Dog Tips Secret: Dog Breeds

Berger Picard: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Berger Picard

The Berger Picard (pronounced bare ZHAY pee CAR), also known as the Picardy Shepherd, is a rare French sheepdog. The Berger Picard has a medium-length, tousled, rustic-looking coat and large, triangular, upright ears. The Berger Picard is tall, sturdy and muscular, but never bulky. The bouncy Berger Picard exudes joy and seems to smile; the shaggy beard and eyebrows only add to its charming appearance. This breed has an impish, almost humorous way about him.

The Berger Picard is confident, even tempered, protective and affectionate with its family. This herding breed is extremely athletic and needs copious amounts of exercise, making them excellent companions for active, outdoor adventurers. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, the Berger Picard may become destructive as it attempts to burn off excess energy and alleviate boredom. The Berger Picard gets along great with respectively children and can usually coexist peacefully with most other dogs, but cats and other small, furry creatures are off limits due to the breeds high prey drive (instinct to chase).

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi—the Corgi with a tail—is lesser known than its cousin, the tailless Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but the breed is worth getting to know. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is utterly devoted to his human family and full of fun antics. This adaptable breed is a ready and able to do anything you want to do—just as long as you’re together.

The breed may be reserved with strangers at first, but given ample time will usually warm up to new friends and share some of the abundant love they shower on their family. They are naturally watchful, which can make them wonderful watch dogs, alerting to any sign of trouble with a quick bark. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi gets along great with other animals, from dogs to cats to horses to farm animals. They love children who are part of the family, and naturally look after them as part of the “flock.”

Finnish Lapphund

A “weatherproof” breed, the Finnish Lapphund is a tough and sturdy dog hailing from north of the Arctic Circle. Though traditionally used for herding reindeer, the Finnish Laphund is a compassionate, friendly breed that makes a devoted and loving family companion.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Often referred to as the "Laughing Dog," the Entlebucher Mountain dog belongs to the Sennehund family, a group of four herding breeds that hail from the Swiss Alps. Of the four breeds—which also includes the Bernese Mountain dog, the Appenzeller, and the Greater Swiss Mountain dog—the Entlebucher (or Entle) is the smallest.

Despite their smaller size, these herding dogs are extremely tough, sturdy, and energetic, making them a good pick for active families with older kids. Because Entles were bred as herding dogs, they're very protective of their people. Although they're loyal and loving to their families, Entles can be wary of or even aggressive towards strangers. Entles can also be aggressive towards other dogs, so it's important to begin socializing your Entle with strangers and other animals as early as possible.

It's important to note that Entles might not be the ideal dog for everyone. They require several hours of exercise each day; they can be stubborn, making training a challenge; and they're highly intelligent, so they can become bored—and rambunctious—easily. Because they need a lot of exercise—and space to run around—Entles are not recommended for people living in very small spaces or apartments.

Lancashire Heeler

The Lancashire Heeler is a feisty little dog that is full of character. This relatively rare breed from the United Kingdom is the smallest of all the herding dogs. They are known for being versatile and affectionate with their owners, but they can be less so with strangers or other dogs.

Bracco Italiano Dog

The Bracco Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointer or Italian Pointing Dog, is a popular hunting breed in its native country of Italy, but the breed is rare in the United States. One of only two native Italian gun dog breeds (the other is the Spinone Italiano), the Bracco Italiano is classified as a versatile hunting breed. This means the Bracco Italiano is equally skilled at all aspects of bird hunting: scenting birds in the field, pointing them out and retrieving downed birds to the hunter. They come in a variety of striking colors, including white; white with orange markings; white with chestnut markings; white speckled with pale orange; and white mottled with chestnut (roan-chestnut).

The Bracco Italiano loves to hunt. In fact, its drive to hunt is so ingrained that a providing the Bracco with a hunting home is almost a prerequisite to owning this breed. The Bracco is a slow and methodical hunter. The Bracco also has an exceptional nose, is a great retriever and has a very soft mouth (a hunting term that refers to the dog’s ability to retrieve and carry birds in its mouth without damaging them).

The gentle-natured Bracco Italiano forms strong bonds with their human families and needs to be included as a part of the family. They tend to get along well with dogs and other household pets, and are good with children (always supervise interactions between dogs and kids and other pets).

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Straight from the Swiss Alps comes the agile and versatile Appenzeller sennenhund. This medium-sized breed may look like a smaller and more compact Bernese mountain dog—which is also part of the sennenhund family, but this breed has characteristics all its own. Today the Appenzeller sennenhund is a relatively rare breed in North America but is more commonly found in Switzerland and greater Europe.

To better understand the Appenzeller Sennenhund, it helps to first understand the breed’s name. The term ‘Senn’ is a Swiss reference to herders, while Appenzell is a region in Switzerland. So sennenhunds are a group of dog breeds that were used extensively by Swiss herdsman. Due to regional differences, four separate breed entities arose under the term of sennenhund. The Appenzeller sennenhund comes from the Appenzell region of Switzerland and was used for herding animals, guarding farm property, and pulling carts.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan malamute may look like a wolf, but this large-breed Spitz is a loyal and hardworking dog prized for its strength and heart. Originally bred for such diverse tasks as hunting polar bears or pulling heavy sledges, the malamute is today a popular dog breed with families and active individuals.

It’s a common misnomer that Alaskan malamutes are the result of a wolf-dog hybrid breeding. While the breed we recognize today may have wolf ancestry, these dogs have been domestically bred and kept in the North American tundra for centuries. And despite their immense size and stature, they’re friendly and people-oriented—making them good family dogs, but poor guard dogs.

Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is a medium-sized, robust herding dog that hails from Scandinavia. The Swedish Vallhund’s short stature makes it an excellent cattle herder, as it is just the right size to nip at the heels of livestock to move them along, as well as balanced and agile enough to avoid kicking hooves.

At first glance, the Swedish Vallhund might seem small with its short legs, but it has the body of a larger dog that's sturdy, muscular, and substantial. Swedish Vallhunds have one of three types of tails: a natural bobtail (no tail), a stub tail, or a long, full tail. The sable coat is comprised of two types of hair, a medium-length, harsh-textured outer coat, and a softer, dense undercoat. The hair on the head and on the lower legs is shorter; the coat is slightly longer on the neck, chest, and back of the thighs.

Swedish Vallhunds are friendly, fearless, engaging companions with energy to spare. They are happiest when they have a job to do, whether that is herding or working on a farm, competing in a performance sport, or accompanying you everywhere you go. Swedish Vallhunds generally get along well with people, including gentle and respectful kids, as well as most other pets. Many Swedish Vallhunds have a tendency to “herd” family pets and kids with nips and nudges, so training to discourage this behavior is recommended. Swedish Vallhunds are known barkers, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but excessive barking might be problematic in urban settings.

The Portuguese water dog is a medium-sized dog with a soft and fluffy single layer coat that does not shed significantly, making them a preferred breed among those who suffer from allergies. They’re working dogs and are generally friendly, loving, and intelligent. They pick up training and obedience skills quickly and because of this, Portuguese water dogs make great service animals.

Although the breed was first recorded by a monk in the late 13th cenutry, they’ve become particularly well-known in the past decade. This is thanks to former U.S. President Barack Obama and his family, who had two Portuguese Water Dogs—Bo and Sunny—during their time in the White House.

The Plott hound is a medium to large dog originally bred to hunt big game, like bear or wild boar, but over time came to be used more often to hunt raccoons. In fact, the Plott hound is one of several coonhound breeds (some others are the black and tan coonhound, redbone coonhound, and the treeing walker coonhound).

The Plott hound is a scenthound, which is a type of dog bred to hunt using its incredible sense of smell. They have a melodious bay—in hunting terms, it's called “voice." Plott hound aficionados find that voice beautiful, but your neighbors might disagree. Plott hounds love hunting, but can also make excellent family companions as long as you provide enough outlets for their abundant energy. Daily, vigorous exercise is a must to keep this breed happy and well mannered at home.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Pyrenean Shepherds are cute dogs with shaggy faces and a longstanding history that might surprise you. While they’re far from being the most popular of today’s purebreds (according to the American Kennel Club, Pyrenean Shepherd breed popularity ranks at just 181 out of 193 breeds), these intelligent, curious dogs have a whole lot to bring to the table.

Also referred to as Pyr Sheps, Pyrenean Shepherds are herding dogs at heart, having been bred from the ancient line of dogs known widely as Pyrenees. They’re not quite as big and fluffy as Great Pyrenees, another breed from the same line, but Pyr Sheps do share some common traits, including an affinity for family and affection. Unlike Great Pyrenees, however, Pyrenean Shepherds love to go fast, and tend to excel in agility sports.

Blue Heeler

Hard-working, intelligent, and loyal—that’s a Blue Heeler in a nutshell. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as herding dogs and they still thrive when they have a job to do. Their fierce loyalty makes them even better workers. Even if you don’t work on a farm, you can put them to work. They love figuring out puzzles and retrieving toys.

Beyond working, Blue Heelers love their people tremendously and are sometimes known as “shadow dogs.” They become intensely devoted to their owner and dislike being separated from them. This is an extremely active breed that will happily become your next running or hiking buddy.

Schipperke

The Schipperke is simply adorable with its bright eyes, foxy-looking face and curious personality. These mischievous little rascals are extra busy, always wanting to be part of the action. Schipperkes are full of energy and lots of fun to be around. The curious, adventurous Schipperke is a known escape artist, and should never be trusted off leash. A fenced yard is a must, and fences should be well kept with no small holes to escape through.

Schipperkes might get along with other family pets if raised with them, but some might not want to be friends with strange pets. Schipperkes are born to chase, so they are not safe around small pets like hamsters, rabbits and birds, and some might bother the family cat. Excellent watchdogs, Schipperkes are naturally suspicious of strangers and protective of their home territory. Unfortunately, they tend to bark at every little sound, so excessive barking can be an issue.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Though their large size can be intimidating, the Neapolitan mastiff dog breed is a gentle giant that makes an excellent family pet. These dogs love their families unconditionally but are wary of strangers. There is no doubt these dogs will protect you from an intruder, as their fearless and protective attitude is sure to frighten any unwanted visitors.

In general, Neapolitan mastiffs are quite low-maintenance, easy-going pets. Like all pets, these huge dogs have their quirks.

Canaan Dog

The Canaan dog is a primitive breed developed from ancient pariah dogs (wild dogs). If you like the look of wild canines, you will love the Canaan dog’s natural appearance—“designed by nature,” as the Canaan Dog Club of America eloquently puts it. The Canaan dog's square, balanced, medium-sized body moves with athletic grace.

Canaan dogs are naturally clean and take to housetraining quickly, making them wonderful house dogs. Although Canaan dogs are devoted and affectionate with their own families, they are generally reserved with strangers. In addition to being wary with people they don’t know, Canaan dogs are naturally alert, territorial, and vocal. Combined, these traits make the Canaan dog an exceptional watchdog and guardian.

Old English Sheepdog

Whether you need a working farm dog or a cuddly family pet, you’ll be happy with an Old English Sheepdog by your side. At the dog park, Old English Sheepdogs always steal the show thanks to their adorably messy hairdos. Their bubbly personalities only make them cuter.

Underneath their shaggy, fluffy coat, these dogs are all muscle. Old English Sheepdogs emerged from early types of herding dogs in England, where they historically helped farmers drive cattle and sheep to market.

Old English Sheepdogs are the original “shaggy dog.” They are adorable, playful, sociable, and obedient. As with any pet, Sheepdogs require an attentive and responsible owner who will give them the love that they need to thrive.

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a golden retriever and poodle, resulting in a "designer" mix that was originally bred in the late 1960s as a guide dog. Goldendoodles vary in size, depending on the size of their parents because poodles can be miniature or medium-sized. The breed typically has curly, hypoallergenic hair and hardly shed thanks to their non-shedding poodle ancestors. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent, athletic, and lovable dogs that are great with children and other pets.

Brittany: Dog Breed Profile

The Brittany is an agile, energetic gun dog that was originally bred as a stylish bird-hunting dog on both sides of the Atlantic. A versatile sporting dog, Brittanys make an intelligent, affectionate, and playful pet for families, while also eager and tireless out in the field. As such, it’s a breed that requires a great deal of exercise, but one that will enjoy every active moment with its family. Bird dog lovers and families alike appreciate the “softness” of the Brittany’s face and its high-set ears, as well as its high energy level and eagerness to please.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, which originated in Switzerland, is a gentle giant with its large frame and striking tri-colored coat. An excellent family dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog gets along well with children and most other pets and loves to be included in all family activities. Breed aficionados love the Bernese Mountain Dog’s intelligence and devotion to family. They are protective but not aggressive, loyal but independent, and energetic but not exhausting.

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Berger Picard: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Finnish Lapphund: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Entlebucher Mountain Dog: Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Lancashire Heeler: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Bracco Italiano Dog | Dog Tips Secret

Appenzeller Sennenhund: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Alaskan Malamute: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Swedish Vallhund: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Portuguese Water Dog : Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Plott Hound: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Pyrenean Shepherd : Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Blue Heeler : Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Schipperke: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Neapolitan Mastiff: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Canaan Dog: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Old English Sheepdog: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Goldendoodle : Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Brittany: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret

Bernese Mountain Dog: Dog Breed Profile | Dog Tips Secret