Dog Breeds – Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Supposedly a cross-breed of English descent, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever gained its name sake in Chesapeake Bay while successfully hunting water-fowl.

They are well equipped to do so on both land and water, and especially in icy conditions.  After game was caught, they would often accompany their owners to market, where they would protect the boat or cart from theft.

They may be mistaken for Labradors in appearance, but there are some clear differences in temperament, and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be distinguished by its webbed feet.

They are more aggressive than most retrievers because of their background, but are generally well behaved and sociable.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the state dog of Maryland as well as the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Many owners refer to this breed simply as “Chessies”.

(photo: theladd)

Dog Breeds – Bouvier des Flandres

The origin of this breed is still in dispute, but many believe it is cross between the Griffon and the Beauceron, from the French-Belgian region of Flanders.

During World War I, this breed served as a messenger and rescue dog, and today is used commonly to drive the herds of cowmen and drovers of stock in the Flanders region of both Belgium and France.

The translation in French is literally, “Herdsman of Flanders” while in Flemish they are known as Koehond, or cattle dog.

The Bouvier des Flandres breed is short and compact, but has a rather shaggy coat that gives it a more rugged appeal.

They are usually calm and friendly, and enjoy the company of most humans and other pets. They serve as loyal and protective guard dogs, and are smart enough to exhibit non-aggressive behavior at the right times, and vice versa.

Former President Ronald Reagan owned a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky.

(photo: wayne&sally)

Dog Breeds – Basenji

The Basenji, a member of the “sighthound” family, is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world, dating back to Ancient Egyptian times as noted in depictions on the steles of the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.

This breed was originally developed for hunting in central Africa because of its’ ability to utilize both sight and scent as a means to hunt.  Known as an intelligent dog, the Basenji is characteristically alert and often detached socially.

The Basenji is known as the “barkless dog” because it makes a yodeling sound as opposed to the common bark.  This is due to its oddly shaped larynx.

The Basenji is a small, short-haired dog with a rather abrupt back-end and a light build.  The Basenji comes in a variety of colors such as brindle, chestnut red, black, and tri-color, but always features white paws, chest, and tail tip markings.  The tail is also upright and tightly curled.

Due to its temperament, the Basenji is not recommended for families with small children and other animals.

(photo: llima)

Dog Breeds – Akita Inu

The Akita breed was originally found in the Akita Prefecture in Northern Japan, and is said to mean, “Tender in heart, strong in spirit”.

“Inu” is Japanese for dog, though in Japan the dog is actually referred to as Akita Ken. The Japanese value the Akita as a national treasure, and often use the Akita as a symbol of health and well-being.

The Akita is a rather large breed, with a thick coat and a powerful and alert disposition. Akitas serve well to protect their families by being alert and loyal in nature, and are said to be good with small children.

But note they are also characteristically troublesome around other dogs. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, immune problems, and skin problems.

The most famous Akita is Hachikō, a dog revered in Japan for his loyalty. When his owner died, Hachikō walked to the train station every day for the rest of his life to look for him. In memory, a life-size statue of Hachikō still stands at Shibuya Station.

(photo: GNU)

Dog Breeds – Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier was one of the original police dogs, hailing from Yorkshire, England and finding work primarily in the United Kingdom and Germany.  Its duties included messaging, hunting, and of course, pest control.

This breed is the largest of the terriers, often nicknamed “King of Terriers”, and has a distinctive black and tan coat and a very odd shaped head.  The dog appears to be lunging forward because of its erect front legs and bent rear disposition.

During World War I, the Airedale Terrier was used extensively to carry messages behind enemy lines, as well as attend to wounded soldiers on the battlefield.   They were said to carry out their duties despite being injured themselves, a truly honorable achievement.

The temperament of the Airedale Terrier is rather social, and good natured.  They are said to be well-behaved, even with children.  The breed has been known to be prone to hip dysplasia, and eye and skin problems.

(photo: ceiling)

Dog Breeds – Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound was first discovered in Afghanistan in the 1900s, and appeared shortly after in the United States.

The Afghan Hound originally lived high in the mountains of Afghanistan, hunting wild prey such as wolves, foxes, gazelles, and other small game and is said to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

The Afghan hound is probably best known for its odd, elongated shape, large feet, unique coat, and ring-curled tail. Of course their beautiful coats demand a lot of time and effort to keep in top condition.

The temperament of the Afghan hound is rather dignified, but this breed also requires plenty of supervision, and may act up around strangers.  They enjoy playing and running around, but don’t always respond well to commands.

The first cloned dog was an Afghan Hound named Snuppy, developed by Korean scientist Hwang Woo-Sukon on August 3, 2005.

(photo: pushek)

Dog Breeds – Yorkshire Terrier

It is said that this 100 year old breed was developed when Scottish mine workers brought terriers down from Scotland to develop a breed that could control vermin, and fit into small spaces to kill off any other pests.

Things have certainly changed, as nowadays their image is almost the contrary, with the Yorkshire Terrier more likely to be found in a Louis Vuitton handbag than a dirty, rat-infested stable.

This long-haired breed is toy-sized, with a distinctive blue and tan coat, and now serves as a highly popular companion dog, as well as the most popular toy breed in the United States.

Despite their small size, Yorkies as they’re more commonly referred to, love to start trouble and explore their surroundings, and serve as good watchdogs because their intelligence and courage.

Justin Timberlake owns two Yorkshire Terriers named Bella and Bearlie, and Chelsea football manager owns one as well named Leya.  The Nixon’s had one when they lived in the White House.

(photo: tanakawho)

Dog Breeds – Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher, known as one of the oldest toy dogs in Europe, is said to be documented as far back as the 1600s.

The word Affenpinscher is German, meaning “monkey-like terrier”, clearly derived from their monkeyish expression.

Though they look similar to terriers, they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup.

Their main purpose in the past was to kill rats found in the homes and stables of their owners, and nowadays they still exhibit adventurous traits, and protective qualities.

This breed comes in many different colors including black, red, and silver, and features a wiry-haired, fairly shaggy coat.

The dog is compact, but rather robust and rigid in appearance. The temperament of this breed is one of alertness and affection, but aggression if attacked or threatened. Take note that the Affenpinscher breed may suffer from respiratory problems in hot weather and can be prone to hip dysplasia.

(photo: GNU)

Dog Breeds – Yellow Labrador Retriever

The Labrador breed is said to have originally hailed from the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and was used primarily aboard fishing boats to gather fishermen’s nets by jumping overboard from their ships.

Today, Labradors are one of most popular, if not the most popular dog breed in the United States and the United Kingdom, and are commonly referred to simply as “labs”.

Labradors have gained in popularity due to their very friendly disposition, and their ability to get along with everyone from strangers to small children and all types of other pets. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy swimming, hunting, playing fetch, assisting the disabled, or just cuddling up with their owners.

This medium-sized, muscular breed comes in white black, yellow, chocolate, silver, blue, gray, charcoal, and “Dudley”, and features a straight, dense coat, and a thick tail.

Famous labs include “Buddy”, the chocolate Labrador owned by Bill Clinton and Koni, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Labrador Retriever.

Pictured above is a Yellow Labrador Retriever puppy.

Dog Breeds – Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, also known as the “Grey Ghost”, is a very old breed, dating back to the 1600’s where it appeared in Van Dyck paintings.

The breed is said to be a cross between different types of pointers and mastiffs, apparently overseen by Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar. Back then this breed was used primarily for hunting.

The appearance of these dogs is always a shade of gray, with a fairly large, muscular body type, and sleek, short coats. The head and muzzle of the dog is very dignified, and they exhibit very thoughtful expressions.

Weimaraners enjoy plenty of exercise, swimming, retrieving, hunting, and more.

US President Dwight D. Eisenhower owned a Weimaraner named Heidi, and this breed has been featured on TV shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and in music videos such as “Blue Monday” by New Order.

Weimaraners were also the focus of artist William Wegman, who featured the breed dressed in human clothing, exhibiting imaginative poses.

(photo: GNU)