Dogs Unleashed

INTRODUCTION

DOG LOVERS

There are about 400 recognized dog breeds today and a great number of new breeds in development. There is truly a dog to fit every requirement for size, color, skill, adaptation, character, and more. There are dog hotels, dog vacations, dog whisperers, dog doctors—the list goes on. Dogs today are a multi-billion-dollar industry. The bottom line is that (generally) people love dogs and, in return, dogs (generally) love people. They are surely the most loyal, devoted, forgiving, affectionate, and nonjudgmental companions, although they may not be the cleanest, most obedient, or quietest!

Dogs Unleashed presents a selection of the best-loved, rarest, fastest, slowest, biggest, smallest, hairiest, baldest, and most beautiful breeds. The breeds are categorized into groups depending on their specific specializations or shared origins. From sleek sight hounds to agile and intelligent sporting dogs, from imposing guard dogs to super-sensitive scent hounts, from spitz breeds that endure the world’s harshest climates to terriers that are characteristically small but feisty, from affectionate and hugely popular companion dogs to fashionable designer breeds. Each group exhibits some similar physical and character traits—scent hounds, for example, have an extraordinary heightened ability to track smells. Every breed is described in detail, and each includes photographs to illustrate key characteristics. Side panels provide at-a-glance information on important criteria such as exercise requirements and temperament. These ratings are designed to help readers understand the key traits of the breed, although it must be remembered that there are always exceptions!

When dealing with dogs there are two rules that should never be broken. First, while some breeds are more suitable for families than others, no dog should ever be left unattended with small children. Second, it is essential that a puppy is always seen in its home environment with its mother before being purchased to be sure that it is being sold by a responsible breeder.

There are a few hereditary health issues that are more commonly associated with specific purebred animals, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and epilepsy. The health information included here is to be a guide only, and it is recommended that all puppies, as well as their parents, are thoroughly checked by a reputable veterinary practitioner.

Several breeds traditionally have cropped ears or docked tails. This is common in the United States but illegal in many other countries, including much of Europe and Australia. There is rarely a good reason to alter a dog’s natural appearance (other than to occasionally clip the coats of certain breeds).

Above all, Dogs Unleashed is a celebration of humanity’s oldest and most faithful friend in all its delightful and astonishing diversity.

THE WOLF WITHIN

Dogs are members of the large Canidae family, which is divided into Canini (related to wolves) and Vulpini (related to foxes), all of which share some basic behaviors. Wolves, jackals, and coyotes are the domestic dogs’ closest relatives, and they are all members of the genus Canis; they all share the same number of chromosomes and are able to interbreed. Genetic evidence indicates that our modern dogs, in all their incredible variety, trace back to the Gray Wolf, Canis lupus, although there is continuing debate over precisely how, where, when, and why domestic dogs evolved from these wild relatives.

Three main areas—Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe—are all cited as the birthplace of the dog, each with supporting evidence. Fossil remains found in the Goyet Cave, Belgium, and dated to around 30,000 BCE are more dog-like than wolf-like, and are thought to represent an evolutionary stage between the two. Currently, the date of actual domestication is put at about 12,000–13,000 BCE based on the study of mitochondrial DNA in dogs worldwide.

Wolves are opportunists and are thought to have followed early tribes of hunter gatherers, staying close to their campsites and scavenging for food. It is speculated that wolf cubs, particularly sociable wolves, or possibly even the weakest of the pack, allowed themselves to be gradually tamed and raised in the domestic environment. Over millennia, the animals’ jaws and teeth changed, there was a reduction in overall body size, and they modified their behavior. By 4,000 BCE, artistic, literary, and archaeological evidence from ancient cultures in the Middle East and Europe indicated that not only were dogs firmly within the domestic forum, but also exhibited clear types, such as sight hounds, mastiffs, and spitz.

ABOUT BREEDS

The oldest dog types are thought to have developed as early tribal groups migrated from central and eastern Asia, taking their dogs with them. The dogs evolved in response to their geographic environments and new functions. Although no written records exist from these early times, people probably began to breed their dogs for certain characteristics such as hunting ability, guarding ability, herding skills, and even companionship. This gave rise to early types like the Molosser, ancestor to the mastiff breeds and famed for its use in warfare.

Early hunting types developed: the slender sight hound and a heavier framed hound that hunted by scent and was probably the ancestor to modern scent hounds. Other early hunting types were the old pointers and the spaniel group, which gave rise to the setters and even the tiny lap dog, favored for companionship and vermin control. Sight hounds are one of the earliest types of dog and represent the fastest breeds in the world. They are instantly recognizable with their long legs and sleek bodies, and they hunt by sight on open terrain, usually singly or in pairs. Historically, sight hounds were considered the noblest of all dogs and belonged to royalty. They are noted for their excellent temperament, intelligence, and independence, and are considered superb companions. They will always retain a strong instinct to hunt small prey, however, so care should be taken around cats and even small dogs.

Herding and guardian breeds are extremely versatile and historically had to perform a range of roles on farms and small holdings. Livestock-guardian breeds and general guardians share the same qualities and similar histories. Many of these developed from early mastiff-types, and they all exhibit a strong protective instinct. Livestock guardians are independent, brave, and clever. Their protective instincts are applied to their families and homes when they are companion animals.

Herding breeds are agile, tough, and obedient. Some are more suited to small stock such as sheep and goats, whereas others will work cattle. Some of these dogs are heelers and work behind the animal; others are headers and work in front of the animal. All these breeds exhibit strong herding instincts and can even try to herd children and other animals in the domestic environment! Herding and guarding breeds can have high energy levels and exercise requirements.

Scent hounds hunt by ground scent and are hot nosed, meaning they follow a fresh trail at speed, or cold nosed, meaning they follow an older trail, slowly and methodically. They generally have long, hanging, or pendent, ears that stir up air currents and help them detect smells. Scent hounds also give voice when hunting. The level and tone of their barks and baying alert the hunters to the location of the prey and how close they are to catching it. Scent hounds normally live and work in packs, so they tend to get along with other dogs. They generally have affable temperaments and are good with children, but are happiest in a working environment.

The spitz group of dogs represents some of the oldest dog breeds: the Shiba Inu, Shar-Pei, Akita, and Chow Chow. These were fundamental to the lives of people in the Arctic Circle, where they were used for hunting, herding, and draft work. They are perfectly adapted to life in the very harshest environments and are among the strongest, toughest, most enduring dogs in the world. Spitz typically have pricked, triangular ears, thick coats, and curved, bushy tails. They generally have affectionate temperaments but can be aggressive with other dogs. Many spitz breeds, particularly the larger ones, have extremely high exercise requirements. They can be strong on a lead (their instinct is to pull), they dig, they can bark, and they can be difficult to train—but for the right, active home, they can make great companions.

Terriers take their name from the Latin terra, meaning earth, and they were developed to dig into burrows and holes and bring out (and sometimes kill) prey such as fox or badger. They are tenacious, brave beyond their size, determined, and relentless when it comes to hunting. They are lively, highly intelligent, and occasionally stubborn. Some can be aggressive with other dogs. They tend to have enormous characters and can make wonderful, humorous companions, but can be inclined to nip, dig, and bark.

Then there are those dogs that were bred specifically as companion animals. Lapdogs were among the earliest companion dogs. Evidence of tiny dogs traces back at least 2,500 years to Asia and the Mediterranean. The primary function of these small, charming dogs was companionship, although they also served as watch dogs and rodent hunters. Historically, companion dogs were the preserve of the wealthy, since having a dog that performed no working function was a luxury most people could not afford. They are widespread today, though, and are found in every shape and size in almost every culture and country across the world.

Although people have selectively bred dogs for specific characteristics throughout history, it is only in the last 300 years that this has become formalized. This period of modern dog history represents the greatest explosion of dog breeds, which is still ongoing, most notably in the creation of hybrid designer breeds.

The term designer has been applied to a new group of companion breeds that are the result of crossing established breeds to create a new hybrid breed, such as the Labrador and Poodle cross, which produced the Labradoodle. Poodles, with their woolly, non-shedding coats, are often used in these crosses to produce dogs that are more suitable for allergy sufferers.

Last but not least, there is the humble mutt, distinguished by the fact that it is not a breed at all, but of mixed or unknown origin. Mutts have the advantage of being unique and tend to be hardy animals. Even if the mutt’s heritage is not documented, it is often clear from the dog’s physical appearance that it is a composed of certain types. The lurcher-type, for instance, is a sight hound-terrier cross. A mutt’s likely ancestry is worth exploring because the dog will still exhibit behavior traits typical of the major breeds in the mix.

KENNEL CLUBS AND BREED STANDARDS

By the 1800s, it had become fashionable to own dogs of specific breeds, even though the term breed was still used loosely. The first official dog show was held in Birmingham, England, in 1859, with classes for pointers and setters. The same year, another was held that included spaniels, and the following year, hounds were added. At this time, there was still no formalized way of judging a dog, and no breed standards.

The first standard was drawn up in 1865 and was based on a pointer named Major, allocating marks for different parts of the body—this was a ground-breaking moment. In 1873 the British Kennel Club was established and produced the first studbook with the pedigrees of about 4,000 dogs divided into 40 breeds. Shortly afterward, breed clubs began to be established and to produce breed standards, with the Bulldog Club and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club both founded in England in 1875. In 1880 the Kennel Club decreed that only dogs registered with the club could be shown under club rules; this was the second milestone moment in dog-breeding history, as it defined a breed based on the Kennel Club’s categorization. The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established in 1884, and the second-largest and second-oldest U.S. club, the United Kennel Club (UKC), was founded in 1898. The International Federation of Kennel Clubs, or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), was founded in Europe in 1911.

Many modern breeds have changed significantly in appearance since the development of standards, and standards have been revised. These changes are based largely on the production of a show animal, rather than a working breed. The Bulldog, for example, was bred so far away from its original athletic, fighting frame that the breed began to suffer health issues. Likewise, some breeds are bred specifically for show or working lines, with working Cocker Spaniels differing greatly from those on the show bench. Some breeds, particularly gun dogs and working livestock dogs, have a system of field trials and testing, to keep emphasis on working ability.

Breed standards can differ from country to country and between clubs. This is particularly noticeable in sizes and weights between American and English standards. Also, different clubs categorize their breeds into different groups. In Dogs Unleashed, all the heights and weights are averages, and all physical descriptions are general and not allied to any one kennel club.

Now that breeders have a greater understanding of genetics, it is possible to selectively breed to reduce hereditary diseases and disorders. There are a number of tests available to determine if a dog will be predisposed to a disorder, and if so, it should not be used to breed new animals.

DOGS AND PEOPLE

Dogs are the world’s oldest domesticated pet and have shared human cultural development and change for thousands of years—they also share our hearths, sofas, armchairs, and beds. We can only guess at what the original ground rules were for this long and extraordinary relationship, and certainly the rules have changed. Early dogs were an essential part of life in many cultures, providing guardianship, hunting, transport, herding, vermin control, and companionship—through time, they have formed the fabric of myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs. They have been traded as commodities, eaten, revered, gifted among royalty, used in sport, lavished, abused, and even charged with crimes. They have appeared in artwork for more than 5,000 years and still appear in literature, movies, and advertising.

In modern times, the role of dogs has largely changed, and for the most part, they have shifted from being valued working stock to companions. The therapeutic value of loving a dog is not to be underrated. In simple terms, dogs make people feel good—and in turn, they generally enjoy the interaction we provide. Studies have shown that stroking a dog can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and diminish anxiety. Dog owners are also usually more active, more confident, and more healthy than people who don’t own dogs.

Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, have established that the bond between an owner and his or her dog shares many similarities to that between a parent and child. It is worth bearing in mind before considering dog ownership, however, that dogs are also a huge commitment. Sharing life with a dog is good for the body and the soul, but is it always good for the dog? The majority of dog breeds are historically working, hunting, or sporting breeds. These dogs can make superb companion animals, but they also have requirements that have to be met for their health and happiness. These requirements primarily include adequate mental and physical stimulation—some dogs are simply happier when they have a job to do, whatever that job might be.

Thomas Gainsborough’s Portrait of Miss Robinson shows an aristocratic lady and her dog. Companion dogs were once the preserve of the wealthy, but today in the United States alone, there are an estimated 80 million domestic dogs with more than 35 percent of households owning at least one dog.

DOGS IN FASHION

The old adage all men are equal, but some are more equal than others could well be applied to dogs. Throughout history, there have been some breeds or types that have stood apart from the others. Among the most notable were the sight hounds. Historically, Greyhounds and other elite sight hounds were wholly the preserve of the most important members of society. They were highly prized for hunting (Alexander the Great liked them because they could keep up with his horse), and unlike most other hunting dogs, the sight hounds were not kept in kennels; instead, they were afforded lavish treatment and typically kept indoors. Of course, it helped that they are renowned for their affectionate temperament. They were so respected that they were given as diplomatic gifts to dignitaries across Europe; and they were especially popular in Spain, Italy, and France, where they changed hands for vast sums of money. In the eleventh century, it was made illegal for commoners in England to own them.

There has been a long tradition of European royalty setting trends for breeds. Perhaps most famously, the dog-loving British queen Victoria owned Greyhounds, Collies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pomeranians, a Skye Terrier, and more. The current British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is famous for her love of Corgis. Historically, monarchies in England and continental Europe have sparked trends among the aristocracy for a variety of breeds that remain hugely popular today, including Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Papillons.

In the United States, trends have similarly followed presidential pooches and movie-star royalty. In modern times, Hollywood and advertisers have had much to do with breed popularity, with Siberian Huskies, for example, surging after the release of films like Snow Dogs and Eight Below. This type of craze for a breed is not always in the breed’s best interest, however, as the cute factor can overshadow the realities of the breed requirements. Huskies, for example, are not adapted for life in Florida! Currently trends lean toward the novel and often non-shedding designer breeds such as the Schnoodle, which is a cross between the Poodle and Schnauzer.

Stamps from the United Kingdom show dog portraits by artist George Stubbs. Today, dogs regularly appear in movies, often as the stars. Popular breeds have also been used in advertising to sell everything from pet products to paint and even toilet tissue.

WORKING DOGS

Dogs are generally intelligent, interactive, and sensitive to their human companions, which has made them ideal for a range of working roles, including traditional ones such as guarding, herding, hunting, and draft, and more recent roles in policing, military work, assistance, and therapy. Some breeds, such as Komondors or Great Pyrenees, are independent thinkers that can work on their own and make decisions. This is essential for livestock guardians that are left unsupervised for long periods protecting their herds from predators. Other breeds, such as the bright Border Collie, German Shepherd, and Poodle, have high problem-solving skills, combined with a particularly keen desire to please. This makes them trainable, obedient, and valuable for a range of services. Of course, being an independent thinker or a problem solver can have downsides if the dog decides to do things its own way!

Many breeds are naturally protective and have been used for guarding since ancient times. Guard dogs will protect their territories and families, and have the courage and capability to use physical force, which distinguishes them from watch dogs that tend to sound a vigorous alarm but don’t necessarily follow through with defensive action. The guard-dog instincts of the German Shepherd make them hugely popular for a variety of roles in the police and military. They have to be extremely disciplined, obedient, and brave, and prepared to tackle a criminal on command. Police and military dogs have proven invaluable over the years. Many are used for tracking fugitives and victims, or for drug, bomb, and firearm detection. An American Bloodhound named Nick Carter is the most famous tracker of all time. He has brought about 600 convictions!

Historically, thousands of dogs have been used in warfare, and many are still deployed today. They have been used for carrying messages, locating injured soldiers, packing supplies, keeping rodents at bay, improving troop morale, and a range of other roles.

The value of dogs for boosting morale is also demonstrated by pet therapy. Therapy dogs, which can be any breed depending on their temperament, visit a range of places including hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes, bringing comfort and affection to people with physical and mental ailments.

Assistance dogs, those that aid the blind and deaf, display an astonishing level of intelligence, obedience, and sensitivity. Herding and gun-dog breeds tend to be the most suited to assistance training because of their high intelligence. In 1819 Austrian educator Johann Wilhelm Klein published a guide on training guide dogs and recommended using German Shepherds. The German government began the guide dog movement after World War I to help troops blinded in action. By 1930 a similar program had started in England. Other popular assistance dogs for the blind include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Smooth Collies, and Australian Shepherds. Similarly, assistance dogs for the deaf range widely in breed types, but many are smaller breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Corgis, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

SPORTING DOGS

All breeds have different activity needs, but all—from the smallest to the largest—require some degree of exercise and play. Sporting events provide a lot of exercise and are great for dog/owner bonding. Above all, they are fun. There are a multitude of events available that test the natural instincts and abilities of different breeds.

Sheep-dog trials, for example, began in the nineteenth century in New Zealand to test the working ability of sheep dogs, and to aid their training. They have since become highly competitive and spread internationally. Many breeds compete, and all demonstrate superb obedience, intelligence, and agility. Gun-dog working tests, hunt tests, field trials, and other events also developed to perpetuate the qualities of the many gun-dog breeds. These competitions vary from country to country; in some tests, dogs compete against each other, whereas in others they are judged against a written standard. These trials test the dog’s ability to find and retrieve game (or dummies), and to work closely or at a distance.

There are also a number of high-octane sports to which some of the spitz breeds are particularly suited, including sledding, dry-land mushing, and weight pulling. Dog skijoring involves a cross-country skier pulled by up to three dogs at high speed. Bikejoring is a similar event that uses bikes instead of skis. Another exciting sporting event is canicross, which is popular in Europe. This competition involves cross-country running with one or two dogs attached to the runner via a belt and bungee-cord system, any dog breed and any owner can take part—provided that all participants are extremely fit! These are thrilling events to participate in or watch, and best of all, the dogs love it.

Agility, flyball, and disc dog (Frisbee) are all popular events suitable for virtually any breed, as are obedience competitions. Most competitions are organized into levels ranging from novice to advanced. New sports continue to be developed that provide plenty of opportunities for dog owners to have great fun with their dogs, which after all, should be what life with a dog is all about.

PRIMITIVE DOGS

AND SIGHT HOUNDS

CIRNECO DELL’ETNA : ITALY

AT A GLANCE

Size: medium-small

Exercise needed:

Grooming needed:

Aptitudes: hunting, companion

Height: 16–20 in.

Weight: 17–27 lb.

Average life expectancy: 12–15 yrs

AKC: FSS

CHARACTER

Affection

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

Ease of training

This elegant ancient breed of dog is native to Sicily and can be found all over that small island, particularly around Mount Etna. These are tough, rugged dogs that thrive in the hot climate of their home country and are able to hunt across the harsh volcanic terrain surrounding the mountain. Historically they were widely used for hunting rabbits— a task at which they still excel today. However, these smart, lively dogs also make good companions for active homes.

NEW GUINEA SINGING DOG : NEW GUINEA

AT A GLANCE

Size: medium-small

Exercise needed:

Grooming needed:

Aptitudes: hunting

Height: 12–18 in.

Weight: 20–31 lb.

Average life expectancy: 12–16 yrs

AKC: not recognized

CHARACTER

Affection

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

Ease of training

These foxy looking dogs were once found wild all across New Guinea, although wild populations are now thought to be extinct. They are an ancient and genetically pure breed related to the Australian Dingo. Although with time and training they make great companions, they do retain elements of their wild heritage, and careful consideration should be made before taking one on. Their name comes from the tonal howl they produce, which sounds a lot like singing.

CANAAN DOG : ISRAEL

AT A GLANCE

Size: medium

Exercise needed:

Grooming needed:

Aptitudes: watchdog, service, assistance, companion

Height: 19–24 in.

Weight: 35–55 lb.

Average life expectancy: 12–13 yrs

AKC: herding

CHARACTER

Affection

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

Ease of training

This breed traces back to prehistory and was used by the ancient Israelites to guard their camps and herd their livestock. Canaan Dogs were unknown in the West until 1934 when Austrian animal behaviorist Rudolphina Menzel began training the dogs for the Israeli Defense Forces. These tough, feral dogs were the only breed able to cope with the harsh climatic conditions. Canaan Dogs are affectionate, loyal, eager to please, and very trainable. They are naturally protective of their families and can make superb companions for an active home.

CAROLINA DOG : UNITED STATES

AT A GLANCE

Size: medium-small

Exercise needed:

Grooming needed:

Aptitudes: hunting, coursing, companion

Height: 17–20 in.

Weight: 30–44 lb.

Average life expectancy: 12–14 yrs

AKC: not recognized

CHARACTER

Affection

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

Ease of training

Carolina Dogs were discovered living wild in parts of South Carolina and Georgia in the 1970s, and since then, much research has been undertaken to uncover their origins. The remoteness of their home area allowed the dogs to develop naturally and with little influence from other breeds. The Carolina Dog shares many characteristics with the Australian Dingo and other primitive breeds, suggesting a shared ancient ancestry; it also has a similar bone structure to the remains of neolithic dog bones from Native American burial sites dating back several thousand years. Carolina Dogs are now bred domestically and can make good companion animals, provided that they are very well socialized with people and other animals.

AFGHAN HOUND : AFGHANISTAN

AT A GLANCE

Size: large

Exercise needed:

Grooming needed:

Aptitudes: hunting, coursing, companion

Height: 24–28 in.

Weight: 50–60 lb.

Average life expectancy: 11–13 yrs

AKC: hound

CHARACTER

Affection

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

Ease of training

    HEALTH    

Afghans are prone to cataracts and often suffer from the lung disease chylothorax. They can also be sensitive to anesthesia.

COMMON COAT COLORS

RED/GOLD

CREAM

DOMINO

BLUE

BRINDLE

All coat colors are allowed with color combinations considered particularly desirable. Common colors include red, cream, domino, blue, brindle, and black and tan.

COAT CLOSE-UP

SILKY & SMOOTH

The Afghan hound’s coat is thick and silky. It is long over the hindquarters, flanks, ribs, forequarters, and legs. The fur is shorter and smooth along the back. Afghans have a topknot of long, silky hair on the tops of their heads.

One of the world’s oldest breeds, Afghan Hounds were originally employed as hunters and guardians in their native Afghanistan. They have distinctive personalities and are often aloof, almost haughty, around people they don’t know. They are exceptionally regal and elegant dogs and with their gorgeous (extremely high maintenance) coats could be considered the supermodels of the dog world. Once they have accepted you into their inner circle, Afghan Hounds can be rewarding, playful companions.

At birth, Afghan puppies have short noses, legs, and hair—very different from the adult dogs!

HISTORY

The Afghan Hound is an ancient and rugged breed with a glamorous appearance. Returning army officers took sight hounds from