American Eskimo

Breed Group: Non-Sporting
Weight: 6-40 lbs
Height: 9-19 inches
Color(s): white, or white with biscuit cream

Coat: The American Eskimo Dog has a glorious standoff double-coat. The under coat is dense with a longer coat of guard hair that grows through to form the outer coat. The outer coat is straight with no wave or curl. There is a profuse ruff around the neck. The backs of the front and rear legs are well feathered. The coat color is white, or white with cream or biscuit markings. This breed is an average shedder that "blows" their coat twice a year.

Overview: The exact origin of this breed is unknown, although it is widely believed this companion dog originated in the United States by German immigrants in the 20th century. A Member of the Spitz family, the American Eskimo Dog comes in three different varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. They became extremely popular in the 1930's and 1940's as a circus performer.

Character: Commonly referred to as the Eskie, this breed is compact and strong. A Nordic type dog, they are exceedingly agile and alert. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds. The American Eskimo Dog is well balanced, hardy, and known for their longevity. This versatile breed possesses outstanding working skills, and makes a lovely companion.

Temperament: Bred solely to be companions, the American Eskimo Dog thrives on being part of the family. This charming and playful breed is excellent with children, and loves to be lavished with attention. They are suspicious and wary of strangers and make good guardians of their family and home. They love to bark and will sound the alarm whenever they deem it necessary. This breed does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or if they are isolated, as they will engage in destructive activities.

Care: This breed requires firm bristle brushing twice weekly to prevent tangles and mats. Daily brushing may be necessary when they are shedding. They have drier skin than most other breeds; so bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The American Eskimo Dog is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Training: The American Eskimo Dog is easy to train and eager to please. This breed is highly talented in obedience trials. It is crucial they have early socialization to prevent aggression later in life. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The American Eskimo Dog is quite gifted in guarding, performing tricks, competitive obedience, agility, and narcotics detection.

Activity: This breed must have regular daily exercise. They enjoy securely leashed walks or playing in an enclosed yard. The American Eskimo Dog is active indoors and has a busy nature. They benefit immensely from family play sessions. They will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised and paid attention to.

Ownership: If you are looking for American Eskimo Dog puppies for sale from reputable American Eskimo Dog breeders or to adopt an American Eskimo Dog from an American Eskimo Dog rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the American Eskimo Dog puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find American Eskimo Dog puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

American English Coonhound

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized
Weight: Male: 40-65; Female: 40-65 lbs
Height: Male: 24-26, Female: 23-25 inches
Color(s): Blue and white, red and white, black and white with ticking; tri-color with ticking, brindle, or solid

Coat: The coat of the American English Coonhound is stiff, harsh, and short.

Overview: The American English Coonhound breed descends from Irish and French breeds brought to America. They were utilized to hunt fox by day and raccoon by night. The original Coonhounds were inadequate when hunting by American standards due to their inability to track quarry in trees. Therefore, the original breed was crossed with the Bloodhound to enhance their scent tracking ability. Today American English Coonhound's are used to track and hunt raccoon, oppossum, cougar, deer, boar, and bear.

Character: The American English Coonhound is often described as a well-conditioned athlete. They move effortlessly and possess great endurance, vigor, and strength. This breed is capable of tremendous speed, is versatile, and highly competitive.

Temperament: Affectionate, assured, watchful, fearless, and loyal. The American English Coonhound breed does best in packs rather than being the only dog. They get along with older, considerate children and other pets they have been raised with. The American English Coonhound has a tendency to be high-strung, exuberant, and lively.

Care: Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush is recommended. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. It is important to regularly check the ears and paw pads for debris. American English Coonhound's are prone to Hip Dysplasia.

Training: The American English Coonhound requires early socialization. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. The American English Coonhound breed excels in performance, conformation, and field trial events.

Activity: A highly energetic breed, the American English Coonhound is not recommended for city or apartment dwelling. They do best in a rural setting with an active owner. If they are excessively confined or become bored they will bay consistently and become destructive.

Ownership: If you are looking for American English Coonhound puppies for sale from reputable American English Coonhound breeders or to adopt an American English Coonhound from an American English Coonhound rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the American English Coonhound puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find American English Coonhound puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

American Bulldog

Breed Group: Not AKC Recognized
Weight: male: 70-120, female: 60-100 lbs
Height: male: 22-28, female: 20-26 inches
Color(s): white, brindle, brown, red, or tan

Coat: The American Bulldog has a close fitting coat that is short and harsh. The coat color comes in solid white, with various combinations and patterns of brown, tan, red, and brindle. This breed is an average shedder.

Overview: Nearly extinct after WWII, the American Bulldog was saved by the efforts of one man named John D. Johnson. Originally used for the blood sport of bull baiting, this breed became prized by farmers for their intelligence, working abilities, stamina, and protective nature. American Bulldogs were also used to hunt wild boar, bear, raccoon, and squirrel. Considered to be a rare breed, the American Bulldog is ranked number one for their versatile capabilities.

Character: The American Bulldog is extremely athletic, powerful, and muscular. Strong and agile, this breed is very swift and is capable of leaping heights of six feet or more. They are brave, alert, courageous, and fearlessly determined.

Temperament: American Bulldogs are typically friendly, happy, and devoted. They get along very well with children but due to their size are best suited for homes with older considerate children. They will generally do well with other dogs they have been raised with but do not do well with other small household pets or cats. The American Bulldog is a faithful and loyal companion that has strong guarding instincts. They are reserved and wary of strangers and aggressive toward dogs they do not know. This breed is not recommended for the novice dog owner.

Care: The short coat is easy to groom. Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush will help minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. A relatively healthy breed, the American Bulldog may be prone to hip dysplasia.
Training: Early intense socialization and obedience training are an absolute must for this breed. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. The American Bulldogs talents include tracking, hunting, schutzhund, weight pulling, and guarding.

Activity: The American Bulldog does best when they are given a job to do. They enjoy frequent securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and romping in the yard. This breed does best on a farm with room to roam or in a home with a large fenced yard. They will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.

Ownership: If you are looking for American Bulldog puppies for sale from reputable American Bulldog breeders or to adopt an American Bulldog from an American Bulldog rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the American Bulldog puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find American Bulldog puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Alaskan Malamute

Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 85, female:75 lbs
Height: male: 25, female: 23 inches
Color(s): light gray through to black, with white shading and a white mask or cap; also shades of sable or red with shading, or all white

Coat: This breed sports a very beautiful double coat. The top coat is thick and coarse protecting it from even the most extreme weather conditions. Beneath the coarse coat is a very soft, dense, and oily coat. Colors may include light grays shading to black as well as sables to red. The legs and muzzle nearly always white.

Overview: Alaskan Malamutes are large working dogs. They have been used through the years as sled dogs, but aren't naturally as fast in the long run as there blue-eyed competition (huskies). Originally bred as a sled dog they were taught to think independently which sometimes results in them being a bit stubborn. Absolutely magnificent coloration and such a beautiful and strong overall build. Highly intelligent and loyal they are certain to make a nice family pet.

Character: The Alaskan Malamute is friendly, affectionate, and loyal, but can have a mind of its own. Although a hardy breed hereditary health problems may include hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, and bloat. Life expectancy is around 12-15 years.

Temperament: Extraordinarily loyal, intelligent, and friendly. After maturity the Alaskan Malamute usually settles in to a nice calm and quiet adult. With their friendly personality, they really aren't suitable as a guard dog. Although very intelligent they can prove to be stubborn. They have strong instinct so it's advised to keep an eye on them around small animals.

Care: The Alaskan Malamute has a very thick and coarse coat and would do well with a good brushing twice a week. They are very heavy shedders and there undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. Bathes for this breed really aren't necessary as they easily shed dirt. Also as an energetic working dog they do best with some space to run or a walk at least twice a day.

Training: Bred for sledding and independence the Alaskan Malamute can prove to be stubborn. Don't let the stubbornness fool you though because they are highly intelligent!
Activity: Alaskan Malamutes are very energetic and active. If you have the space they will run and play outside all day. Make sure to monitor them if the conditions are too hot.

Ownership: If you are looking for Alaskan Malamute puppies for sale from reputable Alaskan Malamute breeders or to adopt an Alaskan Malamute from an Alaskan Malamute rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Alaskan Malamute puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Alaskan Malamute puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized
Weight: Toy: 10; Miniature: 15; Standard: 23 lbs
Height: Toy: 13; Miniature: 13-15; Standard: 15-17.5 inches
Color(s): All colors; Markings must be symmetrical. The facial mask is distinctly defined.

Coat: A double coat breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a well-furred appearance. Heavier fur is at the ruff of the neck and on the tail. They are average shedders and shed heavily twice a year.

Overview: Developed during the 1970's in Alaska by Linda Spurlin, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. Bred as companions, this breed is relatively new, having been recognized by the UKC in 1997. They come in 3 sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Character: The Alaskan Klee Kai's most distinctive characteristic is the full facial mask. This breed is extremely loyal, affectionate with family, and active.
Temperament: Alaskan Klee Kai's are highly intelligent, highly devoted, and agile. They thrive on attention and companionship. The Alaskan Klee Kai is reserved around strangers and will alert by barking. They are also "talkers", emitting vocal sounds when they want attention. They do well with children and other pets they have been raised with.

Care: The Alaskan Klee Kai requires frequent brushing. Dry shampoo or bathe when necessary. This breed has no known health issues.

Training: Early intense socialization is a must. This breed also does well in obedience. They require firmness, fairness, and consistency.

Activity: The Alaskan Klee Kai does best with a securely fenced yard. They are excellent escape artists, so fencing must be set into the ground to prevent digging and tall enough to prevent jumping. They benefit from daily exercise and family interaction.

Ownership: If you are looking for Alaskan Klee Kai puppies for sale from reputable Alaskan Klee Kai breeders or to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai from an Alaskan Klee Kai rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Alaskan Klee Kai puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Alaskan Klee Kai puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Alapaha Blue blood bulldog

Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 100, female: 78 lbs
Height: male: 23-26, female: 20-23 inches
Color(s): blue merle, brown merle, red merle brindle, tan, red, brown, black, white

Coat: The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. They are average shedders. Their coat comes in a variety of colors; blue merle, brown merle, red merle brindle, tan, red, brown, black, and white.

Overview: The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very rare breed. They fall under the Mastiff breed. It is nearly extinct. There are about 150-200 worldwide. This breed results from three generations of an old breeding program of the Lane Family in Georgia, USA. The program started back in the 1800's and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of Southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends form Buck Lane's dog, named Otto. Buck Lane's granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane, continued the breeding program until she passed away in her sleep on July 20th 2001. In 1986, Ms. Lane Lou Lane contacted the Animal Research Foundation (ARF) regarding a rare breed known as the "Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog". Ms. Lane's purpose in calling and talking to ARF's Founder, Mr. Tom D. Stodghill, was because Mr. Stodghill has registered a number of rare breeds within the Foundation. Knowing this information, she asked Mr. Stodghill to provide her with a plan so that she could insure th

Character: The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a grand, powerful, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The purpose of this Breed is: Guardian, protection, companion, sport and farm use. As a family guard dog, the Alapaha's mental characteristics and abilities are very impressive. These dogs have been used for centuries as a do-all farm dog. They are used for working cattle and catching hogs.

Temperament: They show strength and alertness, yet agile and athletic, having an amazing endurance. This canine gives the impression of nobility, therefore, the name; Blue Blood. Guarding his master's person, family, and property is a natural instinct of this Breed. They were never bred for aggression, but he will protect, and go into action if and when the need arises. The Alapaha is a natural playmate and protector of children; he will for instance play different with a three year old than a twelve year old. He can also get along well with other animals, even cats.

Care: Little grooming is needed. Occasionally brush to remove dead hair and it will cut down on shedding. Bathe once every two weeks. This breed is an average shedder.
Training: The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is very intelligent and you will be able to teach your dog whatever you feel his/her abilities should be. They excel at obedience. Therefore they are easy to housetrain and they will learn to walk on a leash within two days.

Activity: The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is very energetic and athletic. They will do well in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. They are used for working cattle and catching hogs, thus their muscles are long and powerful. This means that they are never stocky and short built and their muzzle is not short like that of a Boxer for instance. Their longer muzzle makes breathing easier while running. These athletic, active dogs have a demand for exercise. They will enjoy long walks or running around and playing.

Ownership: If you are looking for Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppies for sale from reputable Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breeders or to adopt an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog from an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Akita

Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 85-130, female: 65-110 lbs
Height: male: 25-28, female: 23-26 inches
Color(s): any color, including white, pinto, or brindle

Coat: The Akita is a double coat, waterproof breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, and stands slightly off the body. The under coat is dense, soft, and close to the body. The hair on the head, legs, and ears is short, while the hair on the tail is long and profuse. They typically shed their coat twice a year. The Akita coat colors include pure white, red, sesame, and brindle.

Overview: The Akita originated in Japan. Unchanged for centuries, this breed is considered the national dog of Japan and a natural monument. They were highly prized, revered, and only owned by nobility and aristocracy. They were used in various capacities such as Imperial guards, hunter of bear and boar, and waterfowl retrieving. They are the largest of the Spitz-type breeds. Today, the Akita is a faithful companion, therapy dog, and guard dog.

Character: Akitas are large, sturdy, and muscular. The paws are webbed which makes them excellent swimmers. They have a reserved manner and carry themselves with great dignity. They are powerful and alert, responsive and courageous. The Akita is a noble and dominating breed.

Temperament: The Akita is highly intelligent, fearless, and spontaneous. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. They are exceedingly protective of their family, their territory, and of their food. They are particularly aggressive toward other dogs and pets. They will get along with older, very well behaved children within their family unit, but will not tolerate children they don't know. They make excellent guard dogs, although they are not excessive barkers. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. For this reason, they are not well suited for a two career family. They require an inordinate amount of attention. Akitas are not recommended for the novice dog owner, or owners who are placid and submissive.

Care: The Akita requires significant grooming with a firm bristle brush on a daily basis. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo to prevent stripping the coat of the natural oils. It is important to keep the hair on the bottom of the paws trimmed to preserve their characteristic of webbed feet. They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and lupus.

Training: The Akita requires intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. It is absolutely imperative that they know who their master is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds.

Activity: The Akita does not require an over-abundance of exercise. They are moderately active indoors. They enjoy play sessions with their family or other family activities. However, they will become bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods of time either inside or outside. They enjoy a daily walk, but it is vitally important they are very securely leashed and kept from encountering other dogs. They are not well suited for apartment dwellings and do best in a home with a large securely fenced yard.

Ownership: If you are looking for Akita puppies for sale from reputable Akita breeders or to adopt an Akita from an Akita rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Akita puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Akita puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.