are tireless workers with tremendous energy. Many of them, especially the water-retrieving breeds, have well-insulated water-repellent coats, which are quite resistant to environmental conditions.

Is a Sporting Dog for You?

•  Sporting dogs are bred to be highly responsive to human direction, which makes them easy to train.

•  They are noted for their ability to get along well with children and other dogs.

•  Sturdy and athletic, with plenty of energy and stamina, a Sporting dog is a good choice for someone with an active lifestyle.

•  Their protective coats allow some of these breeds to spend a lot of time in outdoor activity.

•  They need a substantial amount of regular exercise.

•  They need plenty of social interaction.

•  Some Sporting breeds shed extensively, while others require significant grooming.

•  Some Sporting breeds are prone to doggy odor.

Hound Breeds

Hounds are the world’s oldest specialized hunting dogs, documented for thousands of years. Their gracefulness, beauty, and superlative hunting skills inspired ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Greek literature. Hounds are not good at everything, but they are extremely talented at what they were bred to do. In medieval times, owning a Greyhound often meant the difference between survival and starvation. Today hounds are used for recreational hunting, performance competition, therapy work, and police and customs work, and, of course, as pets. The Beagle and the Dachshund are among the popular breeds found in this group.

Hound breeds vary drastically in size, shape, and proportion, from smooth-coated, short-legged Dachshunds to huge, rough-coated, leggy Irish Wolfhounds. There are two basic hound types: sighthounds and scenthounds, so named for the primary sense by which they hunt. Examples of sighthounds include the Borzoi, Afghan Hound, Greyhound, and Whippet. Some sighthounds are short-coated and some are long-coated, but all of them have extremely keen eyesight and are built for speed to find, chase, and catch prey. These are the fastest breeds, pursuing their quarry with single-minded determination. They run mute, using all their breath to gain speed.

Examples of scenthounds include the Bloodhound, Basset Hound, Beagle, and foxhounds, as well as the coonhounds, such as the Black and Tan Coonhound, American English Coonhound, and Redbone Coonhound. They follow their prey primarily by scent rather than by sight. With large nostrils and long ears to help them gather scents, they are truly built to sniff. All scenthounds are also noted for their tremendous endurance and perseverance.

Unlike sighthounds, who hunt silently, scenthounds instinctively bark or howl when they pick up a scent. When hunting, they move more slowly than sighthounds do. Some are short-legged, making them easy to follow on foot rather than on horseback. Probably the most renowned scenthound is the Bloodhound, prized for centuries for its trailing abilities. Working Bloodhounds remain indispensable to police departments and search and rescue teams all over the world.

Perhaps the most unique of the scenthounds is the Dachshund, so much so that the breed competes in a group of its own in Europe. The Dachshund does possess some traits that set it apart from other hounds and make it seem more like a terrier; Dachshunds are permitted to compete in earthdog events along with the Terrier breeds.

Regardless of specialized abilities, all Hounds are mentally and physically designed to find and catch prey. Hunted singly, in pairs, or in packs, they rely primarily on their instincts and senses rather than human direction. They’ve been selectively bred to work independently and persistently, qualities highly desired in a hunting dog. But these traits can complicate training, which is why Hounds are sometimes described as being aloof or independent. Their affection and devotion to their owners may be balanced by a reserve toward strangers.

Is a Hound for You?

•  Hounds are sturdy and hardy.

•  Hounds are sensitive, even-tempered, gentle, and highly affectionate.

•  The short- and smoothhaired breeds require very little coat care.

•  Many sighthounds are fairly inactive indoors, making them good house dogs.

•  Their strong predatory drive makes them very playful.

•  Some Hounds are notably quiet; others are not.

•  Their strong hunting drive can cause hounds to be easily distracted during training.

•  Because of their strong predatory instinct, hounds may not be reliable with small animals and other pets unless they are well socialized to them at a young age.

•  Their instinct to chase things can make Hounds unreliable off lead.

•  Digging and jumping breeds can be escape artists.

•  Leash training, obedience training, and a securely fenced yard are mandatory.

•  Smooth- and shorthaired breeds may need extra weather protection.

•  Long-coated breeds may experience extensive seasonal shedding.

Working Breeds

This is a broad category, including breeds that perform a wide variety of roles, such as those of police dog, sled dog, guard dog, and search and rescue dogs. They are some of the world’s oldest breeds. Mastiffs have been used since Roman times as house guards and war dogs. Draft dogs have been used to pull carts and sleds since the thirteenth century. Many of these breeds are still used as working dogs today. Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers are preferred breeds for military work. Others are favored as guide dogs and drug-detection dogs. Because Working breeds are so versatile, many of them have traditionally been used for multiple functions, such as hunting, guarding estates and livestock, tracking, hauling freight, and serving as companions.

The common denominator is that all Working breeds assist humans in some capacity or another. They vary in appearance, but they are all known for their tremendous strength, endurance, and intelligence. Many have been bred to appear menacing, which belies their gentle, loving nature. They tend to be naturally protective toward their household pack and home territory.

Is a Working Dog for You?•

•  They have plenty of strength, stamina, and endurance.

•  They are extremely loyal to and protective of their families and make excellent watchdogs.

•  Their weatherproof coats provide good protection in hot and cold weather.

•  They are responsive to training.

•  Some large Working breeds have only modest exercise requirements despite their size.

•  Many Working breeds are fairly inactive indoors, making them well-behaved house dogs.

•  Working instincts can veer in unwanted directions without adequate training and socialization.

•  Owners must be prepared to supply firm and consistent training.

•  Some Working breeds can be very slow to mature, retaining puppy traits longer than some smaller breeds do.

•  Because of their strong protective instincts, Working dogs tend to be tolerant but suspicious of strangers. Don’t expect these breeds to behave as fun-loving extroverts.

•  Giant-breed puppies require careful dietary management and have some exercise restrictions as they grow.

•  Some breeds in this group can be targets of breed-specific legislation.

Terrier Breeds

Rugged, courageous, and self-sufficient, Terriers were developed in England centuries ago. They were expected to hunt, eradicate vermin, guard their families’ homes, and serve as companions. Although all Terriers originally served as working dogs, many of the functions that Terriers once performed are now obsolete, and most terriers today live primarily as companions.

Modern-day terriers still retain the working traits of their ancestors. Short-legged terriers, such as the Scottish Terrier and Cairn Terrier, were bred to pursue prey such as foxes and badgers underground. Long-legged terriers, such as the Airedale Terrier and Fox Terrier, were developed to tackle larger prey and keep up with fast-running packs of foxhounds during a hunt. The bull-and-terrier breeds were designed to be strong, agile, and tenacious for bull-baiting.

All Terriers are tough and resilient. They have high energy levels and enhanced reactivity, responding instantly to anything unusual in their environments. Their moderate sizes simplify many aspects of routine care, but their headstrong, energetic natures can pose training challenges. Without appropriate outlets for their mental and physical energy, they may devote their time to barking, digging, and chewing.

Is a Terrier for You?

•  Vilgilant and fearless, they make great alarm dogs.

•  They are adaptable to small living spaces and city life.

•  Their moderate sizes and extroverted temperaments can make well-trained Terriers good companions for children.

•  Shorthaired and wirehaired coats are protective and low maintenance.

•  Sturdy structures make them less prone to many common orthopedic disorders and injuries.

•  Terriers require firm, consistent training to discourage rough play and biting.

•  Without early, comprehensive socialization toward other dogs, some Terriers have the potential to become dog-aggressive.

•  They may not be reliable around small animals due to their strong predatory instinct.

•  If neglected or bored, they can become prone to digging, chewing, and barking.

Bull-and-terrier breeds may be subject to breed-specific legislation.

Toy Breeds

Toy breeds come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some of them, such as the Chinese Crested and Maltese, were developed solely as companions. Others, such as the Toy Manchester Terrier, Pomeranian, and Italian Greyhound, are miniaturized versions of other breeds, and they retain many of the traits associated with their larger counterparts. Regardless of their origins, all Toy breeds are naturally attuned to human interaction. They are affectionate, sociable, and adaptable to a wide range of lifestyles. Because they are so affectionate, toy breeds are temperamentally suited to children but might not be sturdy enough for rough play, and thus caution must be taken.

Today most Toy dogs live as companions. They are also popular for therapy work, competitive obedience, and agility. Despite their size, many Toy breeds are very energetic, requiring quite a bit of daily exercise. Of course, everything is relative. A Japanese Chin can get a good workout just by running around the living room.

Some Toy breeds, such as the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, have strong protective instincts, requiring consistent training and socialization to prevent associated behavior problems. Others, such as the Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle, need substantial grooming unless they are kept in pet clips. Toy breeds have a reputation for being difficult to train. However, many of these problems are caused by indulgent owners rather than due to any particular traits of Toy-breed temperament.

Is a Toy Dog for You?

•  Easily portable, Toy dogs make great travel companions. Smaller breeds are noted for their longevity.

•  Some Toy breeds, such as the Papillon, Miniature Pinscher, and Pug, have very low-maintenance, easy-to-groom coats.

•  Many Toy dogs are surprisingly tough, athletic, and energetic. They are, indeed, big dogs in small packages.

•  Small size decreases a dog’s resistance to weather conditions.

•  Small size increases a dog’s risk of accidental injuries and escapes.

•  Some Toy dogs have a higher than normal incidence of vaccine, anesthesia, and drug reactions.

•  Some Toy breeds, such as the Maltese and Havanese, require complex regular grooming.

Non-Sporting Breeds

When the American Kennel Club was founded more than a century ago, all breeds were classified as either Sporting or Non-Sporting. Gradually, as new groupings were added, most breeds were moved out of the Non-Sporting Group. Eventually, it became a sort of catch-all group for breeds that simply did not fit anywhere else. The breeds comprising the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group vary drastically in size, type, and heritage. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, making it difficult to generalize about them.

Some Non-Sporting breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei, Tibetan Spaniel, and Lhasa Apso, are among the world’s oldest breeds, traditionally used as guardians. Others, such as the Dalmatian, Bulldog, Keeshond, and Schipperke, were bred for working functions that are now obsolete. A few, such as the water-retrieving Standard Poodles, are still used occasionally in their traditional jobs. There are also several breeds in this group that were bred strictly to serve as companions, such as the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and Bichon Frise.

Although their temperaments vary considerably due to their range of origins, all Non-Sporting breeds were designed to interact with humans in some capacity. Not all of them can be classified as extroverts, but they are known for outstanding loyalty and devotion to their owners. Some, such as the Standard and Miniature Poodles and the Bichon Frise, are quite outgoing. Others, such as the Tibetan Terrier and Chow Chow, are naturally reserved. Some of them, such as the Dalmatian, possess fairly high energy levels, and others, such as the Lhasa Apso, require extensive grooming.

Is a Non-Sporting Dog for You?

•  All Non-Sporting breeds have fascinating histories.

•  Some Non-Sporting breeds, such as the Dalmatian and Shiba Inu, combine exotic appearance and low coat maintenance.

•  Some, such as the Bulldog and Chow Chow, have moderate exercise requirements.

•  Most are good watchdogs and house dogs.

•  Their eclectic backgrounds necessitate careful research of each breed to understand typical traits and temperament; you cannot generalize about the breeds in this group.

•  Some, such as the Chow Chow, Bichon Frise, and Lhasa Apso, require extensive grooming.

•  Some, such as the Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and French Bulldog, have a low tolerance to heat.

Herding Breeds

In many parts of the world, Herding dogs continue to gather, herd, and protect livestock, functions that they have performed since prehistoric times. But that’s far from all they do. Today, some Herding breeds, such as the German Shepherd Dog, are commonly trained for police and protection work. Others, such as the Border Collie, excel at competitive performance events. Because of their outstanding loyalty and intelligence, Herding dogs are prized as house dogs, watchdogs, and companions.

Herding dogs specialize in rounding up livestock, finding strays, and moving animals from one grazing area to another. They are designed to tirelessly stalk and chase. Their high working drive and boundless energy are great for rounding up sheep, but dogs with these traits do not easily adapt to an undemanding lifestyle. Barking, heel nipping, and nudging are normal herding behaviors that may be seen as problems in a house pet.

Is a Herding Dog for You?

•  They are loyal, intelligent, and extremely affectionate toward their owners.

•  Their weatherproof coats are good for all types of climates.

•  They are versatile and have plenty of stamina for participating in all kinds of activities with their owners, and they excel at dog sports.

•  Herding dogs are sturdy and rugged and make good watchdogs; many work as police and military dogs.

•  They require consistent training and socialization as puppies.

•  Instinctive herding behaviors such as barking, nudging, stalking, and heel nipping are part of the package.

•  Some breeds can require extensive grooming to keep them clean and to minimize doggy odor.

•  Eager to please though independent-minded, herding dogs are easily trained.

What’s in a Group?

That’s 198 dog breeds in seven Groups and the Miscellaneous Class, which adds new breeds most every year. Since selecting the right breed can be overwhelming and exciting, a good understanding of the basic characteristics of each group can lead a new owner toward the perfect purebred dog.

Most owners have a good idea about what they want and don’t want in a companion dog. If you are certain that you want a dog that’s suitable for jogging with you, rain or shine, you should be looking more at the Sporting and some of the Hound breeds and likely less at the Toy and most of the Non-Sporting breeds. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a snazzy, head-turning but less energetic pet, you’d likely go directly to the Toy and Non-Sporting Groups. Activity level is just one of the many things to think about. Other important considerations are size, grooming demands, and temperament.

Many large breeds are categorized as Working and Herding breeds, though some of the Hounds are huge, too. The smallest breeds are grouped as Toys, though you will also find a few pint-sized companions in the Non-Sporting Group. The Hounds generally have the easiest coats to groom, though any small shorthaired dog will be fairly undemanding to maintain.

Temperaments vary significantly from Group to Group, from breed to breed, and even from dog to dog. Even though temperament is fairly predictable in most breeds, generalizations are not always helpful: you can encounter a high-strung Saluki or Bulldog as readily as you can find an easygoing Border Collie or Brittany.

The forthcoming breed profiles, in alphabetical order, shed light on the temperaments, general descriptions, and requirements of each of the AKC breeds. Good luck, and enjoy this exciting opportunity to meet the breeds.

Contents

Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?

Dog Breed Profiles

Glossary

Resources

Dog Breed Profiles

Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher-type dogs have existed for over four centuries, and they trace their ancestry to Germany’s schnauzers and pinschers. For hundreds of years, these farm dogs controlled rodents in barns, kitchens, and stables. These sturdy, scruffy, self-reliant little dogs were later crossed with breeds including the Brussels Griffon and Pug to perfect the monkey terrier. The breed first came to America in the 1930s.

The Affenpinscher is often described as a big dog in a small package. This is a toy-sized, compact, sturdy, balanced dog with a hard, wiry, protective coat. The breed’s uniquely appealing monkeylike expression is produced by round, dark, luminous eyes; a prominent lower lip; a short muzzle; and a broad jaw. Ears can be cropped, natural, erect, semi-erect, or dropped.

Year of AKC recognition: 1936

Group: Toy

Size: 9–11½ inches, 7–10 pounds

Coat: Affenpinschers have a rough, harsh wire coat of approximately 1 inch in length on the shoulders and body. The breed has a shaggy mane and a longer, slightly softer coat on the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs. The longer, shaggy coat on the head and the beard enhance the Affen’s monkey like expression.

Color: Black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, beige (red mixed with black, brown, and/or white)

Life expectancy: 12–15 years

Activity level: Moderate. They are active indoors and will get some exercise, but they should have daily walks and some outdoor play.

Grooming: The coat should be stripped regularly to maintain its hard texture and neatened occasionally with thinning shears. The goal is a neat but shaggy appearance.

Temperament: The Affenpinscher personality is an irresistible blend of the self-assurance and courage of its terrier forebears and the playful, affectionate nature of a companion breed. Affens are all business when protecting their families, but they are equally famed for their playfulness and comical, fun-loving nature.

Parent club: Affenpinscher Club of America (www.affenpinscher.org); founded in 1965

Buyers’ advice from Parent club: This is a very rare breed, and buyers should not get frustrated if they must wait for a puppy.

Rescue: E-mail [email protected]

Afghan Hound

This ancient sighthound is one of the world’s oldest breeds. It was developed in Afghanistan as a hunting dog and came to the attention of European dog lovers in the nineteenth century. Afghans are no longer used to hunt, but they are versatile. Even though the earliest records of Afghan Hounds in the United States date to the 1920s, it was the import of Ghazni dogs from Britain that established the breed in America. Today, they function as companions, therapy dogs, show dogs, and canine athletes.

The Afghan Hound is a true canine aristocrat—elegant, dignified, and aloof. This athletic hound is squarely proportioned, with long legs; prominent hip bones; a flowing ring tail; and a long, silky coat. The breed’s long head is refined, with a slightly Roman appearance to the muzzle, a strong underjaw, a profuse topknot, and a black nose. The long ears are covered with silky hair. One of the Afghan’s most arresting features is its exotic expression, with eyes that gaze into the distance as if in memory of ages past.

Year of AKC recognition: 1926

Group: Hound

Size: 25–27 inches, 50–60 pounds

Coat: Long, thick, and fine-textured, with shorter hair on back and a silky topknot

Color: All colors

Life expectancy: 12–18 years

Activity level: High. Afghans are generally quiet indoors, but they need daily outdoor running time. They have a high prey drive and will chase moving objects, so they must be exercised on lead or in a fenced area.

Grooming: Afghans should be thoroughly brushed, bathed, and blown dry regularly.

Temperament: Afghan Hounds are bred to work independently rather than taking cues from people. Although they seem aloof, Afghans are extremely affectionate with their owners. This is a spirited and sensitive, though at times strong-willed, breed. This independent streak, coupled with the breed’s high prey drive, can lead to training challenges. An Afghan Hound needs a consistent pack leader, ready to approach training with patience, determination, and a sense of humor.

Parent club: Afghan Hound Club of America (www.afghanhoundclubofamerica.org); founded in 1937

Buyers’ advice from Parent club: Visit dog shows to research the breed. See the puppy before purchase, and be prepared for a dog with an independent nature. The Afghan Hound Club of America has a mentoring program for new owners who need advice on grooming, training, and general care.

Regional clubs: The AHCA works with regional clubs in twenty-five states; for information, click on Regional Clubs on the parent club’s website.

Rescue: Afghan Hound Club of America Rescue (www.afghanhound.net)

Airedale Terrier

The now-extinct English Terrier and the Otterhound were two of the breeds used to create the Airedale Terrier. The breed was developed in the region of northern England’s Aire River and was known as the Waterside or Bingley Terrier in the nineteenth century. The hound ancestry added another dimension to the breed‘s hunting aptitude. In addition to terrier pursuits, Airedales were used to track and course game. They have also been used for police work, as wartime sentries, and as messengers, in addition to their role as family companions.

The Airedale is the largest AKC-recognized terrier, and the breed easily lives up to its reputation as the king of terriers. This is a sturdy, athletic dog with a hard, wiry, protective wash-and wear coat. The skull is long and flat; the button ears are small and V-shaped; the nose is black; and the eyes are dark and full of terrier fire. The breed has a moderately long neck, a deep chest, and a short, level back. The tail is set high and carried gaily but not over the back.

Year of AKC recognition: 1888

Group: Terrier

Size: 23 inches, 50–70 pounds

Coat: Dense, wiry outer coat with a shorter, softer undercoat

Color: Tan with black or dark grizzle (black mixed with gray and white) markings on the body

Life expectancy: 11–14 years

Activity level: This breed loves activity.

Grooming: Twice-weekly brushing is advised, and the beard should be washed regularly. Stripping or professional grooming four times per year is recommended.

Temperament: Airedales possess an interesting combination of hound and terrier personality traits. They are intelligent, self assured, and somewhat aloof. These qualities can make for an incomparable companion, but they can lead to bad habits if an Airedale is deprived of exercise and attention. Airedales are highly trainable, and their playfulness and versatility can be channeled into many activities and dog sports. However, they can be strong-willed and assertive, so consistent leadership is essential.

Parent club: Airedale Terrier Club of America (www.airedale.org); founded in 1900

Buyers’ advice from Parent club: Buy from a dedicated hobby breeder who has his or her dogs health-tested. Look for a well-socialized, self-assured puppy.

Regional clubs: For information on over twenty regional Airedale clubs, click on Special Links on the parent club’s website.

Rescue: ATCA Rescue and Adoption Committee (www.airedalerescue.net)

Akita

The Akita was developed in Japan as a versatile guardian and hunting dog. Early references to the breed date from the seventeenth century on the island of Honshu. At one time, Akita ownership was restricted to Japan’s imperial family and ruling aristocracy. It is one of seven Japanese breeds designated as a Natural Monument in its native land. The breed came to America’s attention in 1937 when Helen Keller received an Akita puppy as a gift while visiting Japan, and the breed’s popularity increased in the United States following World War II, possibly as a result of the dogs’ returning home with US troops.

This is a powerful, imposing, working dog with heavy bone; slightly rectangular proportions; a wide, deep chest; and a level back. The long, bushy tail is set high and curled over the back. The head is broad and triangular. The Akita’s small eyes and erect ears create a keen, alert expression.

Year of AKC recognition: 1972

Group: Working

Size: Males—26–28 inches, 100–130 pounds*; females—24–26 inches, 70–100 pounds*

Coat: Double coat with a harsh outer coat and a dense undercoat

Color: All colors, including brindle and pinto (white with colored patches on the head and body)

Life expectancy: 10–13 years

Activity level: Moderate. Akitas need daily exercise, but use caution in hot weather. They should be exercised on leash or in a secured area, as their hunting instincts cause them to roam.

Grooming: Akitas are noted for their fastidious habits and will groom themselves like cats. They should be brushed daily during heavy shedding in spring and fall; brush weekly at other times.

Temperament: The Akita possesses the courage, perseverance, and fortitude to hunt large, dangerous quarry such as boar and bear. The breed is equally skilled at hunting small prey and retrieving waterfowl, and it has been used in its native Japan to drive fish into nets. Akitas are typically loyal and devoted to their families but reserved and dignified with strangers. They are strong willed and protective, with good guardian instincts. Puppy socialization is essential to ensure that they are tolerant of strangers. Akita temperament varies from calm to dominant, and care should be taken when introducing them to children and other pets.

Parent club: Akita Club of America (www.akitaclub.org); founded in 1956

Buyers’ advice from Parent club: Akita ownership is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Be prepared to invest time and effort into training and socializing your dog.

Regional clubs: Click on Regional Akita Clubs under Members on the club’s website.

Rescue: The Akita Club of America lists rescue information on its website under Akita Rescue.

*weight ranges approximate/not specified in AKC standard

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the world’s oldest breeds and one of the first developed in North America. Inuit tribes of western Alaska relied on these powerful dogs to hunt and carry freight through the region’s deep snow. The breed came to worldwide attention in the nineteenth century during the Alaskan gold rush. During these years, Malamutes were crossbred to a variety of other breeds to increase their size and to fill the endless demand for big, powerful sled dogs. The purebred Malamute had nearly disappeared when sled-dog racing emerged as a popular amateur sport, attracting a new generation of fanciers to the breed. In 1926, breeders began developing purebred strains from native Alaskan stock.

This is a large, powerful Nordic breed, noted for its heavy bone, its great substance, and the impressively plumed tail that is carried over the back. The breed’s double coat is thick and protective, standing slightly off the body. The head is large, broad, and triangular. The small, deep-set, triangular eyes and small, erect ears create an alert expression that conveys calmness and great courage.

Year of AKC recognition: 1935

Group: Working

Size: Males—25 inches, 85 pounds; females—23 inches, 75 pounds

Coat: A harsh, dense, double coat

Color: All white or predominantly white with markings in shades of gray, silver, red, black, sable (black or gray with red in undercoat), or Alaskan seal (black with cream undercoat)

Life expectancy: 10–14 years

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