Miniature Bull Terrier

Characteristics
The Miniature Bull Terrier must be strongly built, symmetrical and active, with a keen, determined and intelligent expression. He should be full of fire, having a courageous, even temperament and be amenable to discipline.

Owning
The Miniature Bull Terrier has a sense of humor and natural ebullience and is known for his clownish antics. The Miniature Bull Terier has a cheerful, outgoing fearless disposition.

Did You Know
The Miniature Bull Terrier was accepted in Miscellaneous Class in 1963 and accepted as a breed in 1991. In early 19th century the Bulldog & now the extinct White English Terrier were interbred to produce the ''Bull and Terrier'' later known as the Bull Terrier.

Manchester Terrier

Characteristics
A small, black, short-coated dog with distinctive rich mahogany markings and a taper style tail. In structure the Manchester presents a sleek, sturdy, yet elegant look, and has a wedge-shaped, long and clean head with a keen, bright, alert expression. The smooth, compact, muscular body expresses great power and agility, enabling the Manchester to kill vermin and course small game. Except for size and ear options, there are no differences between the Standard and Toy varieties of the Manchester Terrier. The Toy is a diminutive version of the Standard variety.

Owning
The Manchester Terrier is a devoted affectionate dog who makes a good house pet and watch dog.

Did You Know
The Manchester Terrier was known long ago as ''the gentlemen's terrier''. The Manchester was bred in England in the district of Manchester to kill vermin and course small game. There are two varieties of the Manchester Terrier, the toy and the standard

Jack Russell Terrier

General Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier was developed in the south of England in the 1800's as a white terrier to work European red fox both above and below ground. The terrier was named for the Reverend John Russell, whose terriers trailed hounds and bolted foxes from dens so the hunt could ride on. To function as a working terrier, he must possess certain characteristics: a ready attitude, alert and confident; balance in height and length; medium in size and bone, suggesting strength and endurance. Important to breed type is a natural appearance: harsh, weatherproof coat with a compact construction and clean silhouette. The coat is broken or smooth. He has a small, flexible chest to enable him to pursue his quarry underground and sufficient length of leg to follow the hounds. Old scars and injuries, the result of honorable work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a terrier's chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with movement or utility for work or breeding.

Characteristics
Bold and friendly. Athletic and clever. At work he is a game hunter, tenacious and courageous. At home he is playful, exuberant and overwhelmingly affectionate. He is an independent and energetic terrier and requires his due portion of attention. He should not be quarrelsome. Shyness should not be confused with submissiveness. Submissiveness is not a fault.

Vizsla

General Appearance
That of a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built; the coat is an attractive solid golden rust. This is a dog of power and drive in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.

Owning
Vizslas are small enough to be good dogs for a city apartment, but remember like other sporting dogs they require daily exercise. Vizsla's are sensitive dogs, devoted to those who treat them kindly and give them attention. The Vizsla is not very discriminating to who he shows affection, he loves everyone.

Temperament
A natural hunter endowed with a good nose and above-average ability to take training. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a well developed protective instinct.

Did You Know
The Vizsla is also called a Hungarian Pointer. At the end of World War I, the Vizsla was all but extinct. The importation of the breed into the United States began in the 1950s. The breed was admitted into the American Kennel Club in 1960.

Irish Setter

General Appearance
The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight, fine, glossy coat, longer on ears, chest, tail and back of legs. Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured, trainable companion.

Owning
The Irish Setter's coat requires weekly attention to avoid mats. The Irish Setter likes lots of exercise and requires long walks. The Irish Setter is not an early developer and they frequently require more training than some other breeds.

Temperament
The Irish Setter has a rollicking personality. Shyness, hostility or timidity are uncharacteristic of the breed. An outgoing, stable temperament is the essence of the Irish Setter.

Did You Know
The solid red Irish Setter first appeared in Ireland in the 19th century. The earliest ancestors of the Irish Setter were not solid red, in fact, they were red and white. The Irish Setter first became popular in the 18th century.

Dalmatian

Characteristics
The Dalmatian is a distinctively spotted dog; poised and alert; strong, muscular and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression; symmetrical in outline; and without exaggeration or coarseness. The Dalmatian is capable of great endurance, combined with fair amount of speed.

Owning
The Dalmatian is a naturally clean dog who is easy to bath and groom. Daily brushing minimizes shedding. The Dalmatian may appear snobbish with strangers, but loves his family. The have a great sense of humor and many of them smile when happy

Did You Know
The Dalmatian is believed to come from a region in west Yugoslavia known as Dalmatia. Dalmatian puppies are born solid white in color and develop their spots later. Dalmatians activities have varied from a dog of war to a bird dog and a retriever. However, Dalmatians are mostly known for coaching.

Ibizan

General Appearance
The Ibizan's clean-cut lines, large prick ears and light pigment give it a unique appearance. A hunting dog whose quarry is primarily rabbits, this ancient hound was bred for thousands of years with function being of prime importance. Lithe and racy, the Ibizan possesses a deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter. Strong, without appearing heavily muscled, the Ibizan is a hound of moderation. With the exception of the ears, he should not appear extreme or exaggerated. In the field the Ibizan is as fast as top coursing breeds and without equal in agility, high jumping and broad jumping ability. He is able to spring to great heights from a standstill.

Characteristics
The Ibizan has an elegant, deer-like look. The eyes are oblique and small, ranging in color from clear amber to caramel. The rims are the color of the nose and are fully or partially pigmented. The appearance of the eye is intelligent, alert and inquisitive. The ears are large, pointed, and natural. On alert the ear should never droop, bend, or crease. Highly mobile, the ear can point forward, sideways, or be folded backward, according to mood. On alert, the lowest point of the base is at level of the eye. On frontal examination, the height of the ear is approximately 2? times that of the widest point of the base.

Owning
Ibizan Hounds are very neat dogs who clean themselves much like cats. Ibizan Hounds require a great deal of exercise and should only be allowed off leash in a fenced in area. They are very agile dogs, able to jump great heights from a standstill. It is recommended that Ibizan Hound owners have fences at least 6' in height. The Ibizan Hound is even-tempered, affectionate, loyal, and friendly, and makes an excellent family pet.

Temperament
The Ibizan Hound is even-tempered, affectionate and loyal. Extremely versatile and trainable, he makes an excellent family pet, and is well suited to the breed ring, obedience, tracking and lure-coursing. He exhibits a keen, natural hunting instinct with much determination and stamina in the field

Did You Know
Phoenician sailors are said to have brought these dogs to the island of Ibiza in the eighth century. Hannibal, himself an Ibizan, took some of these dogs with him on his famous trip across the Alps. Ibizan Hound history is traceable back to approximately 3400 B.C. Ibizan Hound breeding stock was first imported to the U.S. by Colonel and Mrs. Consuelo Seoane. Their first two hounds, Hannibal and Tanit, produced a litter of eight puppies on September 3, 1956. The Ibizan Hound Club of the United States became an AKC member club and gained specialty show status in 1992.

Borzoi

General Appearance
Mature males should be at least 28 inches at the withers and mature bitches at least 26 inches at the withers. Dogs and bitches below these respective limits should be severely penalized; dogs and bitches above the respective limits should not be penalized as long as extra size is not acquired at the expense of symmetry, speed and staying quality. Range in weight for males from 75 to 105 pounds and for bitches from 15 to 20 pounds less.

Owning
The Borzoi's coat is known to shed. Borzois require vigorous exercise to keep them in fit condition. Due to their sight hound heritage, Borzois should never be left off a leash or let to roam outside of a fenced yard. Borzois are very quiet dogs who seldom bark. Although the Borzoi is a large dog, it will happily curl up in a corner very comfortably.

Did You Know
The Borzoi originated in 17th-century Russia, when Arabian greyhounds were crossed with a thick-coated, Russian breed. The Borzoi was once known as the Russian Wolfhound. In 1650, the first Borzoi standard was written. As far as is known, the first Borzoi that came to America was brought over from England in 1889 by William Wade of Hulton, Pennsylvania, this hound being purchased from Freeman Lloyd.

Belgian Tervuren

General Appearance
The first impression of the Belgian Tervuren is that of a well balanced medium size dog, elegant in appearance, standing squarely on all fours, with proud carriage of head and neck. He is strong, agile, well muscled, alert and full of life. He gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness. The male should appear unquestionably masculine; the female should have a distinctly feminine look. The Belgian Tervuren reflects the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to master. In addition to his inherent ability as a herding dog, he protects his master's person and property without being overtly aggressive. He is watchful, attentive, and usually in motion when not under command.

Owning
The Belgian Tervuren's most identifiable feature is his long coat. The coat requires weekly brushing to remove excess hair. He is an active dog who needs daily exercise. The Belgian Tervuren needs to be a close companion. He usually chooses one person to whom he will become attached.

Temperament
In his relationship with humans he is observant and vigilant with strangers, but not apprehensive. He does not show fear or shyness. He does not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attack. He must be approachable, standing his ground and showing confidence to meet overtures without himself making them. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous for their attention and very possessive.

Did You Know
The variety designation, Tervuren, owes its name to the Belgian village of Tervuren. The Tervuren was literally created after World War II, from the longhaired puppies in Malinois litters and the fawn-grey puppies in the Groenendael litters. The first Tervuren was registered with the AKC in 1918. Prior to 1959, the Belgian Tervurens were registered and shown as Belgian Sheepdogs. In that year the AKC granted the separate breed classification designating the Belgian Tervuren as a distinct breed. The honor of first herding champion was earned by Ch. Theriot's Red Baron, UD, a Belgian Tervurenbred and owned by Mary Alice Theriot of Covington, Louisiana.

Australian Cattle Dog

General Appearance
The general appearance is that of a strong compact, symmetrically built working dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task however arduous. Its combination of substance, power, balance and hard muscular condition must convey the impression of great agility, strength and endurance.

Characteristics
As the name implies the dog's prime function, and one in which he has no peer, is the control and movement of cattle in both wide open and confined areas. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful, courageous and trustworthy, with an implicit devotion to duty making it an ideal dog.

Owning
Australian Cattle Dogs are sturdy, alert, and watchful. The Australian Cattle Dog was originally bred to work cattle in the rough inland terrain of Australia. The coat is easy to care for, a good bathing and brushing will keep the coat clean and healthy. Bred to herd all day, Australian Cattle Dogs have a lot of energy. Australian Cattle Dog's love their owners and especially love to play with children.

Temperament
The Cattle Dog's loyalty and protective instincts make it a self-appointed guardian to the Stockman, his herd and his property. Whilst naturally suspicious of strangers, must be amenable to handling.

Did You Know
Date entered into Regular Classes: September 1, 1980. In the show ring, they are called the "wash and wear" dog as the only grooming required is a bath and a good brushing to keep the coat clean and healthy. The Australian Cattle Dog is sometimes known as the Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Queensland Blue Heeler, and was originally known as the Australian Heeler. The Australian Cattle Dog became eligible to be shown in the Working Group as of September 1, 1980. It was transferred to the Herding Group when that was formed, effective January 1, 1983.

English Toy Spaniel

Characteristics
The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog possessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. His compact, sturdy body and charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim him a dog of distinction and character. The important characteristics of the breed are exemplified by the head.

Owning
The English Toy Spaniel's coat is not known for excessive shedding, but it should be brushed several times a week to maintain a healthy condition. The English Toy Spaniel is a bright little dog who is affectionate and willing to please. He is a loyal breed and likes to sit in his owner's lap. The English Toy Spaniel's gentle and loving temperament make him an ideal dog for the elderly.

Did You Know
The English Toy Spaniel made its first appearance in England during the reign of King Charles II, in the 17th century. Celebrated professor & physician to Queen Elizabeth refers to them as ''Spaniell Gentle, otherwise called the Comforter.'' In the U.S. the breed has appeared in the AKC's records since the club was founded. Before 1903 all four colors were classified as separate breeds for show purposes, but were permitted to intermix for breeding. But in 1904 the AKC ruled that they should be combined into one breed, the English Toy Spaniel, and shown in two color varieties: King Charles and Ruby; and Prince Charles and Blenheim.

Brussels Griffon

Characteristics
A toy dog, intelligent, alert, sturdy, with a thickset, short body, a smart carriage and set-up, attracting attention by an almost human expression. There are two distinct types of coat: rough or smooth. Except for coat, there is no difference between the two.

Owning
The Brussels Griffon's coat can be either rough or smooth. The rough coat is wirey and dense, the smooth coat is straight, short, and glossy. The Brussels Griffon is alert and full of self-importance.

Did You Know
Personality plus is the first impression you will receive when meeting a Griffon. The Brussels Griffon makes lasting friends with whomever he knows.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a balanced, little, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, where the name Affenpinscher means, ''monkey-like terrier,'' the breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries and stables of rodents. In France the breed is described as the diablotin moustachu'' or the moustached little devil. Both these names help to describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed.

Owning
The Affenpinscher requires firm but loving guidance, for it can be obstinate. The Affenpinscher's coat should be brushed several times a week. It is relatively easy to learn how to trim the dog around the feet, ears, and tail with scissors to keep him looking neat. The Affenpinscher is an alert, fearless and inquisitive dog.

Did You Know
The Affenpinscher is one of the most ancient of Toy dogs & originated in Europe. They are characterized by their monkeyish expression. The Affenpinscher shows great loyalty and affection toward its masters and friends. The Affenpinscher was admitted to the American Kennel Club's Stud Book in 1936.

Fox Terrier

Characteristics
The dog must present a generally gay, lively and active appearance; bone and strength in a small compass are essentials; but this must not be taken to mean that a Fox Terrier should be cloddy, or in any way coarse--speed and endurance must be looked to as well as power, and the symmetry of the Foxhound taken as a model.

Owning
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a lively, active, and sleek dog. The Smooth Fox Terrier is easily housebroken. The breed requires occasional bathing and regular brushing to control the minimal shedding. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a keen nose, remarkable eyesight, and staying powers in accomplishing his work.

Did You Know
The Smooth Fox Terrier was originally bred to go to ground, their innate sense to dig comes out unless taught otherwise. The Smooth Fox Terrier was originally bred in England.

Bull Terrier

Characteristics
The Bull Terrier must be strongly built, muscular, symmetrical and active, with a keen determined and intelligent expression, full of fire but of sweet disposition and amenable to discipline.

Owning
Today's Bull Terriers are playful, fun-loving, sensitive, and affectionate dogs who make wonderful pets and companions, despite their tough appearance. They have tiny triangular eyes, and short erect ears. The Bull Terrier is happiest when they are with the people they love. The closer the better. They are miserable and unhappy if shut away or kept outside away from human companionship.

Did You Know
The Bull Terrier comes in two varieties, the colored and the solid white. Their coat is short and glossy and requires very little grooming. The Bull Terier loves games with a ball or other toys and all sorts of outdoor activities.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Characteristics
The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.

Owning
Over the past 50 years, careful breeding has produced today's American Staffordshire Terrier who is affectionate, reliable, and an especially good dog for children. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog who makes a wonderful family pet. The American Staffordshire Terrier is adaptable to country or city living, the only thing that will break his spirit and his heart is lack of his owner's fond attention.

Did You Know
The American Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred in England and Ireland. The American Staffordshire Terrier was accepted in 1936 for registration in the American Kennel Club stud book as Staffordshire Terriers. The American Staffordshire Terriers are intelligent and excellent guardians.