American Water Spaniel

Intelligent, energetic and eager to please, the American Water Spaniel is a versatile hunting dog and devoted family companion. One of the few breeds developed in the U.S., this rare breed only has about 3,000 registered dogs. The American Water Spaniel is an active dog that needs regular exercise. His naturally curly coat requires regular grooming and twice weekly brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The American Water Spaniel is an excellent swimmer, even in rough waters, using his tail as a rudder.

ALSO KNOWN AS: American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living if sufficiently exercised
Size
Medium
Height
38 to 46 centimetres
Weight
Males - 13 to 20 kilograms, Females - 11 kilograms
Coat
Varies from wavy to tight curls
Energy
Active
Colour
Solid liver, brown or dark chocolate, and may have white on toes or chest
Activities
Field Trials, Hunting, Agility, Rally, Conformation, Obedience, Therapy
Indoor/Outdoor
Both

American Staffordshire Terrier

Stocky and muscular with a strong, powerful head, the American Staffordshire Terrier resulted when the courageous Bulldog was crossed with a spirited, agile terrier breed. Friendly, intelligent and loyal, this people-oriented breed thrives as part of the family and when given a job to do. An excellent guardian, he loyally protects his family. The Am Staff has a low-maintenance short coat, but he requires regular exercise.

DID YOU KNOW? The most decorated dog of World War I was an American Staffordshire Terrier named “Stubby,” who earned the rank of Sergeant.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Amstaff

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Suitable for apartments, good with children, not hypoallergenic
Size
Large
Height
Males - 45 to 48 centimetres at the shoulders; Females - 43 to 45 centimetres at the shoulders
Weight
Males – 25 to 31 kilograms; Females – 18 to 28 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
Any color
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
Both

American Eskimo

The American Eskimo Dog, which descended from European spitz-type dogs, was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants. The breed comes in three size varieties: Standard, Miniature and Toy. Nicknamed the “Eskie,” this breed has a heavy white coat that requires weekly brushing. Although intelligent, affectionate and playful, the American Eskimo Dog can be skeptical of strangers.

DID YOU KNOW? Highly intelligent, trainable and agile, the American Eskimo Dog was a popular circus dog that performed tricks in acts in the late 19th century. An Eskie named Stout’s Pal Pierre was the first dog to walk a tightrope.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Eskimo Spitz, American Spitz, German Spitz

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, Suitable for apartment living if sufficiently exercised
Size
Small
Height
Toy - 23 to 25 centimetres at the withers; Miniature – 30 to 38 centimetres at the withers; Standard, 38 to 48 centimetres at the withers
Weight
3kg - 18kg
Coat
Fluffy, double coat
Energy
Medium
Colour
White or white with biscuit cream
Activities
Conformation, Agility, Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
Both

Akita

Developed in the mountains of Japan, the Akita originally was used to hunt bear, elk and boar. The breed can have an aggressive temperament, requiring supervision around small children and other animals. The Akita has a distinctive thick, double coat and plush tail that curls over his back. Although a fastidious groomer like a cat, he still needs daily brushing. Active and energetic, this breed should be exercised daily.

DID YOU KNOW? Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to the U.S., having received a puppy from the Ministry of Education during a visit to Japan in 1937.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, American Akita

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Living Considerations
Not suitable for children, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living
Size
Medium
Height
Males – 66 to 72 centimetres at the withers; Females - 61 to 66 centimetres at the withers
Weight
Males – 34 to 59 kilograms; Females – 31 to 46 kilograms
Coat
Puffy double coat
Energy
Medium
Colour
Any color including white, brindle or pinto
Activities
Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
Both

Kooikerhoundje

A very attractive small/medium-sized dog, the Kooiker dog holds his head proudly and is slightly longer than he is tall, with adult dogs standing at 35-40cm and weighing 9-11kg. He has a medium-length coat that is straight or slightly wavy and is white with orange-red patches. The ears are tipped with black and have longer hair, known as 'earrings'.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Personality

A friendly, alert and good-natured dog with people, the Kooikerhondje can be aloof with those he doesn't know but is loving to his family. He can be problematic with other dogs, so early, thorough socialisation is especially important. The Kooiker loves training and being given new challenges.

History and Origins

The Kooikerhondje dog breed ('kooiker's dog', also known as a 'Kooiker' dog) has been a recognised breed in the Netherlands since the 17th century, thought to descend from spaniel-type dogs that arrived in the area from Spain in the 16th century. The breed's originally function was as a decoy dog – a job that some still perform to this day. The dog would attract the ducks' attention and lure them to the kooiker (the person in charge of the hunt) and his nets. The breed has changed little over the centuries, as shown in art from the Dutch masters.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

The Kooiker dog needs at least an hour's daily exercise. Unsurprisingly, he loves the water and will often dive into any he finds on a walk. As well as the canine sports (agility etc.), some Kooikers still work as duck decoys – either for hunting or for the birds to be tagged.

Other Information

Health and Common Issues

 

As a result of careful breeding, most previously recognised inherited conditions in the breed (such as epilepsy and slipping kneecaps) are now rarely encountered.

 

Best Family Dog Breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Japanese Shibu Inu

The Shiba Inu is a sturdy, medium-sized, Spitz-type dog (i.e. he has prick ears, a thick coat, and a curled tail). A smaller version of the Akita, adult males stand at around 39.5cm and adult females at 36.5cm. The thick, soft undercoat is covered in a hard, straight topcoat that comes in red, red sesame (red with black guard hairs), black and tan, or white.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Personality

An alert, active and friendly dog, the Japanese Shiba Inu dog breed can be quite independent and often has a strong hunting instinct. Early, thorough socialisation is essential, particularly to help them be sociable with other dogs. An unusual feature of the breed is 'the Shiba scream' – a high-pitched vocalisation emitted when excited or agitated.

History and Origins

Bred to hunt and flush small game in the mountains of Japan, the Shiba Inu dog breed is a smaller version of the Akita – indeed, Shiba Inu translates as 'small dog'. One of the oldest known breeds, dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Shiba Inu dog almost died out entirely in the Second World War but the small number of dogs who had survived bombing raids and a distemper epidemic were bred to save the breed.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

About an hour's daily exercise is needed. Because of their potential desire to chase, do ensure you have a reliable recall before letting them off the lead and only exercise in safe, enclosed areas.

Other Information

Health and Common Issues

 

The Shiba Inu is generally a healthy, robust breed. Like many breeds inherited eye problems can occur and breeding dogs should be routinely eye tested.

 

Best Family Dog Breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora

An elegant, beautiful breed, the Turkish Angora has a soft, silky coat on a slender, finely boned frame with a full, tapering tail. This active, playful feline is sometimes called the ballerina of the cat fancy due to her gracefulness. One of the most extroverted cat breeds, the Angora loves being the centre of attention and enjoys entertaining her human companions. This healthy breed usually lives a long life.

DID YOU KNOW? The Turkish Angora may have been the first longhair cat in Europe and is believed to have descended from longhair cats in Turkey, Russia and Persia. The breed is named for the former Turkish capital of Angora, today known as Ankara.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat

 

Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Semi-long, full, silky
Temperament
Affectionate, playful, loyal
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Moderate
Toyger
Toyger

Toyger

With her beautiful bold stripes and powerful body, the Toyger looks like a jungle tiger. This breed has a friendly, outgoing temperament and delights in being with people, even strangers, and gets along well with other pets. Highly intelligent, the Toyger is easy to train to go on leash walks and to play fetch. The Toyger is generally robust and healthy.

DID YOU KNOW? Bred to resemble wild tigers in a domestic package, the Toyger has a unique coat pattern for a domestic cat. Instead of the vertical stripes of the mackerel tabby or the rounded rosettes of some spotted tabbies, the Toyger has broken, or branched, bold vertical stripes in a random pattern.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat

 

 

Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short, plush, soft
Temperament
Outgoing, intelligent, active
Grooming
 Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Average
himalayan
himalayan

Himalayan

One of the most beloved cat breeds, the Himalayan craves affection and loves to be petted. The Himmy is a devoted, loyal companion that is good with children and other pets. This poised, sweet feline is calm and self-assured. She is also active and playful well into her senior years. A healthy, long-lived breed, the Himalayan’s body is various shades of white to fawn with point colours on her facial mask and extremities.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1950, an American cat breeder, Marguerita Goforth, began developing the Himalayan by crossing a Siamese and Persian. The Himalayan features the colour and pattern of a Siamese and the short, heavy-boned body and coat of the Persian, thus is referred to as a pointed pattern Persian.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Indoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing 4 to 6.5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 5 kilograms
Coat
 Long
Temperament
Playful, active, social
Grooming
 Daily
Shedding
 Heavy
Vocalisation
 Moderate
Havana Brown
Havana Brown

Havana Brown

The Havana Brown is called the puppy of the cat fancy because this breed loves to follow her owners everywhere. Outgoing, playful and charming, Brownies are intelligent and easily trained to fetch. Unlike cats that use their sense of smell to investigate curiosities, this feline extends her paws, often appearing to be holding out a paw of friendship. The Havana Brown is social and doesn’t like being left alone too long.

DID YOU KNOW? The Havana Brown was named for the similarity of her lovely burnished, mahogany-toned, glossy coat to the brown color of Havana cigars. The Havana Brown is exclusive to North America. The Chestnut Brown, the European version of the Havana Brown, is the equivalent of the chestnut Oriental Shorthair.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Indoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short to medium, smooth, lustrous
Temperament
Playful, adaptable, social
Grooming
 Rarely/Never
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Soft, intimate voice