Breed of the Month

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

An old English breed, the Fox Terrier dog was used in the 18th century by foxhunters who needed a compact, energetic, bold dog who would go to ground after quarry. The hunter would carry the dog on horseback in a sack or box while following the foxhounds in hot pursuit; when the fox took cover, the hunter would set the terrier down to rout it out. The Fox Terrier was bred to be a quick thinker, relying on his instincts rather than orders from his owner. History has dictated that he should be mostly white, with no red allowed in the coat, so that he could be easily distinguished from the fox in the fray of the hunt.
There are two types of Fox Terrier, distinguished by coat: Wire and Smooth. Although coat is the only major difference between them today, authorities believe that the Smooth and Wire probably have very different origins. Ancestors of the Smooth are believed to include England’s smooth-coated black and tan terrier, the Bull Terrier, and even the Greyhound and Beagle. The Wire is believed to have descended from the rough-coated black and tan terrier of Wales.

Read more about the Wire Fox Terrier.

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Excerpted from World Atlas of Dog Breeds, 6th Edition. © 2009 T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Used by Permission.

Country of Origin: Germany
Height: 21.5–26 inches
Weight: 48.5–88 pounds
Coat: Double coat with medium-length, straight, dense, harsh, close-lying outercoat and thick undercoat; may have neck ruff
Colors: Most colors allowed except white
Registries (with Group): AKC (Herding); UKC (Herding)

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

The German Shepherd Dog (“GSD”) is one of the most widely recognized breeds in the world, known and favored in many countries for its intelligence, trainability, adaptability and fortitude. The foundation of this breed can be traced to the work of Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz (known as the father of the breed) who, while attending a dog show, bought a working dog who possessed all the qualities he believed essential for a strong, capable German herder. In April 1899, von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horand von Grafrath with the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, the club for German Shepherd Dogs that he cofounded. Von Stephanitz controlled and directed this club that promoted German Shepherds from 1899 to 1935. As demand for herding decreased, von Stephanitz was determined not to let his Shepherds decline. He encouraged the breed’s use by the police and the military—during World War I, there were 48,000 Shepherds “enlisted” in the German Army. Today, the GSD serves perhaps in more ways than any other breed—they excel at search and rescue, police work, army and sentry work, scent discrimination, as guide and assistance dogs, and of course, as companions.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

The accolades of the German Shepherd Dog include exceptional loyalty, bravery, and intelligence. As a dog who performs many special services and a host of tasks, he is by nature poised and unexcitable, with well-controlled nerves. He must be patient, quick thinking, discriminating, and keenly observant. The well-bred German Shepherd Dog is capable of excelling at any number of things, including family companion and protector. He is gentle and kind with children of all ages and amazingly tuned in to the people around him.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

• Exercise: The athletic, intelligent, and sensitive German Shepherd Dog does best with regular and vigorous exercise. He has been trained to do just about everything and anything, and performing work or engaging in sports and activities with people is what he is all about. As adaptable as he is, the GSD is not a dog who can sit inside all day waiting for the occasional outing. He must be stimulated physically and mentally to reach his potential.
• Grooming: The dense undercoat of the German Shepherd Dog requires regular brushing to keep it under control. He is a seasonally heavy shedder. Otherwise, the coat serves its protective and insulating purposes and takes care of itself. He should not be bathed frequently because it depletes the skin and coat of essential oils.
• Life Span: 10 to 14 years.
• Training: German Shepherd Dogs thrive with training. Used for years as service dogs, they also excel in sports such as competitive obedience, herding, agility, flyball, and many others. GSDs are quick learners who don’t bore easily, although they do appreciate a quick-thinking trainer who will keep them challenged.

Find a Nylabone chew, treat, or toy for your German Shepherd Dog or large dog!

Excerpted from World Atlas of Dog Breeds, 6th Edition. © 2009 T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Used by Permission.

Country of Origin: Siberia
Height: 20–23.5 inches
Weight: 35–60 pounds
Coat: Double coat with medium-length, straight, soft, somewhat smooth-lying outercoat and soft, dense undercoat
Colors: All colors from black to pure white; variety of markings on head are common
Registries (with Group): AKC (Working); UKC (Northern)

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

The nomadic Chukchi tribe of extreme Northeast Asia bred dogs of this type since ancient times to pull sledges and hunt reindeer. For centuries, continuing through the 19th century, the Chukchi people were famous for their excellent long-distance sled dogs. The tribe lived in permanent inland settlements and had to travel long distances to hunt the sea mammals that fed both people and dogs. A small sled dog was ideal—one who could exist on little food. Neither sprinters nor freighters, these dogs were endurance animals who could pull light loads of killed game at moderate speeds over long distances. Then known as the Siberian Chukchi, the breed first arrived in the United States in 1909, brought across the Bering Strait from Siberia to Alaska. The dogs took to life and work there as readily as they did in their homeland.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

The Siberian is fun loving, friendly, gentle, alert, and outgoing. As a puppy, he is playful and mischievous; as he matures, he becomes more dignified and reserved. Still, he is not possessive, territorial, or suspicious of strangers. He was bred to live and work as part of a team, so he does not like to be alone. The Siberian gets along well with children and other dogs, but he is predatory toward smaller animals. He has a tendency to howl rather than bark.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

• Exercise: The Siberian was bred to run tirelessly for long distances in front of a sled. Understandably, his need for ample exercise is inborn. He should have a large, escape-proof yard in which to run around, as well as a daily run or jog on a leash.
• Grooming: The Siberian’s coat requires only minimal attention, except during shedding season, when he loses his entire undercoat. He should be combed daily during those periods.
• Life Span: 10 to 14 years.
• Training: This dog was bred to run in front of a sled and make his own decisions. He also loves to chase small animals. Given those facts, no amount of training will make it safe for him to be off lead outside of a fenced area. He is intelligent and friendly, but he can be stubborn and may obey a command only if he sees a point to it.

Excerpted from World Atlas of Dog Breeds, 6th Edition. © 2009 T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Used by Permission.

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Height: 18–22 inches
Weight: 27–45 pounds
Coat: Two varieties—moderately long double coat is close, dense, weather resistant, with coarse, straight or wavy, moderately long outer coat and soft, short, dense undercoat; smooth double coat, short and coarser than rough variety
Colors: All colors, combinations, markings
Registries (with Group): AKC (Herding); UKC (Herding)

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

The Border Collie is a sheep herding dog developed in the border country between Scotland, England, and Wales. Hundreds of years ago, most breeds of dogs were not clearly defined, and the Border Collie was simply known as a collie, sheepdog, or shepherd’s dog. The formation of the International Sheep Dog Society in 1906 helped stimulate interest in the shepherd and establish the Border Collie’s modern heritage. The breeding programs started to favor the quality of “eye” (a hypnotic stare that wills the sheep to move and turn) and a more trainable nature in order to win herding trials. The first notable dog of type was Old Hemp, born in 1894, who is considered the founder of the modern Border Collie breed. Today, besides working as exceptional farm dogs, Border Collies are renowned for their prowess in the fast-paced sport of agility, where accuracy and speed matter.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Border Collies are considered one of the most intelligent breeds of dog on the planet. They are energetic, sturdy, sensitive, and able to make snap decisions on their own. They are friendly with familiar people and standoffish with strangers. Most Border Collies are workaholics—driven to herd anything and everyone continuously, although occasionally a more laid-back temperament can be seen. All Border Collies are happiest when given a chore and need to have an outlet for their energy.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

• Exercise: The Border Collie needs lots of vigorous physical exercise to keep him content. He needs mental stimulation as well—chores, activities, attention, and tasks.
• Grooming: Both the coarser-haired and sleek-coated Border Collies need regular brushing to keep their coats free of dead hair and looking their best.
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
• Training: The Border Collie’s intense drive, desire, and intelligence make him exceptionally trainable.

Excerpted from World Atlas of Dog Breeds, 6th Edition. © 2009 T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Used by Permission.