Canine Traits A - B

Translated from the German to mean Monkey Terrier, The Affenpinscher with their tufted eyebrows and chin are a rather curios sight.  Being very independent and bossy, this breed is rarely known to be completely trained. Despite its stubbornness and aloof smugness, they make affectionate, curious and entertaining family pets.  The Affenpinscher is also known to be an accomplished ratter and quail tracker.  As long as you do not expect this dog to obey a command, you will get along wonderfully.

Also known as the Kabul Dog.  The Afghan should not be judged merely by its elegant appearance.  Possessing agility, a hardy constitution and remarkable athletic ability, they can negotiate extremely rugged terrain.  With proper care this highly spirited breed can be successfully be trained and disciplined.  Although physically sturdy, Afghans love the comforts of home.  They possess a highly sensitive temperament and thrive on attention and pampering.

A native of Japan this dog was bred as a hunter, but in times that are more recent has been given the title of family protector.  The Akita can be absolutely trusted with small children and will defend the home against both human and animal intruders.  This breed is very adaptable and will thrive in many environments.  With plenty of affection and a firm hand in training, they will be obedient and loyal.

Historically used as a draft animal, the Alaskan Malamute has an extremely dense coat and is well adapted to very cold climates.  They are prone to heat stroke and should not be kept in tropical climates.  They have been used in sledding expeditions to Antartica.  They are very loyal and make wonderful guard dogs and family pets.  Dignified and affectionate, this dog will enjoy a little romp with family and friends.

The American Eskimo Dog is a loving companion dog, presents a picture of strength and agility alertness and beauty.  It is a small to medium size Nordic dog, always white or white with biscuit cream.  It is an intelligent, alert and friendly animal, although slightly conservative.  At home, it is an excellent watchdog, sounding a warning bark to announce the arrival of any strangers.  It is protective of its home and family, although it does not threaten to attack or bite.  The Eskimo learns new tasks quickly and is eager to please.

Bred to be lighter, have a keener sense of smell and be faster in the chase than it is European counterparts, the Foxhound is used equally for the hunt as well as in the show ring.  It is narrower through the chest and has a longer ear.  A pack hunter.  Foxhounds are happy and friendly but often willful.  They need firm handling and strict obedience training.

Throughout the world dogs have at one time or another been bred to fight.  This breed descends from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with other fighting dogs.  Hysteria is now associated with this breeds name.  A Pit Bull is as much a victim of the media as of its own historic breeding to fight other dogs.  When trained from an early age to obey commands, they prove to be companionable, even gregariously fawning dogs.  A much misunderstood dog.

Originally called the Bull and Terrier Dog or Pit Dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is considered a cross between the bulldog and the terrier.  With an ancestry of fighting dogs, this breed has incredible jaw power and courage.  This dog fits well into family life if kept only as a pet.  They have the ability to distinguish good and bad intentions of strangers and are excellent guards.  You can rest assured that if they are watching the place everything will be safe.

The achievement of this breed is numerous.  Its origins are not well established, but many believe that they came from the curly coated retriever and the English Water Spaniel.  An enthusiastic hunter, companions and guard dog.  The Water Spaniel is an affectionate intelligent and easy to train.  Often at times being to anxious to please, they may need firm control.  This lovable pet enjoys work, plays equally, and seems to take great pridein their family circle.

Descendant of the Dingo, the Australian Cattle Dog, is instrumental in establishing the beef industry in Australia.  Perfectly suited as a herd dog, they are hard working and tireless.  If trained early in their development, the habit of nipping at the heels (useful in cattle herding) can be curbed and made to fit into a more suitable family life.  Although their first love is the farm, they can be trained as effective guard dogs.  They will always be ready for a run.

This hardy Australian breed is probably descended from the Dingo, due to it enjoyment of herding of almost any animal be it cattle, sheep or even poultry.  A tireless worker.  kelpies are Australia’s most numerous working dogs.  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.

The Australian Shepherd Dog is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts.  Virtually unknown outside the U.S. Shepherds are now increasing in popularity because of its obedient and willing nature. He is a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all day.  The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, active animal with an even disposition; he is good-natured, seldom quarrelsome.  In temperament, they are similar to those of the Golden and Labrador Retriever.  It is affectionate and playful.

The Basenji also known as the Congo dog, is in a class all of its own.  This breed trots like a horse, clean themselves by licking their paws like a cat and "yodels" instead of barking.  Although they are full of energy and are constantly in mischief they are also content to just lay around and enjoy a good nap.  Daily exercise is necessary to keep them in good shape.  Generally good with people Banjis have pack-dog instincts and are often wary of strangers.  If other pets are present there is often a period of establishing rank and leadership.  Cheerful and Cheeky you will always wonder what this dog has been up to.

Despite its reputation for being placid and lazy, a Basset Hound is actually an accomplished hunter.  It is agile nd energetic and has surprising tenacity and stamina.  It has excellent scent tracking abilities and loves investigating every square inch during a walk.  Exercise is important for maintaining a good medical history.  They are lively and sociable and make an excellent good-natured companion.

Known as the smallest of hounds.  The Beagle is recognised for its stamina, boldness and intelligence.  It is for this reason that they are an excellent choice for hunting small game for sport.  They are good with people and make a very faithful companion.  Although loyal, Beagles tend to be willful at times and need firm handling. This independence and personality only adds to their desirability as a family pet.

The Bearded Collie is a working dog used mainly for sheep handling.  Sometimes called the Highland Collie, they are known for their focus on the task in hand.  They are always mild and friendly.  They need constant exercise and mental stimulation, making them good outdoor pets for energetic families.  Easily trained, the Beagle takes joy in being an obedient member of the family.  They enjoy sleeping outdoors, even in the coldest 
weather.

Visually the Bedlington Terrier, also known as the Gypsy Dog, is a curious sight.  They have the look of a lamb with curly hair and straight, full front legs but has the hindquarters of a Whippet.  Their meek look and low tail carriage hides a formidable fighter with very strong jaws and a scissors bite, they enthusiastically hunt small game or household vermin with a search and destroy outlook.  If left unattended they are likely to get into big trouble!

Best at sheep herding, the Malinois has also been successfully used as a police dog.  Very responsive to commands, they are easy to train.  They can be used to guard large open areas.  However, are not recommended for guarding the home.  They show a strong desire for work and fail to thrive in a routine family environment.  They are hard workers, loyal and protective of their owners, if not overly affectionate.

Also called the Groenendael, the Belgian Sheepdog has been used as a police dog as well as a herder.  They are alert and intelligent and take to training with extraordinary focus.  They have long memories and will carry out task without constant commands.  Very devoted to their masters, they are somewhat wary of strangers but are rarely aggressive.  They can be a loving pet, but thrive better as a working animal.  Not one to be idle this dog will undoubtedly always be in motion.

Used extensively as a sheepherder, the Belgi an Tervuren is the Belgian sheepdog most suited to home and family life.  They are extremely affectionate and demand attention from their owners.  They are easily trained and have a quick intelligence but requires a firm hand to remain obedient.  They prefer to live outdoors, but enjoy a little relaxation inside for a change.  Better not let them have free access to food however, as this breed 
has an enormous appetite and will tend to overeat.

FromSwitzerland, the Bernese Mountain Sheepdog was originally used as a draft animal and to herd cattle.  They can be self-confident to the point of unreliability, but can be trained in the hands of a strong trainer.  Very affectionate, they can be quick learners who are willing to please their masters.  Well suited for the cold, they prefer to live outdoors, preferably in a large area.

A good companion, The Bichon Frise is lively and cheerful with a bold independence that may not be well suited for small children.  Popular as a show dog, the familiar puffball look is achieved by laboriously combing out their curly coat.  They are often trimmed lion-style or poodle-style for show, but are equally beautiful with their natural silky curls.  Very intelligent, this dog will always display an air of dignity and strong will.

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.

The Black-and-Tan Coonhound belongs to a group of highly specialised breeds, developed to follow the scent trail of a raccoon or opossum.  Originated in the U.S. hounds like these are highly prized for their scent and tracking abilities, with many worth thousands of pounds.  This breed is the most common coonhound and is obedient, loyal and watchful.  Exercise and close ties with its owner are important to this dog.

This famous tracking hound is known as being the purest of breeds.  It as an amazing senses of smell and can find wounded game with incredible accuracy.  After having tracked, it's quarry it is unlikely to do it any harm.  They are actually a very gentle, affectionate and often shy animals.  For this reason, Bloodhounds make an excellent pet for children.  Although very obedient, once these dogs have their nose to the ground even the commands of their owners fall on deaf ears.

Like all coonhounds, the Bluetick Coonhound has a strong instinct to "tree" its prey.  Used quite often for raccoon hunting, you can be sure that The Bluetick will enjoy the chase.  A cross between Foxhounds, curs, English Collies and French Hounds produced this unique breed.  The name Bluetick is not entirely accurate as its coat is actually made up of three colours.  This breed is highly valued as a tracking dog.

Originally used, as a drover’s dog, also known as a Bobtail, has become a beloved companion.  The tradition of docking their tails to the first joint came from their droving days.  These dogs were exempt from tax and to prove their occupation, their tails were severely docked.  Today they make a good guard dog, retriever, herd dog or family pet.  Looking like a bear, people will be surprised by its grace and agility when it goes for a run

Originally used, as a drover’s dog, also known as a Bobtail, has become a beloved companion.  The tradition of docking their tails to the first joint came from their droving days.  These dogs were exempt from tax and to prove their occupation, their tails were severely docked.  Today they make a good guard dog, retriever, herd dog or family pet.  Looking like a bear, people will be surprised by its grace and agility when it goes for a run

The Border Terrier is a true working dog.  Strong and tenacious, this dog can keep pace with a horse for hours and follow foxes underground to settle the conflict there, even if it takes all night!  Not presented as a show dog, they are perhaps more pure to their original form and function than many other breeds.  They are wonderful as companions; being good tempered, affectionate and loyal.  They manage to get along well with other pets, despite their loathing of foxes.

Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, this breed is found to have been the companion of preference to many a Russian Czar.  They are swift hunters and chasers displaying an impulsive temperament.  The Borzoi's high intelligence makes it the star student in obedience class, which is necessary to control its impetuous instincts.  Yet around the family environment they can be a gentle matured, reserved, and proves to be a wonderful 
companion.  In its look and personality, this dog always remembers its aristocratic and noble beginnings.

A cheerful little dog, the Boston terrier is happy to spend as much time with their masters as possible.  Very intelligent and sensitive to the emotions and moods of humans, there is really no better companion than the Boston Terrier.  They can be kept in almost any environment and love to travel.  They are very neat and clean and grooming is minimal.  They love nothing more than a walk or a ride in the car with their favourite people.

This breed although mainly considered a cattle dog, was used in WW1 as a courier and in finding wounded soldiers.  Very good natured they make wonderful family pets and guardians.  They are very powerful and need plenty of exercise.  They have a sharp sense of smell and can be trained as a rescue dog or guide dog for the blind.  Steady and confident, they are fearless defenders.

In the past used as a dog for bear hunting and bull baiting, The boxer of today is a wonderful companion with boundless energy well into the adult years and a keen sense of hearing, they are a natural as guard dogs.  Lovable and fond of children they make a useful and entertaining family pet.  They are easy to train and have a keen sense of discipline.  Playful and puppy like, they will win your heart every time.

Well insulated against the cold, the Briard prefers to be an outdoor working dog.  They have been successfully adapted to family life, however, and are affectionate and love the attention of children.  They are easily trained and have no bad or willful habits.  Very loyal to master and property, they will guard with strong fearlessness.  They are happiest when they please their master, and with their tendency towards long memory, they will know just how to do it.

In show standards, the Brussels Griffon is not a pretty sight.  A turned up nose, wide set eyes and a disheveled coat give them a look of a stray.  Bur, unlikely as it seems, they are sturdy little creatures, intelligent, sensitive and a delight to have around.  They are hard to leash train, but with early and firm guidance, it can be done.  With an air of self-importance, they will most likely be ready to bark at anything.

As their name suggests, breeding a Bulldog with the white English Terrier, which is now extinct, created this dog.  To gain considerable weight they were then bred with the Spanish Pointer to create the Bull Terrier of today.  Originally bred to be a fighting dog.  They are gentle and obedient as a family pet.  The biggest problem with this breed is its innate instinct to attack other animals.  For this reason, they are best kept as a single pet.

Having a much less aggressive nature than their bull-baiting ancestors, the Bulldog makes a sweet and affectionate family pet.  Although they no longer display ruthless ferocity, they have maintained a high degree of courageousness.  .  They make a good watchdog and are very dependable and gentle with children and other family pets.  They are, however, more commonly kept as showdogs.  Who could not fall in love with this dog's unique and expressive face?

Known as an intimidatory, the Bullmastiff is in all actuality very affectionate.  They are loyal and make a good family dog.  They have been used in the past as police dogs, pecializing in guarding.  They are patient and can control an intruder, human or animal, without fatally wounding them.  The bullmastiff needs an energetic owner.  If they are left alone without stimulation, they are likely to just sleep until something better comes along.