The American Bulldog is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Though larger in size, they are the closest surviving relative of the Old English Bulldog, because they were not altered to as great an extent while in America as their European cousins. There are generally considered to be two types of American Bulldog, the Johnson type and the Scott type. These types are named after the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These are more commonly known as Classic, or Bully type, and Standard, or Performance type.

Appearance

The American Bulldog is a stocky and well built, strong-looking dog with powerful jaws. Its coat is short and generally smooth. The breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colours, while historically predominantly white, have grown in recent years to include any colour pattern: including black, red, brown, fawn and all shades of brindle. The colour conformation is quite varied, but blue or any degree of merle is undesirable. It is considered a fault or disqualification by most breed standards. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is preferred, with only some pink being allowed. Eye colour is usually brown. American Bulldogs can be droolers. This varies and is more prevalent in those that are looser jowled or lipped. The Johnson is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle. Scott types often resemble a large, leggy Pit Bull. It is important to note that many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types. In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 to 57 kg (60 to 130 lb) and are 52 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) at the withers, but have been known to greatly exceed in that “out of standard”, non working, stock. The Johnson type is often confused with the “white” Boxer due to the strong resemblance between the two breeds.

Temperament

An American Bulldog is typically a happy and friendly dog that is at ease with its family and fine with outsiders. They bond strongly with their master and family. This breed tolerates children and can do well with them, provided they are socialised early. The more exposure to good training practices, other dogs and people, the more likely the success at being controlled both inside and outside of their environment. One way to help accomplish this goal can be done in the simplest of ways, by walking them regularly in a local park. There they can meet other people and dogs. While its genetics and breeding were to produce a working farm utility dog that could catch and hold large herbivores, kill vermin, and guard an owner’s property, when properly introduced and socialised, this breed can become a great family pet. Some American bulldogs are very protective of owners, and have been known to become aggressive with other dogs within their territory.

American Bulldogs do best in a home with a medium to large sized backyard and lots of exercise. This breed’s high prey drive can sometimes make them unsuitable for homes that have cats and smaller pets, but the correct socialisation at an early age (see above, temperament) will greatly increase the chances of them accepting these animals. Aggressiveness towards other strange dogs, especially those of the same sex, is not uncommon.

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The Alaskan Malamute is a generally large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originally bred for use as an Alaskan sled dog. It is sometimes mistaken for a Siberian Husky, but in fact is quite different in many ways.

Appearance

The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard calls for a natural range of size, with a desired freighting size of 23 inches (584 mm) and 75 pounds (34 kg) for females, 25 inches (635 mm) and 85 pounds (39 kg) for males. Heavier individuals (90 lb (41 kg)) and dogs smaller than 75 pounds (34 kg) are commonly seen. There is often a marked size difference between males and females. Weights upwards of 120 pounds (54 kg) are occasionally seen, but this is uncommon and such dogs are produced primarily by breeders who market a ‘giant Malamute.’ These large sizes are not in accordance with the breed’s history or show standards.

The coat is a dense double northern dog coat, somewhat “harsher” (in a certain sense) than that of the smaller Siberian Husky. The usual colours are various shades of grey and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or solid white. Blue and white (slate grey with grey pigment) also is seen in the breed. Eyes are almond-shaped and are always various shades of brown (from dark to light, honey or hazel brown); blue eyed Malamutes will be disqualified in conformation shows, as they would not be a purebred Malamute, but mixed with perhaps a Siberian Husky. The physical build of the Malamute is compact with heavy bone, in most (but not all) cases. In this context ‘compact’ means that their height to length ratio is slightly longer than tall, unlike dogs like Great Danes which are longer and lankier in their ratios.

The primary criterion for judging the Malamute in a show is its function to pull heavy freight as a sled dog; everything else is secondary. As many an owner has found out, the pulling power of a Malamute is tremendous.

According to the AKC breed standard, the Malamute’s tail is well furred and is carried over the back like a “waving plume”. Corkscrew tails are occasionally seen but are faulted in the AKC breed standard (a corkscrew tail is commonly seen in the Akita). The Malamutes’ well-furred tails aid in keeping them warm when they curl up in the snow. They are often seen wrapping the tail around their nose and face, which presumably helps protect them against harsh weather such as blowing snow. Their ears are generally upright.

Temperament

A few Malamutes are still in use as sled dogs for personal travel, hauling freight, or helping move heavy objects, some are used for the recreational pursuit of sledding also known as mushing, also skijoring, bikejoring, and canicross. However, most Malamutes today are kept as family pets or show dogs or performance dogs in Weight pulling or Dog agility or packing. The Malamute is generally slower in long-distance dogsled racing against smaller and faster breeds and their working usefulness is limited to freighting or travelling over long distances at a far slower rate than that required for racing. They can also help move heavy objects over shorter distances.

The Malamute retains more of its original form and function than many other modern breeds. If a dog owner cannot cope with a dog that will not comply with the owner’s every command, a more compliant breed should be selected. This dog has a long genetic foundation of living in the harshest environment imaginable, and many of its behaviours are evolved to conform with “survival of the fittest.” Independence, resourcefulness and primitive behaviours are common in the breed. While intelligent, they are widely believed to be one of the most difficult dogs to train.

There is reason to believe that Alaskan Malamutes sometimes cope poorly with smaller animals, including other canines; however, this has been difficult to document in detail beyond observational data. It is difficult to pinpoint why many Malamute owners have observed this behaviour with smaller animals, though some might speculate this is due to the Malamute’s uniquely divergent ancestry, at one point cross-breeding with wolves. Due to their naturally evolved beginnings, the Malamute tends to have a heightened prey drive when compared to some other breeds of dog. So while Malamutes are, as a general rule, particularly amiable around people and can be taught to tolerate other pets, it is necessary to be mindful of them around smaller animals.

Generally speaking, time and experience will show if a dog can be left unwatched with other household pets. In this respect, it is also important to understand that just because a Malamute is comfortable with other pets, this does not mean it will be comfortable around all other animals it encounters.

Malamutes are quite fond of people, a trait that makes them particularly sought-after family dogs. Despite this, it is important to watch them with small children because of their size and strength, as it is with any comparably sized dog breed, despite generally sweet personalities. Malamutes are nimble around furniture and smaller items, making them ideal house dogs, provided they get plenty of time outdoors meeting their considerable exercise requirements. If they are year-round outdoor dogs, letting them play in a baby pool filled with cold water in summer keeps them cool. In the winter, they love snow.

The majority of Malamutes are fairly quiet dogs, seldom barking like most other dog breeds. When a malamute does vocalise, more often than not they tend to “talk” by vocalising a “woo woo” sound (the characteristic vocalisations of Chewbacca in the Star Wars films are based upon a Malamute named Indiana once owned by George Lucas). They may howl like wolves or coyotes, and for the same reasons.

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The Akita Inu is a breed of large dog originating in Japan, named for Akita Prefecture, where it is thought to have originated. It is sometimes called the Akita-ken based on the Sino-Japanese reading of the same kanji. It is considered a separate breed from the American Akita in most countries (with the exception of the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs) as requested by the Japanese Kennel Club. The Japanese Akita Inu is quite uncommon in most countries.

Appearance

The breed stands anywhere from 60–66 cm (24–26 in) at the withers. Females weigh anywhere from 30–45 kg (70–100 lb) and males are 35–54 kg (75–119 lb). The Akita Inu comes in only five colours: Red, Fawn, Sesame, Brindle, and Pure White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and tail. Black masks, as seen in the American Akita, are not permitted in the Japanese Akita Inu.

All colours are accepted in the American Akita. The Pinto colour is not accepted as a Japanese Akita colour, but is as an American Akita colour. In the U.S., some breeders interbreed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and allows more colours. It is felt by some that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. There is only a single Akita breed registered by the American Kennel Club; in all other countries besides Canada the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita Inu and the American Akita.

Temperament

Akita Inu are renowned as loyal dogs and also intelligent and because of their intelligence are easily bored. As a result, they often become destructive if not given anything to do. Akita Inu can live happily in apartments as long as they are given plenty of exercise. They need to be socialised as puppies so they are friendly dogs. Although they love human companionship, they are quite happy to be outside dogs as well, but should still be taken out for walks to prevent destruction of the yard. Akita Inu often become excitable when seeing their owners, often wiggling around and making happy grunts.

Akita Inu are very good with children, and are often quite playful, although they should be watched around small children as they could knock them over during play.

The Akita Inu have a reputation for sometimes being aggressive towards smaller animals or other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. However they can live happily with other dogs and animals providing they are socialised well. They are excellent guard dogs and naturally protective of their home and family. The Akita Inu has a reputation for being an excellent house dog. They make great family dogs with the right training and socialisation.

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The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to “Airedale” or “ADT” is a breed of the terrier type, originating in Airedale, a geographic area in Yorkshire, England. It traditionally was called the “King of Terriers” because before the creation of the Black Russian Terrier by the NKVD, the Airedale was largest of the terrier breeds. The breed has also been called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire which runs through Airedale. In England this breed has also been used as a police dog.

Appearance

The Airedale is the largest of the Terriers originating in Britain. They weigh 25–30 kilograms (55–66 lb) and have a height at the withers of 58–61 centimetres (23–24 in) for dogs, with bitches slightly smaller. The American Kennel Club standard specifies a smaller dog, approximately 17-20 inches at the withers, with bitches slightly smaller. Larger ADTs, up to 55 kilograms (120 lb) can be found in the New World. They are often called “Oorangs.” This was the name of a kennel in Ohio in the early 1900s.

The Airedale has a medium length black and tan coat with a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat. They are an alert and energetic breed, “not aggressive but fearless.” It has been claimed that the large “hunting” type or Oorang Airedales are more game than the smaller “show” type Airedales. The large type are usually used for big game hunting and as family guardians or as pets, but usually do poorly in AKC conformation shows. The Airedale terrier is the largest of the terriers and stands square in appearance.

Coat

Like many terriers, the breed has a ‘broken’ coat. The coat is hard, dense and wiry, not so long as to appear ragged, and lies straight and close, covering body and legs. The outer coat is hard, wiry and stiff, while the undercoat shorter and softer. The hardest coats are crinkling or just slightly waved. Curly soft coats are highly undesirable.

Airedales being shown or those who want their Airedale’s coat to look healthy are generally groomed by hand stripping where a small serrated edged knife is used to pull out loose hair from the dog’s coat. With regular grooming, the Airedale may shed very little. Although the Airedale often appears on lists of dogs that do not shed (moult), this is misleading. Every hair in the dog coat grows from a hair follicle, and has a cycle of growing, then being shed, then being replaced by another hair in the same follicle. The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog. “There is no such thing as a non shedding breed.”

The “correct” (according to the AKC breed standard) coat colour is either a black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black mixed with grey and white).

Tail

The Airedale’s tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard authorities. To show an Airedale in the United States, the official AKC standard states “The root of the tail should be set well up on the back. It should be carried gaily but not curled over the back. It should be of good strength and substance and of fair length”., while in the UK it is illegal to dock dogs’ tails unless it’s for the dog’s benefit (e.g., if the tail is broken). Traditionally the fluffy tail is left long.

Eyes

The Airedale’s eyes “should be dark in colour, small, not prominent, full of terrier expression, keenness and intelligence” Light or bold eyes are considered highly undesirable.

Some Airedales do suffer from eye diseases, such as congenital retina conditions.

Mouth

Airedales have a normal ‘scissor bite’, where the top teeth close over the bottom. Airedales’ teeth are the largest among terriers, and can inflict a strong bite. The Airedale is not normally aggressive, but like any dog of similar size, a bite can cause severe injury.

Size

According to the American Kennel Club, Airedale terrier males should measure approximately 23 inches in height at the shoulder; bitches, slightly less. There is no mention of a specific weight, although the standard states that both sexes should be sturdy, well muscled and boned. At 23 to 24 inches, a dog should weigh approximately 50 – 70 pounds, being active and agile enough to perform well, while not too small to function as a physical deterrent, retriever or hunter. Some breeders have produced larger Airedale Terriers, such as the ‘Oorang Airedale’, developed in the 1920s.

Ex-Army captain and Airedale breeder Walter Lingo’s monthly magazine “Oorang Comments” (#25, page 81), stated unequivocally that “When full grown your Airedale dog will weigh from forty to fifty-five pounds and if a female will weigh slightly less. This is the standard weight, but when required, we can furnish over-sized Airedales whose weight will be from sixty to one hundred pounds.”

Because Lingo tried to fill orders for everyone, the Oorang strain size was never standardised. Airedales weighing from 40 to 100 pounds were produced, but for the most part they were approximately 50 pounds and 22 to 23 inches at the shoulder.

Temperament

The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunting dog. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem working with cattle and livestock. However, an Airedale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy the animals. Strong-willed, with the tenacity commonly seen in terriers, the Airedale is a formidable opponent.

The Airedale Terrier, like most Terriers, has been bred to hunt independently. As a result, the dog is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can sometimes be stubborn. They rank 29th in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs, being of above average working/obedience intelligence. The Airedale is a dog with a great sense of humour. For those who can laugh along with their Airedale, the dog can provide a unique and entertaining company. For those who don’t appreciate being outsmarted by their dog, owning an Airedale can be a trying experience. Patience and consistency in training will be rewarded as the Airedales have been known to reach great heights in competitive obedience, dog agility, and Schutzhund. Airedales need an owner that can be creative in teaching what is expected. Airedales usually get bored easily and need a trainer that has the ability to make working fun and exciting. Changing the routine or taking a play-break is much more productive than trying to force the Airedale. If children and Airedale are both trained correctly, Airedales can be an excellent choice for a family dog.

Albert Payson Terhune wrote of the Airedale: “Among the mine-pits of the Aire, the various groups of miners each sought to develop a dog which could outfight and outhunt and outthink the other miner’s dogs. Tests of the first-named virtues were made in inter-mine dog fights. Bit by bit, thus, an active, strong, heroic, compactly graceful and clever dog was evolved – the earliest true form of the Airedale.

He is swift, formidable, graceful, big of brain, an ideal chum and guard. ….To his master he is an adoring pal. To marauders he is a destructive lightning bolt.”

They are also very loving, always in the middle of the family activities. Airedales are also known for expressing exactly what they are thinking, unlike more aloof breeds. The Airedale is also a reliable and protective family pet. Airedales are exceedingly loyal and strong dogs; there is one story of an Airedale taking down a bear to protect its master. They are very energetic, and need plenty of exercise.

The Airedale is also stoic, able to withstand pain and injury. An Airedale’s injuries and illnesses often go unnoticed until they become severe and require veterinary attention. The Airedale terrier will usually do OK with children if they have early exposure and socialisation, however they may play too rough for very small ones.

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The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest, if not the first sighthound dog breed. Distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where it was originally used to hunt hares, and gazelles by coursing them. Its local name is Sag-e Tāzī. Other alternate names for this breed are Kuchi Hound, Tāzī, Balkh Hound, Baluchi Hound, Barutzy Hound, Shalgar Hound, Kabul Hound, Galanday Hound, or sometimes incorrectly African Hound.

Appearance

The Afghan Hound is tall, standing 24 to 29 inches (61 to 74 cm) in height and weighing 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg). The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. Some specimens have facial hair that looks like a Manchu moustache that are called “mandarins.” Some Afghan Hounds are almost white, but particolour hounds (white with islands of red or black) are not acceptable and may indicate impure breeding. The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back in the mature dog are distinctive features of the Afghan Hound coat. The high hipbones and unique small ring on the end of the tail are also characteristics of the breed.

Temperament

The temperament of the typical Afghan Hound can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when playing. The Afghan Hounds’ intelligence and reasoning skills have made it a successful competitor in dog agility trials as well as an intuitive therapy dog and companion. Genomic studies have pointed to the Afghan Hound as one of the oldest of dog breeds (P. Savolainen et al. Science 298, 1610 Nov 22, 2002.)

The breed has a reputation among some dog trainers of having a relatively slow “obedience intelligence” as defined by author Stanley Coren or a recent survey of dog obedience judges.

However, these tests are reliant on obedience tasks, for which Afghans are not naturally inclined. The Afghan Hound has many cat-like tendencies and is not slavish in its obedience as are some other breeds. It is an independent dog, with strong pack allegiance and prey drive, which has helped it survive as a breed for several thousand years. Afghans are likely to refuse or ignore commands from humans or trainers with which they have not developed a close working relationship, but even owners should not be surprised if their Afghan hounds sometimes choose to ignore commands. Although seldom used today for hunting in Europe and America where they are popular, Afghan hounds are frequent participants in lure coursing events and are also popular in the sport of conformation showing.

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