Hound Group
Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it's your cup of tea.
Borzoi
General Appearance
Mature males should be at least 28 inches at the withers and mature bitches at least 26 inches at the withers. Dogs and bitches below these respective limits should be severely penalized; dogs and bitches above the respective limits should not be penalized as long as extra size is not acquired at the expense of symmetry, speed and staying quality. Range in weight for males from 75 to 105 pounds and for bitches from 15 to 20 pounds less.
Owning
The Borzoi's coat is known to shed. Borzois require vigorous exercise to keep them in fit condition. Due to their sight hound heritage, Borzois should never be left off a leash or let to roam outside of a fenced yard. Borzois are very quiet dogs who seldom bark. Although the Borzoi is a large dog, it will happily curl up in a corner very comfortably.
Did You Know
The Borzoi originated in 17th-century Russia, when Arabian greyhounds were crossed with a thick-coated, Russian breed. The Borzoi was once known as the Russian Wolfhound. In 1650, the first Borzoi standard was written. As far as is known, the first Borzoi that came to America was brought over from England in 1889 by William Wade of Hulton, Pennsylvania, this hound being purchased from Freeman Lloyd.
Ibizan
General Appearance
The Ibizan's clean-cut lines, large prick ears and light pigment give it a unique appearance. A hunting dog whose quarry is primarily rabbits, this ancient hound was bred for thousands of years with function being of prime importance. Lithe and racy, the Ibizan possesses a deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter. Strong, without appearing heavily muscled, the Ibizan is a hound of moderation. With the exception of the ears, he should not appear extreme or exaggerated. In the field the Ibizan is as fast as top coursing breeds and without equal in agility, high jumping and broad jumping ability. He is able to spring to great heights from a standstill.
Owning
Ibizan Hounds are very neat dogs who clean themselves much like cats. Ibizan Hounds require a great deal of exercise and should only be allowed off leash in a fenced in area. They are very agile dogs, able to jump great heights from a standstill. It is recommended that IbizanHound owners have fences at least 6' in height. The IbizanHound is even-tempered, affectionate, loyal, and friendly, and makes an excellent family pet.
Characteristics
The Ibizan has an elegant, deer-like look. The eyes are oblique and small, ranging in color from clear amber to caramel. The rims are the color of the nose and are fully or partially pigmented. The appearance of the eye is intelligent, alert and inquisitive. The ears are large, pointed, and natural. On alert the ear should never droop, bend, or crease. Highly mobile, the ear can point forward, sideways, or be folded backward, according to mood. On alert, the lowest point of the base is at level of the eye. On frontal examination, the height of the ear is approximately 2½ times that of the widest point of the base.
Temperament
The IbizanHound is even-tempered, affectionate and loyal. Extremely versatile and trainable, he makes an excellent family pet, and is well suited to the breed ring, obedience, tracking and lure-coursing. He exhibits a keen, natural hunting instinct with much determination and stamina in the field
Did You Know
Phoenician sailors are said to have brought these dogs to the island of Ibiza in the eighth century. Hannibal, himself an Ibizan, took some of these dogs with him on his famous trip across the Alps. IbizanHound history is traceable back to approximately 3400 B.C. Ibizan Hound breeding stock was first imported to the U.S. by Colonel and Mrs. Consuelo Seoane. Their first two hounds, Hannibal and Tanit, produced a litter of eight puppies on September 3, 1956. The Ibizan Hound Club of the United States became an AKC member club and gained specialty show status in 1992.
Saluki
General Appearance
The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes. Dogs should average in height from 23 to 28 inches and bitches may be considerably smaller, this being very typical of the breed. The Smooth Variety-In this variety the points should be the same with the exception of the coat, which has no feathering.
Owning
The Saluki is an active breed who likes the outdoors. The Saluki should never be left off a leash or left to roam outside of a fenced yard. The Saluki shows great attachment for his owner; he is an affectionate dog who thrives in families where he is the focus of attention.
Did You Know
The Saluki, royal dog of Egypt, is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog, identified by some historians as ''a distinct breed and type as long ago as 329 B.C. when Alexander the Great invaded India.'' Salukis were widespread and appeared in Egypt were they were held in such great esteem that its body was often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves. The Saluki was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1927. Forty-four Salukis earned the Junior Courser title (JC) in 1993, 51 in 1994, and 71 in 1995.
Toy Group
The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody sheer delight. Don't let their tiny statue fool you, though - - many Toys are tough as nails. If you haven't yet experienced the barking of an angry Chihuahua, for example, well, just wait. Toy dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights. (Incidentally, small breeds may be found in every Group, not just the Toy Group. We advise everyone to seriously consider getting a small breed, when appropriate, if for no other reason than to minimize some of the problems inherent in canines such as shedding, creating messes and cost of care. And training aside, it's still easier to control a ten-pound dog than it is one ten times that size.)
English Toy Spaniel
Owning
The English Toy Spaniel's coat is not known for excessive shedding, but it should be brushed several times a week to maintain a healthy condition. The English Toy Spaniel is a bright little dog who is affectionate and willing to please. He is a loyal breed and likes to sit in his owner's lap. The English Toy Spaniel's gentle and loving temperament make him an ideal dog for the elderly.
Characteristics
The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog possessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. His compact, sturdy body and charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim him a dog of distinction and character. The important characteristics of the breed are exemplified by the head.
Did You Know
The English Toy Spaniel made its first appearance in England during the reign of King Charles II, in the 17th century. Celebrated professor & physician to Queen Elizabeth refers to them as ''Spaniell Gentle, otherwise called the Comforter.'' In the U.S. the breed has appeared in the AKC's records since the club was founded. Before 1903 all four colors were classified as separate breeds for show purposes, but were permitted to intermix for breeding. But in 1904 the AKC ruled that they should be combined into one breed, the English Toy Spaniel, and shown in two color varieties: King Charles and Ruby; and Prince Charles and Blenheim.
Papillon
Owning
The Papillon is a happy dog who makes a great house pet. Papillons make a very good watch dog, alerting their owners of strangers. The coat requires minimal grooming, but to prevent matting the coat should be groomed at least once a week.
Characteristics
The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action; distinguished from other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears.
Did You Know
The Papillon, known in the 16th century as dwarf spaniel, is the modern development of those little dogs often seen picuted in rare old painting and tapestries. Marie Antoinette was an ardent admirer of the Papillon.
Pug
Owning
The Pug has been referred to as ''Multo in Parvo'' meaning ''a lot of dog in a small space''. The Pug is an even-tempered breed who is playful, outgoing, dignified, and possess great charm.
Characteristics
Symmetry and general appearance are decidedly square and cobby. A lean, leggy Pug and a dog with short legs and a long body are equally objectionable
Did You Know
The Pug, one of the oldest breeds, has flourished true to his breed down through the ages from before 400 BC. The Pug was accepted for registration with the AKC in 1885.
Silky Terrier
Owning
The Silky Terrier's coat is his crowning glory. It is virtually odorless and non-shedding. The coat needs to be brushed for about ten minutes every day to keep it shining and free of mats. The Silky Terrier will adapt to most lifestyles. It is a spirited little dog with a good degree of physical strength. Silky's are good with children as long as the children treat them with kindness. Silky Terriers like companionship from other pets.
Characteristics
The Silky Terrier is a true ''toy terrier''. He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His coat is silky in texture, parted from the stop to the tail and presents a well groomed but not sculptured appearance. His inquisitive nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion.
Did You Know
Developed around the turn of the century in Australia from crossings of native Australian Terriers and imported Yorkshire Terriers, the Silky Terrier encompasses many of the best qualities of both. Originally known as the Sydney Silky Terrier, in 1955 the official name for the breed became the Australian Silky Terrier. The first official meeting of the Sydney Silky Terrier Club of America was held on March 25, 1955, and in July of that year, the name was changed by a vote of its members to Silky Terrier Club of America.
Working Group
Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.
Alaskan Malamute
General Appearance
The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. The Malamute stands well over the pads, and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. Malamutes are of various colors. Face markings are a distinguishing feature. These consist of a cap over the head, the face either all white or marked with a bar and/or mask. The tail is well furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waving plume. The Malamute must be a heavy boned dog with sound legs, good feet, deep chest and powerful shoulders, and have all of the other physical attributes necessary for the efficient performance of his job. The gait must be steady, balanced, tireless and totally efficient. He is not intended as a racing sled dog designed to compete in speed trials. The Malamute is structured for strength and endurance, and any characteristic of the individual specimen, including temperament, which interferes with the accomplishment of this purpose, is to be considered the most serious of faults.
Owning
Originally bred to be a freighting dog, this breed's strength is second to none. Alaskan Malamutes are athletic dogs who love the outdoors, but can also thrive as house pets. Alaskan Malamutes are patient with children, but should always be supervised during play.
Characteristics
There is a natural range in size in the breed. The desirable freighting sizes are males, 25 inches at the shoulders, 85 pounds; females, 23 inches at the shoulders, 75 pounds.
Temperament
The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, friendly dog, not a ''one man'' dog. He is a loyal, devoted companion, playful in invitation, but generally impressive by his dignity after maturity.
Did You Know
The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who settled along the shores of Kotzebue Sound in the upper western part of Alaska. The Mahlemuts are believed to have developed the breed to pull sleds and as a pack animal. The Alaskan Malamute is the native Alaskan Arctic breed, cousin to the Samoyed of Russia, Siberian Husky (Kolyma River Region), and the Eskimo dogs of Greenland and Labrador. The Alaskan Malamute was recognized for AKC registration in 1935. The Malamute is a true pack animal with the natural instinct to ''lead or be led''; therefore, training must begin as early as three to five months of age.
Bernese Mountain Dog
General Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking. tri-colored, large dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine.
Owning
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large friendly dog originally developed in Switzerland, to pull cheese and milk carts and to drive cows. A Bernese Mountain Dog should be groomed at least every two weeks. They require moderate exercise, making them excellent house dogs. Eager to accompany master and family everywhere, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a faithful and devoted friend.
Characteristics
The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than described are to be faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs or a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color other than black is a disqualification.
Temperament
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Did You Know
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known in its native Switzerland as the BernerSennenhund, which literally translated means Bernese Alpine Herdsmen's Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs have historically worked as drovers, draft dogs and watchdogs in the farmlands of the canton of Berne. Their ancestors are thought to have been first brought to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Roman soldiers. Brought to the United States in 1926, the Bernese Mountain Dog joined the AKC ''Stud Book'' in 1937.