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Breed Information - A
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| Affenpinscher
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The Affenpinscher was originally bred in Germany to kill rodents. They were known as Ratters or Ratting Terriers and were typically found in homes and on farms. These Ratters were crossbred with a number of different breeds to produce the Affens we know and love today. The Affenpinscher is a small but sturdy dog. Height at the withers is typically 9.5” – 11.5” and weight around 7-8 pounds. Their coat is dense, rough, and wiry and can be black, grey, silver, red black and tan, or beige. Because of the way the fur grows around the dogs face, loyalists of the breed know it as “Monkey Face”. The name “Affenpinscher” means “monkey-like terrier.” Affenpinschers are alert, inquisitive, and quick to learn. They are loyal and protective toward their family and friends. Affens are usually quiet, but when threatened can be very aggressive and fearless. Affenpinschers require only a minimal amount of grooming. They should be supervised when playing with larger dogs to ensure as their bold attitude can sometimes provoke attack.
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Afghan Hound
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Afghan hounds can be traced back to Pakistan , Afghanistan and northern India . There they acted as guardians, hunters, and herders. The Afghan was bred to be powerful and agile, and endure rough terrain and drastic temperature changes. Males are typically 26-28” and 60 pounds, females 24-26” and 50 pounds. Afghan hounds range from 24-28” and 50-60 pounds. Afghans are covered in thick, long, silky hair and the coat can be a variety of colors. The Afghan Hound has a royal personality, dignified and aloof, but around their family can be quite playful and clownish. With strangers they are more reserved. Some are good with children, and some are not. A lot is dependant on the individual dog’s personality and upbringing. The Afghan’s coat requires a great deal of maintenance including daily brushing and frequent bathing. Afghans love to run and should be provided with a fenced yard or other frequent exercise. Afghans that do not get enough exercise may become destructive. The Afghan Hound is trainable, but quite stubborn. If you are looking for a very obedient follower, this breed may not be for you. Afghans have a very independent spirit.
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Airedale Terrier
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Sometimes called the “King of the Terriers,” the Airedale was first brought to the USA in the early 1880s. Their use as messengers in World War I earned them a heroic reputation and by the early 1920s, the Airedale was the most popular breed in America . The Airedale Terrier is a sturdy dog, well muscled and boned. Males are 23 inches in height at the shoulder, females slightly less, and weigh 45-55 pounds. They have a dense wiry, outer coat with a softer wooly undercoat and are black and tan in color. Airedales are fun-loving, good natured, and good with children. They are intelligent and less “yappy” then other terriers. The Airedale’s coat is dense and wiry and requires a great deal of grooming.
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Akita
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In Japan, where the Akita was first bred, the breed is designated as a national monument and is considered one of the nation’s national treasures. Originally bred to hunt bears, they are used as guard dogs and police dogs in modern Japan. Helen Keller is credited with introducing the Akita to the USA in 1937. Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a great deal of muscling and bone mass. The males are 26-28 inches at the wither and 100-130 pounds while the female is substantially smaller, 24-26 inches and 70-100 pounds. The Akita has a dense double coat. The outer coat is long and coarse, while the insulating layer underneath is softer. Coat can be a variety of colors. The Akita is intelligent and loyal but can be aggressive. It should be supervised around unfamiliar children, such as friends or a new baby, and children must be taught to treat the dog with kindness. Akitas can be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, and are very food possessive. These dogs are very family-oriented and you should not consider owning one unless you will allow it to be part of your household. Akitas are clean, odorless, and easily housebroken. They are quite trainable, but care must be taken at an early age to ensure that the dog sees you as master. Discipline and socialization are essential.
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Alaskan Malamute
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Reports from early explorers describe a superior type of work dog kept by the “Mahlemut” tribes in Alaska . These dogs were more domesticated than their counterparts elsewhere and performed a great deal of work. The “desired freighting size” for the male is 25 inches at the shoulder and 85 pounds, the female 23 inches and 75 pounds, though it is common to see dogs both larger and smaller. The Malamute has a double coat with a thick and wooly undercoat. The Alaskan Malamute can be solid white or a number of different colors along with white. Malamutes are intelligent but have an independent nature, so early discipline and socialization is a must. They are friendly and affectionate, even toward strangers, and thus generally do not make good guard dogs. Typically malamutes get along well with children, but like with any large breed, children should be supervised when with the dog. The breed is generally quiet, except in extreme circumstances, though they often speak in ‘woo-woos’ and will occasionally howl at sirens. The malamute is an active dog which requires daily exercise. A large fenced yard is preferable. The breed can be very destructive, especially when bored or as puppies. Common problems are digging and chewing.
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American Eskimo Dog
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The American Eskimo, or “Eskie”, is descended from the ancient Spitz dog. The breed was brought to the USA in the 1600s. In their homeland of Europe , they are known as the German Spitz dog, but in the early 1900s the breed was dubbed the American Eskimo, possibly as the result of pre-World War I political tension. There are three size divisions for this breed: Toy - 9-12”, Miniature – 12-15”, and Standard 15-19”. (All measurements are height at the withers.) The American Eskimo has a double-coat with the outer coat perfectly straight with no curl or wave. Colors are pure white and white with biscuit cream. The temperament of the dog can be described as alert, smart and very loving. It makes a wonderful watchdog, as it barks at the arrival of strangers, but while it is protective of its home and family, does not bite or attack people. It is quick and eager to learn new tricks and was frequently used in circus and rodeo acts. The coat must be brushed a couple of times per week to prevent matting.
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American Foxhound
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The American Foxhound was bred to run. They ideal home for them is a farm or a home with a large backyard. If they do not get a lot of exercise they have a tendency to become bored and destructive. The height of the males is 22-25 inches, the females 21-24 inches. The weight is typically around 65-75 pounds. They can be stubborn and very independent. Because of their pack-hunting background, they are good family pets, but might not be the best indoor pet. The breed has a shorthaired coat and is known as an average shedder.
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American Staffordshire Terrier
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The American Staffordshire Terrier can adapt to city or country life. It’s an outgoing, happy, and stable dog. The one thing that will upset this dog is lack of attention from its owner. They are affectionate, reliable and make a great dog for children. The height of the male is 18-19 inches and the female 17-18 inches. They are very muscular dogs, yet very agile and graceful.
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American Water Spaniel
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The American Water Spaniel is a great “hunters” dog. It’s a wonderful retriever of game of any type. Being it’s a small dog, apartment life is acceptable, but it loves to run, so lots of exercise is required. It will be loyal to its master and is good around children. They are eager to please, but tend to be a one-person dog. They might not respond well to a trainer. They are excellent swimmers and make for a wonderful watchdog. Males and females can be anywhere from 15-18 inches in height with the males weighing 30-45 pounds and the female 25-40 pounds.
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Anatolian Shepherd Dog
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This breed's origins can be traced back to Turkey some 6,000 years ago. Shepherds used this dog for companionship and to guard their flocks. Today the dog is still used on farms as a livestock guardian. The Anatolian Shepherd is a very loyal and possessive dog. It will protect its family, but being that it is a rather large dog it has been known to knock down small children. This dog would not do well in an apartment. A large backyard or farm is ideal for this breed. The males can range in height from 29-32 inches and weigh 100-150 pounds. While the female’s range from 28-31 inches and weigh 90-130 pounds.
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Australian Cattle Dog
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This breed is also known as Blue/Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler. It was bred to herd cattle in Australia. Being it is a herding dog, a large backyard or farm is a must. They are very active and love open spaces to run in. They are great family pets, but because of their herding instincts they might nip or bite small children while they are playing/running. It will “blow” its coat once or twice a year. This will last from 2-3 weeks awith the undercoat shed first, then the guard hair will fall out in large clumps. The males will grow to 18-20 inches in height and the females will grow to 17-19 inches. Both male and female will weigh around 30-50 pounds.
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Australian Shepherd
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Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd, as we know it today, was developed in the United States. This breed is very intelligent, active and good-natured. He makes a very loyal companion. He has very strong herding and guarding instincts. Although he is an active dog who does require daily exercise, a large yard is not necessary. They do however require lots of interaction and socialization. The female can grow between 18-21 inches, while the male will grow 20-23 inches in height. Females can weigh between 40-55 pounds and the male can weigh 50-65 pounds.
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Australian Terrier
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The Australian Terrier is a wonderful family pet. Although small in appearance he is large in heart. His good-natured, friendly, affectionate disposition makes him the perfect family companion. The breed is especially good with children, the elderly, and the handicapped. He stands 10-11 inches in height and weighs 14-16 pounds. He is great for apartments, as long as daily exercise is met. The Australian Terrier was originally bred to hunt vermin, so these dogs have a tendancy to chase wildlife and dig. Like other terriers, the breed can be aggressive toward other dogs, so care must be taken in multi-dog households. Adult males should not be placed with other adult male dogs. The hardy coat of the Australian Terrier requires little grooming. Weekly brushing and an occassional trim in all that is required for maintenance. Because of their sensitive skin, bathing should be kept to a minimum, and flea control is a must. Many Australian Terriers are prone to flea-bite dermatitis.
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