Alternative Title

Easily confused with the Parson Russell Terrier. Today, there are two different breeds of Russell Terrier: the Jack Russell Terrier, which refers to the smaller breed and the Parson Russell Terrier, which has longer legs.

Appearance

Size: 25-30 cm Weight: 5-6 kg Colours: white with black or tan markings Coat: smooth, rough or broken

Origin

Jack Russell Terriers were originally bred in England from a variety of old terrier breeds, primarily the Fox Terrier. Its name originates from the Reverend John Russell, a parson and hunting enthusiast known for his breeding of such terriers. The Jack Russell was originally developed to accompany fox hunts, its job being to bolt foxes from their dens.

Behavior

Jack Russell Terriers are lively dogs that are ideal for people with an active, sporty lifestyle. Since fox hunts were always accompanied by riders on horseback, this breed typically has no fear of horses and is very relaxed and friendly towards them. For this reason, Jack Russells make excellent riding companions.

Alternative Title

Kuchi Hound, Tāzī, Balkh Hound, Baluchi Hound, Barutzy Hound, Shalgar Hound, Kabul Hound, Galanday Hound

Appearance

Size: 63 – 74 cm  Weight: 23 – 27 kg  Colours: A wide variety of colours, although lighter colours (such as white and red) are particularly popular

Origin

As the name suggests, this imposing sighthound originates from Afghanistan, where similar dogs have been living for more than 4,000 years. However, dogs resembling the Afghan were also depicted in drawings dating back to Ancient Egyptian times, indicating that the breed is even older than this. In Europe, these dogs have been bred since the end of the nineteenth century. Ancestors of the modern Afghan were originally used as sheepdogs and hunting dogs. Today, however, they are used more as racing dogs and have also become a popular family pet and companion dog.

Behavior

The Afghan's temperament suits its exotic appearance, as it can be particularly aloof and stand-offish with strangers. At the same time, it does have a very gentle, sensitive nature. It can be quite headstrong and requires patient, insightful training.

Special features

Despite its luxuriant, high-maintenance coat, the Afghan is not particularly heat sensitive Like all sighthounds, Afghans require plenty of daily exercise.

Alternative Title

The various sizes of poodle, which include Standard (Grande), Medium (Moyen), Miniature (Dwarf/Nain) and Toy, are actually each breeds in their own rights.

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 45 – 60 cm (Standard), 35 – 45 cm (Medium), 28 – 35 cm (Miniature) and up to 28 cm (Toy)  Average weight: 27 kg (Standard), 12 kg (Medium), 7 kg (Miniature) and 3.5 kg (Toy)  Colours: white, apricot, silver, brown and black, black and tan, black and white.

Origin

The exact origins of the poodle are unknown, although it is believed to be descended from old French water dogs and was originally bred and used for hunting waterfowl.

Behavior

Poodles are intelligent and easily trained. They are affectionate with a friendly personality which, for a time, made them one of the most popular family pets and companion dogs. Poodles enjoy performing tricks, but also like receiving praise for this.

Special features

Poodles require daily grooming and regular clipping. Many breed registries allow only certain clips (clipped hair styles) for poodles shown in competition.

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 30 – 35 cm Weight: 6 – 8 kg Colours: Their smooth, glossy coats can be fawn, silver fawn, often with a dark mask, or black

Origin

Dogs resembling the pug have been popular lap dogs for European royalty for hundreds of years Although thought to originate from China, the distinctive appearance of the modern breed is the result of selective breeding in the UK.

Behavior

The pug’s ancestry is apparent in its temperament. Never anything other than a companion dog, the pug has a lively, playful character and makes a very affectionate friend. It can be very wary of strangers, however.

Appearance

Mongrels come in all sizes, colours and coats.

Origin

Although mongrels do not belong to any specific breed, they deserve to be included in this portrait section since they form a very large proportion of our pet dogs. A mongrel or mixed-breed dog is a dog that belongs to no single officially recognised breed and is not the result of intentional breeding. It includes both dogs whose heritage is a complete mystery as well as those with pure-bred ancestors. In the latter case, it is often possible to guess the breeds of the parents just by looking.

Behavior

As with their outward appearance, mongrels can have a wide range of personalities. They are a very diverse group: mongrels can be lively or calm, affectionate or timid, wary or trusting.

Special features

Mongrels are considered to be particularly vigorous, healthy and long living, perhaps because they are not predisposed to the genetic defects typical of selectively bred animals. They rarely have extreme physical traits and their associated health problems.

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 54 – 60 cm  Weight: 25 – 30 kg  Colours: yellow, chocolate and black, always one solid colour

Origin

Although first bred selectively in the UK, the modern Labrador’s ancestors originated in Newfoundland.

Behavior

The Labrador is a very friendly, affectionate dog. Originally a hunting dog, it loves swimming and will not even shy away from cold water. As a result, it has long been used extensively in waterfowl hunting (to retrieve the fowl). In the past, it was even used by fishermen. Today, Labradors are used for many more purposes; as guide dogs for the blind, for instance, as search and rescue dogs and, of course, as a popular family pet.

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 51 – 61 cm  Weight: 32 – 35 kg  Colours: any shade of gold or cream

Origin

The Golden Retriever is a breed that was originally developed from various other hunting dogs, including the Irish Setter and Bloodhound. 

Behavior

Golden Retrievers were historically used as gundogs to retrieve game birds. Because of their instinctive love of water, they are often used to retrieve shot waterfowl. Today, however, they are much more than good hunting dogs. Their highly sociable attitude towards people, their gentle, eager-to-please demeanour and their willingness to learn make them the perfect companion. Because of this, they are commonly used as guide dogs or rescue dogs.

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 55 – 65 cm  Weight: 34 – 43 kg  Colours: all-black and all-white are possible although the most common are tan/black and red/black.

Origin

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, a Prussian ex-cavalry captain was looking for the perfect dog. He found it in the form of a young working dog that had been bred for herding sheep. This dog then became the centre-point of the breeding programme for the newly created Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog). Despite its herding origins, from which its name clearly derives, the success of this breed lies to a great extent in the characteristics that make it an excellent working dog.

Behavior

German Shepherds are self-assured dogs with an even temperament. They have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Training is therefore very important for German Shepherds. Their keen sense of smell and hearing means that they are often trained as guard and police dogs and can also make excellent guide or rescue dogs.

Alternative Title

Also known as the German Mastiff (German: Deutsche Dogge) or Danish Hound (German: Dänischer Hund).

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 70 – 90 cm  Weight: up to 60 kg  Colours: fawn, blue, black, brindle and harlequin

Origin

The breed originated in Germany, from crosses between similarly large-sized dogs, such as the Irish Wolfhound, the greyhound and the giant English mastiff. The Great Dane was bred specifically for use in bear and wild boar hunting, and was particularly popular with royalty.

Behavior

Despite its impressive size and its origins as a hunting dog for large game, the Great Dane has a very calm, gentle nature and an even temperament. Great Danes are very sensitive and require a loving environment with proper care and training from an early age to ensure that they become a good companion.

Alternative Title

Also known as the Dackel or Teckel in Germany. Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (German for "rabbit") and three coat variants: short-haired (‘smooth’), long-haired and wire-haired.

Appearance

Size/weight: 5 – 10 kg (standard), 3 – 4 kg (miniature), up to 3.5 kg (kaninchen). Colours: Colours vary depending on coat. In short and long-haired Dachshunds, the most common colours are brown, red (ranging from copper to deep rust) or black. The wire-haired Dachshund comes in a variety of colours, with ‘wild-boar’ the most common.

Origin

Germany. The name "dachshund" is of German origin and literally means "badger dog", from Dachs ("badger") and Hund ("dog"). They were originally bred for hunting animals in burrows, such as foxes and badgers, by trailing scent.

Behavior

Dachshunds are quite rightly known to be very wilful and stubborn, and therefore require consistent training. This can be quite difficult, however, when they look at you with their big, innocent puppy dog eyes – especially when they have done something wrong. This little dog is also very courageous, affectionate, alert, lively and eager to learn.

Special features

Unfortunately, Dachshunds can often suffer from back problems. Prevention is better than cure: A good diet is particularly important as it will strengthen the back and keep the dog’s weight down (obesity should be avoided). Back strengthening exercises are also important for the muscles of the back. Activities such as climbing stairs place the back under extreme stress and should therefore be avoided. In addition to their regular grooming, wire-haired Dachshunds also need the occasional trim.

Alternative Title

Scottish Collie

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 51 – 61 cm Weight: 18 – 32 kg Colours: sable and white, blue merle and tri-coloured.

Origin

Rough Collies, which are occasionally referred to as Lassie dogs (on account of the fictional storybook character of the same name), were originally bred in Scotland for sheep herding.

Behavior

The Rough Collie is an intelligent, even-tempered dog. It is especially loyal and relishes human company, although it can be wary of strangers. A sensitive breed, it should be trained with consistency and understanding.

Alternative Title

English Cocker Spaniel

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 38 – 41 cm  Weight: 13 – 15 kg  Colours: many are possible, although red/golden and black are the most common

Origin

This breed originates from the UK, where it was used as a gundog for driving game towards the guns.

Behavior

Cocker Spaniels are known to be good-natured, gentle and affectionate. With the proper training, they are obedient and willing to learn. However, because this is a sensitive breed, training must be consistent and very gentle. A popular family pet, Cocker Spaniels are also known to tolerate other dogs well.

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: to 40 cm Weight: up to 8.5 kg Colour: Mostly white with black or tan markings 

Origin

As its name suggests, the Fox Terrier is a hunting dog that was originally bred for its ability to drive foxes out of their dens. It first became a recognised breed in England in 1876.

Behavior

The Fox Terrier is a typical terrier; lively and friendly with a marked stubborn streak. For this reason, this affectionate dog requires consistent, insightful training.

Special features

Fox Terrier in fact refers to two different breeds of the terrier dog type: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. The Smooth Fox Terrier is the older of the two breeds although the wire-haired has become more common in recent times.

Alternative Title

English Bulldog

Appearance

Size/shoulder height: 30 – 36 cm  Weight: 22 – 36 kg  Colours: red and white or brindle (mixed colours, often in waves or irregular stripes)

Origin

Great Britain. As its name suggests, this dog was originally bred as a fighting dog, and was specifically used in the sport of bull baiting. 

Behavior

Because of their original ‘purpose’, earlier bulldogs were bred for aggression. However, this is certainly no longer the case today and the modern bulldog has an endearing, equable disposition. Its easy-going nature means that it is rarely nervous or aggressive.

Alternative Title

German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer

Appearance

Size: 53 – 62 cm  Weight: 25 – 32 kg  Colours: fawn and brindle, frequently with a white underbelly and white on the feet, neck and forehead, as well as a black mask.

Origin

The main ancestor of the modern Boxer, the now extinct Bullenbeisser, was originally bred for hunting. Other breeds such as bulldogs were also crossed in, however. Thus, the first Boxers to resemble the breed in its current form were created in Germany at around the end of the nineteenth century.

Behavior

Boxers are very family-friendly dogs, renowned for their great love and faithfulness to their household. They also tend to be very good with children. Despite its origins as a fighting dog, the modern Boxer has a calm, friendly and gentle temperament, and is quick and eager to learn

Appearance

Size: 43 – 54 cm  Weight: 13 – 22 kg  Colours: white, black, tan, tricoloured; black and white being the most common.

Origin

The Border Collie is originally from the Anglo-Scottish border region, where it was developed for herding.

Behavior

The Border Collie is a very friendly, intelligent dog. They have boundless energy and are always eager to learn. Give them something productive to do and they will be happy. Border Collies are ideally suited to agility training, for example, and have won countless awards in this sport in recent times. Like all intelligent dogs, Border Collies require constant mental stimulation. Provide them with this, and you can be sure to have a happy, enthusiastic, even-tempered dog. 

Special features

The history of the Border Collie is steeped in myth and legend. For instance, its ancestors are thought to have been brought over to Scotland by the Vikings. Due to its excellent shepherding skills, the Border Collie is said to possess hypnotic eyes with which it is able to mesmerise cows.

Alternative Title

Obsolete names of the breed include Shepherd's Dog and bob-tailed sheep-dog.

Appearance

Size: 55 – 65 cm  Weight: approx. 30 kg  Colours: any shade of grey, grizzle, blue or blue merle, with optional white markings

Origin

Although this breed originates from England, its roots are more international. It has been speculated that ancestors include the Russian Owtchar, the Briard from France, the Bergamasco Shepherd, the Poodle and the Deerhound. As the name suggests, the Old English Sheepdog was originally bred as a working dog for herding.

Behavior

The Old English Sheepdog is an intelligent, good-natured dog that is eager to learn. Like other intelligent dogs, they need something productive to do, and enjoy being set specific tasks. For ideas and advice, it is worth visiting a dog training school or sports club.

Special features

Its long coat requires daily grooming to prevent tangles. If the coat becomes too tangled, it will require clipping. The Old English Sheepdog is still nicknamed Bob-tail (or Bobtail) because, historically, the tail was traditionally docked in this breed. Nowadays, many Old English Sheepdog are naturally bob-tailed (born without a tail). Although a randomly occurring trait, it became a breed preference, but has nothing to do with the former practice.

Alternative Title

English Beagle

Appearance

Size: 33 – 40 cm  Weight: 18 – 27 kg  Colours: many colour variations are possible (apart from one solid colour) although the tricolour (white with large black areas and light brown shading) is the most common. The tail should be tipped with white.

Origin

Great Britain. Beagles were developed primarily for hunting hares in packs, an activity known as beagling. 

Behavior

Beagles have a very friendly nature. They are quiet, but excitable and affectionate, and generally get along well with other dogs. This breed is not for couch potatoes! They like long walks and plenty of opportunities to sniff around outdoors. A pack dog by nature, Beagles develop strong bonds with their family. 

Special features

Beagles tend to have wonderful temperaments, and are relatively easy to care for and adaptable. It is these characteristics thatmake them popular hunting dogs and family pets. The Beagle is also known for its endearing bark, which includes a unique, distinctive baying sound.