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.

Collie

General Appearance
The Collie is a lithe, strong, responsive, active dog, carrying no useless timber, standing naturally straight and firm. The deep, moderately wide chest shows strength, the sloping shoulders and well-bent hocks indicate speed and grace, and the face shows high intelligence. The Collie presents an impressive, proud picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole. Timidity, frailness, sullenness, viciousness, lack of animation, cumbersome appearance and lack of over-all balance impair the general character.

Characteristics
Dogs are from 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 75 pounds. Bitches are from 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, weighing from 50 to 65 pounds.

Owning
The Collie is an alert watchdog, quick to sound alarm and very protective of his family, although he is not an aggressive dog. Both rough and smooth coats require thorough weekly brushings to keep the coat clean and free of mats. Renowned for his loyalty and his reliability, the Collie makes a great companion and friend.

Did You Know
The Collie's parent club, The Collie Club of America, was organized in 1886, two years after the establishment of the American Kennel Club and was the second parent club to join the AKC. The Collie was first shown in the United States in May of 1877, at the second show of the Westminster Kennel Club in New York. The collie comes in two varieties, the longhaired Rough and the shorthaired Smooth

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

General Appearance
Low-set, strong, sturdily built and active, giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small space. Should not be so low and heavy-boned as to appear coarse or overdone, nor so light-boned as to appear racy. Outlook bold, but kindly. Expression intelligent and interested. Never shy nor vicious. Correct type, including general balance and outline, attractiveness of headpiece, intelligent outlook and correct temperament is of primary importance. Movement is especially important, particularly as viewed from the side. A dog with smooth and free gait has to be reasonably sound and must be highly regarded.

Owning
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds a lot. Your pet Pembroke should be brushed thoroughly at least twice a week. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active dog who is willing and able to carry out his owner's commands in the pasture, the obedience ring, or the family home. The typical Pembroke is happy, obedient, friendly, and confident and great fun to live with.

Temperament
Outlook bold, but kindly. Never shy or vicious.

Did You Know
The Pembroke was brought to Wales in A.D. 1107 by Flemish weavers. The name ''corgi'' comes from the Welsh language and means ''dwarf dog.'' The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the smallest dog in the herding group.

Shetland Sheepdog

General Appearance
The Shetland Sheepdog, like the Collie, traces to the Border Collie of Scotland, which, transported to the Shetland Islands and crossed with small, intelligent, longhaired breeds, was reduced to miniature proportions. Subsequently crosses were made from time to time with Collies. This breed now bears the same relationship in size and general appearance to the Rough Collie as the Shetland Pony does to some of the larger breeds of horses. Although the resemblance between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Rough Collie is marked, there are differences which may be noted. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, alert, rough-coated, longhaired working dog. He must be sound, agile and sturdy. The outline should be so symmetrical that no part appears out of proportion to the whole. Dogs should appear masculine; bitches feminine.

Owning
The Sheltie is a ''watch'' dog, not a guard dog; nor is it visually frightening. It will bark at intruders, but after giving warning, may either retreat or escort them through your house. One of the lovely attributes of the sheltie is the long harsh coat. Brushing the coat for half an hour each week can keep the Sheltie looking his best. The Sheltie will shed at least once a year, the shedding process can be sped up by a warm bath and more complete and more frequent brushing. Because of its small size, the Sheltie is very adaptable to city living, as long as he is given proper exercise. Shelties are good with children and make delightful family companions.

Did You Know
The first Shetland Sheepdog registered by the American Kennel Club (1911) was Lord Scott, a sable imported from Shetland, Scotland by John G. Sherman, Jr. of New York. The American Shetland Sheepdog Association, parent club of the breed, was organized at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1929, and held its first specialty in 1933. The Shetland Sheepdog, alias Sheltie, originated in the Shetland Islands as a small herding dog.

German Shepherd Dog

General Appearance
A German Shepherd Dog is a trotting dog, and its structure has been developed to meet the requirements of its work. General Impression-- The gait is outreaching, elastic, seemingly without effort, smooth and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum number of steps. At a walk it covers a great deal of ground, with long stride of both hind legs and forelegs. At a trot the dog covers still more ground with even longer stride, and moves powerfully but easily, with coordination and balance so that the gait appears to be the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine. The feet travel close to the ground on both forward reach and backward push. In order to achieve ideal movement of this kind, there must be good muscular development and ligamentation. The hindquarters deliver, through the back, a powerful forward thrust which slightly lifts the whole animal and drives the body forward. Reaching far under, and passing the imprint left by the front foot, the hind foot takes hold of the ground; then hock, stifle and upper thigh come into play and sweep back, the stroke of the hind leg finishing with the foot still close to the ground in a smooth follow-through. The overreach of the hindquarter usually necessitates one hind foot passing outside and the other hind foot passing inside the track of the forefeet, and such action is not faulty unless the locomotion is crabwise with the dog's body sideways out of the normal straight line.

Owning
The German Shepherd Dog is known throughout the world for his uncanny intelligence and faithfulness. This versatile breed has well-earned the reputation as family companion, guide dog, police dog, and, of course, herder. The German Shepherd Dog is an excellent house-dog, but if you live in an apartment or a small house you will need to give your dog daily exercise. They are excellent travelers and love to ride in the car for long trips. They are truly a companion and can be taken everywhere - fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, etc.

Did You Know
On April 22, 1899, the German Captain Max von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV), the first parent club of the breed now known as the German Shepherd Dog. The first German Shepherd Dog registered with the American Kennel Club was Queen of Switzerland (in 1908), who was shown in competition in New York that same year. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America's first specialty took place in Greenwich, Connecticut, on June 11, 1913.