Maremma Sheepdog

Description:
The Maremma Sheepdog is a massive, noble distinctive-looking dog with a bear-like head. The jaws are strong with a scissors bite. It has a black nose that often becomes slightly pink-brown with age. The ears are v-shaped, pointed and rather small. The eyes have a lively, intelligent expression, but are not large. The nasal canal is straight. The tail is low set and thickly feathered with dense hair. The deep, well-rounded ribcage extends to the elbows. The long, harsh, and very abundant hair has a slight wave. The under-coat is dense. Coat colors include white with markings of ivory, light yellow, or pale orange on the ears.

Height, Weight :
Height: 23.5-28.5 inches (60-73 cm.)
Weight: 66-100 pounds (30-45 kg.)

Living Conditions:
The Maremma Sheepdog is not recommended for apartment life. If they get enough exercise, they will be calm indoors. Accustomed for centuries to wide-open spaces, it needs at least a large yard. The all-weather coat allows it to sleep outdoors. The Maremma is not well-suited for very hot weather. It should never be shorn, but should always have plenty of shade and a large bowl of water on hot days.

Exercise:
This breed needs space - mentally as well as physically. If they are not working as an active flock guardian, they need to be taken on daily, brisk walk. A short walk around the block three times a day is not enough for this dog. Long and alternating walks are necessary. It must have frequent opportunities to run free. When it gets enough exercise, freedom and space, it will be quiet in the house.

Life Expectancy:
About 11-13 years.

Grooming:
All weather coat requires regular, thorough combing and brushings to remove all dead and loose hair. Take extra care when the dog is shedding.

Origin:

Some claim at one time there were two separate breeds: the Abruzzese and the Maremmano. The Abruzzese was more of a mountaineer and had a longer body, while the Maremmano had a slightly shorter coat. However in the 1950's the two were officially established as a single breed with a hyphenated name, Maremmano Abruzzese. This is a classic European flock-guarding dog, probably a close descendant of the great, white Eastern sheepdogs that slowly spread across Europe over 2,000 years ago. The Karabash and Akbash sheepdogs of Turkey, the Kuvac of Slovakia, the Kuvasz and Komondor of Hungary, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog of France are all included in its blood. The ancestors of the Maremma evolved to become smaller than their fellow herd guardians while retaining the independence and aloofness of their heritage. Although it is now seen regularly in Great Britain, this breed is still rare in other countries outside Italy. It is strong-willed and not easy to obedience train, but makes a super guard. Its Country of origin is Italy.

Group:
Flock Guard

The Toy Fox Terrier

Country of Origin:
The Toy Fox Terrier originated in the USA

Height:
A Toy Fox Terrier should be about 10 inches (25 cm.) in height.

Weight:
Toy Fox Terriers weigh about 3.5 to 7 pounds (1.5 to 3 kg.)

Colors:
The Toy Fox Terrier has a predominantly white coat with different colored markings including tan and black.

Coat:
The Toy Fox Terrier 's smooth short satiny coat is easy to take care of and requires only occasional brushing. The Toy Fox Terrier is a light shedder.

Temperament:
Toy Fox Terriers are extremely loyal, curious and intelligent. Ameritoys believe that they are big dogs. They are highly trainable and make good companions for the deaf or the disabled. Toy Fox Terriers are energetic but not yappy.

Health Concerns:
Toy Fox Terriers are prone to leg calve perthes and stifle, some are allergic to beet pulp, corn and wheat.

Life Expectancy:
The expected life span of the Toy Fox Terrier is about 13-14 years.

Living Environment:
Toy Fox Terriers are active indoors and will generally take care of their own exercise needs. They are intolerant of cold weather.

AKC Group:
The Toy Fox Terrier is in the Toy Group.

The American Staffordshire

Country of Origin:
The American Staffordshire Terrier originated in the USA

Height:
American Staffordshire Terriers: Dogs 17-19 inches (43-48cm) Bitches 16-18 inches (41-46cm)

Weight:
American Staffordshire Terriers weigh 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)

Colors:
The American Staffordshire Terrier can be a combinations of white, black tan and liver.

Coat:
The American Staffordshire Terrier's coat is short and sleek, and should be brushed regularly. A rub with a chamois will make their coat shine. The AmStaf is an average shedder.

Temperament:
When properly trained the American Staffordshire Terrier is an excellent companion with both children and adults, as well as an excellent guard dog. The AmStaf is loyal, courageous, willing and very eager to please its master. It will protect its master no matter what. This dog was originally bred as a fighting dog and can be aggressive towards other breeds, particularly if not properly trained. It can also be difficult to housebreak. It is not a breed for a beginner.

Health Concerns:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is prone to hip dysplasia and hereditary cataracts

Life Expectancy:
The American Staffordshire Terrier can be expected to live up to about 10-12 years.

Living Environment:
American Staffordshire Terriers can live in an apartment without a yard provided they receive plenty of exercise. When walking the AmStaf in public places it must be kept on a leash to avoid fights with other dogs.

AKC Group:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a member of the Terrier Group

the American Eskimo Dog

Country of Origin:
Originally from the Nordic countries but officially recognized as the American Eskimo Dog in the US.

Height:
Toy: 9-12 inches (23-30cm) Miniature: over 12 (30cm) up to 15 inches (38cm) Standard: over 15 inches (38cm) up to 19 inches (48cm)

Weight:
Toy: 6-10 pounds (2.4-4.5kg) Miniature: 10-20 pounds (4.5-9kg) Standard: 18-35 pounds (8kg-16kg)

Colors:
The American Eskimo Dog's coat is always white, or white with biscuit or cream markings.

Coat:
The Eskie's thick coat should be brushed twice a week, and daily when shedding. This breed is an average shedder.

Temperament:
Highly intelligent and very trainable, American Eskimo dogs will be weary of strangers until introduced. Affectionate, Eskies will bark and needs firm handling. Loyal and energetic, American Eskimo dogs must be thoroughly socialized when young.

Health Concerns:
Attention should be paid to the Eskie's eyes and tear ducts, also the coat should be flea free which could otherwise cause dermatitis.

Life Expectancy:
The American Eskimo Dog can be expected to live about 15 years.

Living Environment:
The American Eskimo Dog loves to be taken for walks and should be done so on a leash. This breed will do well in an apartment.

AKC Group:
The American Eskimo Dog is in the Non-Sporting Group.

The Cocker Spaniel

Country of Origin:
The Cocker Spaniel originated in the U.S.

Height:
Male Cocker Spaniels range from 14.5 inches to 15.5 inches. Female Cocker Spaniels range from 13.5 inches to 14.5 inches.

Weight:
Cocker Spaniels range from 24 to 28 pounds.

Colors:
Cocker Spaniels can be any solid color or parti-color (one of which has to be white) coats.

Coat:
The Cocker Spaniel has a silky coat, which can be flat or slightly wavy. Brushing twice a week is recommended to keep its coat from matting and odor free.

Temperament:
Cocker Spaniels are lovable family dogs. Playful and sweet, Cocker Spaniels are very eager to please their owners.

Health Concerns:
Cocker Spaniel are susceptible to ear infections, eye problems, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Life Expectancy:
The expected life span of the Cocker Spaniel is 12-15 years.

Living Environment:
Cocker Spaniels adapt well to any kind of environment and setting, just as long as they get sufficient amounts of exercise. A long daily walk is good exercise for the Cocker Spaniel.

AKC Group:
The Cocker Spaniel is in the sporting group.

Country of Origin:
The American Bulldog originated in the USA

Height:
Dogs 22-28 inches (55-70 cm.) Bitches 20-26 inches (52-65 cm.)

Weight:
Dogs 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg.) Bitches 60-100 pounds (27-45kg.)

Colors:
The American Bulldog can be in combinations of white, brindle, brown, red, or tan.

Coat:
The American Bulldog has a short, thick and shiny coat. The coat should be brushed regularly and bathed only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Temperament:
The American Bulldog is truly loyal and obedient of its master if trained properly. It is eager to please and genuinely loves children. The American Bulldog is known to be assertive and bold. It is happiest when it has a job to do.

Health Concerns:
American Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia.

Life Expectancy:
American Bulldogs can be expected to live up to 16 years.

Living Environment:
The American Bulldog is inactive indoors and requires a yard and moderate exercise outside.

AKC Group:
Not Recognized

The Black and Tan Coonhound

Country of Origin:
The Black and Tan Coonhound originated in the U.S.A.

Height:
Black and Tan Coonhounds are 23-27 inches (58-68 cm.)

Weight:
The Black and Tan Coonhound will weigh 50-75 pounds (45-64 kg.)

Colors:
Fulfilling their namesake, the Black and Tan Coonhound is black & tan.

Coat:
The Black and Tan Coonhound's smooth glossy coat requires brushing only as necessary.

Temperament:
Good-natured and determined, the Black and Tan Coonhound is an excellent hunting companion. This breed is better with older children and will be reserved around strangers. The Black and Tan Coonhound will howl if left alone too much; it loves to follow scents and should never be let off a leash in an unsafe area.

Health Concerns:
Because of its long ears and loose-lidded eyes, Black and Tan Coonhounds may be susceptible to infections. Regular and careful cleaning should be done as a preventative measure. This breed should not be overfed.

Life Expectancy:
The Black and Tan Coonhound's life expectancy is about 10-12 years.

Living Environment:
Best suited for country living, the Black and Tan Coonhound requires lots of space for running and roaming and is not suited for apartment life.

AKC Group:
The Black and Tan Coonhound is in the Hound Group