Dog Breeds on Display more info

Bearded Collie
What is a Bearded Collie? Well, they’re a type of sheepdog, much like the Border Collie or Rough Collie. However, as the name suggests, they tend to be a bit hairier than others — not just on the muzzle, but all over. There are several attributes associated with Collies in general and they’re true of Bearded Collies, too. First of all, these dogs have a massive amount of energy — remember, they used to work on the farm all day. Secondly, this stamina is matched by a fierce intelligence that makes training quite easy. That said, it also means their brains need constant stimulation to fend off boredom. And lastly, the Bearded Collie is no different to other Collies in that they’re remarkably loyal animals. They love being the center of attention and are generous with their affection, too. The Bearded Collie has an air of cheerful, happy-go-lucky, tail-wagging humor. It is affectionate, playful and lively, and can make a perfect companion for children. They love to be with their people. An unexercised Beardie that is left alone without anything to do will not be happy, and you may not be happy with what it does while you are gone. If you must leave your Beardie, be sure to take it for a long jog or walk prior to leaving. Known for its "bounce," the Beardie is exuberant and high-energy; without enough daily mental and physical exercise it may get itself into mischief. It is very trainable for many activities. An owner who displays a natural authority is a must as Beardies think a lot and will be headstrong if he sees you as meek.
See us at Site 25

Bernese Mountain Dog
In Australia Bernese Mountain Dogs belong to the Utility group but in many other countries they belong to the Working group of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs originated in Switzerland as farm dogs. In the early days these dogs were used as guard and protection dogs, draft dogs for milk wagons and as helpers to the Alpine herders. The Bernese is one of the four breeds of Sennenhunds which developed in different areas of Switzerland; the Bernese coming from the canton of Bern. They were first exhibited in Bern in 1902.  Although the breed is always black, rust, and white, the extent of the markings can vary somewhat. They are a sturdy, balanced, large, strongly-boned dog. Dogs appear masculine whilst the females are distinctly feminine and generally smaller in size. They are intelligent, having the appearance of strength and agility suiting it to drafting and droving work in mountainous regions. The breed is renowned as a self-confident, alert and good natured dog. It is fairly self-assured and friendly towards strangers. It is very good with people, children and other animals. They are very affectionate and loyal to their owners.
See us at Site 135

Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium sized, energetic working dog. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall. The relatively flat skull is moderate in width. The skull and muzzle are about the same length, with a moderate stop. The strong teeth meet in a scissors bite. The oval eyes are set well apart and brown in color, except in merles where one or both eyes may be blue. The medium sized ears are set well apart, either carried erect or semi-erect. The front legs are straight when viewed from the front, but slightly sloping when viewed from the side. The medium sized tail is set low reaching at least to the hock, rising somewhat when the dog is excited. Dewclaws are usually removed. The double coat is weather resistant, dense and close-fitting. There are two coat varieties: a short, sleek coat (about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long) and a coarse, rough coat (about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long). The coat colors come in black and white, tricolor, red and white, black and gray, yellow, yellow and white, sable, and all black. The longer haired variety should have a mane and tail brush. The hair on the face, ears and front legs is always short and sleek. Since Border Collies are bred for working ability and intelligence rather than for physical beauty, conformation varies widely.
See us at Site 122

Cane Corso
This is an intelligent, protective and dignified breed with an independent nature. It is large, solid and majestic in appearance. It’s also sensitive but serious and is a natural pack leader – which requires strong management from its masters and early consistent training. This dog breed is recommended for patient, experienced dog owners. These dogs are very intelligent, trainable and noble. They’re also assertive and confident. Those who own Corsi (plural for Corso) will tell you that they are intensely loyal and fearless protectors of their tribe and territory. However, while some Corsi remain constantly guarded, others will lick the face off people they trust. The Cane Corso will also adopt a pack leadership role with you and your family if allowed. This makes responsible training, firmness and socialisation with other people and dogs from an early age vital. Corsi are definitely not lap dogs. But they do like close connections with their owners. They’re also fairly good with children and other pets if trained well and socialised at a very early age. Corsi need lots of vigorous exercise and mental stimulus – otherwise they can become destructive – also, a high secure fence is paramount.
See us at Site 157

Chinese Crested
A toy dog, the Chinese crested is fine-boned, elegant and graceful. Happy and alert, these dogs make loving companions. They range in weight from five to 12 pounds (two to five kilograms) and stand from nine to 13 inches at the shoulder. Two distinct varieties can be born in the same litter: hairless — hair on the head, tail and feet only and powder puff — completely covered with hair. A single dominant gene causes the hairless feature; dogs with two copies of the hairless gene do not survive the embryonic stage. This is why both varieties are needed for the breed to survive. The hairless variety has hair on certain portions of the body: the head (called a crest), the tail (called a plume), and the feet from the toes to the front pasterns and rear hock joints (called socks). The texture of all the hair is soft and silky, flowing to any length. Placement of hair is not as important as overall type. Areas that have hair usually taper off slightly. Wherever the body is hairless, the skin is soft and smooth. The head crest begins at the stop (forehead in people) and tapers off between the base of the skull and the back of the neck. Hair on the ears and face is permitted on the hairless and may be trimmed for neatness in both varieties. As in most hairless breeds, hairless individuals tend to have crooked or missing teeth. The powder puff variety is completely covered with a double soft and silky coat. Close examination reveals long thin guard hairs over the short silky undercoat. The coat is straight and of moderate density and length. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable. Grooming is minimal. Personality: A lively and loving dog, this toy breed can quickly capture the hearts of its guardians and become quite spoiled- The Chinese crested has a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. Living With: An affectionate companion, the Chinese crested is a lively and loving dog. He makes a perfect lap heater, since the lack of body hair increases the amount of heat his body gives off. But he does need to be protected from extremes of temperature, both hot and cold. Even though the hairless variety appears maintenance free, this is not so. Aside from regular nail clipping, regular grooming is required to keep both varieties looking well. The hairless variety requires frequent bathing to maintain healthy skin. You may need to remove unwanted hair to keep the look you want. Many cresteds have natural facial hair and some have excess body hair. The skin can sunburn from prolonged exposure. It can also develop blackheads. The powder puff requires frequent grooming to maintain a silky, flowing coat.
See us at Site 120

Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel has a round, graceful head and a broad, square muzzle. The ears are long and feathered, and the back slopes toward the tail, giving the dog a regal appearance. Perhaps most notable, however, is the cocker spaniel's long, silky coat with feathering not just on the ears but also on the legs, chest, and underside. The tail is usually docked. Cocker spaniels can have a variety of colors. Some are solid black, red or tan. Others are bi-colored or tri-colored. Some of the mixes you might see are black and tan, black and white, or black and white with tan flecks. The AKC divides them into three varieties for show purposes: black, parti-color and ASCOB (which stands for Any Solid Color Other than Black). The life expectancy of the cocker spaniel is good, about 14 to 16 years. Personality: Cocker spaniels are known for being gentle, easy-going and affectionate yet lively. They are generally considered good with children. They tend to be non-aggressive toward other animals and people, but that also means they are not particularly good watchdogs. One note of caution is warranted. At one time, cocker spaniels became so popular they were overbred, which resulted in some high-strung dogs and dogs with health problems. When it comes to housebreaking and obedience training, reports are mixed. Some sources say that cocker spaniels rank average when it comes to ease of training. Others say these dogs are very obedient, but others say they can be stubborn, particularly about housebreaking. Living With: Cocker spaniels enjoy attention, so this is a breed for people who like to lavish affection on their pets. They are average shedders. They do have an elaborate coat, which requires grooming at least a couple of hours weekly to keep it in good shape. Some professional trimming from time to time is needed. Avoid exercising cocker spaniels in places with burrs and thickets that can tangle the coat. Cocker spaniels can adapt to living just about anywhere, as long as they are given daily walks on a leash or are allowed to have play sessions in a fenced yard. Remember, they are primarily an active sporting breed.
See us at Site 84

German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog is well proportioned and very strong. The GSD has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black, however, blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but are considered a fault and cannot be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond-shaped, and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may droop slightly. The bushy tail reaches below the hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat and longhaired coat. The coat most often comes in black with tan, sable or all black, but also can come in white, blue and liver, but those colors are considered a fault according to most standards. The white GSD dogs are recognized as a separate breed by some clubs and are being called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred in a single GSD bloodline that is now being called a Panda Shepherd. A Panda is 35% white the remainder of color is black and tan, and has no white German Shepherds in its ancestry. Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Tranquil, confident, serious and clever. GSDs are extremely faithful, and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the German Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler.
See us at Site 128

Greyhound
The greyhound is built for speed with a streamlined, muscular body. The neck and head are long. Their characteristic rose ears are usually folded flat against the neck when the dog is relaxed, but prick forward and may even stand somewhat erect when the greyhound is at attention. The loin is slightly arched, the chest is deep, and the waist is narrow, giving the dog a distinctive appearance. The greyhound has a very gentle and quiet disposition. As it was necessary for the greyhound to hunt and run in groups, aggressiveness toward other dogs has almost been completely eliminated from the breed. The dog does have a strong prey drive, however, and may not be suitable for homes with small pets such as rabbits. The greyhound is often tolerant of children and, being non-aggressive, will usually walk away from annoyance rather than snap or growl. In spite of his great athletic ability, the greyhound is quite happy to spend most of the day sleeping. The dog does not have a lot of endurance and actually requires less exercise time than most dogs. As with all sight hounds, greyhounds have a strong instinct to chase. In spite of this, it is possible for them to live with other pets as long as sufficient time is given for socialisation and training. This dog is the perfect pet for a family who wants a large dog, but one that is both streamlined and clean. The greyhound is an average shedder, and the short coat does not require a lot of grooming. A safe place is needed for the dog to run, but long periods of exercise are not required, unlike what some assume. In fact, the breed has been called the "40 mph couch potato." The greyhound is a friendly pack-oriented breed and will readily adopt a family as his own.
See us at Site 78

Irish Wolfhound
The defining characteristic of the Irish wolfhound is its imposing height; it is the tallest breed of dog. But a good wolfhound is more than just a tall dog. It is a sturdy, yet swift dog, capable of running down and killing large animals. It has a general greyhound build, only larger and stockier. The legs are long, the body comparatively narrow, the loin slightly arched, the chest deep and the waist moderately small. Like most sighthounds, the tail is long and carried low. Add to this a harsh, wiry coat and you have a dog that can withstand cold, damp weather and run through thick brush without getting scratched. Irish wolfhound guardians would add that the best part about the coat is the distinctive long eyebrows and beard that impart a noble expression. Just how big are these gentle giants? The males are at least 32 inches tall, and 36 inches is not uncommon. They weigh at least 120 pounds; again, many weigh much more. Even if they were to curl up (which they never do), that's a big dog! Irish wolfhounds have a heart as big as the rest of them. They are gentle, noble, sensitive and easygoing. Despite the fact that they can run at great speed, most of their actions around the house are in decidedly slow motion, and they are definitely not snap-to-it obedience prospects. They will eventually mind you, just at their own pace! Just under the surface of their gentle exterior does lie the nature of a coursing hunter, so Irish wolfhound owners must be vigilant when outdoors. Like all sighthounds, Irish wolfhounds love to chase animals that are running away from them, and they can take their time responding to your calls to come back. Yet Irish wolfhounds are generally model citizens with other dogs, pets and children. Their great size is usually enough to scare away intruders; this is fortunate, as most Irish wolfhounds are pacifists and not great protection dogs.
See us at Site 80

Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell is a sturdy, tough terrier, very much on its toes all the time. The body length must be in proportion to the height, and it should present a compact, balanced image, always being in solid, hard condition. The head should be well balanced and in proportion to the body. The skull should be flat, of moderate width at the ears, narrowing to the eyes. The stop, which is the transition area from backskull to muzzle, should be defined, but not over-pronounced. The length of the muzzle from the nose to the stop should be slightly shorter than the distance from the stop to the occiput. The nose should be black. The jaw should be powerful and well boned with strongly muscled cheeks. Eyes should be almond shaped, dark in color and full of life and intelligence. The small V-shaped, button ears are carried forward, close to the head and are of moderate thickness. It has strong teeth, with the upper ones slightly overlapping the lower. Two bites are acceptable; level and scissor, with scissor being preferred. The neck is clean and muscular, of good length, gradually widening at the shoulders. The shoulders should be sloping and well laid back, fine at points and clearly cut at the withers. Forelegs should be strong and straight boned with joints in correct alignment. Elbows hang perpendicular to the body and work free of the sides. The chest should be shallow, narrow and the front legs not too widely apart, giving an athletic, rather than heavily chested appearance. As a guide only, the chest should be small enough to be easily spanned behind the shoulders, by average sized hands, when the terrier is in a fit, working condition. The back should be strong, straight and, in comparison to the height of the terrier, give a balanced image. The loin should be slightly arched. The hindquarters should be strong and muscular, well put together with good angulation and bend of stifle, giving plenty of drive and propulsion. Looking from behind, the hocks must be straight. The feet are round, hard padded, wide, of cat-like appearance, neither turning in nor out. The tail should be set rather high, carried gaily and in proportion to body length, usually about four inches long (when docked), providing a good hand-hold. Note: The practice of cutting off a dog's tail (docking) is illegal in some countries. The Jack's coat is smooth, without being so sparse as not to provide a certain amount of protection from the elements and undergrowth. Rough or broken coated, without being woolly. A broken coat means the dog has a combination of both the smooth and rough coat with patches of longer hair mixed in with the short coat. Colors: white should predominate (i.e., must be more than 51% white) with tan, black or brown markings. Brindle markings and black and tan coloring occur within the breed but are rare. Gait: movement should be free, lively, well-coordinated with straight action in front and behind. Old scars or injuries, the result of work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring unless they interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud. An Irish-type called Jack Russell Shortys has shorter legs than the English-type.
See us at Site 50

KAFE German Spitz
Thick double coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat. They do shed their undercoat a few times a year. Upright ears. Other notable attributes include.They typically weigh between 7-14 kg and have a height range of 23-29 cm. They can have various coat colours, and are well known for their lively and friendly temperament, making them excellent family companions. German Spitz dogs are intelligent, lively, and highly adaptable. They are known for their outgoing nature and tend to form strong bonds with their family. They are naturally curious and make excellent watchdogs due to their alertness. They have a confident and assertive personality. German Spitz are generally easy to live with. They require a moderate amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks and interactive playtime are essential to keep them happy and prevent behavioural issues. They are well-suited to apartment living as long as they receive adequate activity and attention. Grooming needs include weekly brushing and occasional baths. German Spitz, in both Mittel and Klein sizes, are descended from the Nordic dogs of Central Europe. First references of the Spitz can be found in 1450 when Count Eberhard Zu Sayn of Germany, spoke of German Spitz as great defenders of homes and land. The breed originated commonly in Pomerania (a historical region between Germany and Poland). They were originally used as watchdogs by farmers, fisherman and traders, using their high-pitched alarm bark to call attention to anything out of the ordinary. Over the years, German Spitz gained popularity throughout Europe, and are beginning to gain popularity in America and Australia. Today they are cherished for their companionship, their charming looks and delightful personality.
See us at Site 137

Lowchen
Temperament & Suitability The Lowchen is a friendly, healthy and happy dog. Dogs of this breed are both active and playful, and very intelligent. The Lowchen is an excellent house pet. The Lowchen makes also a good pet for families with children. This breed has a history as a companion dog and the dogs need the attention of humans and they are not happy left alone for longer periods of time. The Lowchen doesn't bark excessively, it is a rather quiet breed. The Lowchen's coat is long and flowing and comes in many colours. The coat should not be thin and fluffy like a Bichon Frise, but wavy with a mix of thicker hairs amongst the fine ones. This allows for a flowing coat that is not frizzy or fly-away, and a Lowchen coat should not be harsh like many terriers. The Lowchen does not shed, and this breed has very low allergic effects, and are considered hypoallergenic. The head of the Lowchen is one of its most important features, with its relatively short, wide muzzle, broad skull, lively round eyes, and pendulant ears. They can come in all colours, including brown, that allow for dark eyes and nose. The head, when in proportion to the body, is neither too big nor too small, but helps to emphasize the friendly, regal, and leonine personality of the Lowchen. 2. The Lowchen's long and wavy coat is presented in a lion cut. This means that the haunches, back legs, front legs (except bracelets around the ankles), and the 1/3–1/2 of the tail closest to the body are shaved, and the rest of the coat is left natural to give the dog the appearance of a male lion. The lion cut is the traditional way of presenting these dogs but it is not known where the practice comes from. Dogs in lion clip may need some protection in wintertime on the shaved parts. The Lowchen's life span is around 12–14 years.
See us at Site 82

Papillon
The papillion is a small, dainty-looking dog with ears that flare from its head like the wings of a butterfly. Papillons are generally outgoing, happy dogs that enjoy sitting in laps as much as they like running around the house. Although lively and energetic, they are not considered high-strung, nervous or fearful, and they do not bark excessively. The typical papillion enjoys socializing with cats and with other dogs. Papillons do not hesitate to engage larger animals in play, but owners should be careful that the larger animal does not treat the papillion as prey. Papillons also enjoy playing with children, but youngsters must be careful not to roughhouse with these lively little dogs. The papillion’s alertness, intelligence and intense desire to please make it a favorite in obedience competition. They are also known to have notable talents in tracking, agility, and as therapy dogs. The papillion is a delightful, easy-to-care-for companion. These dogs need relatively little exercise, although they do enjoy running around. Being small, they require less food than larger dogs. They have no doggy odor. Papillons adapt as well to a city apartment as to a country estate. They also travel well and, because their crates or carriers usually fit under airplane seats, they can travel by air without the risk of being stuck in the cargo hold. As is the case with other small dogs, papillions often appear to have stepped into a fountain of youth until close to the end of their relatively long lives. The average papillion’s life span is 12 to 15 years. The papillion is a descendant of a European Toy Spaniel. These spaniels appear in paintings of the royal courts of Europe dating back to the early 16th century. The best known of these court painters, Titian (Vecelli), included a number of the tiny spaniels in his paintings starting around 1500. Through the Renaissance and beyond, most Toy Spaniels had drooping ears. The erect butterfly-like ears that give the papillion its distinctive look, not to mention its name, did not become fashionable until the end of the 19th century.
See us at Site 81

Peruvians Hairless
One of the truly ancient breeds that is still in existence, the Peruvian Hairless Dog or Peruvian Inca Orchid has survived for many centuries, dating back to before the Inca Empire. They were often depicted on pottery and carvings, and relics that portray them have been found from as early as 750 AD. They have traditionally been thought of as spiritual beings with healing powers, and the local people would have treated them with great respect. Their hairlessness ensures that they feel warm to the touch, and this heat has been thought to help cure human maladies, such as arthritis and asthma. Some sources claim that even their urine was thought of as powerful and was used in ancient medicine. Alongside their use as healers, they were also natural born hunters, who used their exceptional vision to seek out and catch small prey, such as mice. The Peruvian Hairless Dog originated in Peru long before written records began. They come in three potential sizes: small, medium or large. Regardless of size, they must have a slim line, athletic figure and their overall appearance should be sophisticated and elegant. Roughly one third of the breed will have a full coat of fur, though their breed name does not change. While sometimes used to hunt small prey, the real purpose of the Peruvian Hairless Dog in ancient times was as a companion animal, and also as a type of ‘healer’. Local people had a strong belief, and some still do, that this breed has the potential to cure certain ailments. Vibrant dogs, they relish the opportunity to participate in canine events, such as obedience and agility, and due to their natural sporting abilities and intelligence, they can make fierce competitors. Primarily a hairless dog, the other characteristics are thought of as secondary. While a small amount of wispy fur is allowed on their feet, head and tail, the remainder of the dog should be bald. Their skin may be grey, brown, copper or mottled, and might have pink spots. Eye and nose colour are dependent on coat colour. In truth, a proportion of Peruvian Hairless Dogs are born with fur, but these dogs are not allowed to be shown. However, these dogs make fantastic companion animals, and do not suffer with many of the complaints that their hairless counterparts do. Peruvian Hairless Dogs come in three varieties: small, medium and large. Dogs should be as long as they are tall (a ratio of 1:1). The smallest of the breed measure 25 to 40cm and weigh as little as 4-8kg. The medium Peruvian Hairless Dogs measure 40 to 50cm and weigh 8-12kg. Finally, the largest of the breed measure as tall as 50-65cm, weighing in at 12-25kg.
See us at Site 120

Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a medium- to large-sized dog. When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. It comes in all solid colors including black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown or café-au-lait. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. They are very intelligent and affectionate, and make wonderful pets for children. They love to be with their family. Due to their intelligence and high energy levels, Poodles require daily activity and mental stimulation. While the Standard Poodle is probably too large and energetic for an apartment, toy and miniature Poodles are well suited to apartment living, as long as they are afforded plenty of play, exercise and social interaction.
See us at Site 121

Rottweiller
The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, powerful body. The head is broad with a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The wide nose is black. The lips are black and the inside of the mouth is dark. The medium-sized eyes are dark and almond shaped. Some Rottweilers have been known to have blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye. This trait is not recognized in the show world and does not meet the breed’s written standard. The ears are triangular and carried forward. The tail is customarily docked. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Rear dewclaws are often removed. The chest is broad and deep. The coat is short, hard and thick. It is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, paws and legs. A red color with brown markings also exists. There is a deficiency in the hair gene that makes the coloring a lighter red. German Rottweiler vs. American Rottweiler: some claim there are variations of Rotties, the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler. German Rotties are said to be shorter, stockier and have a bigger, blockier head, while American Rotties are said to be taller and leggier without as blocky a head. Others claim a Rottweiler is a Rottweiler and there is no such thing as a German Rottie. Some who have stated this argument have said, "A German Rottweiler is one born in Germany and an American Rottweiler is born in America." In any case, there are breeders breeding for the German Rottweiler look of larger and blockier, while others are breeding for the American Rottweiler look, less blocky. he Rottie is powerful, calm, trainable, courageous and devoted to its owner and family. Loyal and protective, it will defend its family fiercely if needed, seemingly immune to pain. Serious, even-tempered, brave, confident and courageous, this breed needs an owner who is strong minded, calm, but firm and able to handle this dog’s massive size. The Rottie is a docile, natural guard dog with a laid-back, reliable temperament. It is highly intelligent and has proven its worth beyond question in police, military and customs work over many centuries and can be trained for competitive obedience. Because of its size, training should begin when the dog is a small puppy. This breed needs a lot of leadership and socialization. It will not be happy confined to a kennel or backyard.
See us at Site 154

Shibas Inu
The Shiba is a small, compact dog. The head is in proportion with the body. The round muzzle has a moderate stop and tapers slightly toward the nose. The tight lips and the nose are black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The deep-set eyes are triangular in shape and dark in color. The eye rims are black. The erect ears are triangular in shape and small in proportion to the rest of the body. The front legs are straight. Dewclaws may be removed. The high-set tail is thick at the base, curled and carried over the back, either in a ring or with a sickle curve. The coat is double with a soft, thick undercoat and a stiff, straight outer coat. Coat colors come in red, or red with a little black overlay, black with tan markings, sesame with red markings, all with a cream, buff or gray undercoat. Markings should appear on the cheeks and sides of the muzzle, throat, underside and chest. There may be white on the legs, tip of the tail and above the eyes. The Shiba is alert, confident, courageous and bold. It is loving, kind, trainable and brave. It is clean and most try to avoid puddles and are relatively easy to housebreak. They bark little and bond closely with their handler. Playful and delightful, a well-adjusted Shiba is good with kids, other dogs and cats. Active, lively, agile and fast. Socialize this breed well as a puppy, as they can be reserved with strangers.
See us at Site 123

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, sometimes spelled “Softcoated Wheaten Terrier,” is a compact and squarely proportioned dog. The moderately long head is rectangular in appearance and in proportion with the body. The strong muzzle is relatively short compared to the skull and has a defined stop. The black nose is large for the size of the dog. The teeth meet in a scissors bite and the lips are black. The wide-set eyes are almond shaped and come in a reddish brown to a medium brown color. Light or yellow eye color can occur but is a breed fault in the written standard. The V-shaped ears fold forward and are level with the skull. The medium-length neck gradually widens into the body. The back is straight, forming a level topline. The front legs are straight and the paws are compact and round with black toenails. The high-set tail is either docked or kept natural. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Dewclaws are usually removed. The single, wavy coat comes in shades of wheaten. Puppies are born dark brown and lighten to the final adult wheaten color by age two. There are two coat varieties, the American and the Irish. The Irish coat tends to be thinner and silkier. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is strong, agile and well-coordinated. It is a happy, playful, spirited and friendly terrier. Alert, it makes a great watchdog and barks at the arrival of guests. It is usually very loving with children and gets along reasonably well with other dogs.
See us at Site 86

Swedish Vallhunds
He is a very intelligent, chirpy little working dog in which the herding instinct is very evident. He is attentive with a watchful expression. Although he may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings, he is friendly, active, agile and a very inquisitive little dog, who responds well to training, is quick to learn, very trustworthy with children and other animals, with ‘an eager to please’ personality. He is a dog who generally feels so secure in himself, he considers the world to be his oyster. Small, powerful, sturdily built working dog, with a fairly long body. Appearance and expression denote a watchful, alert, energetic dog. The Swedish Vallhund is a small, powerful, strongly built working dog with a low maintenance coat that may vary from bright red to wolf sable, with the majority being various shades of grey. The Vallhund has a natural or docked bobtail, therefore puppies born with tails may be docked. Compared to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Vallhund appears slightly higher on the leg and shorter in the back, with a free and active gait. The height from the top of the withers to the ground and the length from the breastbone to rear thigh of the Swedish Vallhund should be in the ratio of 2:3. The length of the chest cage compared to the overall length of the body is also in the 2:3 ratio. He is sturdily built with moderate bone, which in the males, reflects masculinity without coarseness and in bitches appears feminine, without being slight of bone. The correct texture of the coat should be viewed in its utilitarian aspect; to provide protection from the elements and other environmental conditions that the dog will experience under working conditions: Medium length, harsh, close and tight top coat, undercoat abundant, soft, woolly. Colours are: Steel grey, greyish/brown, greyish/yellow, reddish/yellow, reddish/brown with darker guard hairs on back, neck and sides of body, lighter hair same shade of colour as mentioned above is desirable on muzzle, throat, chest, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks. Instead of these lighter shades, white markings are acceptable, but never in excess of one-third of total colour.
See us at Site 132

Tibetan Mastiffs
Developed in Tibet over 5,000 years ago, the Tibetan Mastiff was bred to guard monasteries and villages from snow leopards and other predators. Their massive size and thick coat made them formidable guardians capable of working in extreme high-altitude conditions. Their dense double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and sheds heavily during seasonal changes. Tibetan Mastiffs are independent and protective, known for their strong guardian instincts and nocturnal activity. They are devoted to their families but can be aggressive toward strangers and other animals if not properly socialised. Tibetan Mastiffs need moderate exercise but excel at guardian work. While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye conditions that can affect giant breeds. Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their protective and somewhat aloof nature. They have a strong instinct to guard their family and property, making them excellent watchdogs. However, this can also lead to a tendency to be wary of strangers. They are usually calm and quiet indoors but can be more active and playful outdoors. Despite their size and protective nature, they are generally gentle and patient with family members, including children.
See us at Site 49

Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long (by its body compared to the legs), low to the ground dog. Its back is actually not longer than those of most dogs’; their legs are just very short in comparison. The skull is wide and flat between the ears. The stop is moderate. The topline is level. The nose is black and the jaw meets in a scissors bite. The oval eyes are shades of brown depending on the dog’s coat color. The eye rims are black. The erect ears are medium in size, tapering slightly to a rounded point. The legs are very short. The feet are oval in shape. Dewclaws are usually removed. The dog is sometimes born with no tail, and is docked as short as possible when it does have a tail. Note: it is illegal to dock tails in most parts of Europe. The double coat has a short, thick, weather resistant undercoat with a longer, coarser outer coat. Some Corgis are born with longer coats called the "fluffy Corgi" or "longhaired Corgi." These dogs do not make the written standard and cannot be shown. Coat colors include red, sable, fawn, black and tan with white markings. There are often white markings on the legs, chest, neck and parts of the muzzle. Some differences between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is that the Pembroke's tail is often bobbed or cropped at birth. Cropping tails is illegal in a lot of countries, and even in countries where it is legal, a lot of people opt out of cutting of the tail leaving it natually long. Whereas the Cardigan natually has a long tail and cropping the tail is not accepted in the written standard. The Pembroke usually has straighter legs as it is not quite as long-bodied as a Cardigan; the Pembroke's head is generally more wedge-shaped; the ears are smaller and closer together than the Cardigan’s; also the Pembroke tends to be lighter than the Cardigan.
See us at Site 83

Whippet
The Whippet is elegance in motion—graceful, affectionate, and built for speed. Don’t let their racetrack reputation fool you; these gentle souls are just as happy curled up on the couch as they are sprinting through the park. Perfect for quieter households or active individuals, the Whippet is a surprisingly adaptable companion. Whippets were originally bred by coal miners in northern England who needed a swift, economical dog for rabbit hunting and racing. Their name likely comes from the old English word “whappet,” meaning “a small lively dog.” Over time, they’ve transitioned from racing fields to family lounges, thanks to their gentle temperament and manageable size. Whippets are calm and affectionate companions who thrive on human connection. They’re not known for barking or digging and usually prefer comfort over chaos. Their sensitivity means they respond best to soft voices and kind training methods. Despite their love of running, most Whippets are surprisingly low-maintenance at home. While they love to run, Whippets don’t require endless exercise. They’re sprinters, not marathoners. Short bursts of high-speed play followed by long naps are their specialty. They do especially well in fenced yards or during off-leash park visits—just be mindful of their chase instinct.
See us at Site 78