Basenji Dog Breeds

Basenji Dog Breeds

A handsome, short, muscular dog who is also known as the African Barkless Dog. "Basenji" means "bush thing" in African dialect. They should not bark, but they are not mute. Basenjis repertoire of sounds range from a pleasing throaty crow to a keening wail made when they are lonely or unhappy. Basenjis are often compared to small deer because of their grace, intelligence and beauty. They are about the size of a Fox Hound, and very proud. One of the oldest breeds of dogs, they are native to Africa where they are used to assist beaters in flushing game out, which are then driven into nets strung up against trees. These dogs were highly prized in Central Africa for their intelligence, silence, speed and hunting power. The Basenji has a short, fine coat that tends to become more course in colder countries, but without losing its gleam. Wrinkled on the forehead, they also have a curly tail that swirls to one side of their body. Known to be much like cats, Basenjis will sometimes clean themselves by licking all over, and are said to be nearly odorless. Basenjis will make good pets as long as they are handled on a regular basis from an early age.

The earliest samples of these dogs were given as gifts to Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Basenji-type dogs are depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and date back to early 3600 B.C. Many details of their origins are unclear, but the Basenji is thought to have come from a purebred dog used by the Pygmies for hunting in the Congo. A pair of Basenjis were taken to England by an explorer in 1895, but unfortunately fell ill to distemper and soon died. In 1937 the Basenji was introduced successfully into England, and around the same time Mrs. Byron Rogers of New York City brought a pair of them to America. A litter of puppies was born, but unfortunately all died due to distemper except for Mrs. Rogers' older male, Bois. A female Basenji named Congo was then brought to the United States from Africa in 1941 by Alexander Phemster of Massachusetts, and soon the two Basenjis produced the first litter of Basenjis to be born in America and live. Soon other Basenjis were imported from England and Canada, and the breed grew in size and popularity in America.
Temperament: Basenjis are intelligent, independent, affectionate but alert. Basenjis are playful, inquisitive, and active. Sometimes aloof with strangers. Puppies must be raised in a home environment with lots of human contact. Some experts feel that the Basenji is an early off-shoot of the domestic dog and hence is only semi-domesticated. Others feel that their high intelligence leads to antisocial and destructive behavior. The Basenji, finding his walk delayed, dug a hole in her couch. Obedience training is a must. All Basenjis should learn the basic commands of sit, stay, heel, and come.

Basenjis generally love children. Since youngsters and Basenjis can be very active, the continuous play can serve to wear everyone out.

High. Depends on dog and owner attentiveness; doesn’t bark to alert. If you are a stranger, you should not approach Basenjis from behind. Does not bark, flushes out prey for hunters, and is very intelligent in which training comes easy.

Health problems in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Fanconi Syndrome (a kidney disease), hemolytic anemia, hypothyroidism, and malabsorption syndrome. PRA is a gradual onset blindness that begins at four-to-five years of age. Fanconi Syndrome also strikes the middle-aged dog. It is often fatal, but with new treatments dogs are able to survive. Both PRA and Fanconi Syndrome are currently under investigation by researchers.
Hemolytic anemia is a known recessive and has a low incidence due to breeder testing of stock. Hypothyroidism can be treated with replacement therapy. Malabsorption syndrome is also treatable and seems to have decreased in occurrence.
Also, they are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems.

Country of Origin: Zaire and the Congo (Central Africa)
Other Names: Congo Dog, Congo Bush Dog, Congo Terrier, Bongo Dog, African Barkless Dog, African Bush Dog, Zande Dog, Belgian Congo Dog, Nyam Nyam Terrier.
Height: Females: 16 inches; Males 17 inches.
Weight: Females: 21 lbs; Males: 24 lbs.

Colors: Black, red, black and tan. There is always white on the chest, feet and tail tips.
Coat: Smooth, short-haired, fine, silky coat. Coarser coat in colder countries.
Life Span: 12-14 years
Litter Size: 4-6 pupies. Female Basenjis usually only have one season a year which will last up to 30 days between August and November.
First Registered by the AKC: 1944
AKC Group: Hound

Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed

Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed

The Tibetan Mastiff is descended from the famous Tibetan dogs that were the source of the majority of Molossuses and Mastiffs throughout the world. The ancient Tibetan Mastiff may have been in existence as early as the stone or bronze age. Mollossian dogs accompanied Alexander the Great from Tibet to Europe, and during this period helped found many of today's other Mastiff breeds. Tibet later closed its doors to Westerners, so the breed developed for centuries in relative isolation. In the mid 1800's, a Tibetan Mastiff was given to Queen Victoria of England.

The Tibetan Mastiff is among the largest breeds. A powerful dog with a sturdy bone structure. It is a very large dog with a broad, massive head and a heavy, dense, medium-length coat. The bear-like head is wedged-shaped with a wide, blunt muzzle. The upper lip usually covers the lower lip. The nose is large and generally black. The teeth form a scissors or level bite. The v-shaped, thick-leathered ears hang down. Mature dogs, particularly males, tend to have moderate dewlap. The body is slightly longer than tall and the legs are heavy-boned and powerful. Marco Polo described it as "tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion." The muzzle is lighter than that of the English Mastiff, with an extremely strong jaw. Rear dewclaws should be removed, but front dewclaw removal is optional. The coat forms a heavy ruff around the neck. The hair on the head is short. The plumed tail curls over the back in Spitz fashion. The Tibetan Mastiff is usually black, sometimes with gold or tan markings, though he may also come in chocolate, blue & tan, sable, gold, cream, or red, with or without tan markings. Some also have white markings.

Noble and impressive: a large, powerful, heavy, well built dog, well muscled, with much substance and bone, and of solemn but kindly appearance. The Tibetan Mastiff stands well up on the pasterns, with strong, tight, cat feet, giving an alert appearance. The body is slightly longer than tall. The head is broad and impressive, with massive back skull, the eyes deep-set and almond shaped, slightly slanted, the muzzle broad and well-padded, giving a square appearance. The typical expression of the breed is one of watchfulness. The tail is well feathered and carried over the back in a single curl falling over the loin, balancing the head. The coat and heavy mane is thick, with coarse guard hair and a wooly undercoat. The tail and britches are well feathered.

The Tibetan Mastiff has been used primarily as a family and property guardian for many millennia, and is aloof and watchful of strangers, and highly protective of its people and property.
The Tibetan Mastiff is very protective and territorial. Even-tempered, calm and thoughtful. Dignified and very loyal to its own family. It is by and large loving with children but, distrusts and is reserved with strangers. Brave and fearless when properly socialized. Somewhat strong-willed and very determined, but with a desire to please. Patient and highly intelligent it was bred to take initiative.

As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As a socialized, more domestic Western dog, it thrives in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is not an appropriate dog for apartment living. Still, the Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds and hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. So, leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not usually recommended.

Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience classes are recommended since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed with great size potential. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guarding instincts. They are, however, excellent family dogs and are unlikely to cause any harm to children.

Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia, skin conditions, thyroid problems, ear infections, and an unusual genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN). CIDN symptoms usually appear at 7-10 weeks. If a puppy has this condition, he will die before 4 months of age. There is no test currently known for the disease and carriers can only be identified through mating. Ask the breeder about CIDN history in their lines and avoid lines with evidence of the disease if you would like to breed your dog.

Weight: 100-200 pounds (45-90 kg)
Height: 25-31 inches (60-79cm)
Coat: double coat, long hair with thick inner coat
Activity level: Moderate
Learning rate: High
Temperament: Companion, aloof and protective
Guard dog ability: Very High
Watch-dog ability: Very High
Life span: 10-14 years

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

Cockapoo Dog Breed

The Cockapoo (American Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix breed)

A cockapoo (also called a spoodle or cockerpoo) is a hybrid dog and is often called a designer dog. It is bred by crossing an American Cocker Spaniel (or English Cocker Spaniel) and a poodle (in most cases the miniature poodle or toy poodle), or by breeding cockapoo to cockapoo.

Cockapoo (pronounced KOK-a-poo); noun, definition - As the name brings to mind, a cross between cocker spaniel and poodle. Through documentation and establishment of a genetic database this wonderful hybrid is being brought to status as its own breed. A dog of outstanding intelligence, wonderful disposition, abounding affection, low to no shedding or 'doggy' odor, easily trained and long lived. A dog that is amazingly forgiving of the indiscretions of small children with a keen intelligence any adult can appreciate. Cockapoos come in a myriad of colors and a range of sizes to fit any family's desires.

Cockapoos have been bred since at least the 1950's as an ideal companion pet and family dog. The hybrid vigor resulting from crossing these two popular breeds creates a dog that exhibits not only the "best of both" breeds but produces a better family pet than in either parent breed. The Cockapoo has become known and in demand for its wonderful disposition, high intelligence and curiosity, devoted loyalty, as well as for the hypoallergenic characteristics of little to no dander, shedding or odor.

This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: some Cockapoo clubs are working towards making the Cockapoo a purebred dog by multi-generation crossing, while other breeders are sticking to the basic Poodle / Cocker mix stating they wish to preserve the heterosis effect in the hybrid mix. Ask the breeder you contact which type of Cockapoo they are breeding.

Health:

Although most cockapoos are healthy, they can suffer from certain problems common to their parent breeds.

Both poodles and cocker spaniels can suffer from luxating patellas (loose knees). An OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) exam is required to check for this problem before dogs are bred. Poodles and cocker spaniels can also suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, an eye disorder).

Cockapoos have become popular because they generally combine the outgoing, loving personality of the cocker spaniel with the low-shedding, low-dander qualities of the poodle. The poodle parent also contributes intelligence and a tendency to be very active, resulting in a loving, intelligent, energetic and agile dog that sheds very little.

Strictly speaking, the cockapoo cannot be described as a purebred because it does not 'breed true'. In breeders' terms, 'breeding true' means that the pups will have more consistently predictable characteristics, and will resemble both their parents, rather than exhibiting the varying characteristics of the dog breeds in their ancestries.

Cockapoos, however, may inherit the characteristics of either or both their parent breeds. While some cockapoos appear more similar to cocker spaniels, others will exhibit more poodle traits, creating a variation in cockapoo appearance and temperament. Cockapoo size and weight are a function of what type of dogs the parents were. Breeders usually use a toy or miniature poodle as the poodle parent. The following table describes the weights and heights of toy poodles, miniature poodles cocker spaniels and cockapoos, using AKC standards and other information.

Weight:

Teacup Toy - under 6 pounds (3 kg.) grown weight

Toy - under 12 pounds (5 kg.)

Miniature/Mini - 13 to 18 pounds ( 5.5 - 8 kg.)

Maxi - over 19 pounds. (9 kg.)

Height: 14-15 inches (35-38 cm.)

Breed Average Height Average Weight

Toy Poodle 10 inches or less 6 to 9 pounds

Miniature Poodle 10 to 15 inches 15 to 17 pounds

Cocker Spaniel 14 to 17 inches 25 to 34 pounds

Cockapoo 10 to 15 inches 12 to 20 pounds

Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, ancient dog breed that can be traced back to about 168 BC. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to the protective instincts and their fearsome appearance. The breed is reported to have been used for fighting against Lions in the Colosseo and other ancient Roman arenas. It is muscular with a rather rectangular body, massive head, and wrinkled face. The facial wrinkles continue under the chin and down the neck to form a prominent dewlap. The skull is broad and flat on top, and the nose is large. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.

They are highly protective and fearless. It is extremely intelligent and somewhat willful. It does not require repetitious training. Neo's are very attuned to his master's wishes. This breed rarely gives trouble by excessive barking. They are serious, calm and quiet unless provoked. The breed is very wary of strangers. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children. These dogs, however, usually very love with children, provided they do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppy hood. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone.

Physically, a Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy.

Neapolitan Mastiff’s neck is slightly arched, rather short, stocky and well-muscled. The length of the dog, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of buttock is 10 - 15 percent greater than the height of the dog measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground. Depth of the ribcage is equal to half the total height of the dog. Ribs are long and well sprung. The coat is short, dense and of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are straight and not longer than 1 inch. No fringe anywhere.

Height: Dogs 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) Bitches 24-28 inches (60-70 cm.)

Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg.)

The largest male Neapolitans may be nearly 200 pounds (90 kg.)

In health, they are usually prone to hip dysplasia, pano-ostiosis (growing pains), a condition which may occur when the dog is 4-18 months old and generally disappears on its own. Also prone to "cherry eye." The eye tissue protrudes more than normal and becomes red and inflamed. This condition is completely cured with minor surgery. Do not let the young, Neapolitan Mastiff run and play too much. Although it does need to be taken on a daily walk, limit its exercise, because it must on no account be over-tired. Avoid rough games in the growing stage and ensure that all its energy is available to make healthy bones and muscles. Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs need a great deal of exercise. He should be taken on daily, long walks twice daily. These giant, short-haired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.