Dogs In The Hound Group

The Afghan Hound looks quite aristocratic; their appearance is one of dignity and aloofness. This breed is native to high altitudes; their coat is thick, silky, and very fine.  The Afghan Hound hunts by sight.  This breed is agile and sure-footed on rough terrains; they possess speed and strength in bringing down their prey; and they have the stamina necessary for prolonged hunting.  The Afghan Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926.

Afghan Hound

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

The Hound Group

The Hound Group has one common ancestral trait; they were used for hunting.  Many of the dogs in this group have an acute scenting ability; others have incredible stamina, and some produce a unique sound known as, "baying."  Over the next several days Brandykegs will be taking a look at the breeds of dogs that are part of the Hound Group; hope you enjoy the info.

Dogs In The Toy Group

Yorkshire Terriers are often referred to as, " Yorkies."  They may be part of the Toy Group but they have a big personality.  Their coats are long and luxurious coming in blue and tan colors.  Did you know that Yorkshire Terriers were used in the 1800's in clothing mills to catch rats?  The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Yorkshire Terrier

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Toy Fox Terrier is an American breed; they are intelligent, courageous, and possess a take-charge attitude.  The breed is considered a toy and a terrier.  Their coat colors are white, chocolate and tan, white and tan, white and black, or tri-color.  The Toy Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003.

Toy Fox Terrier

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Silky Terrier may be part of the Toy Group; but he is a true "terrier" and capable of hunting and killing domestic rodents.  The Silky Terrier was developed in Australia.  The Silky Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959.

Silky Terrier

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Shih Zhu is easily recognized by its long-flowing double coat.  Shih Zhu actually means lion; yes this breed will stand up for itself.  This breed was cherished by Chinese royals and were prized house pets for over 1000 years.  The Shih Zhu was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Shih Zhu

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Pug is often described as, "multum in parvo" which means a lot of dog in a small package.  The breed is described as even-tempered, playful personality, outgoing, and loving.  Their coat colors range from fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn, or black; their muzzle has a well defined mask.  The Pug is a very old breed whose origin goes back to China to 400 B.C.  The Pug was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Pug

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Poodle is very smart and active as well.  This breed comes in three size varieties; making them very popular with the public.  The standard variety is the oldest of the three; the miniature was used in truffle hunting; and the toy variety was often used in circuses.  Their coat colors are always solid ranging from white, black, apricot, and gray.  The Poodle originated in Germany and was a water-retriever.  The unique hair cuts that Poodle have serve a purpose; the areas that are left uncut actually protect the dog's vital organ from the cold water.  The Poodle is recognized as the national dog of France.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Poodle in 1887.

Miniature Poodle

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Pomeranian is an animated breed with a cocky attitude.  This breed has a fox-like expression; coat comes in all colors however orange and red are the most popular.  The Pomeranian is part of the Spitz family; they are descendants of sled dogs from Iceland and Lapland.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Pomeranian in 1888.

Pomeranian

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Pekingese dates back to the Tang dynasty in China.  The Pekingese's front is heavier than their hindquarters.  They may be small but they resemble a lion; giving their image one of courage and dignity.  In ancient China only royalty could own a Pekingese.  The Pekingese was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906.

Pekingese

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Papillon's distinctive feature are their ears which resemble a butterfly.  The breed is happy and alert and is neither shy or aggressive with strangers.  The Papillon coat colors are parti-color or white with patches of any color.  Did you know that Papillon in French means butterfly?  In the past the Papillon was called a Dwarf Spaniel.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Papillon in 1915.

Papillon

(Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Miniature Pinscher is also known as, "the King of the Toys."  Their smooth coat ranges in colors from red, stag red, black with rust markings, to chocolate with tan.  Pinscher is a German word for terrier.  This is a little dog that does not realize he is little.  Fanciers of this breed refer to them as, "Min Pin."  The Miniature Pinscher was recognized by AKC in 1925.



Miniature Pinscher

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Manchester Terrier comes in two varieties; Toy and Standard.  They have a sleek coat with colors of black with tan markings.  They were originally bred to hunt rats and other small vermin; they still retain this ability today.  The Manchester Terrier was recognized by AKC in the Toy variety in 1886 and in the Standard variety in 1887.



Manchester Terrier

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Maltese has a lovely coat from head to toe; a mantle of long silky white hair.  This aristocrat of the canine worlds dates back over 28 centuries.  Did you know the Greeks erected tombs for their Maltese companions?  AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888.



Maltese

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Japanese Chin is intelligent and sensitive; their sole purpose is companionship.  Their coat color is mainly white with black markings; can also be found with white and red.  It is an ancient breed of China; often depicted on pottery and embroidered linens.  In the past only royalty could own the Japanese Chin.  In Japan; dogs were referred to as Chin (royalty and descendants of Chinese aristocracy) or Inu (working dog.)  The Japanese Chin was recognized by AKC in 1888.



Japanese Chin

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Italian Greyhound is very slender and small; however they have the same gentle sweetness of their taller Greyhound relatives.  Their coat color can be any color except brindle and classic black and tan.  It is unclear if this smaller size was created for hunting small game or as a companion.  They are considered an ancient breed dating back 2000 years.  The Italian Greyhound was recognized by AKC in 1886.



Italian Greyhound

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Havanese is the National Dog of Cuba; it is also their only native breed.  Their coat is wavy and silky; with all coat colors possible.  In the past they were referred to as Havana Silk Dog and Spanish Silk Poodle.  The Havanese was recognized by AKC in 1996.



Havanese

Dogs In The Toy Group

The English Toy Spaniel is a small breed with a square build.  There are four varieties for this breed; Blenheim, ruby, Prince Charles, and King Charles.  The English Toy Spaniel has been around for a long time appearing in paintings from as far back as the seventeenth century.  They most likely originated in the Far East (China or Japan.)  The English Toy Spaniel was recognized by AKC in 1886. 

English Toy Spaniel

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Chinese Crested has two coat types; hairless and powderpuff; the two coat types can be found in same litter.  The Chinese Crested is believed to have traveled with Chinese sailors.  It is believed this breed was developed from African hairless dogs.  The Chinese Crested is a good choice for families with allergy issues.  The AKC recognized the Chinese Crested in 1991.



Chinese Crested

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day from Brandykegs Saint Bernards!

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Chihuahua is a little dog with a lot of attitude.  Due to their small size; they are often referred to as purse dogs.  The coat color for the Chihuahua can be any color and can be long or short.  Did you know the Chihuahua prefers to be with other Chihuahuas not other breeds?  AKC recognized the Chihuahua in 1904.



Chihuahua

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an elegant, energetic little dog with a sweet gentle nature.  Their lovely silky coats range in colors from chestnut and white; black, white, and tan; solid red; to black and tan.  The breed has been around for centuries; often depicted on tapestries and painting.  The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized by AKC in 1995.



Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Brussel Griffon has an uncanny almost human expression on its face.  Their coat colors range from red, belge, black and tan, or black.  The Brussel Griffon makes a great watchdog and companion; their coat can be rough or smooth.  AKC recognized the Brussel Griffon in 1910.

Brussel Griffon

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Affenpinscher has the adorable face of a monkey.  In fact, Affenspinscher is a German word and it means Monkey-Terrier.  Their wire-haired coat is commonly black but can be gray, silver, red, belge, or black and tan. Belge is red with black, brown, or white hairs mixed in. The Affenpinscher is an ancient breed that most likely originated in Central Europe.  The Affenpinscher was recognized by AKC in 1936. 

Affenpinscher

Toy Group

The Toy Group is very descriptive of the breeds that are part of it; small and a lot of fun.  The smaller breeds are a favorite with people with limited living space or for those that are city dwellers.  For the next several days we will take a individual look at the adorable breeds that are part of the Toy Group.

(presented by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Swedish Vallhund is a small powerful breed that has been used on farms for herding cattle and sheep.  They have a double coat with colors from red to grey in a sable pattern.  This breed dates back over 1000 years in Sweden.  The Swedish Vallhund can naturally have no tail also called bobtail.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Swedish Vallhund in 2007.

Swedish Vallhund

Cinco de Mayo

It's Cinco de Mayo!

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Shetland Sheepdog is often called a "Sheltie."  They are a rough-coated long-haired working dog; colors range from black, blue merle, sable, with markings of white or tan.  The Shetland Sheepdog is basically a miniature Collie.  The Sheltie is very successful in the obedience ring.  The Shetland Sheepdog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911.

Shetland Sheepdog

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Pyrenean Shepherd has been herding sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains in Southern France for many centuries.  There are two coat types rough-faced and smooth faced; coat colors range from fawn, tan, copper, charcoal, silver, and pearl grey.  The Pyrenean Shepherd is well known for it's work in World War I; they served as couriers, search and rescue for soldiers after battles, and also accompanied soldiers as guard dogs during their rounds.  The Pyrenean Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Recent Today Show Slam On AKC

AKC was slammed pretty hard on yesterday's Today Show.  As is often the case with stories presented to the public; a lot of editing goes on before the interview is aired.  Here are some points that AKC presented in the interview but were edited out.  I think the public is entitled to hear both sides equally and then form their own conclusions about a topic.

Here are some top facts that The Today Show didn't tell you:

1.     They didn't tell you that no other organization does more to protect dogs than the AKC and that "being the dog's champion" means, among other things, donating more than $24 million to canine health research, conducting kennel inspections, and offering more educational programs for responsible dog owners than any other organization.

2.     They didn't tell you that when an AKC inspector finds substandard kennel conditions they must immediately report it to the appropriate federal, state and local authorities to take action.

3.     They didn't tell you that, in many instances, the highly publicized raids for which animal rights groups take credit in the media have come about as a direct result of AKC's reporting to law enforcement.

4.     They didn't tell you that, as we explained to Jeff Rossen and his producers numerous times, there are no "AKC Registered Operations" or "AKC Registered Breeders" and that breeders use AKC services voluntarily.

5.     They didn’t tell you that less than 5% of AKC’s registration revenue comes from commercial breeders or that the AKC is a not-for-profit organization whose total revenues are less than the total marketing budget of the HSUS.

6.     They didn't tell you that AKC saw substandard breeders leave the registry in droves in the mid-1990's when we instituted an inspections program. We did it anyway, even though it affected our bottom line negatively, because it was the right thing to do for dogs. And, more breeders left when we began DNA testing.

7.     They didn't tell you that when AKC has concerns with legislation, it publicly puts legislative alerts on its website where anyone can learn about how a bill may potentially affect responsible breeders and dog owners' rights and not do anything to protect dogs.

8.     They didn't tell you that AKC works to ensure the enforcement of cruelty and neglect laws, as well as the provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act. As a result, AKC has a productive working relationship with local animal controls, state and local law enforcement, state departments of agriculture throughout the country, as well as the USDA.

9.     They didn't tell you that AKC is well respected by lawmakers who consider us credible experts on dog issues, and rely on our thoughtful and considered advice when it comes to legislation that will impact dogs and their breeders and owners.

10.   They didn’t tell you that the purebred rescue groups they referenced are actually AKC breed parent club groups and affiliates that make up the largest dog rescue group network in the country.

11.   They didn't tell you that The Today Show's Natalie Morales made a TV public service announcement in conjunction with the Ad Council and the HSUS.

 

This information was provided by the American Kennel Club.

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Puli is a tough herding dog; they are compact, vigorous, and alert.  Their coat is wavy or curly; it naturally clumps together forming cords. The Puli's coat colors range from black, gray, or white.  This breed is an ancient sheepdog of Hungary and have been around for over 1000 years.  The Puli was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.

Puli

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog are intelligent, spirited dogs; they fearlessly protect their flocks from predators.  They have a long shaggy coat that covers their eyes; colors range from white, black, gray, and sandy.  The Polish Lowland Sheepdog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2001.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog