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Irish Setter
As a field dog and hunter the Irish Setter shows amazing grace and instinct.
They are energetic, high spirited and independent, making them often difficult
to train. They need firm handling, discipline and plenty of exercise
to thrive well as a family pet. When obedience trained, Setters are
affectionate and a joy as a companion. The Irish Setter also known
as the Red Setter is a favourite show dog as well as a tough field dog.
Not an early developer, they may require the most training of all the Setters. |
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Irish Terrier
An all round sporting and hunting dog, the Irish Terrier is considered
the oldest of the terrier breeds. They are fearless in the chase
and leave no vermin alive in the home. Displaying classic terrier
behavior, they should always be on a leash in public or around other animals.
They are very unlikely to back down from a fight. As a family pet,
The Irish Terrier will defend owner and home against all odds, Fiercely
loyal and alert they make excellent guard dogs. |
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Irish Water Spaniel
Rarely used as a companion dog, this breed is known for their love of
waterfowl hunting. Their coats are masses of dark ringlets that help
resist water but are difficult to upkeep as family pets. Although
very loyal to acquaintances, Spaniels are suspicious of strangers and may
act in their fearful instinct. A descendant of the Poodle and the
Irish Setter they take many honours in the show ring for their all round
beauty. |
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Irish Greyhound
Also known as the Wolfdog, the Irish Greyhound or the Great dog of Ireland,
this breed has been used for the pursuit of medium game. Anyone with
an Irish Wolfhound as a pet will attest to their natural instinct for the
chase. In the show ring they are presented with no coat styling,
ear cropping or tail docking. They are among the few dogs valued
for their natural qualities. As sweet tempered, intelligent and affectionate
dogs, Wolfhounds can be trusted to behave gentle with children. |
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Italian Greyhound
This dog is a perfect miniature of the Greyhound. They are accomplished
sight hunters and are classified as a toy breed. Because of their
small size, The Italian Greyhound makes an equally suitable pet in town
or country. In either case, a good long daily run is necessary either
alone or with a playful companion. Despite their frail looks, Greyhounds
are a very hardy breed and are rarely ill. Very graceful this dog
makes an excellent pet. |
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Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are a bundle of energy, pleasing crowds wherever
they go. They can be hyperactive, snappy and aggressive but mostly
they are affectionate with both strangers and family. Originally
bred as hunters a little Jack Russell still retains its killer instincts.
Overall a wonderful, fun loving, family pet. |
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Japanese Chin
To the Japanese, Chin is royalty, and this dog seems to believe it is
true. They are very docile but affectionate. They need little
to no obedience training because they are not highly spirited and stick
closely to their masters. They are bred as lap dogs only and have
not been known to have other uses. One attribute that the observant
owner will notice is their tendency towards strong likes and dislikes.
If this dog does not like something, it will be obvious. |
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Keeshond
A quick learner, the Keeshond takes up little room and is content to
be a housebound dweller. They were at one time used as companions
on Dutch barges because of their natural swimming abilities and lovable
personalities. They are excellent as watchdogs but are known to be
overly aggressive. They take easy to obedience training and require
little training or grooming despite their look. Very alert they always
know what is going on around them. |
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Kelpie
This hardy Australian breed is probably descended from the Dingo; due
to its enjoyment of herding of almost any animal be it cattle, sheep or
even poultry. A tireless worker. kelpies are Australias most
numerous working dog. Enthusiastic, compact and tireless are all
the traits of this hardy animal. Happiest in the country, this dog
is not best suited for urban life. |
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Kerry Blue Terrier
The national dog of Ireland, they can be used as hunters, retrievers,
herders, guard dogs or police dogs. Grooming is of the utmost importance
in the keeping of them. Although a good family pet, they need firm
and consistent obedience training. Puppies are born black and change
to blue grey ranging from silver to steel by their second year. Although
they can be sweet as any dog, there is still a tendency towards the famous
stubbornness of a terrier. |
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Komondor
Not usually kept as a pet, The Komondor is a proud working animal.
They take great responsibility for the flock they are entrusted to and
will fight the largest animal without fear. Their coats fall in long
felt like cords and is suprisingly easy to care for. This cording
of the coats is what protects the Komondor from wolf attacks when they
are out in the open. They will certainly turn some heads. |
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Kuvasz
Coming from the Turkish word kawasz meaning "armed guard "; this
breed is known for their outstanding obedience and skills as a herd guard.
They are bold and at the same time extremely gentle. They have the
ability to react to a situation with their own tuition and without direct
command. Although gentle enough to be a wonderful companion, they
prefer to be active working animals. Anyone who has ever owned one
will understand when there owners say their Komondor is always smiling. |
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Labrador Retriever
Used as a drug sniffing dog, a watchdog, a guide dog, a search and rescue
dog as well as a retriever, this is a very versatile breed. In both
World Wars they were used to detect, landmines and as law enforcement companions.
Originating in Newfoundland, they were trained to draw in fishing nets
from extremely cold waters. The Labrador is very ependable and eager
to please. Extremely loyal and reliable with children. They
are an excellent family pet. They thrive best in country surroundings
and enjoy an occasional swim. |
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Lakeland Terrier
Originating from the Lake District, they have the attitude of royalty.
Very confident and spirited, they are well suited to masters with patience.
Displaying great emotional attachment and dependence on their owners, Lakeland
Terriers, thrive on affection and attention. Historically they were
used to protect herds from predators and for hunting medium to large game.
Once this dog decides to focus on something, there is little or nothing
that can become a distraction. |
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Lancashire Heeler
Heelers are dogs, which drive livestock by nipping at their heels, are
common wherever cattle are walked to market. While extinct in the
early 20th century, today's breed is a cross between the Welsh corgi and
the Manchester Terrier. This breed while having similar traits to
its ancestors is seldom used as a cattle dog, but rather makes an alert
and pleasant companion. |
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Lhasa Apso
Naturally suspicious of strangers The Lhasa Apso makes an excellent
watchdog. With excellent hearing, it will warn of approaching strangers
with unrepressed barking. They are a very hardy dog with few medical
problems. They are easily trained and form trusting relationships
with their masters. They do not tolerate rough handling and therefore
are not well suited to children. It is nearly impossible to sneak
up on them. |
Long Haired Dachshund
The word Dachshund in German means " badgerdog " revealing the origins
of this breed as a spirited hunting dog with extraordinary scent detection.
They will follow their prey underground without hesitation. A very
intelligent breed. Dachshunds are known to be a little fussy at times
and require regular exercise and companionship to maintain its health and
temperament. The Long Haired Dachshund is almost exclusively used
as a companion dog because of its beauty. It is the most tranquil
and docile of the Dachshund breeds and is not effective as a watchdog,
but makes a wonderfully affectionate pet. |
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Maltese
Vigorous yet well mannered the Maltese is a very flexible dog and can
adapt to a very active lifestyle or a more sedentary one. A very
popular show dog their coats do not shed at the change of season and require
extensive grooming. They are healthy and brave and make an excellent
pet for the individual or the family that are committed to their constant
care. Being very responsive to affection is one of the dogs specialties. |
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Manchester terrier
Originating most likely from the black and tan terrier and the small
Italian Greyhound, the Manchester terrier, is best known for its prowess
as a ratter. Although they may become short tempered, this seems
to be the extent of its bad qualities for this handsome dog. Strangely
enough, the Manchester is not as prevalent as has been in the past.
Owners of this dog will always be aware of being watched. |
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Mastiff
Also known as the Old English Mastiff, they are courageous enough to
guard and good nature enough to make a wonderful companion. Historically
Mastiffs have been vicious and bloodthirsty and used in dog fighting.
Today they are steady, reliable and excellent with children. If trained
to do so, they will attack an enemy with a fierce combativeness, but rarely
have the need. They will always be ready for a little petting. |
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The Miniature Pinscher
Although they have the look of a Doberman, there have been no genetic
ties documented. The Miniature Pinscher is a natural show dog, full
of self-importance and with a lively disposition. Very easy to keep
they need little grooming and are happy to be the official ratter for the
home. As owners of them will attest, they are somewhat oblivious
of their diminutive size and completely fearless. |
Miniature Schnauzer
Descended from nearly the same bloodlines as the standard giants, the
Miniature Schnauzer carries the blood of the Affenpinscher as well.
Very intelligent and fond of children, they definitely prefer to be indoors.
They are easy to obedience train, are patient, calm, and not as aggressive
as their larger relatives. Affectionate and mild
they make a wonderful companion. Being an excellent guard
dog, everyone familiar with them will recognise its bark. |