One of the most popular family companions, the Labrador once used to work on the

Newfoundland coast retrieving the cork floats of fishing nets and swimming them
ashore so that fishermen could pull in the fish-filled nets. Although a few of
this breed suffer from health or temperamental problems the Labrador epitomises
all the ideal features of a Canine member of the human family. It is one of the
most loyal and dependable breeds in the world. It is used extensively as a guide
dog for the blind. It weighs 25-34 kgs and is about 54-57 cms tall. The colours
maybe yellow, brown (chocolate) or black coloured.
Picture at right: Trendmaker's eat My Dust.
Pic Courtesy: Dinky Santos, Manila, Philippines
http://www.geocities.com/susnshadow

Fox hound This breed tends to work individually, rather than its English coun
terpart which works in groups. In the United States, the fox hunt maybe of two t
ypes. In traditional European style the hunting is during the day and the Fox is
killed, but in southern states it maybe in the day or night and the Fox is not
necessarily killed. Each American Fox Hound has a distinct voice which its owner
can recognise. It is about 30-34 kgs in weight and is 55-65 cms in height.

the 1870's, a German Tax collector Louis Dobermann used the Rottweiler, German P
inscher, Wei Maraner, the English Greyhound and the Manchester Terrier to develo
p this breed. This obedient alert and resourceful breed is a companion and a s
ervice dog all over the world. Good breeders ensure that it does not develop a s
hy or vicious behaviour. It weighs 30-40 kgs and is about 65-69 cms. They maybe
black and tan, brown & isabella
The Grey hound is kept more for racing than as a show dog. The Tracks sprinter i
s definitely faster than the show dog because of a difference in hind angulation
. Racing dogs are treated as individuals and trained from when they are 15 month
s old. But it is a pity that when their racing life is over they are often put t
o sleep. Much work is being to place such dogs as pets when their careers are ov
er.
The world's most numerous breed has its recent origins in a superb breeding prog
ram introduced by Max Von Stephenitz. Until 1915, the long-haired and the wire-h
aired were exhibited but today on ly the short-coat is recognised for show purpo
ses. When bred carefully the GSD is an excellent breed, calm, reliable, responsi
ve and obedient. The adult behaviour of the dog depends not only the genes that
they have inherited but also in the way they have been treated by their mother a
nd humans and by experiences they acquire. The name 'Alsatian' is often mispelt
as 'Alsation' and is actually derived from the name of the place where it origin
ated - "Alsace". It is originally bred to be a sheep dog, it has been used the w
orld over for security, obedience, guarding and companionship. It has even becom
e a symbol of loyalty and faithfulness to its master. It is about 65 cms in heig
ht.

With its handsome and powerful appearance and the speed strength and endurance o
vertake and capture intruders without mauling them, this dog should have become
the most popular among guard dogs, but is is also a stubborn dog, resistant to o
bedience training and overly protective of its Human family. For this reason, so
me other breeds have become more popular as guard dogs. The Bull mastiff can be
said to be 60% English Mastiff and 40% Bull Dog. It was originally used by gamek
eepers to immobilise poachers. It weighs 40-60 kgs and 64 -69 cms tall.

One of the most popular breeds in the world, the boxer retains a puppy like beh
aviour lifelong. It has a fast reaction time and is very good with children. Its
muscular and intimidating appearance make it an excellent guard. The boxer is a
result of high quality designer dog breeding that was in fashion in Germany 100
yrs ago. It has a dark mask confined to the muzzle and its tail is traditionall
y docked. It weighs 25-32 kgs and is about 53-63 cms tall.
This dog was originally bred by an Australian pioneer, Thomas Smith Hall, who wa
nted a dog strong enough to withstand the hard-work of droving cattle and the Di
ngo's ability to creep up silently on a prey before attacking. He thus created t
he Australian Cattle Dog from bloodlines of the Bob-Tail, The Blue-Merle Collie
and the Dingo. The Dog weighs between 16-20 kgs and is about 45-50 cms tall.
Picture at right: Am/Can CH Maitlands SilverDust Sydni
owned by and bred by: Deb Casey and Gina McDonnell
e-mail: deb@txk9.com
URL: www.australiancattledog.com

Alaskan MalamuteThis has a wolf-like appearance but is an affectionate dog. It i

s powerful and has a lot of stamina. It is used in sled-racing competitions. The
dense coat makes the breed prone to heat strokes in warm weather. It is named a
fter the Mahlemute Inute of Alaska. It weighs between 40-55 kgs and is 60-70 cms
tall.