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.

American Eskimo

Characteristics
The American Eskimo Dog, a loving companion dog, presents a picture of strength and agility, alertness and beauty. It is a small to medium-size Nordic type dog, always white, or white with biscuit cream. The American Eskimo Dog is compactly built and well balanced, with good substance, and an alert, smooth gait. The face is Nordic type with erect triangular shaped ears, and distinctive black points (lips, nose, and eye rims). The white double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with a longer guard hair growing through it forming the outer coat, which is straight with no curl or wave. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming a lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on dogs than on bitches. The rump and hind legs down to the hocks are also covered with thicker, longer hair forming the characteristic breeches. The richly plumed tail is carried loosely on the back.

Owning
The American Eskimo Dog has a thick, double, standoff coat with no curl or wave. Dogs generally have more coat than bitches, especially along the ruff around the neck. True Eskie temperament is described in the breed standard as loving, intelligent, alert, friendly and slightly conservative.

Did You Know
Date entered into Regular Classes: July 1, 1995 The American Eskimo Dog was a favorite among circus performers in the early 20th century. The American Eskimo Dog was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1994. Contrary to popular belief, the American Eskimo Dog is not descended from working sled dogs.

Shiba Inu

Characteristics
The Shiba is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds of dog and was originally developed for hunting by sight and scent in the dense undergrowth of Japan's mountainous areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. His frame is compact with well-developed muscles. Males and females are distinctly different in appearance: males are masculine without coarseness, females are feminine without weakness of structure.

Owning
The Shiba Inu may seem slightly aloof at first, but it is typically an inquisitive, good-natured, bright and active dog. The Shiba Inu's coat is somewhat soft, thick and plush to the touch. It has a double coat, with a strong, straight outercoat and a soft, dense undercoat.

Did You Know
Shiba Inus have lived with the Japanese people for centuries. Considered the smallest and oldest of Japan's dogs, the Shiba's ability to maneuver steep hills and mountain slopes, together with its keen senses, have repeatedly shown it to be a superb hunting dog. After reaching near extinction during World War II, only three Shiba bloodlines remained. They were the San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and the Shin Shu Shiba, the latter being the most popular. It is from these three lines that the breed evolved into the modern Shiba. In 1954 the first Shiba was documented as arriving in the U.S. The dog was brought from Japan by an American armed services family. Date entered into Regular Classes: June 1, 1993

Chow Chow

Characteristics
Characteristics--An ancient breed of northern Chinese origin, this all-purpose dog of China was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home. While primarily a companion today, his working origin must always be remembered when assessing true Chow type. A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog of Arctic type, medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. The body is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the tail set high and carried closely to the back, the whole supported by four straight, strong, sound legs. Viewed from the side, the hind legs have little apparent angulation and the hock joint and metatarsals are directly beneath the hip joint. It is this structure which produces the characteristic short, stilted gait unique to the breed. The large head with broad, flat skull and short, broad and deep muzzle is proudly carried and accentuated by a ruff. Elegance and substance must be combined into a well balanced whole, never so massive as to outweigh his ability to be active, alert and agile. Clothed in a smooth or an offstanding rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty, dignity and naturalness, unique in his blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.

Owning
The Chow Chow's coat will require at least weekly grooming. The Chow Chow is a possessive dog who endears his family and their possessions to him. The Chow Chow is a wonderful companion for adults who will take the time to care for them properly.

Did You Know
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest recognizable types of dog. (Dating back more than 2000 years). The Chow Chow possesses the rare characteristic of having a blue-black tongue. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903. The Chow Chow was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home in China. Today, the Chow Chow is primarily a companion dog.

Boston Terrier

Characteristics
The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expression indicates a high degree of intelligence. The body is rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and neatly turned, the tail is short and no feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order; carriage easy and graceful. A proportionate combination of ''Color and White Markings'' is a particularly distinctive feature of a representative specimen.

Owning
His coat is easy to care for when it comes to grooming, a few strokes with a soft brush will keep his short, smooth coat gleaming. He is loving and sensitive, merry and bright, at times a clown and has a deep love for his family and children. Usually he will get along well with other family pets if introduced to them at a young age.

Did You Know
The Boston Terrier is one of America's native breeds having been developed in Boston, MA. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893. The Boston Terrier is also sometimes called ''the American gentleman among dogs.''

Bulldog

Characteristics
The perfect Bulldog must be of medium size and smooth coat; with heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. The general appearance and attitude should suggest great stability, vigor and strength. The disposition should be equable and kind, resolute and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacific and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior.

Owning
The Bulldog is revered for his loving disposition and ability to get along with other dogs. He loves the companionship. The Bulldog's coat should be brushed weekly, although his facial wrinkles will need daily cleaning.

Did You Know
It is believed that the Bulldog originated in the British Isles. The name bull was applied to the breed because of the dog's use in connection with bullbaiting.