The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Unlike most terriers, they get along with other dogs and pets.This feisty toy dog is believed to have originated in Germany. At first a farm dog and ratter, probably larger in size, the Affenpinscher was miniaturized and became a house pet during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is an outstanding watchdog.

The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness. This is a very ancient dog, mentioned several times in Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in the caves of northern Afghanistan more than 4000 years ago. This elegant sighthound was used as a shepherd and hunter of many types of game including deer, wild goats, and even wolves and snow leopards. They were also used by shepherds as herders and watchdogs.

The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in the country of York "The King of Terriers," the Airedale was named for the Valley of the Aire in England. Originally known as the Waterside Terrier and used as a vermin hunter, the breed was later crossed with the Otterhound to make him a better swimmer. In addition to his role as a small game hunter, the Airedale has been used to hunt big game in Africa, Indian and Canada, and as a police dog and army sentry dog in World War II.

The Akita is docile, but sometimes spontaneous. Careful and very affectionate with its family. Intelligent, courageous and fearless. It is very willful and needs firm training as a puppy. The Akita is a first class guard dog. It is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, where it has remained unchanged for centuries. Today, the Akita is considered the national dog of Japan and is designated as a Natural Monument. The first Akita was brought to the USA by Helen Keller.

The Alaskan Malamute is a Nordic dog, descended from the Arctic wolf. Originally used 2000 to 3000 years ago by Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska, the dogs were their only form of transportation and were highly valued. The Alaskan Malamute is like a rambunctious puppy. Extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affec-tionate toward it's master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally they mature into a dignified and mellow adult dog.

The American Eskimo is a charming, affectionate and loving dog. Hardy and playful, they are excellent with children. Highly intelligent and willing to please. Alert and easy to train, the American Eskimo often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. The American Eskimo is one of the Spitz families of Nordic breeds, and is possibly related to the White German Spitz, Samoyed and White Keeshond. Evidence suggests that "White Spitz" dogs were first brought to the United States by German settlers.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. Gentle and loving towards people. Good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet. It is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, this dog wants nothing more then to please its master.In the nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire, crossing among the Bulldog and various terriers developed the muscular, active, combative Staffordshire Bullterrier.

Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed entirely in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. It is possible that the name was derived from one of the dog's ancestors.

The name Basset Hound comes from the French word "bas" meaning low. Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated from genetic dwarf dogs presented in litters of other types of French hunting hounds, however, we do know that it is a rather old breed, descended directly from the Bloodhound. The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Their temperament should always be friendly with never an indication of sharpness or viciousness. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children.

The Beagle is one of the most popular scent hounds because of his energy, willingness, and merry, sweet disposition. The breed probably originated as a cross between the Harrier and other hounds in England. The Beagle has been used in packs, alone, and in pairs, for hunting hare, pheasant and quail. He has also served as an excellent narcotics detection dog and makes a fine family companion. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young.

The Bearded Collie, or "Beardie" as he is known to his fanciers, is a medium-sized, agile, herding dog with a shaggy coat and an ever-wagging tail. He is an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog, and the family resemblance is obvious. The Beardie's lovable personality and appearance makes him an ideal companion and family dog. The breed almost disappeared in the early part of the twentieth century, but was rescued through mating a pair in 1944. It is still not very widespread.

With his pear-shaped head, arched back and curly coat, the Bedlington Terrier looks like a little sheep. Playful and cheerful, the Bedlington Terrier is loving with children and fairly friendly with strangers. They are loyal, lively and headstrong. This breed needs to learn to like cats and other household animals when they are young. A little powerhouse, it is courageous and energetic, with the ability to run very fast. It is an enthusiastic digger. Bedlingtons like to bark and can be high-stung.

The Belgian Shepherd, known as the Groenendael worldwide, and named for this village in Belgium, is one of the four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs. It is a very smart and obedient dog... serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. Some are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age and firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. This breed is instinctively protective so it should be trained from an early age.

These gentle, cheerful dogs love children. They are very intelligent, easy to train and are natural watchdogs, but not overly aggressive. A friend for life. They are very loyal and may have trouble adjusting to a new owner after they are 18 months old. Self-confident, alert and good-natured. They are fairly friendly with strangers, and are generally good with other pets and dogs. Although the exact origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog are unclear, this breed probably began as a farm dog in the Swiss mountains.

The Bichon is a most appealing little white dog that loves human company. It has an independent spirit, is intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively. This charming, gentle dog is not a yapper. It has a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with. These bright little dogs are easy to train and just plain old love everyone. They need people to be happy. They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere.

A quick-to-follow, intelligent, loyal and good-natured hunter and companion, the Black and Tan Coonhound pleases hunter and owner alike. The Black and Tan is an alert and eager dog who is very dedicated to his work. Some sources say this passionate worker is a bit aggressive, but will listen to his master. Other sources say he is gentle and friendly with people. They are usually best with older considerate children. Sometimes they can play rough. This dog can be willful, requiring firm, patient and on-going training.

Black Russian Terriers are brave and very observant. Suspicious of strangers, they have a strong protective instinct that will appear at the age of one and a half to two years. Growing puppies should be treated lovingly but firmly, to steer them in the right direction. Puppies are sensitive, playful, adaptive, and quick to learn. They are inquisitive and will get into everything. Even as an adult they are enthusiastic about children and love to play with them. Males love children but females are more disposed to play with them.

The Bloodhound is a kind, patient, noble, mild-mannered and lovable dog. Gentle, affectionate and excellent with children. This is truly a good natured companion. These dogs are so good-natured that they will lie there and meekly let children clamber all over them. This breed loves all the attention they receive from children. To be fare to your Bloodhound, make sure your children do not pester or hurt the dog.This breed is more than one thousand years old.

The Border Collie is a very intelligent and responsive dog. It excels at obedience, agility and Frisbee (TM). They thrive on praise, are sensitive and very trainable. The Border Collies are commonly used in the agility competitions, as sports like agility are right up this intelligent dog's alley. One of the most trainable breeds, the Border Collie also serves well as a narcotics and bomb detection dog. Some Border Collies have been trained very successfully as blind guide dogs.

The Border Terrier was originally bred in the Cheviot Hills area near the border between England and Scotland to help farmers drive predatory foxes from their dens.The Border Terrier is alert and lively, but mild-mannered. Especially affectionate with children and wants to please, so it is relatively easy to train. . Socialize them well and get puppies accustomed to loud noises and city situations while they are still young to avoid excessive timidity. It will bark, but it is not aggressive.

Though bred at first for use in dog fights, today's Boston Terrier has been bred to have less aggressive tendencies. It is gentle, alert, very intelligent, and well-mannered. Enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious, this breed has a sense of humor. They are very sensitive to the tone of one's voice. This breed likes to learn and therefore is not difficult to train.The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds that was "Made in the USA." Boston to be exact. The original Boston Terriers were a cross between the English Bulldog and now extinct English White Terrier

The Borzoi is a sweet, intelligent dog. They are proud and self aware dogs that are extremely loyal to their family. They are quite affectionate with people they know well. They can be trained in obedience, but it should be remembered that they are hounds, and as such are more free-thinking, and less willing to please humans than some breeds. The Borzoi was probably first brought from Arabia to Russia in about 1600. There, this elegant sight hound was adopted by the nobility, crossed with longer haired sheepdogs and used as a fierce and brave wolf hunter, earning the name Russian Wolfhound.

The Briard is a farm worker by nature and lives to herd anything! They have an exceptional hearing ability and are basically kind, but with a strong protective instinct. The Briard makes a wonderful, alert watchdog. Sensitive, playful and obedient, but with definite minds of their own. A long history of working with humans has left it gentle and sweet natured, as well as brave, loyal and fearless. The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Lafayette all owned Briards.

The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. The Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets

A versatile hunter, the Brittany is one of the most popular pointing breeds for bird hunting.The Brittany is intelligent, and easy to handle and train for hunting. It is a loving and gentle animal; obedient and always eager to please. Happy and alert. This breed is a very active and enthusiastic hunter. Affectionate. Independent - it is a free-thinker. Good-natured and easy to care for. Some are nervous or hyperactive. This dog can become timid if treated roughly. Socialize extensively as a puppy.

Though this breed was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now. A Bull Terrier might have a preventive effect and it might defend it's owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn't breed to be a guard dog. Courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog. They become very attached to their owners. The Bull Terrier thrives on affection and makes a fine family pet. In 1830, when combats between Bulldogs and bulls were at there height, lovers of this "sport" decided to create a dog that would attack even more agilely. By crossing the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier and adding a bit of Spanish Pointer blood, they came up with the Bull Terrier.

This is a 1924 breed obtained by crossing Mastiffs with Bulldogs in the country of England. The Bullmastiff was used as a gamekeeper's dog to track down, tackle and hold poachers. The dogs were fierce and threatening, but were trained not to bite the intruders.The Bullmastiff is a devoted, alert guard dog, with a good-natured temperament, though he tends to be willful. Docile unless provoked, he is fearless and protective, yet affectionate. Although unlikely to attack, it will catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him. At the same time, it is tolerant of children. Intelligent, even-tempered, calm and loyal. These dogs crave human attention.

The Griffon is an intelligent cheerful dog with a terrier-like disposition. With lots of personality, they make a fine companion dog. It is affectionate, willful and high-strung, but charming. Lively and curious, they love everyone, but can get quite moody. Unusually sensitive and quite demanding, this breed loves to be spoiled. The Brussels Griffon was first shown at the Brussels Exhibition of 1880. Once kept by cab drivers of 17th-century Brussels to rid their stables of vermin, the Brussels Griffon became a companion breed by virtue of its appealing character.

Although the English Bulldogs appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder, and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Today's bulldog has a very different temperament from those of his ancestors. The breed is descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff, but its development took place completely in Great Britain.