The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is about 35-45 lbs. and is approx. 18-19 inches in height. He has a soft and silky coat and comes in any light wheaten to golden reddish shade. His country of origin is Ireland, where all the terriers were known as Irish Terriers. This makes it hard to know whether ancient references to this strain are about generic types or the red breed we know today. People who own these dogs, feel he is as old, if not older than the red "daredevil". Both coming from the same stem breed. Wheatens, Kerry and Irish Terriers are similar in appearance, which probably connects there linage. 200 years ago the Wheaten was a common poor mans dog, not even worth being noticed. He had a powerful jaws and was used especially for otter and badgers. In the 1700's tenant farmers were not allowed to own a dog worth more than five pounds, under the Irish penal laws, and since the soft-coated dog was the bargain basement one commonly owned. With no wealthy aristocrats to foster him, he only recognized as a separate breed, when the Wheaten was issued it's present name in 1937. Fanciers wanted to save this historic Irish breed, and even though he has been around for a long time he is a late comer to the modern world of purebred dogs. Irish canine authorities recognized the breed in 1937, AKC approved the breed in 1973 and Canada following in 1978. His temperament can best be described as "defense with aggression" however, he doesn't go looking for fights. Being a breed that has lived with families for 100's of years, he is a gentle and loyal pet. He is lively and puppyish all 10-14 years, but firm, fair-discipline is necessary. The breed matures late, with dogs rarely at their best for shows until 2yrs of age. Show dogs or pets should be trimmed for best appearance, scissors are preferred over clippers. The original Irish standard admonished a sculptured appearance, modern show specimens are exhibited more and more this way.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog's country of origin is Switzerland. He weighs approx. 88 pounds and is about 23-28 inches in height. he has moderate length hair, with straight or wavy but never curly coated. He comes in the traditional color black/tan/ with white markings. He is also known as Berner Sennenhund. The Bernese Mountain Dog trace's back to the Roman invasions of Helvetia (switzerland) 2000 years ago, when Caesar's legions spread throughout Europe and needed guard dogs for their supplies and stations. Mastiff's provided the power and possibly were mated with native flock guarding dogs, which provided the ability to handle the severe weather of the Alps, as well as warmer climates. Later used by the Weavers of Berne Canton (district) as a draft dog, the Bernese Dog was also used as a general farm worker and flock guardian, however his temperament didn't make him a good property protector. On market day, these easy going dogs,could be seen pulling carts of goods into the villages. The breed was almost lost in the 1800's due to lack of caring breeders. Swiss interests had turned towards St. Bernards and other imports. At the turn of the century a man named Herr Franz Schertenleib searched the countryside to find the last of these dogs, which his father had told him about. With good results found around the Durrbach district of Berne, this encouraged him to continue searching his country for good specimens of the breed. Another man, a Zurich Professor Albert Heim joined his efforts and thanks to the interest of these two men, the Bernese Mountain Dog made a come back. The first dogs carried a variety of names: Gelbbackler (yellow cheeks), Vierauger (four eyes), Cheese factory dogs or most often Durrbachler. This was because they were from the entire Canton of Berne and Durrbach. A club formed at the time changed the breeds name to Berner Sennenhund in 1908. In 1910 an exhibition of Bernese, 107 dogs were shown to Judge Albert Heim. Although many were without linage, three quarters of the dogs were given the stamp of approval for breeding based on type, the Bernese was on it's way! In the 1930's some people bred them to seem fierce, like guard dogs with some breeding for light eyes and a split nose, but like fads, this passed. The Bernese has a huge body of supporters in it's homeland, and in Continental Europe and in Scandinavia. The AKC recognized the Bernese in 1936 which has steadily gained ground in the U.S.A. Canada accepted the breed in the 1970's but, it still remains rare in Great Britain. These dogs aren't giants and increased size is frowned upon by serious breeders. Important to the breeds structure is it's abilities, strength and sturdiness. Only moderate grooming is required with a brushing every couple of weeks to make his coat sleek and handsome. Their sweet, happy temperament has made them superb family dogs.

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The dignified but affectionate Great Dane is the national dog of Germany. Being referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs" the impressive Great Dane probably originated from fighting mastiffs and greyhounds producing the elegant, distinctive and gentle breed of today, one of the original uses of this breed was a hunter of large prey. Pictures resembling the Great Dane have been found in the Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 3000 BC. Authorities state the breed was already established in Britain before the Roman Conquest and that the Romans took the dogs home with them. Although the Great Danes in Germany were often bred and used as estate guards and still maintain a protective instinct, The Great Dane of today is spirited, fearless, loyal and dependable. They make superb family pets.

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The Miniature Pincher's country of origin is Germany and he weighs approx. 10lbs. and is about 10-12 and a half inches in height. He has a short and smooth coat and comes in several colors. He is also know as Zwergpincher. The "Min-Pin" has been bred for several hundred years, stemming directly from the larger cousin, the German Pincher. Some believe the Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds were introduced to the smallest pinchers to obtain the diminutive size. These dogs often called "Reh Pincher" due to the resemblance of the small roe deer found in Rhineland forest. In the 1890's the German Pincher-Schnauzer Club was formed and accepted all pincher sizes and helped establish type and spread interest. By WWI the breed had regained showing off it's trademark: high-prancing gaits. Even with breeding activities dropping a bit at this time, he still managed to gain ground. He was shown in America in small numbers in the 1920's and has slowly increased in numbers in the U.S. since that time. The Min Pin was taken under the auspices of AKC in 1929 and first shown as a Terrier, now listed as a toy, he is all terrier!! With his natural presence, he is a born showman in the ring, giving him the title, "King of Toys". The Min Pin is the top toy breed in Denmark, Holland and Italy. Tails are docked, ears are cropped or left natural. The similarity to their larger versions goes beyond looks, since guarding instincts and a robust and confident nature are evident they can be suspicious and protective. Over all, they are fun loving dogs who need little care to keep them in good condition.

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The Saint Bernard has been bred in Switzerland since the 17th century. The Gentle Giant, he gets his name from the Saint Bernard of Menthon, who lived from 996 to1081, he founded the Hospice at the pass between Italy and Switzerland. For the past several hundred years the Saint Bernard dogs lived at the Hospice and helped monks search for an, aid lost travelers. Whether the Saint Bernard ever actually rescued snowbound alpine travelers is debatable, but the image is irreversibly established. The powerful breed was also used for pulling carts of supplies, by the mid 1800's his popularity started to spread and the breed was internationally recognized. The Saint Bernard enjoys a cold, snowy winter but, they are also well adapted to warmer climates. The Saint Bernard is a gentle loyal, sweet natured dog. Saints are strong and powerful, usually calm and not ambitious at play. Saints are excellent with children but should be supervised at play as well as other large breed dogs, training should start as a puppy. They come in both shorthaired and longhaired coats.

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The Maltese, country of origin is Italy. He weighs approx. 7 lbs. and has, long, flat silky hair hanging nearly to the ground. He comes mainly white in color, but some tan or lemon color is allowed. He is also known as the Bichon Maltaise. Small dogs referred to as "bichons" have been present and popular around the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The question of which breed is oldest is like the question, "Which came first the chicken or the egg?". They are all, essentially, miniaturized water Retrievers, coming from the same stock that produced the portuguese Water Dogs, the Poodles and others. Dogs that lived on Tenerife were called Bichon Tenerife, those from Bologna were called Bolognese and dogs from Malta were known as Maltese. Some may have developed independently, but all bichon varieties are cute, cuddly and coaty, giving them a winsome appeal. The Maltese has been around since early times, from the land of Malta, off the southern coast of Italy, which was colonized by the Phoenicians about 1000 BC. The Phoenicians sailed around the known world and possibly brought these dogs with them or spread them elsewhere. Bred solely for companions, even the Roman Governor of Malta in the first century AD, adored his Maltese, by requesting a portrait painted and poems written about her.The Maltese remained a companion through the centuries, Dr.Caius describes these small white dogs in the 1500's and 1607, as the size of a squirrel or common ferret, the size of today's tiniest specimens. The Maltese is a glamorous show dog, and a beloved pet. He is refine and loyal, devoted to their owners and friendly with everyone. There soft white coat requires regular grooming to keep it free of tangles, but without an undercoat they don't create yearly shedding problems. The tails natural length curve's gracefully over the back. He is playful and sturdy, despite his tiny size.

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The Border Collie originated in the border country between Scotland and England. Selected for it's fitness and strong eye. It has the ability to "eye" which wills the sheep to move and turn, the border collie excels in sheep-herding trials. The border collie is distinct, but the size and coat variations are less important, than it's working ability. Border collie's are superb in obedience and seek lots of praise. They need an outlet for there energy. The Border collie is recognized throughout the world, the breed is highly exhibited in Australia, AKC, CKC miscellaneous Classes, but in North America many are registered within there own working stock dog organizations, bypassing the official registries. Many Border owners fear emphasis on looks and beauty could lead to the breeds ruin, so they strongly encourage working qualities.

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The Australian Shepherd comes from old herding dogs and is an excellent working dog. Despite the name this breed originated in America, one obvious ancestor is the beger de pyrenees brought to America by the Basques. Other herding dogs that contributed to its proto type are smithfield, collie, and border collie. Aussie's immigration to America was not a direct route but through a detour to Australia, where Basques accumulated flocks of hardy Australian sheep. The Americans seen dogs working these sheep and assumed the dogs were Australian. The Aussie is well known and is in demand on American farms and ranches. Northwest Indian tribes hand down tales of "Gost-Eyed Dogs" an apt description for the breed with it's blue eyes. Eye color can also come brown, amber, flecked or even odd eyed. The breed is intelligent active and protective (reserved of strangers) a combination of qualities which require a dominant owner who is willing to take the time to turn these tendencies into attributes. Those specimens with the "hot-blood" are chosen for active work and families. More laid back Aussies suit families looking for a companion. Aussie's have attained success in tracking, narcotics detection, search and rescue, hearing dogs for the deaf, love all physical activity and are quick to learn sports as frisbee, fly ball and obedience. The breed has a temperament similar to those golden and labrador Retrievers, it is affectionate and playful, but maintains a basic working instinct. It is also a loyal and faithful pet.

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Dachshund's country of origin is Germany. He comes in several coat types, smooth, wire, or longhaired. He comes in a variety of colors. The Dachshund was bred to assist Germans in hunting. They are thought to be dwarf mutations from the larger hounds and various terriers and spaniel crosses may have contributed to the breed. The Dach's doesn't have exaggerated skin. Dachshunds are used for chasing rabbits and going to ground to chase out the quarry, they are also used for various game and tracking. He is brave, affectionate, chipper and is a fine companion and soul mate. He is wary enough to be a watchdog, he is devoted to his family, especially children. Due to there long backs owners should be careful of there dogs weight. In Gergweis, Germany, the Dachshund capital of the world these little dogs out number people 2 to 1!! Here Dachsies are "rented by the hour" to tourist for walks. With all this talent bundled into one package, with a selection of colors, coats, and size, this gives prospective owners nearly unlimited choices!

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The Doberman Pincher's country of origin is Germany. He weighs approx. 66-88lbs. and is about 24-28 inches in height. He has a smooth short coat and comes in solid ground color (black, red, blue, fawn) all with tan markings. He is also known as Thuringer Pincher, Plizeilich Soldatenhund. Dobermann Herr Louis Dobermann, collected taxes and used dogs for protection from bandits and to convince reluctant tax payers to pay up. He performed his duties with a few basic established breeds. In the 1860's he determined to create his own personal guardian, a dog that resembled the miniature pincher but only larger. The breed type was fixed in an amazingly short period of time. He used Old German Shepherd types for hardiness, intelligence and soundness, German Pincher blood was added for quick reaction and terrier fire. The Weimar pointer donated hunting abilities and the fine nose as well as the dilute colors. The Rottweiler added courage, strength, guarding instincts the breed needed only the english greyhound for speed and the manchester terrier to give it a short, sleek coat. Although the dilution factors like the reds and blues and fawns are uncommon, they have been present in the general mastiff gene pool since the beginning. In those days the breed was extremely sharp and willing to attack, his reputation preceded to America, one early import won three best in shows before a judge had the courage to examine his mouth, only to find several teeth missing, a serious fault in the breed! Some pups were born longhaired and natural bobtail pups were born in the early years. The bobtails were admired, resulting in the current docking fashion. Ear cropping in the long, stylish American show cut or the wider, shorter pet cut aided the ears to stand, dew claws were removed, completing the racy appearance. After Dobermans death, Otto Goeller continued promotion of the breed and is credited with producing the first notable stud dog, Hellegraf Von Thueringen. The breed began infiltrating American coast lines around the time of WW1. Many Dobs left in Germany were drafted, others euthanized, due to the scarcity of food. After the war the breed's population began to rise in it's homeland. The bulldog maybe the official mascot of the US Maine Corps, but the Doberman has the distinction of being named the Marine War Dog. The Doberman will do almost anything request of him, he can be trained for drill team performances, schutzhund training, search and rescue, patrol, police, guide dogs for the bind. One of the breeds that strikes fear in the hearts of many, the Dobe's reputation is generally unearned. It's a natural, loyal guard but has been bred with a mellowed temperament to allow strangers to approach. Socialization and authoritative discipline are recommended, along with a heritage of sound temperament Today's Dobe's are handsome, light-footed aristocrat's which prefer being with there owners to all other things.

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The German Shepherd's country of origin is Germany. He weighs approx. 75-95 pounds and is about 22-26 inches in height. He has a moderately short coat. He comes in Black and tan, sable, black etc. He is also known as Deutsche Schaferhund and Alsatian. The German Shepherd dog is one of the most well known breeds in the world. He is recognized for his intelligence, trainability, adaptability and fortitude. The GSD was created in 1899 and it's amazing to see the popularity for a fairly recent breed. Rittmeister Max Von Stephanitz, known as " The Father Of the Breed", and his friend Herr Artur Meyer purchased a dog seen at a show in order to foster a strong, capable German herder. Von Stephanitz led the group that promoted GED from 1899-1935, during this time he brought the breed to it's current status of respect. When herding dogs were declining, Von Stephanitz encouraged the GSD's use by police and the military. In WW1 there were 48,000 shepherds "enlisted" in the army. The GSD of today possibly serves in more ways than any other breed: search-and-rescue (S&R), police, army and sentry, scent discrimination and of course companion. They are superb dog guides for the blind and helpers for the handicapped, perhaps the best testimony to it's S&R ability comes from Hospice at St. Bernard which still offers refuge to travelers. Today the Hospice raises St. Bernards as a tourist attraction, but GSD's do the rescue work. Despite fads, poor breeding practices, malignment of character as "attack" dogs and discrimination against anything German during the years of the following WW1, the breed thrived. During the German phobia, English owners refused to give up the breed they admired, but did compromise and change his name to Alsatian which prevailed for even 40 years after all hostilities ended. The American counterparts, in a similar attempt to disguise the breeds origins, temporarily dropped the word "German" from the name. Two GSD's helped soothe the post-war wounds. The film star's Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart reawakened interest in the breed, with their breath taking adventures and thrilling rescues. During the second World War, the Shepherds served the allied forces in the fight against its homeland. These dogs have amazed even their trainers in feats of power and agility. A GSD named "Max of Pangoula" scaled a high jump of 11 feet 5 and 1/8 inches and, "Young Sabre" topped a ribbed wall of 11 feet 8 inches. As late as 1915, there were three coat types, smooth haired, longhaired and wire haired. The wirehaired has since disappeared. However long coats are still born, but don't meet with approval in the conformation ring, but they make fine companions and there are admirers that prefer them. Shepherd's can tolerate extremes in weather conditions, barking with delight at a romp in below-zero temperatures, rolling in a snowbank, or withstanding the heat of a steamy jungle in a combat zone. Their ears are required to stand erect naturally, although youngsters with lazy ear's may require taping. The look of a Shepherds head is best described as possessing " the look of eagles". The tail should reach low with the gentle curve of a saber at the end. All-White coloration is a disqualifying fault and , the Shepherd is one of the very few breeds that is disqualified for viciousness. This commendable practice has accomplished a great deal of good for the breed, it is a GSD, Champion Covy-Tucker Hill's manhattan who holds the honor of the most best in shows, over 200, carrying off prestigious wins at Westminster and the AKC Centennial. The GSD is sensible, devoted to it's family, perhaps this is why the breed is so popular. GSD lovers seemed blinded when it comes to their favorite breed, thinking no other can compare. It's claimed the GSD has the intelligence of a 7 year old child, GSD's are often top contenders in the obedience ring. As occurs with any breed that is so numerous, some poor breeding practices exist which perpetuate temperament and health problems. Buyers should meet the Dam and Sire if possible. The Shepherd is willing to do anything for the person he loves to the point of giving his won life. The breed adores it's own family and is naturally protective of it and of property. The standard stresses that it must stand it's ground and be approachable in public situations.

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The Rottweiler nicknamed "Rottie" descends from a line of powerful dogs that guarded and drove cattle of the Roman Army as it traversed Europe. In Rottweil, Germany which became the major European center for livestock which started in the 18th century. This mastiff-type dog was crossed with local herding dogs which were breed specifically as the "butchers dog of Rottweil". The dog would aid and guard the butcher on the way to cattle sales. Often the money belt was placed around his neck, he would then drive the purchased beef-on-the-hoof home. When mechanized transport replaced the job of the courageous Rottweiler an effort was made to conserve the breed. The Rottie responds well to obedience training and is an impressive and popular breed throughout the world as both a family dog and guard dog.

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The Maremma Sheepdog originated in Italy (Abruzzi Mountains). They are white in color with profuse, long, never curly coat. Their average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years. There height is 23.5 to 28.5" weight is 66 to 100 lbs.. The Maremma Sheepdog is an excellent flock guardian dog and will lay down its life for its charges. They never stray from home and can be counted on to keep predators at bay. These dogs have the typical flock-guard independent and must be handled with respect. They have a great instinct concerning "their" sheep, one working dog picked up an ill lamb in its mouth, and brought it to its master. Sheep raising is almost impossible in a predator infested area without a Maremma. This wonderful sheepdog is a great defender of its flock against wolves, and is valued by its shepherds. In more recent years, it has become a companion dog, where it will defend its family and particularly the children.

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