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Dog breeds in bold are not pictured.
Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Sheepdog, Briard, Puli, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Tervuren, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Welsh Corgi, Belgian Malinois, Bouvier des Flandres, Old English Sheepdog
Australian Cattle Dog, breed of working dog, developed in Australia in the 19th century for herding purposes. The dogs stand 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and have erect ears, slightly curved tails, and dense short coats that range from red-spotted to blue-spotted white in color, sometimes with black and tan markings. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980.
Its
black color distinguishes the Groenendael variety of Belgian
sheepdog from the three other varieties-the Belgian Laekenois,
the Belgian Malinois, and the Belgian Tervuren. Although sheepdogs
were first developed in the 1200s, the Groenendael breed, also known
simply as the Belgian sheepdog, was not created until the late 1800s,
when the owner of a café in Groenendael, Belgium, mated two
black sheepdogs. The Belgian sheepdog is often used to herd and guard
farm livestock. Belgian Sheepdog, breed of working dog existing in
four varieties-the Belgian sheepdog (Groenendael), Belgian Laekenois,
Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren. The Belgian Laekenois is not
a recognized breed. The varieties have similar characteristics and
differ greatly only in the nature and color of the coat. The
Groenendael, named for the Belgian village where it was developed in
the latter part of the 19th century, has a long-haired black coat.
The male is 61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 in) high at the shoulder, and the
female, 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in); the dog weighs about 23 kg (about
50 lb). It has a flattened skull; alert brown eyes; triangular ears
held stiffly erect; a round neck; powerful back, loins, and hips; and
a tail of medium length held low when the animal is at rest and
raised and curled toward the body when the dog is in action. All
varieties of the breed are used for guarding sheep, as watchdogs, and
for police work.
Briard, herding dog, bred in France since at least the 12th century. The briard, named for the Brie region of France, is used for herding sheep. Because it has a keen sense of hearing, the breed is also popular as a watchdog. The briard is strong, with a large head; a square, black nose; bushy eyebrows; and a well-feathered tail that is carried low. The coat, usually black, gray, or tawny in color, is long, coarse, and slightly wavy. Adult males are about 23 to 27 inches high at the shoulder; females are a little smaller.
Puli (pl. pulik), breed of working dog, used as a sheepdog in Hungary for more than 1000 years. Brought in by the Magyars, it may have originated from the Tibetan terrier. This small, dark-haired dog worked sheep during the day, while the lighter colored, larger komondor and kuvasz were used to guard the sheep at night. The puli's coat is its distinctive feature and acts as a natural protector. It is dull black with tinges of bronze or gray or gray and white. The dense, woolly undercoat tangles with the profuse topcoat to form long matted cords over the length of the body and the head when not groomed. Intelligent and vigorous, the puli makes an ideal watchdog and companion. It averages 43 cm (17 in) in height and about 14 kg (about 30 lb) in weight.
Australian
Shepherd, also known as Spanish Shepherd, New Mexican Shepherd,
and California Shepherd, breed of herding dog developed in the United
States. Its ancestors probably were Australian dogs bred for herding
livestock. Sheep herders who emigrated from the Basque region of
Spain to the United States had these dogs shipped to California when
the United States imported sheep from Australia in the 19th century.
The Australian shepherd has a medium-boned, muscular body. The male
stands about 20 to 23 inches at the shoulders and weighs about 50 to
65 pounds. The female stands about 18 to 21 inches high and weighs
about 35 to 50 pounds. The top of the well-shaped head is flat and
slightly rounded, and the muzzle tapers to a rounded tip.
Medium-sized, triangular-shaped ears sit high on the head and break
forward slightly. The short, straight tail is about 4 inches long.
The Australian shepherd has almond-shaped eyes, which can be blue,
brown, amber, or any variation, with flecks or marbling. Its gaze is
alert, eager, and attentive. The coarse, medium-length coat is
colored black, black and gray or white, red with beige, and red.
The Australian shepherd is intelligent and trains easily. Its strong
herding and guarding instincts are matched by great stamina.
Naturally smooth movements and the ability to change direction and
speed instantly make this dog well suited for herding cattle or
sheep. It is also used for search-and-rescue operations. The
good-natured disposition of the Australian shepherd also makes it a
gentle and affectionate family pet.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Australian shepherd as
a separate breed in 1993. The national breed club is the United
States Australian Shepherd Association.
Belgian Tervuren, one of four breeds of Belgian sheepherding dogs; it is most closely related to the Groenendael type of Belgian sheepdog, from which it differs mainly in color. The Belgian Tervuren has medium-harsh, long, straight hair. The color ranges from a rich fawn to mahogany, characteristically tipped with black, which is most noticeable on the shoulders and back, the face, the ears, and the tip of the tail. Exceptionally obedient, alert, and intelligent, it makes a fine watchdog. Although it is similar in appearance to the German Shepherd, the breeds differ in size and in the formation of the back and hindquarters. Strong and well muscled, the Belgian Tervuren male stands 24 to 26 inches, the female 22 to 24 inches. The flattened head has strong, powerful jaws; erect triangular ears; and dark brown, almond-shaped eyes. The breed was officially recognized in 1959.
The
collie, one of the most popular pets, was originally bred as
a sheepdog in Scotland and the north of England to herd sheep and
cattle.. The dog may have been named after a Scottish black sheep,
the colley. Two varieties are known. The rough-coated collie has an
abundant outercoat of straight, harsh hair, especially on its mane,
chest, and tail. The undercoat is dense and soft. The smooth-coated
variety has a short, dense outercoat and an abundant undercoat. In
both varieties, the flat skull tapers gradually from ears to tip of
nose; the eyes are almond-shaped; the small ears tip forward at the
ends; the neck is long and muscular; and the tail is moderately long,
usually carried low. Males are between 24 and 26 inches high at the
shoulder and weigh from 60 to 75 pounds. The females stand from 20 to
22 inches high and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Four colors are
recognized: sable and white, tricolor (black, white, and tan),
blue-merle (blue-gray and black, with white markings and tan
shadings), and white (with sable, tricolor, or blue-merle markings).
Elegant, strong, and agile, the collie has been one of the most
popular dogs since the 1860s, when Queen Victoria of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland became an enthusiastic sponsor
of the breed. Collies were first shown in the United States in 1877,
although the history of the breed in America goes back to colonial
times; early settlers are believed to have brought collies with them.
The breed today is noted as a devoted family pet.
The border collie (recognized as a member of the Miscellaneous Class
by the American Kennel Club) is a purebred, medium-sized working dog.
It has been used since the 1600s to herd cattle and sheep on the
English-Scottish border. Usually black with white markings, its
outercoat is dense and harsh and of varying lengths. The dog stands
18 to 20 inches and weighs 30 to 50 pounds.
Shetland Sheepdog, breed of small working dog, developed to herd the diminutive sheep of the Shetland Islands. Bred from rough-coated collies and other small dogs, especially the spaniel, "shelties" stand only 13 to 16 inches and weigh about 15 pounds. In all respects other than size, however, they generally resemble the rough-haired working collie. Not until 1914, in fact, was the breed given separate status. They are obedient, highly intelligent, instinctive guard dogs, at the same time renowned for their gentleness and devotion. Swift and agile, they move with a smooth trotting gait. The weather-resistant coat of the shetland sheepdog characteristically stands out from the body because of the combination of long, straight, harsh outer hairs overlying a dense, furry undercoat. The hair forms a frill and a mane and is especially profuse on the tail and legs. The coloring is black, blue-gray, or sable, with white and/or tan markings.
Bearded Collie, breed of working dog of ancient origin, resembling the Old English sheepdog. Like other shaggy-haired herding dogs, it is believed to be a descendant of the Magyar Komondor of central Europe. The bearded collie stands 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder; the coat is gray or reddish with white markings. The breed was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1978.
Border Collie, breed of herding dog from Great Britain. This breed is named for its use by sheep and cattle farmers in the border counties of England and Scotland. The ancestors of the border collie were reindeer-herding dogs brought to Scotland by the Vikings. Eventual crossbreeding between these dogs and Scottish sheep dogs produced the border collie.
The border collie has a muscular, strong-boned body with straight front legs. The male stands about 48 to 56 cm (about 19 to 22 in) high at the shoulders, and weighs about 18 to 23 kg (about 40 to 51 lb). The female stands about 46 to 54 cm (about 18 to 21 in) high, and weighs about 16 to 19 kg (about 35 to 44 lb). The deep chest is moderately broad, and the neck slightly arched. The broad head has a blunt muzzle, tapering to the nose. Medium-sized, erect ears are set well apart, with the tips sometimes falling forward or outward. The long, low-set tail may end in an upward swirl.
The wide-set oval eyes of a border collie are usually brown. The American Kennel Club (AKC) approves blue eyes only if a border collie has a merled (black with gray) coat. Blue eyes are considered a fault in a border collie with any other coloring. The border collie has a dense coat that is either smooth with hair about 2.5 cm (about 1 in) long covering the body, or rough with flat-to-wavy hair up to 7.5 cm (up to 3 in) long, and shorter, smoother hair on the face. This coat usually is colored with a varying pattern of black, white, and tan.
A
rugged yet graceful dog, the athletic border collie excels at
herding sheep, frequently staring the flock into submission. The
border collie, developed by farmers in the region between England and
Scotland and usually identified by a black-and-white coat, is valued
for its intelligence, independence, and devotion. The border collie
is an athletic dog with endurance, agility, and grace. This dog's
smooth, tireless motion enables it to change direction and speed
instantly. It covers short distances swiftly. The border collie is
intelligent and learns new tasks quickly. It is friendly and makes a
good family dog, but also is a good watchdog. A border collie
requires daily brushing and a great deal of exercise; without
exercise, it can be destructive and cranky.
The AKC granted the border collie individual recognition in 1995. The
AKC accepts only border collies registered by the American Border
Collie Association (ABC), the American International Border Collie
(AIBC), or the North American Sheepdog Society (NASD).
The
German Shepherd, as its name implies, is trained for herding
and protecting sheep. It is a popular guard dog, and is also used as
a guide dog for the blind. They originated in northern Europe several
centuries ago. The dogs were originally used to protect flocks of
sheep and are still used for this purpose. More recently they have
been trained to aid police forces in capturing criminals and to guide
the blind-hence the designations "police dog" and
"Seeing Eye dog." German shepherds are also used as guard
dogs by the military. The dog is more than medium size, standing 24
to 26 inches high at the shoulder. It has a long, muscular body and
gives an impression of power and ruggedness. The dog has a long head;
a wedge-shaped muzzle; dark-brown eyes of medium size placed somewhat
obliquely; medium-sized ears, set high; short, compact feet with hard
pads and dark nails; and a bushy tail. The dog has a double coat,
consisting of an outer coat with straight hairs of medium length and
a thick woolly undercoat. The color may be any of many varieties
between light gray and jet black; the main colors are brindle, black
and tan, tan, brown, and black. The German shepherd is noted for
loyalty, intelligence, and courage.
The corgi, which is Welsh for "dwarf dog," is a
small working dog that has been trained for hunting and herding
cattle and as a guard dog. Welsh Corgi, generic name for two breeds
of working dogs bred for centuries in Wales, the Cardigan Welsh corgi
and the Pembroke Welsh corgi. The Pembroke dates from the early 12th
century, the Cardigan even earlier; the latter belongs to the same
family as the dachshund. These small dogs were used to flush out
game, drive cattle, and guard households. For such duties their
speed, agility, and hardiness are admirably suited.
The Cardigan Welsh corgi is well muscled and boned, with a long body
set low on short, strong legs; the usual height is about 12 inches
and the length from nose to tip of tail varies from 36 to 44 inches.
The medium-length coat is dense and harsh, affording protection from
weather. Colors may be red, sable, brindle, or black, and generally
there are white markings. The tail resembles a fox's brush; the face,
too, is foxlike.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is related to such breeds as the Schipperke and Keeshond. In earlier times Pembrokes and Cardigans were markedly different. With crossbreeding (a practice now discouraged) they grew more similar, although the modern Pembroke still differs from the Cardigan in several respects. The Pembroke is shorter and stockier, its legs straighter; it stands 10 to 12 inches and weighs about 25 to 30 pounds. The ears are pointed, in contrast to the Cardigan's more rounded ears. The tail is docked. In temperament, the Pembroke is a more excitable dog, but both are affectionate, intelligent, alert pets.
Belgian Malinois, working dog, one of four breeds of sheepherding dogs that originated in Belgium. The Belgian Malinois, which is identical in conformation to the Belgian sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren, except for its short coat, has existed as a separate breed since 1959. It is a strong, agile, and alert dog. Males stand 24 to 26 inches high at the withers, and females are 22 to 24 inches. The chest is deep and the thighs heavily muscled. The head is flat, with powerful jaws; triangular ears held stiffly erect; and brown eyes, slightly almond shaped. The short, straight outercoat grows longer on the neck, where it forms a collar, and on the tail and thighs. The Belgian Malinois moves quickly, with an easy, untiring gait.
Bouvier des Flandres (French, "Flemish cowherd"), breed of working dog, originally used in Belgium and northern France to drive cattle. They are rugged, powerfully built dogs, giving the appearance of strength without heaviness. Agile and alert, with a keen sense of smell, they make ideal farm dogs and are now used as watchdogs and guard dogs, for tracking, and as guides for the blind. Males stand 24.5 to 27.5 inches, females 23.5 to 26.5 inches. Weight ranges between 80 and 105 pounds. The flat head is accentuated by a beard and mustache; by high, erect ears; and by upstanding eyebrows over the dark, oval eyes. The body is short and broad, the tail usually docked. Necks, legs, and thighs are well muscled. The fawn to black outercoat is characteristically tousled and harsh to the touch; the dense undercoat, providing protection from weather, is soft and fine.
The
Old English sheepdog, typically trained to protect flocks of
sheep or cattle, can also be trained as a hunting or draft dog. Many
Old English sheepdogs have their tails cut off as puppies for show.
The breed is believed to have developed in western England in the
17th century. The dog can also be trained as a retriever and as a
draft animal, and because of its even temper is a good companion for
children. The male varies in height from about 21 to 25 inches at the
shoulder; the height of the female is somewhat less. The animal has a
square-shaped skull, dark eyes, a tapering nose with a blunt end,
medium-sized ears lying flat to the sides of the head, straight
forelegs and muscular hind legs, and moves with a characteristic
rolling gait. Many of the breed have no tail; some have tails that
are about 2 inches in length. The coat is profuse, usually either
gray or bluish-gray and sometimes with white markings; it is
occasionally so shaggy that it conceals the dog's eyes.
"American Kennel Club (AKC) Recognized Dog Breeds," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99. © 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
