A black Great Dane (Deutsche Dogge). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is commonly agreed upon that the Great Dane is an old breed. There is evidence of them appearing in many ancient cultures. Artefacts from these civilizations bear images with a startling likeness to the Danes we see today. For example, the Royal Museum at Munich houses a Grecian coin dating from the fifth century BC that depicts a dog strongly resembling the Great Dane. Artistic evidence of these dogs has been found in Pre-biblical Assyria, Egypt, Rome, and ancient Greek archaeological sites. These dogs were also commonly used among early Celtic and Teutonic tribes.
The oldest ancestors of the Great Dane were known as "Bullenbeissers". The Bullenbeisser had its origins in early Germanic cultures. Also known as the "Deutsche Dogge", or "German Dog", the Bullenbeisser closely resembled the breed we call the Mastiff and was the original dog used to breed the many Mastiff variations. Since mankind's early history, dogs with Bullenbeisser strains benefited men like war and guard dogs. Eventually, they became "Molossian Dogs" after the ancient Grecian city.
According to literary references, the massive Bullenbeisser was the most used guard dog in Germany throughout the middle ages. Their original purpose, however, was that of highly efficient hunting dogs. They were extremely adept at chasing and bringing down wild boar, as well as wolves, elk and cattle. As wild boar became scarce, so did the need for these dogs as hunting dogs.
Interestingly, Dane-like dogs were also used extensively as offensive weapons long before gunpowder was ever thought of being invented. Their early ancestors wore armour consisting of jointed plates of metal with a light chain mail vest. It was common to see these dogs with a huge spike attached to their armour. Great figures of history, such as Attila the Hun, protected their camps from surprise enemy attacks by enlisting these massive, ferocious and courageous armour-plated dog warriors. In his battle against Francis I, Charles V of Spain used nearly five hundred of these fearsome dogs as soldiers. Meanwhile, in the British Isles, dogs of the same breed stock were becoming the English Mastiff. Cross-breeding with Greyhounds and Irish Wolfhounds altered the basic Bullenbeisser genetic pattern. These offspring were eventually to become the Great Dane.
Around the middle of the 19th century, in England and the rest of Europe, the sport of competitive dog shows brought about the pure-bred modern Great Dane. With the breed enjoying enormous growth and popularity, the first Great Dane Club began in England in 1883. By 1888, the German Deutsche-Doggen club was newly formed and they are responsible for selectively breeding toward the ideal Great Dane. In northern Germany, the dogs were aggressive, very heavy and had a coarse coat. Their southern counterparts were milder of temperament, slender and lighter. The best traits between the northern and southern types became the breed standard. Detailed records of pedigrees, breeding practices and prize-winners were kept, allowing for further recognition of the breed.
In 1857, Mr Francis Butler imported a Harlequin Dane named Prince into the United States from London. However, the first time a dog entered the show ring as a "Great Dane" was only in 1886. These early American Danes were totally unmanageable as they were so aggressive. Due to their volatile nature, they were not welcome in any American Dog Shows during this period. Their job of hunting by day and guard dogs by night had ensured an aggressive temperament. The early American breeders are responsible for actively subduing their aggressive tendencies, by painstakingly breeding selective pairs of milder mannered Danes.
Due to the dedication, responsibility and concern that Great Dane breeders have shown in improving the breed, Great Danes are now known globally for their gentle natures. Their extreme size, loyalty, devotion and intelligence have earned them the titles of "Gentle Giants" and "Apollo of Dogs."
The Chow Chow is most recognizable for its full, bear-like coat. This breed is medium-large with a height range of 18 to 22 inches and weights between 45 and 70 pounds. The double coat of the Chow Chow is extremely dense and is found in smooth and rough varieties. There is a such an abundance of neck hair that it forms a noticeable ruff. The Chow Chow's tail is carried curled up over the back and is held close to the body. The tongue of this dog is blue, usually with a black underside. The coat is always a solid color, with red, black, cream, and blue being among the most common colors. This breed can live for up to 15 years.
History:
The Chow Chow developed in China, in the Mongolian region and is believed to be a very ancient breed of dog. This dog was a multi-purpose dog in the region of its origin and was used for hunting, drawing sleds, and as food. This breed was referred to by different names in China, and the name it now bears was bestowed on it by English sea captains, who brought the dog with them to England. General cargo was called "chow chow" and the name transferred onto the dog. Some believe the name also means food.
Temperament:
Known for a sometimes aloof manner, the Chow Chow is nevertheless a dog that will bond strongly with one person. This dog will get along well with children, but older children are best here. Socialization with other pets and people is important with this breed and training should begin while the dog is young. Although this dog breed has something of a reputation for aggression, this is mostly a result of poor breeding practices. The owner of this breed should exhibit authority so that the dog does not attempt to be the 'leader of the pack'.
Health Issues:
The Chow Chow is a fairly healthy breed but can be subject to various ailments. Hip and elbow dysplasia are found in this dog and it can also suffer from entropion. This dog can also develop bloat and if it does so, must be taken to the veterinarian immediately for treatment. Several small meals and a quiet time after eating can help prevent this serious condition. This breed, because of its relatively short muzzle will often snore.
Grooming:
Regardless of whether a Chow Chow is going to be used as a family pet or as a show dog, it needs a great deal of daily grooming. This dog's coat is much too thick and long to allow to go without brushing every day. This dog breed will experience a heavy shed twice a year and will need extra attention at this time.
Living Conditions:
The Chow Chow is a fairly quiet dog inside and will do well for apartment living if given a walk every day. As this dog has a somewhat reserved character, it does not mind living outside as long as it receives some attention every day from the person with whom it has bonded. The thick coat enables this dog to live outside even in winter.
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The Leonberger is a breed which comes from the city of Leonberg near the foothills of the Black Forest of Germany. The Mayor of Leonberg, Heir Heinrich Essig, developed this dog for one reason only, he wanted to breed a dog that would resemble the lion depicted on the crest of his town. He accomplished this by breeding a Saint Bernard to a Newfoundland, then breeding the offspring to a Pyrenean Mountain dog, in 1907. He thus produced what the rest of the dog world considered a "crossbreed".
However, the good looks and personality of the dog won over the hearts of many and it soon became popular not only in Germany but throughout Europe. The dog has the webfoot typical of the Newfoundland and the burly good humor of both the Newf and the Saint, while the Pyrenean Mountain dog contributed some herding and guarding instinct. The Leonberger very nearly became extinct during the World Wars. Great Britain and the United States imported dogs of the German strain and continued to breed this distinctly different dog. It has since become registered by all of the European Kennel clubs. Registry in the American Kennel Club has begun with the first step being recognition by the F.S.S. (Foundation Stud Service) of the A.K.C.
The Leonberger is a fairly healthy dog, the only consideration being that there may be a tendency to hip and elbow dysplasia. The United States Leonberger club recognizes that this is a breed that should be x-rayed before breeding and most of the breeders involved with this unique dog work hard at making sure that their puppies are sold on contracts to spay or neuter a pet dog.
The Leonberger indeed has the appearance of a lion to a certain extent. It is a large dog, weighing in at 80 to 150 pounds. The face has a distinguished looking black mask and the hairs of the body often have a black tip to the ends. The color is fawn to light golden to deep red. The coat is double in nature with a dense undercoat, however, it is a coat which does lie close to the body and should not be groomed to the appearance of a "stand-off" coat such as the Chow chow. The tail is long, extending to the top of the hock and is carried at "half mast" when moving. The breed sports a mane around the neck and the top of the back, although it is not as outstanding as the mane of an actual lion.
Truly the character of this dog is rather like that of a lion, being regal and somewhat aloof in nature, preferring his family "pack" to all others but accepting of strangers when properly introduced. He is gentle and congenial but makes a good watchdog, with a deep and resounding bark to warn of intruders. Strong enough to pull a cart and with the swimming characteristic of the Newfoundland, this is a versatile and enjoyable dog that brings faithfulness and a true working dog's sense of loyalty to his people.
The Leonberger is first and foremost a family dog. As such, the Leonberger temperament is one of his most important and distinguishing characteristics. Well socialized and trained, the Leonberger is self-assured, insensitive to noise, submissive to family members, friendly toward children, well composed with passersby, and self-disciplined when obliging his family or property with protection. Robust, loyal, intelligent, playful, and kindly, he can thus be taken anywhere without difficulty and adjust easily to a variety of circumstances.
The Leonberger appears majestic in a generous double coat. He is a large, muscular, and elegant dog with balanced body type, medium temperament, and dramatic presence. The Leonberger's head is held proudly and adorned with a striking black mask which helps to protect the breed's distinct expression of intelligence, pride, and kindliness. Remaining true to his early roots as a capable family and working dog, the agile Leonberger is sound and coordinated, exhibiting strength in bearing and elegance in movement. The Leonberger possesses either a strongly masculine or elegantly feminine form, making gender immediately discernable. When properly trained and socialized, the Leonberger is vigilant, loyal, and confident in all situations. Robust, obedient, intelligent, playful, and kindly, the adaptable Leonberger is an appropriate family companion for modern living conditions.
The Leonberger is a very large dog. For a mature specimen, the height at the withers is ideally the median of the breed's range- 28 to 31.5 inches for dogs and 25.5 to 29.5 inches for bitches. The weight of his trim, well-muscled body is in direct proportion to his size. Elegantly assuming a rectangular build, the Leonberger is a well-balanced dog in form and function; the proportion of his height to his length is at about nine to ten. Necessary for efficient movement and providing for a harmonious silhouette, his front and rear angulation are moderate and balanced. Capable of demanding work, the Leonberger is a dog of ample substance. His frame is effortlessly supported with well-muscled, medium to the heavy bone in direct proportion to his size. A roomy chest is sufficiently broad and deep for the purpose of work. Seen in profile, the chest curves inward from the pro-sternum tangentially joins the elbow to his underline at fifty percent of the withers' height and then continues slightly upward toward the stifle.
Correct head and expression, in harmony with overall size and coat, are hallmarks of the Leonberger and are always appropriately masculine or feminine. The head is well balanced in proportion to the size of the dog and is deeper than broad with the length of muzzle and the length of skull approximately equal. The head is painted with a striking black mask that extends above the eyes; the Leonberger's good-natured expression is elegant, intelligent and confident. Likewise, the nose and lips are black and effortlessly blend with his mask. With close-fitting eyelids, the eyes are elegantly set into the skull upon a slight oblique; the eyes are medium sized, almond shaped, and colored a rich dark brown. Integral to the head's silhouette, the ears are fleshy, moderately sized, and pendant shaped, with sufficient substance to hang close to the skull and drop the tip of the ears level with the inside corners of the mouth. Vigilantly set slightly forward, when alerted, the Leonberger's ears rise from halfway between the eye and the top of his skull to level with the top of his skull. True to his refined nature, the upper lip fits tightly and seamlessly around the lips of a strong lower jaw, effortlessly preventing drooling under most circumstances. Though level bites and slight anomalies not affecting the robustness of the lower jaw are common, the ideal Leonberger capably possesses a strong scissor bite with full dentition.
Holding the head proudly aloft, the Leonberger's neck is well muscled and flows elegantly from the backskull into well laid back shoulders, blending smoothly into withers on the top line and flowing cleanly through the underline. The backline remains strong and levels through the rump. Coupled with a pronounced pro-sternum and conducive to strenuous work, a well sprung, oval-shaped rib cage supports a moderately broad and roomy chest, achieving a depth sufficient to meet properly placed elbows. Back and loin are broad and strongly coupled with a slight tuck-up. The croup smoothly slopes into his tail which is set just below the level of the back. The tail is comprised of tailbones sufficient to reach the hock of a properly angulated rear assembly; the tail is well furnished and blends harmoniously with rear feathering. Denoting their confidence when in repose, the Leonberger's tail hangs straight down. Though showy males may adopt a sickle tail in the ring and Leonbergers' tails commonly manifest excitement or rise toward the level of the back in movement, the ideal tail carriage is always relaxed.
The Leonberger has a generous, water resistant, double coat on his body that is complemented by the shorter, fine hair on his muzzle and limbs, making the coat both well suited for work and a defining attribute of the breed. The long, profuse, outer coat is durable, relatively straight, lies flat, and fits close, strengthening his silhouette. Mature, masculine Leonbergers exhibit a pronounced mane which proudly parades the entirety of his neck and chest, helping to define a lion-like outline. The Leonberger is harmoniously festooned with distinct, ample feathering on the back of his forelegs and breeches. Similarly, his tail is very well furnished from the tip to the base where it blends harmoniously with the breech's furnishings. Climate permitting, his undercoat is soft and dense. Apart from a neatening of the feet, the Leonberger is presented untrimmed. Accompanying his striking black mask, a variety of coat colors are acceptable, including all combinations of lion-yellow, red, red-brown, and sand. His coat may be highlighted with black tippings which add depth without ever dominating the overall color.
With an efficient, balanced, ground-covering gate, the Leonberger is effortless, powerful, free, and elastic in movement. A well-built Leonberger is always balanced and controlled at the trot, maintaining a level topline. Viewed from the front or from behind, forelegs and hind legs travel straight. Increasing reach and drive, his legs tend to converge toward the centerline of the body as his speed increases. Asleep on the couch, working on his legs, or trotting in the show ring, the Leonberger is an impressive, elegant, and dramatic dog!
The standard that determines a breed is a genetic blueprint that describes the ideal to which the breed applies. The breeder should always strive to produce a dog depicted by the breed standard. There is no such thing as a "perfect" dog of any breed, which is why responsible breeders work towards eliminating faults and achieving the highest possible standard. Prior to selecting a Great Dane, a novice should read carefully the standard of this breed.
If the Great Dane is for breeding purposes then it is imperative that the standard is fully understood, and that there is a strong support network consisting of other Great Dane breeders. When looking at litters take a knowledgeable friend with you and do not be afraid to ask questions when interviewing the breeder. You will find a detailed description of the complete breed standard of the Great Dane below, as approved by the American Kennel Club.
1. General Appearance of the Great Dane
The regal stature of this breed should combine strength, power, dignity, and elegance with its sheer size. The body is powerful, smoothly muscled and well-formed. As a giant working breed, its conformation is very well-balanced and it must never be clumsy. Its gait should clearly show a powerful drive coupled with a long reach. A Dane is confident, courageous, spirited, always friendly, never timid and dependable. These physical and mental characteristics give this dog the majestic appearance that is a strong standard of the breed. The dog should portray a great masculinity while the bitch should impress femininity. Any deviation from the true Dane breed type defined in this standard is a very serious flaw.
2. Size, Proportion, and Substance of the Great Dane
Any dog under the permitted height is instantly disqualified from any show. A lack of substance and coarseness of coat are equally undesirable traits.
2.1. The Male Great Dane
The male should have a larger frame, heavier bone structure and be more massive throughout than the bitch. He must appear square in the ratio between length and height. At the shoulder, his minimum height is 30 inches, but it is preferable for him to reach 32 inches or more. However, it is more important that his body is well proportioned to his height.
2.2. The Female Great Dane
The bitch is lighter and smaller than the male. In the ratio between length and height, she is square. If she is well proportioned to her height, then it is permissible for her to have a slightly longer body. At the shoulder, the female cannot be shorter than 28 inches. However, she should reach 30 inches or taller, provided she has a body that is proportionate to her height.
3. The Head of the Great Dane
It is essential that the head of the Great Dane belong, distinguished, and expressive. It is finely chiseled all around, but especially below the eyes. The head is rectangular. When looking at the head from the side, it is important that the bridge of the nose be sharply distinguished from the forehead (you want to see a very pronounced stop before the forehead shapes into the nose). The planes of the muzzle and the skull must appear a straight line and be parallel to each other. Underneath and to the inner point of the eye, the skull plate is smooth and free of bony protuberances. It should flow into a smooth square jaw with a deep muzzle. When looking at the head from the top, the sides of the skull are parallel to each other and straight. The bridge of the nose is as wide as possible. The cheek muscles are proportionate to the rectangular, parallel shape of the head and are not prominent. The tip of the nose to the center of the forehead is the same length as the center of the forehead to the rear of the head. From all sides, the head is angular and has flat planes in direct proportion to the size of the dog. The head of the male is more masculine in appearance than the delicately formed bitch. It is permissible to trim the whiskers or leave them natural.
4. The Eyes of the Great Dane
Deep set, dark, medium-sized eyes with intelligent and alert expressions are the standard of the eyes in this breed. Eye-brows are well-developed with tight, almond-shaped eyelids. Permitted are light colored eyes, different colored eyes, and walleye, but they are not encouraged. Very serious faults are haws and Mongolian eyes.
5. The Ears of the Great Dane
Set high on the head is where the ears are. They are of a moderate thickness and are medium in size. The ears are close to the cheek and folded forward. The top line of the folded ear is horizontal and level with the skull. In the days of Great Danes being wild boar hunters, injury prevention happened by cropping the ears. Wild boars used to gore them and they would get torn whilst running through thick brush. Nowadays, ears are still often cropped. If so, then the ear length is directly proportionate to the size of the head and stands erect.
6. The Nose of the Great Dane
In this breed standard, the nose is black. There are only two exceptions to this rule: in the blue Dane the nose is a dark blue-black, and a spotted black nose is permissible on the Harlequin Dane (with a pink colored nose being very undesirable). A split nose is not permitted and is cause for instant disqualification.
7. The Teeth of the Great Dane
Well developed, clean, strong teeth with full dentition are a must in the breed standard of this dog. A "scissors bite" is preferable. This means the incisors of the lower jaw lightly touch the bottom of the inner upper incisors. Misaligned teeth, crowded incisors, and even bites are faults, albeit minor ones. Overshot jaws and undershot jaws are extremely serious flaws.
8. The Neck, Topline, and Body of the Great Dane
The neck is well arched, high set, firm, long and muscular. The underline of the neck is clean. It should widen and flow smoothly into the withers from the nape. The withers must slope smoothly into a broad, short level back. A deep, wide, well-muscled chest devoid of a pronounced sternum is desirable. The Great Dane should have well-sprung ribs, and the brisket should extend to the elbow. The underline of the body must have a well-defined tuck-up and be tightly muscled. The croup should slope slightly and be broad. A high set tail that flows smoothly into the croup and continues into the spine, should sit a little lower than the level of the back. The base of the tail is broad and tapers evenly down to the hock joint. The tail should fall straight down at rest, and curve slightly when running or excited. However, the curve should never rise above the level of the back. Ring or hooked tails are serious faults and a docked tail is a reason for immediate disqualification.
When viewed from the side, the fore-quarters are strong and muscular. The shoulder-blade should form as near a right angle as possible where it slopes into the upper arm. There is a perpendicular line from the upper tip of the shoulder to the back of the elbow joint. Well developed, firm and securely attached muscles and ligaments must prevent loose shoulders and hold the shoulder-blade to the rib cage. The length of the upper arm is the same as the length of the shoulder-blade. The elbow is directly halfway between the withers and the ground. The pasterns are strong and should slope slightly. The feet are compact, rounded and have well-arched toes. Toes are straight and do not toe either in or out. There is no rolling of the toes inside or outside. Nails are as dark as possible, strong and kept short. The only time nails are lighter is in the Harlequin Dane. The dewclaw is often removed if desired.
10. The Hindquarters of the Great Dane
The hindquarters should portray strength and width. They are muscular and defined. When viewed from behind, the hock joints are straight and may not turn toward the inside or the outside. As with the front feet, the rear feet are well arched, rounded and straight. They may not toe either in or out. Nails are strong, kept short and are as dark as possible in color. In harlequin Danes, it is permissible for them to have a lighter shade. Wolf claws are undesirable and are serious faults.
11. The Coat of the Great Dane
The coat is glossy and smooth in appearance. It is thick, short and clean.
12. Patterns, Markings, and Colours of the Great Dane
12.1. Fawn Danes
The color fawn is yellow gold. Ideally, the fawn Dane wears a black mask. The rims of the eyes and the eyebrows are black. Often black appears on the ears and the tip of the tail. White markings on the chest or toes (socks) are not desired, and neither are dirty colored black-fronted fawns.
12.2. Brindle Danes
In the brindle Dane, the base color is yellow gold. This is always brindled in a chevron pattern of strong black cross stripes. The brindle Dane should have a black mask, with black appearing on the eyebrows and rims of the eyes. Black may also appear on the tips of the ears and tail. The deeper the base color and the more even and distinct the brindle, the more desired will be the color. It is not desired that they have too much or too little of the brindle coloring. White toes and white markings on the chest are undesirable, along with a black-fronted, dirty colored brindle.
12.3. Blue Danes
Blue Danes are only a pure steel-blue. No other coloring is even considered. It is not desired that the blue Dane have white markings on either the chest or on the toes.
12.4. Black Danes
The black Dane is a pure glossy black. White chest or toe markings are very undesirable.
12.5. Harlequin Danes
In the Harlequin Dane, the base color is a pure, clean white with irregularly, well-distributed black torn patches covering the entire body. It is preferable for the Harlequin Dane to have a completely white neck. The black markings must never be so big that the dog looks like it is wearing a blanket, nor should they be so small that they create a dappled or stippled look. A few small grey patches may occur, as well as a white coat with single black hairs showing through. However, this is not encouraged as it tends to give the dog a salt and pepper look and has a dirty effect, which is most undesired.
Any deviation in color or markings as described above shall be faulted according to its severity. Should a Great Dane fall outside the standard color classifications, it is grounds for instant disqualification. For example, a pure white Dane is definitely not of the breed standard. Usually, a white dog is born blind, often deaf and sometimes both. It is a rare genetic defect that causes them to have a snow-white coat. They are promptly sterilized and never used in any breeding program.
13. The Gait of the Great Dane
The gait of this breed should exude strength. It is powerful with long, easy strides that do not allow for rolling, bouncing or tossing of the body or topline. The line of the back is level and parallel to the ground. The long reach should allow for the front paw to make contact with the ground just below the nose, while the head is then carried forward. The powerful rear drive balances the forward reach. There is a natural tendency for the legs to converge in the centreline of balance underneath the body as speed increases. The elbows or hock joints should not twist in or out while the dog is in motion.
14. Temperament of the Great Dane
Confident, spirited, courageous, always friendly, dependable, never timid, never aggressive and very loyal is the ideal temperament of this breed.
When showing a Great Dane, the breed standard is of utmost importance. When choosing a puppy, be aware of the breed standard. The only breed a dog when fully confident that you understand this. Great Danes with minimum height, having split colored noses, docked tails, or not falling into any group described in "Patterns, Markings or Colours" will be instantly disqualified.
Tibetan Mastiff dog during the world dogs show in Poznań, Poland. His name is BISS CH. LAFAHHS LOKAPALA DRAKYI. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed dog that originated from the nomadic cultures of Tibet, Nepal, China, and India. This is one of the breeds that is widely used by the local tribes of Himachal Pradesh China. The dog was used to protect the sheep from leopards and guard homesteads. It was also kept for the purpose of guarding monasteries and palaces. The dog had to be left loose so that it can run around performing its guardianship duties.
The dog acquired its name mastiff from its size; it is a big dog hence the early western visitors referred to as Tibetan Mastiff. The dog is heavily built, has more facial wrinkling, is better structured and well muscled. A grown-up male can reach a height of 33 in. If the dog is bred in the west, it can attain a weight of between 95 -150 lbs. Even though, a specimen of up to 330 lbs. has been recorded. The specimen was bred in Chinese and western kennels. The nomads preferred the 95-150 lb weight because it allowed the dog to perform its property guardianship duties with ease.
In the west, the dog is considered a primitive breed because it retained the features that enabled it to survive in Tibet and the high altitude of the Himalayan range in the northern part of Nepal, India and Bhutan. Despite its size, the dog has a high level of energy, it is quiet indoor and is fairly calm. This is a polite dog that is generally a good apartment dog.
The Tibetan Mastiffs is a quiet dog especially when its needs are met and kept in a good living condition. However, it can be a barker when left outside alone. If it is kept in a confinement that is not well fenced, the dog can easily climb the fences and escape.
The Tibetan Mastiff dog is tolerant of children and other family members. Unfortunately, it is not well suited for homes with young children since it can easily mistake the yelling and the playing of visiting children as a sign of aggression and therefore will not allow visiting children to play around.
Generally, the Tibetan Mastiff has a strong instinct for people and may have a good reason when they don't get over disliking a particular person. The dog requires daily walks on different routes to stop it from being territorial. It is active in the morning and evening but you can take it for exercises whenever you are free.
Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.
The Hungarian Kuvasz has the Turkish word for "protector" as its name and its country of origin is most likely Tibet, yet this breed was used for many centuries in Hungary as a herding dog and flock protector. Herding dogs generally are used to herd cattle or sheep from one spot to another, while flock protectors are strictly used to guard the flocks and fend off predators. The Kuvasz is unusual in that it performs both of these functions admirably and was also used as a boar hunter.
Today the breed is used in both North and South America as a flock guardian. and sometimes more rarely as a family pet. It is a dog that can be quite formidable and is highly prized as a breed that will ward off coyotes and even cougars when it functions as a flock guard. Sometimes the breed is confused with the Great Pyrenees but there are considerable differences. The Great Pyrenees can have some biscuit colouring while the Kuvasz is always white. The Great Pyrenees has double dew claws on the rear feet. The Kuvasz never has dew claws on the rear, let alone double ones. The Great Pyr has a soft deep muzzle almost as deep as it is broad, while the Kuvasz has a longer narrower muzzle. Both dogs perform the function of a flock guardian quite well, but the Great Pyr seems to be a dog that is more able to accept integration into a household as a pet.
The Kuvasz is 28-30 inches tall and can weigh up to 115 pounds. The coat may be slightly wavy and is long and double. The coat is generally flat (does not "stand off" from the body) and is about two to four inches long all over with the exception of the muzzle and the front of the legs. The ears are dropped and slant forwards. The Kuvasz is a handsome dog and has a very strong instinct for protection.
The Kuvasz Club of America advises new owners that the Kuvasz often is "impervious" to pain. This is a typical trait of dogs which are bred for predator attack, especially in the neck and chest, which usually has thicker skin and coat in that area so teeth will not grip easily. The Kuvasz, therefore, will not pay attention to electric fences and needs to be kept in a tight enclosure. Furthermore, this is not a breed that should be allowed to play off leash in dog parks.
As a family member, the Kuvasz must be exposed as a young dog to any children that will be part of its family. As it grows it will begin to think of his human family as part of his flock and will be a great watchdog, however care must be taken to introduce this breed to obedience early on because it must learn that the owner is the dominant pack leader or it will take over the position and can be extremely loyal to the extent of being threatening to visitors.
If properly trained and socialized, especially with children, the dog will accept the introduction of strangers. It is highly important to socialize any dog to children and strange situations while it is young, taking any dog to obedience classes and exposing it to crowds and urban environments will help the dog to accept new and different situations in any case, but for a Kuvasz that has such strong guardian instincts it is an absolute necessity to provide such early socialization.
Kuvasz which is going to be used primarily as country dogs and flock guardians are trained up in a manner which will expose them to the cattle or sheep which become their flock, often they are turned out with the flock and simply grow up with the animals and outdoors on the farm, where they will then function as nature intended them to.
Description: The Kuvasz is a flock guarding dog; their height is 28 to 30 inches in dogs and 26 to 28 in the bitches. Dogs have a weight of 100 to 115 pounds and the bitches are 70 to 90 pounds. The Kuvasz head should be in good proportion to the body. With a black nose and large nostrils, their head is considered to be their best feature, in the show ring. They have black lips and a good muzzle. Their eyes are dark brown and almond in shape, set wide apart. The ears are set back and are V shaped with slight rounding on the tips, these hang down.
Kuvasz Prince of The Dogs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Kuvasz is a medium boned dog and its tail is as long as its hock. This is carried low. This breed has well padded feet and straight legs. The Kuvasz neck has a mane that has longer hair than the head and legs. The hair of this breed can be wavy, and as long as 6 inches. This is a double coat and the colours we see are ivory and white. It has a thick undercoat. The Kuvasz lives around 10 to 12 years.
History: This breed came from Tibet but was developed in Hungary, to the dog we see today. This breed has been around since the age of the Huns, and it has also been said to have come with the Turkish refugees fleeing the Mongols into Hungary in 1200. In the Turkish language the name means "protector". The Kuvasz had favour, in the courts of the 14th century, and were given as gifts, to special guests. After this brief period of royal living the breed went back to being a flock guardian.
This dog has been used as a hunting dog, for bears, and wild boar. This breed is in the gene pool of Maremma Sheepdog, Anatolian Shepherd dog and Great Pyrenees Polish Tara Sheepdog. This breed nearly became extinct after World War II and was saved by a group of breeders working hard to bring the numbers up.
By Scott Allan Lipe
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Mastiffs in one form or another have been around since before written history began. Carvings from the Babylonian palace of Ashurbanipal (these carvings are on display in the British Museum) show large Mastiff-type dogs hunting lions in the desert near the Tigris River.
Mastiffs as war dogs
Phoenician merchants introduced the Mastiff to ancient Britain in the 6th century BC. The ancient Celts began using them as combat dogs who accompanied their owners into battle. This was the beginning of a long history of Mastiffs as fighters, soldiers, protectors, and watchdogs. A popular story tells that when Sir Peers Legh was injured in the Battle of Agincourt, his Mastiff stood over him and protected him for many hours while the battle raged on.
When the Romans invaded Britain around AD43, they took Mastiffs back to Italy and used them to protect property and guard prisoners, in addition to fighting in the arena. The Mastiff is said to have been Julius Caesar's favorite dog. Kubla Khan had a kennel of 5,000 Mastiffs for hunting and war use. When Hannibal crossed the Alps, he took several battalions of war Mastiffs.
Back in Britain in the 11th century, the Mastiff was one of the few breeds listed by name in The Forest Laws of King Canute, the first written laws of England. Mastiffs were recorded as being kept for protection, and the middle toes of their front feet had to be amputated so the dogs could not run swiftly enough to catch deer (which traditionally belonged to royalty).
British royals kept Mastiffs to protect their castles and estates, releasing them at night to ward off intruders. Henry VIII is said to have presented Charles V of Spain with 400 Mastiffs to be used in battle.
From the 12th through 19th centuries, Mastiffs were used for bear-baiting. This "sport," in which dogs attacked chained-up bears, bulls, and even tigers, was especially popular during Queen Elizabeth's time. Such fights were often staged for the queen's entertainment.
The size of the Mastiff and its need to eat about as much food per day as an adult man made a Mastiff too costly for most common folk, except butchers, who had enough meat scraps to feed a Mastiff well. Therefore, the Mastiff was often called the "Butchers Dog."
Mastiffs in the United States
The first Mastiff in North America was brought from Britain on the Mayflower by the Pilgrims. The breed didn't become prominent in America until the 1800s, when Mastiffs were often found on plantations in the South as property guards.
During the World Wars, Mastiffs were commissioned to pull munitions carts at the front lines. However, their popularity was declining at the same time, partly because of their size: It was considered unpatriotic to keep a dog that ate as much in one day as a soldier. By the 1920s, Mastiffs were almost extinct in Britain, and by the end of World War II, Canada and the United States were sending Mastiffs to Britain to save the breed. Now, the breed is well-established in both continents.
From war dogs to family pets
How did Mastiffs go from hunting and fierce war dogs to the gentle pets we know today? Part of the reason is that breeders have bred the Mastiff for gentleness and have thus created an excellent companion. In addition Mastiffs are simply treated differently today. No longer are they used for barbaric practices like bear bating or lion fighting. As for being war dogs, modern warfare has made them obsolete as war dogs. Instead, Mastiffs are either kept as pets or put to use as watchdogs, guards, police or military dogs, search and rescue dogs, or as weight pullers.
By Autumn Louther
Autumn C. Louther is a Mastiff owner who adores the Mastiff breed
The Otterhound is a breed of substantial size and great amiability. It is somewhat of a clown and enjoy rough and tumble play with other dogs. Otterhounds were originally bred as a pack hound, (to run with a pack) they generally get along well with other dogs. As the name implies, they were developed to give chase to the otter and so they do have swimming instincts. Otters at one time were so plentiful in the British Isles that they endangered the fishing industry and the hounds would be set upon the otters to keep this from becoming so great a problem.
However, the Otter is now on the endangered species list and of course their hunting is banned. The dog still remains popular as a pet and a Show dog and makes a gentle but protective guardian as well. They are not really a guarding breed but their voice alone is enough to sound quite an alarm not to mention their large size. Their bay is actually a delight to hear, being melodious and deep and the bark is gruff but soft.
The Otterhound looks rather rough in a natural state, the coat is shaggy and wiry or coarse. Historically, he has both Terrier and Hound in his genetic makeup and the coat reflects the characteristics of the Terrier type of coat. Colors are mostly tans and salt and pepper. The outer hairs are water resistant with a dense protective undercoat. He is a large breed standing 24 to 26 inches at the withers, with a large head and pendulous ears. His coat is easy to maintain as being of terrier type it easily sheds dirt and brambles and bits of leaves, etc.
This is not a dog that is for a neat housekeeper since he is continually bringing in such items on his coat and dripping them off onto the floor. Although he usually doesn't slobber he has a large mouth that can produce a lot of saliva when the smell food is in the air. Furthermore his hairy face will collect the water as he drinks and if his face is not wiped immediately it drips off of his hairs as he makes his way across a room. Many owners will keep a towel handy near the water dish or will allow access to water only when he is outside.
The Otterhound is in the same predicament as many of the large breeds when it comes to hip dysplasia. It continues to be a problem in the breed and care must be taken to x-ray this dog before breeding. Also the possibility of bloat or gastric torsion can be a problem. There is no way of knowing is this condition is genetic in nature though it is suspected that it is "familial".
After the Otterhound outgrows his puppyhood (which will last at least until the age of two) he usually settles down somewhat and at least is not so awkward .
He retains a bit of stubbornness in his personality, after all, he is a pack dog and has a tendency to tend to his own desires rather than those of his master. He is also a playful and boisterous breed, quite active and energetic. However he is intelligent and will respond to training. He needs plenty of exercise and of course needs a fenced in enclosure. He enjoys nothing more than being with his family on a regular basis but is not unhappy if in the yard and is not demanding of constant attention, especially if he has another dog to keep him company.
By Michael Russell
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals [http://animals-guide.com/].
Article Source: EzineArticles
is a breed which comes from the city of Leonberg near the foothills of the Black Forest of Germany. The Mayor of Leonberg, Heir Heinrich Essig, developed this dog for one reason only, he wanted to breed a dog that would resemble the lion depicted on the crest of his town. He accomplished this by breeding a Saint Bernard to a Newfoundland, then breeding the offspring to a 
has the Turkish word for "protector" as its name and its country of origin is most likely Tibet, yet this breed was used for many centuries in Hungary as a herding dog and flock protector. Herding dogs generally are used to herd cattle or sheep from one spot to another, while flock protectors are strictly used to guard the flocks and fend off predators. The Kuvasz is unusual in that it performs both of these functions admirably and was also used as a boar hunter.
