This breeds ancestor was cross-bred to a Dalmatian, giving many individuals in this breed the unique speckled pattern
Australian Cattle Dog
originated from Afghanistan
Thick, fine, silky coat with a tail that has a curl at the end
No longer used for hunting, but was used by tribes to hunt gazelles
Afghan Hound
Originated in Germany
Sweet but stubborn temperament, docked tail, medium size
Known for using their front paws to play
Boxer
Originated in France
Pointing breed (a gundog used to find game by stopping and “pointing” its muzzle toward the game)
Medium size, docked tail/tailless, dense coat
Brittany Spaniel
Originated in France
Small size and charming personality
Were often used as circus dogs and street performers
Known for their fluffy white coat
Bichon Frise
The terrier group consists of dogs with a wide variety of size and feisty personalities. They were all bred to do what?
Kill Pests
Originated in Mexico
Terrier-like attitude (aggressive and active)
Small size, can have a short or long coat
Chihuahua
originated in the western United States
Medium length coat that is very thick
Docked tail or naturally bobbed
Often used at rodeos, ranches, and farms to herd horses, cattle, sheep, and duck
Australian Shepherd
Modern breed originated in central Africa
This breeds job is to find large game and flush it out into nets
Large, erect ears and tail is curled onto their back
Basenji
originated in Germany
Designed to hunt boar
One of the largest breeds (110-190lbs), powerful, muscular frame, short coat
Great Dane
Flushes out game and retrieves it
Smallest dog in the Sporting Group
Known for cheery disposition, however, poor breeding has caused an increase in bad temperaments
Most popular AKC breed until 1990
Cocker Spaniel
The “American Gentleman” originated in Boston, Massachusetts (America)
Little dogs with round heads, large and erect ears, and screw tails
Boston Terrier
originated in Scotland and England
Purpose was to dig out and kill vermin
Short legs and long body
Most common color is black
They are known for their bearded hair and skirts
Scottish Terrier
Originated from Spain
Name means “butterfly” in French (name came from its ears)
Long, fine, silky coat
Papillon
Originated on the border between Scotland and England
Highly intelligent and energetic
Strong herding instincts, often herd cattle and sheep (many believe they are the best herding breed)
This breed does NOT have a docked tail (AKC standard)
Border Collie
originated in France
They have a long body and ears with short legs
Powerful scenting ability
Used for small game and people that hunt on their feet (as apposed to on horseback)
Basset Hound
originated in Portugal
This breed loves water and is a coastal retriever (was important in the fishing industry)
Thick, curly/wavy coat
Portuguese Water Dog
originated in Germany
Pointing breed
Multipurpose hunting dog
Cross between bird dogs and scent hounds
Black or Liver with White Variations & Ticking
German Shorthaired Pointer
Originated in southern China
Wrinkly face and body, turned down ears, and curled tail
One of two breeds to have a blue tongue
Chinese Sharpei
Originated in Scotland
Coat color can change over time (usually becomes darker as they get older)
Scruffy Dogs with black masks and markings
Cairn Terrier
Originated in China
Largest of the toy breeds, curled tail
Very flat face (leads to snoring and snorting)
Pug
originated in Germany to herd sheep
Large size (50-90lbs) and a medium energy level
Today, this breed is often used for police work, disability services, search-and-rescue, and military work
German Shepherd
Originated in France and is the largest scent hound
Originally used to hunt deer and wild boar, and to track people
Large, loose jowls, large snout, and long ears
Bloodhound
originated in Germany
Used as a guard dog
Intelligent and reliable personality, dark body color with rust points, docked tail, erect ears (usually cropped)
Doberman Pinscher
Originated in Germany
Known for silver coat
Mainly used to hunt birds and waterfoul
Weimaraner
Originated in China (very old breed)
The second of two breeds to have a blue tongue
Likely descends from the Tibetan mastiff
Chow Chow
originate from Scotland
Small game hunters
Originally found in multiple colors, now white is the only recognized color
West Highland White Terrier
originate from Germany
Used as a ratter in barns (despite their excellent ratting abilities, they are not classified as terriers)
Docked tail, erect ears, short coat
They look like miniature versions of the Doberman
Miniature Pinscher
Originated in Wales (British decedents of Viking dogs)
Medium energy and size (25-30lbs)
Were used for herding cattle and sheep
Long body with short legs and big, erect ears (being low to the ground was an advantage when the cows would kick at the dogs!)
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
originated in Germany
They have long bodies and ears, short legs, and can have either a long or short coat
Used to hunt many species, including otters, rabbits, badgers, and other burrowing pests
Good scenting ability and loves to dig
Dachshund
Originated in France
Often used for pulling carts and guarding flocks of sheep from predators (large breed)
Descendants of mastiff-type dogs
White Coat
Great Pyrenes
Originated in Ireland
Known for solid red feathered coat (only recognized color!)
Bird dog with long ears
Irish Setter
Originated in Croatia
Unique black and white spotting pattern
These dogs love to run and were often used to run alongside carriages and horseback riders, they discouraged stray dogs from tampering with the horses or carriage
Dalmation
Originated in England
Strong hunting instincts
Main body color is white with colored markings common
Parsons Russell Terrier
originated in China
Large head, flat face, long coat
Strong personality that likes to be in charge (despite their small size)
Pekingese
originated on the Shetland Islands to herd sheep
They are medium sized (<30lbs)
Pedigree is not well known, but likely a descendent of the Scottish Collie and the King Charles Spaniel
Shetland Sheepdog
Developed in Zimbabwe
Distinctive hair pattern
Used to distract lions, allowing hunters to shoot
Also used as bird dogs and guard dogs for livestock and family
Rhodesian Ridgeback
originated in the Swiss valleys
Used to pull carts, guard livestock, and alert the family to danger
Very large breed (130-180lbs) with a short or long coat
St.Bernard
originated in Newfoundland
Only three AKC recognized colors (black, yellow, and chocolate) – silver is not recognized by the AKC
Versatile breed – avid water dog and great companion
Ranked the most popular purebred breed for the past 10 years
Labrador Retriever
Originated in Germany
Used as water retrievers
Very popular breed (Especially in France)
Poodle
Originated in England
White and colored varieties
Strong muscle and hunting instinct, roman nose and large, erect ears
Bull Terrier
Thought to originate from Tibet
Bred to do nothing (companions) and look cute doing it
Long, silky double coat, tail carried over back
Shih Tzu