Belgian Tervuren

Characteristics Rating
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Energy:
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Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
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Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Belgian Tervuren is an intelligent dog that likes staying active and being with his family. This breed excels at
competitions and makes great therapy or guide dogs.
Breed Group: Herding
AKC Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 60-65 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 24-26, female: 22-24 (Inches.)
Color(s): Rich fawn to russet mahogany, with black overlay (becoming darker with maturity), black mask, and ears.
Coat: Long, straight and abundant, medium hard with extremely dense undercoat.
Character: Belgian Tervurens are energetic, lively, and happy to be put to work.
Temperament: This breed gets along well with other pets, especially if socialized early. They are shy around strangers, but get along
well with most children.
Care: Its double coat needs brushing and combing twice weekly, more often when shedding.
Training: This breed requires gentle, yet firm and consistent training.
Activity: The Tervuren Belgian Shepherd needs a fair amount of outdoor exercise.
Country of Origin: Belgium
Health Issues: This breed has no major health problems, although some minor things may occurs, such as skin allergies or eye
problems.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 (Yrs.)

Bernese Mountain Dog

Characteristics Rating
Size:
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Energy:
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Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:

Good with Strangers:

Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Bernese Mountain Dog is sweet, but shy. Although he makes a great family pet, he often bonds to just one person in
the family. If socialized early, he gets along well with other animals and children.
Breed Group: Mastiff
AKC Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 90-120, female: 70-100 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 25-27.5, female: 23-26 (Inches.)
Color(s): Tricolored: black with tan markings and white flashings.
Coat: Hair is medium-length, straight to slightly curly, with a thick undercoat.
Character: Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly, vigilant, and loyal to their family. This breed is calm and seldom barks unprovoked.
Temperament: This breed is great with children and will protect them. If proper socialization has taken place, they get along fine
with cats and other household pets, too. They will bark when visitors arrive. They often try to dominate others of their own breed.
Care: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires regular brushing and combing, especially in some areas that are prone to tangling. This
breed may have excessive hair around the footpads that should be trimmed routinely.
Training: A handler training this breed needs to be kind, yet consistent. With the right trainer, this dog is very eager to please and
learns quickly.
Activity: The Bernese Mountain Dog needs a good deal of exercise, preferably off the leash when possible. However, when it is
young, avoid too much strenuous exercise due to bone and joint health risks.
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Health Issues: This breed is very hardy, but may have hip or elbow dysplasia. They may be prone to cancer, bloat, and eyelid
problems.
Life Expectancy: 6-8 (Yrs.)

Collie

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: Collies are very intelligent and make excellent watch dogs. They like to work and take readily to any training program. A
brave and faithful companion, this dog can adjust to living in the country or the city.
Breed Group: Herding
AKC Breed Group: Herding
Weight: male: 60-75, female 50-65 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 24-26, female 22-24 (Inches.)
Color(s): Sable and white; tricolor, blue merle; white (predominantly white, preferably with markings).
Coat: Coat can be either rough or smooth. Both variety with a soft, abundant undercoat. Smooth variety is short, hard and flat; Rough
variety is straight, harsh, abundant and long, particularly on the mane and ruff.
Character: Collies are mild-mannered and gentle. Eager to work, these dogs are often a little stubborn.
Temperament: This breed is good with children and gets along well with other household pets assuming proper socialization has
occurred.

Care: The Collie requires different grooming depending on the variety. The smooth coated variety needs only periodic brushing, but
the rough variety needs a brush or comb every other day.
Training: This breed needs positive reinforcement and lots of praise during training. They are smart and eager to please, responding
well to the trainers voice.
Activity: The Collie needs to have a long walk or jog on leash every day - or given the opportunity to run around in a yard.
Country of Origin: Scotland
Health Issues: This breed is generally healthy, but some are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, eye defects, and hip problems.
Life Expectancy: 8-12 (Yrs.)
Glen Of Imaal Terrier - Breed Information

Characteristics Rating
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Energy:
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Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a scrappy, medium sized terrier who is mainly used for working. Known as a tough little Irish
dog with great strength. The dog is longer than tall and has a double coat of medium length, they should give the appearance of great
substances for their size. They also have a very distinctive head with half-pricked ears, along with bowed forequarters with turned out
feet
Breed Group: Terrier
AKC Breed Group: Terrier
Weight: 35 (Lbs.)
Height: 12.5 - 14 (Inches.)
Color(s): Brindle, blue, wheaten
Coat: Dense and water-repellent with good undercoat. Outer coatis firm and resilient, lying close to the body, straight or wavy with
moderate feathering.
Character: Although generally less easily excited than other terriers, the Glen is always ready to give chase.
Temperament: Has great courage when called upon, otherwise the Glen of Imaal Terrier is fairly calm and gentle.
Care: Regular brushing, strip the coat once or twice a year. Regularly plucking of hair in the ear canals
Training: Will respond to positive praising. They make excellence candidates for obedience training.
Activity: Daily exercise. Glen of Imaal Terriers love to swim, but are not the best swimmers.
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Health Issues: Tendency to overeat, skin defects, PRA
Life Expectancy: 10-14 (Yrs.)
Irish Terrier

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Irish Terrier is a loyal and friendly dog, making it a great family companion. He can adapt to city or country life,
serving as a great watch dogs as well as a playmate for kids.
Breed Group: Terrier
AKC Breed Group: Terrier
Weight: male: 27, female: 25 (Lbs.)
Height: 18 (Inches.)
Color(s): Red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten.
Coat: Should be dense and wiry in texture, having a broken appearance, but still lying fairly close to the body.
Character: Irish Terriers are very closely bonded to their family. They are protective, yet playful dogs.
Temperament: This breed may try to fight other dogs and must be trained at an early age not to chase cats. They are very friendly
toward people, however, and seem to love children.
Care: The Irish Terrier should have its hairs plucked manually twice yearly. Excessive hair around the footpads should be trimmed
and the ears kept clean.
Training: This breed learns quickly, but requires some variety in training routines.
Activity: The Irish Terrier needs plenty of exercise, including a yard to play in or frequent access to running in the countryside.
Country of Origin: Ireland
Health Issues: This breed is very healthy and not prone to any major hereditary problems.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 (Yrs.)

Komondor

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Komondor love the outdoors. Hes descended from sheep herding dogs and some of this instinct is still seen in
todays Komondor. He loves being with a family who will provide a lot of space to run and enough attention and affection to handle
this breed.
Breed Group: Flock Guard
AKC Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 80, female:70 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 27.5, female 25.5 and up (Inches.)
Color(s): White.
Coat: It's double, consisting of a dense, wooly undercoat and a coarser outer coat, that is wavy or curly. The undercoat is trapped in
the outer coat, so that itforms strong, felty, tassel-like cords.
Character: Komondors are dominating and assertive dogs. They are known for being obedient and protective, so serve as great
companion dogs.
Temperament: This breed is very protective of and loyal to its family. They have a good deal of courage and strength, so must be
trained early to get along with other animals and small people.
Care: The Komondor should not be brushed or combed. Its cords must be regularly separated. Bathe only when needed and allow the
hair to dry thoroughly. (This can take an entire day!)
Training: This breed requires firm and consistent rules and should receive socialization at an early age. Obedience training is
essential.
Activity: Komondors need lots of exercise, including frequent long-distance running.
Country of Origin: Hungary
Health Issues: This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin problems.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 (Yrs.)

Lakeland

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Lakeland Terrier is a very friendly breed. Theyre smart and often need to be the center of attention. This breed is
frisky, making it a great playmate for children.
Breed Group: Terrier
AKC Breed Group: Terrier
Weight: 17 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 14.5, female: 13.5 (Inches.)
Color(s): Solid (blue, black, liver, red, or wheaten); or wheaten or golden tan with a saddle of blue, black, liver or grizzle.
Coat: Double; the outer coat is hard and wiry in texture, the undercoat is close to the skin and soft.
Character: Lakeland Terriers are great watch dogs. Very active, theyre known for their intelligence and affection.
Temperament: This breed can be reserved around strangers, although they get along very well with children and other dogs. Early
socialization is needed so that they can live peacefully with cats or other household pets.
Care: Its wire coat needs combing 1 or 2 times weekly, plus stripping and scissoring 4 times yearly.
Training: This breed learns very easily, requiring a challenging and varying training approach.
Activity: The Lakeland Terrier is well suited to apartment living, though he needs adequate exercise, including running and playing
off the leash on a regular basis.
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Health Issues: This breed has no serious hereditary problems.
Life Expectancy: 12-16 (Yrs.)

Otterhound

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Otterhound is a very large and strong dog, so it needs a lot of exercise space. They love people, however, and have a
gregarious and energetic personality.
Breed Group: Hound
AKC Breed Group: Hound
Weight: male: 115, female: 80 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 27, female: 24 (Inches.)
Color(s): Any.
Coat: The outer coat is dense, rough, coarse and crisp, of broken appearance, 2-4" long on the back. The water-resistant undercoat is
short, wooly and slightly oily.
Character: Otterhounds are intelligent, affectionate, and lively.
Temperament: This breed is usually friendly to people, other dogs, household pets, and children.
Care: The Otterhound should not be clipped because it will ruin the natural look of the coat; The Otterhound's coat requires weekly
brushing or combing.
Training: This breed requires a very soft, but consistent approach during training. They are not well-known as obedient dogs, so be
patient.
Activity: The Otterhound needs plenty of exercise, but should be let off the leash only in an environment where it can be controlled.
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Health Issues: This breed may be prone to hip dysplasia, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, and bloat in some lines.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 (Yrs.)
Samoyed

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Samoyed is a fun-loving dog, whether indoors or out. Very energetic, these dogs make dependable playmates for kids.
Breed Group: Northern
AKC Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 45-65, female: 35-50 (Lbs.)
Height: male: 21-23.5, female: 19-21 (Inches.)
Color(s): White, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit.
Coat: The Samoyed is a doublecoated dog. The body is well covered with an undercoat of short, soft, thick, close wool with longer
and harsh hair growing through it toform the outer coat, which stands straight out from the body. The coat forms a ruff around
Character: Samoyeds are friendly and intelligent. They are somewhat stubborn, however, so are not always as obedient as you would
like. Still, they have a gentle and watchful nature, and love to bark.
Temperament: Gentle and playful, the Samoyed makes a good companion for a child or person of any age. It is a closely bonded
family dog. It is amiable with strangers, other pets, and usually, other dogs. It is calm indoors, but this clever, sometimes mischievous
breed needs daily physical and mental exercise. If allowed to become bored, it will dig and bark. It is independent and often stubborn,
but it is willing to please and is responsive to its owner's wishes. It may tend to herd children.
Care: Its thick coat needs brushing and combing 2 to 3 times a week, daily when shedding.
Training: This breed requires variety and entertainment in the training protocol. Otherwise, he will be bored and not learn. He
requires a calm and friendly approach.
Activity: This dog needs plenty of exercise. Three short walks a day is not enough for this breed. Take it for very long walks, or have
it run alongside you as you ride a bicycle or go jogging. They like to wander, so a good fence around the yard is required.
Country of Origin: RussianFederation
Health Issues: This breed is prone to heart disease, diabetes, skin allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy (especially in males).
Life Expectancy: 10-12 (Yrs.)
Shetland Sheepdog ( Sheltie)

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability:
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent and sensitive dog. Well suited for either city or country living, the Sheltie is
widely appreciated for its quick ability to learn and eagerness to please.
Breed Group: Herding
AKC Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 20 (Lbs.)
Height: 13-16 (Inches.)
Color(s): Black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan.
Coat: The coat is double, the outer coat consisting of long, straight, harsh hair; the undercoat short, furry, and so dense as to give the
entire coat its "standoff" quality. Mane and frill are abundant, and particularly impressive in males. Hair on tail p
Character: Shetland Sheepdogs are loyal, obedient, intelligent, and happy.
Temperament: This breed is very good with children, other dogs, most household pets. They are alert around strangers and alert to
danger.
Care: The Shetland Sheepdog requires regular grooming with a brush and comb. The long outer hair needs special attention to keep it
from tangling.
Training: This breed is easy to train. He loves to be busy and is always eager to please.
Activity: The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to your activity level, but he really needs an occasional workout. He enjoys taking part in
outdoor activities and dog sports.
Country of Origin: Scotland
Health Issues: This breed has a tendency toward inherited malformation and diseases of the eyes. They are also prone to
hypothyroidism and displacement of the patella.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 (Yrs.)
Silky Terrier - Breed Information

Characteristics Rating
Size:
Exercise requirements:
Energy:
Grooming requirements:
Training:
Playful:
Affectionate:
Good with other dogs:
Good with other Pets:
Good with Children:
Good with Strangers:
Watchdog ability
Protective Ability:
Overview: The Silky Terrier is a very bright dog who is a quick thinker and quick mover. He is inquisitive by nature and very
energetic. Thus, it may be a good idea to treat this pup to a course in obedience training.
Breed Group: Terrier
AKC Breed Group: Toy
Weight: 8-11 (Lbs.)
Height: 9-10 (Inches.)
Color(s): Blue and tan.
Coat: Hair is long, smooth, silky, and shiny. There is no undercoat.
Character: Silky Terriers are always upbeat and lively. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, they are very protective of their
family.
Temperament: This breed needs to be socialized around cats at an early age, if theyre expected to live peacefully with them later on
(they like to chase them). They are normally very affectionate with children, but they will bark at visitors.
Care: Its coat needs brushing or combing every other day. He should be bathed regularly, and the coat must be trimmed occasionally.
Training: This breed is very intelligent, making training an easy process.
Activity: The Silky Terrier can adjust to your family's activity level with no problem.
Country of Origin: Australia
Health Issues: This breed is generally healthy, though there may be minor concern over intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia,
patellar luxation, and diabetes.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 (Yrs.)