About Basset Hounds

A short-legged, low to the ground, heavily-bodied dog, Basset Hound is a wonderful medium dog breed that will surely capture hearts forever. According to research, the true fame of the Basset Hound began in 1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Its popularity spread to England where a lively dispute arose between two factions of breeders. Basset's nose is almost as outstanding as the Bloodhound's. A sweet, docile and laidback dog, Basset Hound is a good and very alert companion with his good tracking skills and keen sense of smells. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. The name Basset derives from the French word "bas" meaning "low;" "basset" (-et attenuating suffix) meaning, literally, "rather low."

The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It can be a bit stubborn with meek owners and need a firm, confident, and consistent owner who displays natural authority over the dog. The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Bassets like to do tricks for food. It has a deep musical bark. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's sometimes hard to get their attention, as they like to follow their noses and may not even hear you calling them back. The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim.

Do not overfeed these dogs because extra weight places too great a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As they are prone to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one big large meal. The dog should be kept observed for several hours after eating a large meal. Bassets lifespan averaging from 10-12 years.

Akita / Akita Inu Dog Breed

Akita / Akita Inu Dog Breed

Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 85-130, female: 65-110 lbs
Height: male: 25-28, female: 23-26 inches
Color(s): any color, including white, pinto, or brindle

A powerful, intelligent, friendly, fearless and spontaneous working dog, Akita is a Japanese Spitz-type breed gain respected and much-loved Japanese breed, well over 3,000 years old. Strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle, Akitas captured the hearts of the citizens of Japan for centuries, and was even declared a National Monument in 1931. The breed was brought to North America by servicemen returning home afer World War II, and also from Helen Keller, who was given an Akita as a gift from a Mr. Ichiro Ogasawara, a local police chief in Odate City, Japan in 1937.

Male Akitass can reach up to 28 inches high, and weigh up to 135 pounds, and females between 23 to 25 inches in height, and 80 to 95 pounds. They DO require some regular exercise to maintain their physic and muscle tone, as well as to keep them becoming over weight, which is bad for their heart and hips. Akitas are quite gentle and tolerant by nature, but they ARE very protective of their home and pack (you, the family!) If they feel that the home or their pack is being threatened, they can become aggressive. A responsible Akita owner must be aware of this at all times.

The Akita is highly intelligent, fearless, and spontaneous. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. They are exceedingly protective of their family, their territory, and of their food. They are particularly aggressive toward other dogs and pets. They will get along with older, very well behaved children within their family unit, but will not tolerate children they don't know. They make excellent guard dogs, although they are not excessive barkers. The Akita requires intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. It is absolutely imperative that they know who their master is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds.

On health, Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee.

About Akbash Dog Breed

About Akbash Dog Breed

One of the oldest flock-guarding dog or livestock guardian dog, Akbash Dog is comparing as a counterpart of the French Great Pyrenees, the Hungarian Kuvasz, the Italian Maremma and other white sheep guarding breeds. The Akbash Dog, native in plains and mountains of western Turkey dog while the word "Akbash" means "White Head" in Turkey, was a large lean, muscular and powerful with an elegant, racy appearance dog breed. Despite of being a large dog, they move with surprising speed and agility, able to run at great speed with a gazelle-like grace. He also has an acute sense of sight and hearing. Coat color is white all over. It is light biscuit on the ears or on the ridge line. Coloration in the undercoat is acceptable. They are weighing between 90 to 130 pounds (40 to 60 kg), averaging 90 pounds for the female and 120 lb (55 kg) for the male, but it is leaner than other Turkish guard dog breeds, and has a distinct white coat, long legs, and feathered curved tail.

According to a Roman author in the 1st Century A.D., "Sheepherders wish to have white dogs in order to avoid confusing them with wild animals, since, when the wolf attacks in the twilight, it is important that there be a color difference between the dog and the wolf; otherwise the sheepherder might strike his dog, thinking he was killing a wolf."

It possesses characteristics of both mastiffs and sight hounds. The breed is often referred to as a sheep dog, but it does not herd its charges. Instead, it is designed to live with the flock and act as a guardian. The Akbash can be used as a companion dog as well as a working breed, and if trained appropriately can be extremely personable with any creature no matter the size or age. The Akbash has been bred to be independent and dogs of this breed might think that they know better than their owners during training. The Akbash is a relatively low-energy breed. Because it is in their nature to lie with the flocks they guard most of the day, they do not possess tremendous endurance or energy.

Akbash Dogs characteristics are a combination of the Mastiff and Gazehound, they still carries the same mental and physical traits that characterized it thousands of year ago.. They are powerful dogs with medium to long white fur, bred specifically to distinguish them from wolves. They have been bred as a guardian dog whose primary function is to protect sheep from predators. Akbash dogs are calm, quiet and brave. They deserve require respect in training and raising them. They will protect you and be affectionate to their family as well. But to strangers, this dog is a good guardian and watchdog. There is a graffito in the Phrygian civilization that portrays a dog similar to the Akbash wearing a large spiked color, such that they still wear to this day to help protect their necks.

Akbash dog's lifespan was ranging from 10 to 11 years. The Akbash Dog has a non-odorous, non-matting coat so minimal grooming is required. They do shed more than the average dog and could use regular brushing. They need regular exercise such as a run off-lead even though their actively level is low. Hip dysplasia, OCD, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, seizures, and umbilical hernias.

About Boxer Dog Breed

About Boxer Dog

Boxer was well known dog breed for having strong muscular looking yet lovely pet dog. Boxers have blunt face, steady gaze with a hint of mischief, an undeniable joy of life, and incredible grace, the Boxer is affectionate to children and a steadfast friend and guardian to the whole family. The Boxer originated in Germany in the late 19th century. This breed's name was supposedly derived from the "boxing" motion they made with their front paws. The Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog.


Boxers are stocky and medium in size with strong jaws and a powerful bite. The Boxer is a muscular, short-coated, square-headed dog with tight skin and a docked tail. Boxers are very clean and groom themselves like cats. This breed is an average shedder. Males stand 22.5-25 inches at the withers and weigh about 70 pounds. Females are a bit smaller at 21-23.5 inches and about 60 pounds. Boxer ears are generally cropped in this country, but more and more pet owners opt for the uncropped, hang-ear look. The Boxer nose is broad, and the top of the muzzle appears slightly pushed in, leaving the jaw a bit undershot — the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw and curves slightly upward. The blunt muzzle leaves him susceptible to hot, stuffy conditions and can cause wheezing and snorting. The Boxer is an athletic dog with a smooth, graceful, ground-eating stride. He has a well-angulated rear with long haunches for great power. His back remains level when he moves for efficiency and endurance. Boxers are a bright, energetic and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. They are active dogs and require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing or digging. Boxers have earned a slight reputation of being "headstrong", which can be related to inappropriate obedience training. Owing to their intelligence and working breed characteristics, training based on corrections often has limited usefulness.

Boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. They sometimes appear at dog agility or obedience trials and flyball events. Boxers are lively, strong, and extremely loyal. They have an exceedingly high energy level. They carry themselves with pride, but are never arrogant. They have a stoic stance, and are intelligent, loving, delightful companions. The Boxer is patient, dignified, and self-assured. They exhibit curiosity, but are wary of strangers. This breed is fearless and courageous if threatened. They are keenly alert and have a heightened sense of hearing, which make them excellent guard dogs. The Boxer adores children and other pets they have been raised with. They are widely used in search and rescue, police work, and military work.

East European Sheperd / Owczarek Wsachodnioeuropejski / VEO

East European Sheperd / Owczarek Wsachodnioeuropejski / Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka

The East European Shepherd (also called the Owczarek Wschodnioeuropejski or Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka (VEO) is a breed of dog that was created by mixing German Shepherd Dogs and developed directly from the GSDs brought to the Soviet Union in the 1920s for army use. Bred for sturdiness and resilience in the harsh Russian climate, the East European Shepherd has now made its mark among breeders in other countries. The East European Shepherd is a large, stocky breed, weighing in between 73 and 113 pounds and standing at 24-29 inches, others recorded males are 26 - 28 inches at the withers, while females are 23 - 26 inches. After over a quarter century of selection, especially for animals to withstand the Russian climate, the breed is distinctly different from the Shepherd known in the West. Although at first centered in Byelorussia and the far western provinces of the USSR, the EESKC has thousands of members all over Russia today. It is presently the leading breed in the USSR. Often dogs of this breed have longer soft hair on the ears, neck, limbs and tail. It is said that their Russian owners spin the cashmerelike wooly undercoat for use in garments. These dogs comparatively long build and strong, well-developed muscles and sturdy bone structure, a strong, wide back, and a moderately broad chest. Their short loin is wide, arched, and defined, and their underside is properly tucked up. Their wedge-shaped head is massive in size and their forehead is slightly sloped. They have a pronounced, gradual stop and a muzzle that is equal in length to the skull. Their lower jaw is strong and their well-developed teeth close in a scissors bite. They have large, black noses and medium, oval-shaped eyes that are dark in color. Their medium-sized ears are pricked and set high on the head and their tail is sword-shaped and reaches at leas to the hocks. They have oval, compact feet. The coat of the East-European Shepherd is of medium length and features a well-developed under coat. Coat colors for this breed include saddled (gray or fawn background with a facial mask), black, and agouti (gray and red). There are distinct physical differences between males and females of this breed.

The East European Shepherd carries the general appearance of a German Shepherd, with a stockier build which is more square. Their coat of fur, which is fairly short, smooth, and denser than that the of the German Shepherd, allows it to survive well in the harsh climates which exist in its native Russia. The coat colors can be black and tan, black, or sable, but not brindle or white. The head is medium and broad between the ears, which are pointed and the tip turns forward. The eyes are medium in size and dark in color, usually brown or a dark mix of brown and amber. The neck is powerful and curves down into a deep chest. The back is straight and level, ending in a long, saber-shaped tail which is carried close to the ground. The legs are strong and muscular and end in paws with well-arched toes.

The East-European Shepherd is devoted to his family and people. They are balanced breed with a confident demeanor, and they are generally leery of strangers. They make outstanding guard dogs, and they will protect their territory at all costs. Because they are a working breed by nature, they are happiest with a job to perform. East-European Shepherds are working dogs and needs to be exercised properly. They need to be taken on long daily walks or jogs. If sufficiently exercised, they'll do fine in an apartment. Because they were bred to stand many extreme climates, they can live well outside. They are tough and can be aggressive, which makes it a great watchdog and guard dog. Though social and mild-mannered, the East-European Shepherd may not be the right family pet if there are small children in the home; its tendency toward playful jumping could be dangerous, especially as a large breed. The East European Shepherd should be bathed only when necessary, as frequent bathing can dry out the skin, the coat or both. Dry bathing may be a better option for this breed, and products for doing this can be obtained in most pet stores. Otherwise, grooming is minimal and can be kept as a bonding experience between you and your loyal pet. Obesity can be a problem in this breed if not monitored closely. This can be avoided by never over-feeding the dog as it will never turn down food that you give to it, and by ensuring that your East European Shepherd gets plenty of exercise. Fish, chicken and pork bones should never be given to any dog, as they can cause damage to the intestines and the stomach lining, if ingested.

The only inherent problem in the East European Shepherd is the possibility of hip dysplasia, which is also common in other Shepherds. Otherwise, with regular visits to the veterinarian and proper immunization, the East European Shepherd stands as a healthy breed and can live a long and happy life.

Australian Cattle Dog / Australian Heeler

Australian Cattle Dog / Australian Heeler / Hall's Heeler/ Queensland Heeler / Blue Heeler / Red Heeler

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Australian Heeler, Hall's Heeler, and the , is a sturdy, compact working dog, well-muscled, powerful, yet very agile. This dog was developed by pioneer settlers in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches. The original breed standard was written by Robert Kaleski in 1902 and approved by the Kennel Club of New South Wales in 1903. The breed was first recognized by the America Kennel Club in 1980.
The Australian Cattle Dog is really a relatively new breed and as such, numerous records were kept on its development. The writings of Mr. Robert Kaleski are invaluable for researching the history of the development of the ACD in its native Australia. Robert Kaleski fell in love with the breed at the age of sixteen and spent his entire life breeding and studying the Australian Cattle Dog.
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd cattle in Australia's inhospitable environment. Everything about the breed today - temperament, coat, physical structure, etc - reflects this original purpose.
The precise origins of the Blue Heeler are not known, but they appear to have been a distinct breed as early as 1897. It began when Smithfields were originally used in Australia for herding cattle. They were noisy and bit too hard, so they were bred with the Dingo, a wild dog prevalent in Australia. The resulting crosses were known as “Timmins Biters,” which were quieter, but still bit hard.
Obviously, the breed originated with the ancestral herding collies from England. The breed also finds its blood origins in the Dingo, the Kelpie, and Highland Collie.
A primitive stage of Collie unlike that of today's Border Collies and Smooth Collies, used for herding sheep, were then bred to the Dingo. In 1840, Thomas Hall bred a couple of Blue Smooth Highland Collies with dingoes and got the “Hall’s Heeler.” Then, in the 1870’s Fred Davis bred some Bull Terrier into them to make the dogs more aggressive. These were relatively common as sporting and guard dogs in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The Australian Cattle Dog should be muscular, athletic and substantial in appearance, without any trace of weakness or fragility. However, excessively heavy or cumbersome build is also undesirable as it limits agility, a necessity for any good cattle herder. Along with athleticism, symmetry and balance are also essential, and no individual part of the dog should be exaggerated or draw excessive attention. Even when bred for companion or show purposes, it should have well-conditioned, hard muscles.
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. Any tendency to grossness or weediness is a serious fault.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a relatively hearty, healthy breed that has an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. They are a medium sized muscular dog that stands 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm.) at the withers (shoulders). Their weight range is variant around their general build but on average falls between 30 and 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg). The Australian Cattle Dog comes in two colors: Blue or Red. Their life expectancy is about 12-15 years.
Australian Cattle Dogs are born white with whatever face and/or body patches they will have in later life. As ACD pups age, their blue or red coloring gradually emerges. The correct Australian Cattle Dog coat is what is known as a "double coat". The short, straight outer coat is protective in nature, keeping the elements from the ACDs skin while the undercoat is short, kinky and dense. Australian Cattle Dogs are not year-round shedders, instead they "blow" their coat once a year (sometimes twice in the case of intact females) just before the summer months. While the week or two an ACD is blowing his or her coat can lead to hair everywhere, many people find it preferable to constant shedding.

The Australian Cattle Dog personality is often reserved with strangers and even fiercely protective when they perceive that their property and/or persons are being threatened. The ACD is intelligent, but can certainly often be described as hard-headed and stubborn. Once an ACD has befriended you, they are a friend for life....but that friendship must often be earned. Australian Cattle Dog are often refered to by their owners as "velcro" or "shadow" dogs...because wherever you go, there they are!! Like many herding dogs, Cattle Dogs have high energy levels and active minds. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do, such as participating in dog sports, learning tricks, or other activities that engage their minds. Some individuals find repetitive training frustrating and dull, so owners should aim to make training sessions varied and more exciting in order to keep their dog interested.
The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely active breed, with mental stimulation being of paramount importance. A bored Cattle Dog is a destructive Cattle Dog !! The Australian Cattle Dog is a social breed that NEEDS to be with "its people". This is NOT a breed to leave chained or penned in the back yard....such isolation will lead to SERIOUS personality problems !! Because the Australian Cattle Dog is an active breed, a firm commitment must be made to exercise. ACDs make excellent running or biking companions although care must be taken not to over exert the young dog. Because of their intelligence, ACDs make WONDERFUL obedience prospects (although their intelligence can actually be a hinderance in this ring also). Australian Cattle Dogs are also known to excell at Dog Sports such as Flyball, Agility and Frisbee competition.
A working, herding breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is not suited to life alone in the backyard. One of the most intelligent breeds, it can become easily bored, leading to serious behavior problems. These dogs need to be part of the action! They are loyal, protective and alert. An excellent guard dog. Brave and trustworthy. Very good in the obedience ring and in herding and agility. Firm training from the start and lot of daily attention will produce a fine and happy pet. It is absolutely loyal and obedient to its master, but it is something of a one-person dog. They are sometimes suspicious of people and dogs they don't know. It can be very dog aggressive, for its dominance level is high. Not good with children except for family members it has known since puppyhood. Some tend to nip at people's heels in an attempt to herd them. If you are buying a pet, avoid strictly working lines, as these dogs may be too active and intense for home life. Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train. Puppies are born white (inherited from the early Dalmatian crosses), but the adult color can be seen in the paw pads.

The most common health issues noted by owners were musculoskeletal (spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis) and reproductive (pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancy), and blindness. ACD's are also prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and deafness.

Chow Chow Dog Breeds

Chow Chow Dog Breeds

The Chow Chow, often simply called the Chow, is one of the oldest breeds. Historical artifacts indicate that he may have come originally from the Arctic Circle, migrating to Mongolia, Siberia and China. Some scholars claim that the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Pomeranian, and the Keeshond.

The Chow has been known for thousands of years in China, where the breed was put to work as a hunter, cart puller and boat guard. One Emperor is said to have kept 2500 Chow pairs. One was given to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward Val. Over history, the Chow has been used to hunt wolves, sable and pheasant, and to pull sleds. His fur was used to trim coats. The flesh of these dogs was considered a delicacy in China. Dog is still eaten in China today. This beautiful dog was first brought to England by merchants in the late 1800's. The name probably originated from the pidgin English word "chow-chow," a term used to describe all sorts of miscellaneous stuff brought back from the Far East. The Chow has become very popular in the United States as a companion dog. Some of the Chow Chow's talents are watchdog and guarding.

The Chow is a sturdily built dog that is square in profile with broad skull and small, triangular ears that are rounded at the tip. The breed has a very dense coat that is either smooth or rough. The fur is particularly thick around the neck, giving the distinctive ruff or mane. The coat may be one of five colors including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Individuals with patchy or multicolored coats are considered to be outside the breed standard. Chows are distinguished by their unusual blue-black/purple tongue and very straight hind legs, resulting in a rather stilted gait. The blue-black/purple tongue gene appears to be dominant, as almost all mixed breed dogs who come from a Chow retain the tongue color. This is not to say, however, that every mixed breed dog with spots of purple on the tongue are descended from chows as purple spots on the tongue can be found on a multitude of pure breed dogs.

The two most distinctive features of the Chow Chow are its blue-black tongue and its almost straight hind legs, which makes it walk rather stilted. Its dense furry coat is profuse and comes in two varieties, smooth coat and rough coat. The most common colors are solid red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream, but it can also come in tan, gray, or (rarely) white. The coat sometimes has lighter or darker shades, but is never parti-colored. The ears are small and rounded and there is a huge ruff behind the head, which gives it a lion like appearance. Its head is broad and its skull is flat. The muzzle is broad near the eyes and narrows toward a black nose without becoming pointed. The chest is broad and deep and the kidney area is short and strong. The tail is thickly covered with hair and is carried over its back.

The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be willful and protective. Bossy, serious and very independent. They are self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This breed can be quite a handful, but it is otherwise polite and patient. Some do not accept leashes and collars easily, while others do not seem to mind. Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential over-protectiveness as an adult. They need firm training right from the start. Their personality is mainly due to their past treatment.
The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors.
Chow Chows can be lazy, but need to be taken for a daily walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems.

The average height of adult specimens is 17 to 20 inches at the withers but in every case consideration of overall proportions and type should take precedence over size. Proportions-- Square in profile and close coupled. Distance from forechest to point of buttocks equals height at the highest points of the withers. Serious Fault Profile other than square. Distance from tip of elbow to ground is half the height at the withers. Floor of chest level with tips of elbows. Width viewed from the front and rear is the same and must be broad. It is these proportions that are essential to true Chow type. In judging puppies, no allowance should be made for their failure to conform to these proportions.

Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm.)
Weight: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg.)
Coat: Thick and coarse
Color: Red, black, grey, cream, fawn or white
Litter size: 5 pups
Life span: 9–12 years

Beware of hip dysplasia. They are prone to suffer eye irritation called entropion, caused by eyelid abnormality; this can be corrected with surgery. Other than that they are generally healthy.

Korean Jindo Dog Breeds

Korean Jindo Dog Breeds

The Korean Jindo dog, also known as the Chindo, or Jindo Gae, is an original, wild breed from Jindo Island in Korea, and is internationally protected as a Natural Treasure. It is unknown how the dogs first got to Jindo Island, but Jindoes have survived and prospered for many centuries on their own.

Jindos are medium sized, spitz-type dogs, approximately 40 pounds in weight. Full growth is attained fairly young, although they are not fully mature until two years of age. Their ears are prick and stand up between 4 and 6 months of age, their coat is medium length and dense, and their tails are plumed and curled up over their hind quarters.
While the Jindo comes in many colours, white, black, fawn, brindle or black and tan, only the white and the fawn Jindos are a protected species.

The Jindo is a fiercely loyal dog. They are single master dogs and will not do well in a second home. A Jindo has been known to return to its original abode, however far away it has been relocated so great thought needs to be undertaken before committing oneself to ownership.
Ideal hunters, these dogs would do very well left in a natural habitat. They are used by hunters as an only weapon, and they can bring down prey as large as deer. The Jindo is a cautious, independent thinker and not the dog for everyone.

Height: Dogs: 18 – 25 inches (48-65 cm.) Bitches: 16 – 22 inches (41-58 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 35 – 50 pounds (16-23 kg) Bitches: 25 – 40 pounds (11-18 kg.)
Their life expectancy was about 12-15 years.
Jindo has double coat that sheds twice a year. Since they were originally bred for hunting and helping their owners on farms, they could be considered a working breed.


A Jindo Story:

In Korea, Jindo dogs are quite the news makers. In 1995, Jindo dog named "Baekgu (white dog)" made a headline. Baekgu was sold to a person by his master because his master was going through economical difficulty at the time. -Young purebred Jindo dogs can be sold for good money in Korea because of its hunting skills, and protective nature.- The person who bought Baekgu was living in a city which is about 160 miles away from Baekgu's home. Jindo's master's daughter later said that she wept over letting Baekgu go, because he was her best friend. A few days after Baekgu left his previous family, the previous owner was notified that Baekgu was missing, and that he probably ran away. As time went by, the previous owner and his family felt deep sorrow for Baekgu, assuming that he is lost forever. After about three months, however, the daughter spotted Baekgu, in front of the front door, barely standing with three feet. She later said that she ran to him and hugged him, crying out loud his name. He was extremely skinny, and half of his body was pretty much damaged and some flesh was exposed. He couldn't use one of his leg. The story of Baekgu returning home from 160 miles far made a news weeks later. The family decided to keep him, of course, and because of his publicity the family could get help from others to keep Baekgu as their special family member. The story was a national sensation in Korea and was made into cartoons, a TV documentary, and a children's storybook. In 2004, Jindo County erected a statue of Baekgu in her hometown to honor the dog.

Kishu Inu / Kishu-Inu Dog Breed

Kishu Inu / Kishu-Inu Dog Breed

The Kishu inu took on the name of the region where it was bred in the mountainous districts in Kishu (Wakayama and Mie Prefecture) south of Osaka. where it was originally used as boar hunter. Its closest relatives are the Kai inu and the Shikoku dog, but he is also related to the Hokkaido inu. The Kishu inu differs from the Hokkaido inu by his more lengths in body.

The Kishu, sometimes called Kishu Ken or Kishu Inu, is a Japanese breed of dog, developed there for thousands of years. It is descended from ancient medium-sized breeds. This breed is similar to the Akita and the Shiba Inu but predates both breeds. Sometimes it is mistaken for the white variant of Hokkaido or a white Jindo (Korean dog) because of very similar appearance. The Japanese originally used this breed of dog for boar and deer hunting. Like the Shiba, they are often quiet. Kishu will stalk prey quietly rather than bark.

The Japanese originally used this breed of dog for boar and deer hunting. Like the Shiba, they are often quiet. Kishu will stalk prey quietly rather than bark. The Kishu stands 17-22 inches tall, averages 30-60 pounds and is considered a medium sized dog. The coat color is generally white. There are still occasional brindle or red Kishus in Japan, but the preferred coat color, and the only one seen in show dogs, is white. The nose color is primarily black, but with the white coat the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The bite is either scissor or a level bite. The tail is curled over the back like that of an Akita or Shiba Inu. The coat is short, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat. There is fringe on the cheeks and tail. The ears incline forward and are smaller rather than larger. This breed is tough, agile, and friendly.

Initially, their coats were often marked with conspicuous colors such as red, sesame or brindle. From 1934, however, once the breed was designated as a "natural monument", only solid colors were accepted. Currently, white coats are the most commonly found in this breed, but solid red or sesame or also accepted. It is a very intelligent and devoted family dog that has become highly popular in Japan as a family pet. Kishus are clean, silent and docile.

The Kishu stands 17-22 inches tall, averages 30-60 pounds and is considered a medium sized dog. The coat color is generally white. There are still occasional brindles or red Kishus in Japan, but the preferred coat color, and the only one seen in show dogs, is white. The nose color is primarily black, but with the white coat the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The bite is either scissor or a level bite. The tail is curled over the back like that of an Akita or Shiba Inu. The coat is short, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat. There is fringe on the cheeks and tail. The ears incline forward and are smaller rather than larger. This breed is tough, agile, and friendly.

The Kishu is a Foundation Stock breed with the American Kennel Club. The American Kishu Registry is the official Kishu registry in the United States and is recognized as such by AKC. Other registries include Japan Kennel Club (JKC) and Nihonken Hozonkai (Nippo), both in Japan. The Kishu is recognized as a natural monument of Japan, thus export of the Kishu from Japan is severely restricted. Since this breed is so rare in North America and Europe, you may only get a chance to see him in his native homeland, Japan. There are only two known breeders outside of Japan -- one in Texas and one in Europe.

Alpine Dachsbracke Dog Breed

Alpine Dachsbracke Dog Breed

The Alpine Dachsbracke, known in its native country of Austria as Alpenlandische Dachsbracke, is a small breed of dog of the scent hound family, bred to track wounded deer as well as boar, hare, and fox. It is highly efficient at following a trail even after it has gone cold. Its ancestry can be dated back to the middle of the 19th century. It contains the blood of very old strains of hounds including the Austrian black and tan hound as well as that of the Standard smooth haired Dachshund. It once was a favorite of German royalty. During the 1880s, Alpine Dachsbrackes accompanied Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg on hunting trips to Egypt and Turkey.

This small dog has a slight resemblance to a Dachshund, with short legs (although longer than a dachshunds) and a long body. The coat is dense, short but smooth except for the tail and neck. The round eyes have a lively expression.

Intelligent and friendly with a fearless personality. A robust, weather resistant working dog used by the mountain huntsman. The Alpine Dachsbracke is used as a tracking hound for wounded deer and as scenthound for hare and fox.
A short-legged hound for closer hunting and tracking was developed in Austria, as in other countries. But in the high altitude of the Alps, a larger dachsbracke was necessary, and the Austrian version is slightly bigger than his German cousin, the Westphalian. Like the other dachsbrackes and bassets, this breed has a normal hound body with short but not curved or twisted legs. He was created from the indigenous hounds of Austria.
The Alpine Dachsbracke is solid, robust, and heavily muscled, giving him an athletic and agile appearance. The coat, although not wiry, is harsh and dense. His stern, with a brush of hair, is extremely long, nearly reaching the ground. Unlike the Westphalian, this variety has no white markings. The standard lists solid black (without the tan markings), chocolate or gray-blue as disqualifications.
Mainly a coldtrailing hound on deer tracks, in full voice he is equally useful after rabbit and fox. The official standard of the breed calls him a "multiple utility dog of the Alpine hunter." A real professional at his craft, he has found little following outside of local gamekeepers and hunters.

Used effectively to hunt wounded deer, this breed could work even in harsh terrain and high altitude. It makes a good companion, although it is primarily a hunter and therefore is kept mostly by hunters. It has a fearless, friendly and intelligent personality. Most Alpine Dachsbrackes are excellent with children and good with dogs and other pets, though they may exhibit a strong prey drive typical of many scent dogs.

Country of Origin: Austria
Weight: 33-40 pounds
Height: 13l/2-W/2 inches, ideal 14-14V& inches
Coat: Short, coarse and hard
Color: Stag red, red with black ticking or black/tan, any white is undesirable