Dog Breeds

DOG BREEDS
WORKING GROUP
Great Pyreneese
Group: Working

Temperament: Calm/Patient/Smart

Height: 27-32 inches (male)

25-29 inches (female)

Weight: 100 pounds & up (male)

85 pounds & up (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years

About the breed:

The Great Pyrenees is a large, thickly coated,
and immensely powerful working dog bred
to deter sheep-stealing wolves and other
predators on snowy mountaintops. Pyrs
today are mellow companions and vigilant
guardians of home and family.

Frequently described as 'majestic,' Pyrs are

big, immensely strong mountain dogs
standing as high as 32 inches at the shoulder
and often tipping the scales at more than
100 pounds. These steadfast guardians
usually exhibit a Zen-like calm, but they can
quickly spring into action and move with
grace and speed to meet a threat. The lush
weatherproof coat is all white, or white with
markings of beautiful shades of gray, tan,
reddish-brown, or badger.
Greenland Dog
Group: Working

Temperament: Independent /
Athletic / Self-willing

Height: 22-25 inches

Weight: 66-70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years

About the breed:

The Greenland Dog is similar to the
Canadian Eskimo Sled dog but is not as
heavy and slightly taller. It has a thick
stand-off outer coat and dense under
wool, which allows it to withstand
constant outdoor living in
temperatures that can reach -50 to -75
degrees Fahrenheit. It has small
triangular ears which rarely get
frostbite. The head is robust, broad
and wedge shaped. The jaws are
extremely powerful. It has a large,
bushy tail, which curls over the dog’s
back and protects the dog’s face while
it is sleeping. The legs are well
feathered, and the toes are thickly
furred with large pads
Saint Bernard
Group: Working

Temperament: Inquisitive / Playful / Charming

Height: 28-30 inches (males)

26-28 inches (female)

Weight: 140-180 pounds (male)

120-140 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 8-10 Years

About the breed:

The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in
AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the
Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world's
most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are
famously watchful and patient 'nanny dogs'
for children.

Not ranked particularly high in AKC

registrations, this genial giant is nonetheless
among the world's most famous and beloved
breeds. The Saint's written standard abounds
with phrases like 'very powerful,'
'extraordinarily muscular,' 'imposing,' and
'massive.' A male stands a minimum 27.5
inches at the shoulder; females will be smaller
and more delicately built. The huge head
features a wrinkled brow, a short muzzle, and
dark eyes, combining to give Saints the
intelligent, friendly expression that was such a
welcome sight to stranded Alpine travelers.
TOY GROUP
Pug
Group: Toy

Temperament: Loving / Charming / Mischievous

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 Years

About the breed:

Once the mischievous companion of Chinese
emperors, and later the mascot of Holland's
royal House of Orange, the small but solid Pug is
today adored by his millions of fans around the
world. Pugs live to love and to be loved in
return.

The Pug's motto is the Latin phrase 'multum in

parvo' (a lot in a little)'an apt description of this
small but muscular breed. They come in three
colors: silver or apricot-fawn with a black face
mask, or all black. The large round head, the
big, sparkling eyes, and the wrinkled brow give
Pugs a range of human-like
expressions'surprise, happiness, curiosity'that
have delighted owners for centuries. Pug
owners say their breed is the ideal house dog.
Pugs are happy in the city or country, with kids
or old folks, as an only pet or in a pack. They
enjoy their food, and care must be taken to
keep them trim. They do best in moderate
climates'not too hot, not too cold'but, with
proper care, Pugs can be their adorable selves
anywhere.
Affenpinscher
Group: Toy

Temperament: Confident / Famously-Funny /

Fearless

Height: 9-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years

About the breed:

Loyal, curious, and famously amusing, this
almost-human toy dog is fearless out of all
proportion to his size. As with all great
comedians, it's the Affenpinscher's apparent
seriousness of purpose that makes his antics all
the more amusing.

The Affen's apish look has been described

many ways. They've been called 'monkey dogs'
and 'ape terriers.' The French say diablotin
moustachu ('mustached little devil'), and Star
Wars fans argue whether they look more like
Wookies or Ewoks. Standing less than a foot
tall, these sturdy terrier-like dogs approach life
with great confidence. 'This isn't a breed you
train, 'a professional dog handler tells us, 'He's
like a human. You befriend him.' The dense,
harsh coat is described as 'neat but shaggy' and
comes in several colors; the gait is light and
confident. They can be willful and domineering,
but mostly Affens are loyal, affectionate, and
always entertaining. Affen people say they love
being owned by their little monkey dogs.
HOUND GROUP
Irish Wolfhound
Group: Hound

Temperament: Calm / Dignified / Courageous

Height: 32 inches minimum (male)

30 inches minimum (female)

Weight: 120 pounds (male)

105 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 6-8 Years

About the breed:

The calm, dignified, and kindly Irish Wolfhound
is the tallest of all AKC breeds. Once fearless big-
game hunters capable of dispatching a wolf in
single combat, Wolfhounds today are the most
serene and agreeable of companions.

The amiable Irish Wolfhound is an immense,

muscular hound gracefully built along classic
Greyhound lines, capable of great speed at the
gallop. A male might stand nearly 3 feet at the
shoulder and weigh up to 180 pounds. Females
will run smaller but are still a whole lot of
hound. The rough, hard coat comes in many
colors, including white, gray, brindle, red, black,
and fawn. IWs are too serene to be fierce guard
dogs, but just the sight of them is enough to
deter intruders. IWs are characteristically
patient with kids, though animals their size
should be supervised around small children.
Owning an Irish Wolfhound is a unique,
rewarding experience'but acquiring a giant
galloping hound is a commitment as big as the
dog itself.
Basset Hound
Group: Hound

Temperament: Patient / Low-Key / Charming

Height: up to 15 inches

Weight: 40-65 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years

About the breed:

Among the most appealing of the AKC breeds,
the endearing and instantly recognizable Basset
Hound is a perennial favorite of dog lovers all
over the world. This low-slung and low-key
hound can be sometimes stubborn, but is
always charming.

The Basset Hound stands no higher than 14

inches at the shoulder but, with his remarkably
heavy bone, powerful little legs, and massive
paws, he possesses big-dog strength and
stamina. Bassets are famous for a large, domed
head that features extremely long, velvety ears,
mournful eyes, and a wrinkled brow, which give
the breed the look of a sad clown. Built more
for endurance than speed, the Basset moves in
a deliberate but effortless manner. The breed's
scenting ability is uncanny; it's said that among
dogs only the Bloodhound's nose is more
accurate. Mild and agreeable at home, the
Basset is stubborn on the trail and barks in a
loud, ringing voice. Although they may not be
wildly demonstrative in their affections, they
are steadfastly loyal.
SPORTING GROUP
Labrador Retriever
Group: Sporting

Temperament: Friendly / Active / Outgoing

Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male)

21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male)

55-70 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years

About the breed:

The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is
America's most popular dog breed. Labs are
friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions
who have more than enough affection to go
around for a family looking for a medium-to-
large dog.

The sturdy, well-balanced Labrador Retriever

can, depending on the sex, stand from 21.5 to
24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between
55 to 80 pounds. The dense, hard coat comes in
yellow, black, and a luscious chocolate. The head
is wide, the eyes glimmer with kindliness, and
the thick, tapering 'otter tail' seems to be forever
signaling the breed's innate eagerness. Labs are
famously friendly. They are companionable
housemates who bond with the whole family,
and they socialize well with neighbor dogs and
humans alike. But don't mistake his easygoing
personality for low energy: The Lab is an
enthusiastic athlete that requires lots of exercise,
like swimming and marathon games of fetch, to
keep physically and mentally fit.
HERDING GROUP
Puli
Group: Herding

Temperament: Loyal / Smart / Home-

Loving

Height: 17 inches (male)

16 inches (female)

Weight: 25-35 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-15 Years

About the breed:

No other breed can be mistaken for the
Puli, a compact but powerful herder
covered from head to tail with profuse,
naturally occurring cords. Bred to work
closely with humans, these agile and
faithful little dynamos are quick learners.

First, there are those dreadlocks, the

instantly recognizable feature of the Puli
(pronounced "Poo-lee"'"Pulik" is the
plural). The coat's naturally occurring cords
are wooly, dense, and weatherproof. Either
corded or brushed out, Puli coats require
lots of attention. Under the dreads there's
a compact but powerful dog, standing 16
to 17 inches at the shoulder. Pulik are
remarkably agile and light on their feet,
earning a reputation as the 'acrobat of the
dog world.'
NON-SPORTING GROUP
Bulldog
Group: Non-Sporting

Temperament: Calm / Courageous / Friendly

Height: 14-15 inches

Weight: 50 pounds (male)

40 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 8-10 Years

About the breed:

Kind but courageous, friendly but dignified, the
Bulldog is a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled
bruiser whose 'sourmug' face is the universal
symbol of courage and tenacity. These docile,
loyal companions adapt well to town or
country.

You can't mistake a Bulldog for any other

breed. The loose skin of the head, furrowed
brow, pushed-in nose, small ears, undershot
jaw with hanging chops on either side, and the
distinctive rolling gait all practically scream 'I'm
a Bulldog!' The coat, seen in a variety of colors
and patterns, is short, smooth, and glossy.
Bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds, but that
won't stop them from curling up in your lap, or
at least trying to. But don't mistake their
easygoing ways for laziness'Bulldogs enjoy brisk
walks and need regular moderate exercise,
along with a careful diet, to stay trim. Summer
afternoons are best spent in an air-conditioned
room as a Bulldog's short snout can cause
labored breathing in hot and humid weather.