Rottweiler

History and origin: The Rottweiler comes from the West German town of Rottweil in Wurttemberg. He was used as a cattle drover and guard dog in Germany.
Description: Rottweilers stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 120 pounds, with the males slightly larger than the females. With a […]

Rhodesian Ridgeback

History and origin: It is believed that Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and perhaps Greyhounds were interbred to produce this breed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in South Africa in the 18th century and was used to hunt big game over vast areas in extreme temperatures. This dog could go for long periods […]

Pointer

History and origin: The Pointer was first developed in northern Europe and Spain in the 16th century. This breed came into his own with the application of firearms for bird hunting, somewhere around the 18th century. The Pointer is an excellent hunter. He is famed for his classic […]

Pharaoh Hound

History and origin: An ancient breed, it is believed that the Phoenicians took these hounds with them when they settled on Malta and Gozo. This medium-sized sight hound was used by Egyptian nobility to hunt rabbits and gazelles.
Description: The Pharaoh Hound stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs between […]

Norwegian Elkhound

History and origin: The Norwegian Elkhound has existed in Norway for centuries and was used as a herd guarder and a hunter of elk and other game. This breed traces his lineage back to the Viking days. He was bred to have strength, an excellent sense of smell, endurance, and stamina […]

Newfoundland

History and origin: The Newfoundland originated from the northeast of Canada. Possibly the result of a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Labrador Retriever, this giant breed was used by fishermen in Newfoundland to help haul in nets, to rescue drowning victims, to pull carts, and to perform retrieval tasks in the […]

Mastiff

History and origin: The Mastiff, also known as Old English Mastiff, is one of the original ancient breed types, along with the hounds, herders, and Arctic types. He was distributed around the known world by Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman armies and traders. Peasants in England kept this breed to ward off […]

Old English Sheepdog

History and origin: Also known as the Bobtail, the Old English Sheepdog was developed in England in the 19th century. This breed served as a guard and a cattle dog. Nowadays, he is kept mainly as a beloved pet and companion.
Description: The Old English Sheepdog stands 21 to 24 […]

Labrador Retriever

History and origin: The Labrador Retriever came to Britain with fishermen from Newfoundland in the 1930’s. His job was to land the nets of fishermen. He is also a popular gundog in his early years. Nowadays, he is mostly enjoyed as a family pet in many parts of the world.
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Kuvasz Or Hungarian Kuvasz

History and origin: The Kuvasz was first seen in ancient Tibet and Turkey and was perfected in medieval Hungary. His name comes from a Turkish word meaning “guardian of the peace.” He was used to guard herds, to hunt, and to protect his home. The original Kuvasz […]