Beagle
The Beagle is an easy-to-care for dog, as it is a small and sturdy hound that is squarely built and a hardy breed. The Beagle can come in a variety of colors including black and tan, orange and white, and most commonly a tri-color. The Beagle's coat is hard and of medium length; hair grows steadily and rarely needs trimming.
It looks very similar to a smaller version of an English Foxhound with a broad skull and slightly rounded head. The muzzle is typically straight and square, and the feet are round and strong. The Beagle has a black nose and full nostrils that are ideal for scenting. Long wide ears are a pendant shape, and the characteristic pleading expression has made it famous. Brown and hazel eyes give it a love struck and innocent look, and the tail is carried high and tight; it is rarely curled over the back.
The Beagle has a characteristic bark that is almost like a distinct howl. While training can limit this obtrusive noise, the beagle is often on the hunt and uses this as part of its routine.
Bloodhound
An interesting note about Blood hounds: the actual definition is one who follows up an enemy with tenacity. Bloodhounds were used for tracking wounded game by the blood spilt. Eventually they were deployed for tracking criminals and slaves who had made their escape, and were hunters of blood, not hunters by blood. The most noted breeds are the African, Cuban, and English.
The Bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissible in an American court of law.
The Bloody's head is rather narrow in proportion to its length, and long in proportion to the body. It tapers slightly from the temples to muzzle end. If you look at this dog from the front and from above, it looks likes it's flattened at the sides. When looking at the profile, you will notice the upper outline of the skull is nearly on the same plane as the fore-face.
From the end of the nose to the stop midway between the eyes, the distance is usually not less than that from the stop to the back of the peak. Entire length of the head should be 12 inches (or more) for dogs, 11 inches (or more) for bitches.
The Blood Hound's skull is long and narrow, with a pronounced occipital peak. Because they have such deep-set eyes, their brows are not prominent. However, it may look like they are. Their fore-face is an even width, long and deep and when seen in profile is square.
Blood Hound eyes are deeply sunk in the orbits, and the lids are diamond shaped. Heavy flews drag the lower lids down and cause eversion. The eyes are the same general color as the animal, varying from deep hazel to yellow. The hazel color is preferred but it's not often seen in liver-and-tan hounds. The Hound ears are thin and soft to the touch, extremely long, low set, and fall in graceful folds, with the lower parts curling inward and backward. A scissors bite is preferred for show and breed standard, but a level bite is accepted.
Boxer
This popular breed of dog is mid-sized, with a very square jaw and naturally floppy ears that are very often surgically altered to make them stand up. They are a naturally very intelligent breed with a characteristic short nose and slight under-bite. They have long, muscular legs and deep chests for resonant barking
They are very good with children and very trainable. Though they have a reputation for being strong willed, this is usually a result of owners who were too indulgent when they were puppies.
Boxers have been used for running animals to the ground and holding them there until their masters arrive with a gun to dispatch the creature that isn't a dog. Their ancestors once were trained upon bears (just like Pit Bulls or Staffordshire Terriers), and Boxers can take on deer or pigs.
Today they rarely are used for such hunting adventures. Instead they are used as police dogs as well as service, guide and therapy functions. They can be easily trained to be good with people if socialized well as early in life as possible.
They are always brown or brindle with white and black markings. Dark markings are very likely around the face and eyes. Some dogs are born with an over abundance of white markings that are often accompanied by deafness.
As a breed, Boxers are very loyal and fun loving dogs with a generally calm nature after they mature at about two or three years. Boxers are very loving with their families and will fiercely defend them from theft or attack. Their loyalty extends to other animal members of the family, dog or other pet.
As such, Boxers are now among the most popular breeds in the United States. Because there are so many dogs being bred to keep up with the demand, the breed now has quite a few disorders that they are particularly prone to. These include specific cancers, hip dysplasia, bloat as well as diet related allergies.
It's best to have a large yard with a stout fence for containing your Boxer. They are very capable hunting dogs that are bred to get the job done.
Bulldog
It is hard to mistake the classic image of the English Bulldog. This square and stout looking dog is very wide and broad, giving the appearance of power and strength even though it is not very tall. The overall impression when looking at an English Bulldog is one of power and dignity, along with maturity and sensibility.
The face of the English Bulldog is just as distinctive as its body. The face is brachiocephalic, which means that the muzzle is very short and compressed. The lower jaw is noticeably undershot, and longer than the upper jaw and nose. The lips of the upper jaw hang down below the lower jaw, and are loose to the mouth. The cheeks are very noticeable, and are obvious when viewed from the front as well as the side. The eyes are round and set well off the center of the face. They are always dark in color, and lighter colored eyes are not characteristic of the breed. The ears are very small and thin, held close to the head. A rose type fold in the ears is most desirable. The skull is broad and wide, and should never appear narrow. The forehead and skull area should be covered with deep folds of skin, forming large "wrinkles" across the forehead area.
The neck of the English Bulldog will be thick and massive, matching the base of the broad skull. The short neck flows into heavyset front shoulders that are slightly sloped outwards. The front legs should be thick and well boned, while appearing proportional and muscular. The elbows should be loose from the body of the dog, and the feet may be slightly turned out when viewed from the front. The chest is deep and significant, moving in to a well-developed rib cage. The top-line of the body is considered a "wheel-back" - often mistakenly called a "roach-back". This means that the center of the back is slightly higher than either the shoulders or the tail.
The hindquarters are very substantial and balanced-looking. The hind feet will turn out slightly and the hocks will turn in slightly. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, but are in proportion. The tail is either short and straight, or short and somewhat kinked or bent in appearance. The tail will be wide, and the base and will taper to a fine point that is always held lower than the broad base of the tail.
The coat is very fine and short, and is the same length across the entire body. There may be folds of skin on the neck and around the tail. The breed is also known for its distinctive dewlaps under the jaw.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a strong looking dog at first glance - and first impressions are correct. With a sold body frame and a powerful stance, this breed can be quite intimidating to the everyday person that encounters it. But while this stocky build appears to be awkward, the overall frame of the Bullmastiff can be quite agile.
The head has wrinkled skin on the surface and is broad in size, though short. The square shape contains a muzzle that's about one third of the entire head's size with a dark coloring. With a black nose and larger nostrils, the Bullmastiff is punctuated by piercing hazel eyes that have a focused and intelligent appearance. The ears of the Bullmastiff are set wide on the head and are dark in color and have a v shape. The shortened back portion of this breed is straight and is on the same level as the loin and the withers of the dog. The tail is set high and tapers, reaching to the backs of the legs.
With such an impressive look, it's no wonder the Bullmastiff is a menacing dog that can help with guarding your family or a single person. Very alert in nature, this is a dog that will protect whoever it deems to be worth protecting. In this loyalty, training can be tricky, but if you start at a young age and work to consistently build trust, you will have a protector and a friend for a long time.
Chihuahua
Rather than being bred down from a larger breed, the Chihuahua is the only toy breed that is naturally small.
The Chihuahua has a well rounded, apple shaped head. The muzzle is tiny in contrast to the head, will be slightly pointed, and either have a level or scissors bite. Ears are large and erect, spaced far apart and will flair to the sides when relaxed. Their eyes are round and large (but not protruding), very expressive, and should either be dark or ruby colored .The nose is short, pointed, and black. Light-colored eyes, and pink noses are allowed in blonde-colored dogs.
The body is robust and compact, with well sprung ribs. Measurements from wither to tail should be longer than from withers to ground. Shorter bodies are preferred in males. The neck is slightly arched, sloping into lean shoulders, and continuing down into a level topline. Their front legs should be straight, short, and square-shaped, with the back legs being well-muscled and thin. The feet are small and dainty with well split toes. And finally, the long sickle-shaped tail should curl, looping over the back with the tip just barely touching the back.
The Chihuahua has a well rounded, apple shaped head. The muzzle is tiny in contrast to the head, will be slightly pointed, and either have a level or scissors bite. Ears are large and erect, spaced far apart and will flair to the sides when relaxed. Their eyes are round and large (but not protruding), very expressive, and should either be dark or ruby colored .The nose is short, pointed, and black. Light-colored eyes, and pink noses are allowed in blonde-colored dogs.
The body is robust and compact, with well sprung ribs. Measurements from wither to tail should be longer than from withers to ground. Shorter bodies are preferred in males. The neck is slightly arched, sloping into lean shoulders, and continuing down into a level topline. Their front legs should be straight, short, and square-shaped, with the back legs being well-muscled and thin. The feet are small and dainty with well split toes. And finally, the long sickle-shaped tail should curl, looping over the back with the tip just barely touching the back.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a smaller sized spaniel that has wonderful temperament and boundless energy. They are great dogs for families as well as single people and really love being with humans, although they can tolerate moderate lengths of time alone if they are properly exercised and attended to when the family is home. The Cocker Spaniel has a beautiful, silky medium long coat that is relatively easy to care for and maintain, even if the dog is outside.
The head of the Cocker Spaniel is dome shaped between the long, pendulous and well feathered ears. The eyes are very round and positioned towards the center of the muzzle, dark and very soft looking while still giving a twinkle of merriment and interest in their surroundings. The muzzle has a defined stop at the eyes then is rather square and broad in appearance down to the nose. The nose is large and noticeable with black coloration on dark coated dogs and a more brown color on the lighter coat colors. The upper lips are relatively long and hang down beyond the level of the lower jaw but are tight to the mouth. The neck is short and very erect from the shoulders, which are muscular and well developed. The legs tend to be rather short and well feathered, making them appear slightly heavier than they really are.
The body of the Cocker Spaniel has a topline that slopes slightly down from the shoulders to the hips, giving a "ready" appearance when the dog is standing up. The hind legs are strong and relatively straight and the tail is traditionally docked to about 2/5 of its natural length. In many areas tail docking is no longer allowed so the tail may be left natural. The Cocker Spaniel has traditionally been used as a gun dog as well as a household pet, and will quickly adjust to whatever is asked of it. They are surprisingly athletic for their smaller size and are natural retrievers.
The head of the Cocker Spaniel is dome shaped between the long, pendulous and well feathered ears. The eyes are very round and positioned towards the center of the muzzle, dark and very soft looking while still giving a twinkle of merriment and interest in their surroundings. The muzzle has a defined stop at the eyes then is rather square and broad in appearance down to the nose. The nose is large and noticeable with black coloration on dark coated dogs and a more brown color on the lighter coat colors. The upper lips are relatively long and hang down beyond the level of the lower jaw but are tight to the mouth. The neck is short and very erect from the shoulders, which are muscular and well developed. The legs tend to be rather short and well feathered, making them appear slightly heavier than they really are.
The body of the Cocker Spaniel has a topline that slopes slightly down from the shoulders to the hips, giving a "ready" appearance when the dog is standing up. The hind legs are strong and relatively straight and the tail is traditionally docked to about 2/5 of its natural length. In many areas tail docking is no longer allowed so the tail may be left natural. The Cocker Spaniel has traditionally been used as a gun dog as well as a household pet, and will quickly adjust to whatever is asked of it. They are surprisingly athletic for their smaller size and are natural retrievers.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are elongated dogs with short legs that are of the hound family. They are German in origin, and their name literally means badger dog, though in Germany they are commonly referred to as Dackel or Teckel dogs. The standard sized Dachshund was developed to hunt badgers while the miniature was developed to hunt rabbits.
Dachschunds come in two sizes; the standards on both varieties are exactly the same except for size. They are all longer than they are tall. There are three coat varieties; smooth coated, long coated and the rarest, the wire coated.
Dachshunds are low to the ground with very short legs and very muscular bodies. Their skin is very elastic, but not wrinkly. They are very well balanced in spite of their long bodies and they hold their heads high.
Their head taper uniformly to the tip of the nose. Their eyes are medium sized, dark and almond shaped, with dark rims. Their ears are set near the top of their heads, are rounded and moderately long. The flopping down of the ears was intentionally bred into the dog to prevent their ears from getting filled with dirt and other debris while they were hunting under the ground. Their lips are tightly stretched and they have strongly developed teeth that fit closely together in a scissors bite. Their teeth are exceptionally strong for a dog of their size.
The Dachshund has a long muscular neck that flows gracefully into their shoulders. Their trunks are exceptionally long and very muscular. Their bodies hang low to the ground, but should not be loose.
Their front legs are very strong, as they were built for flushing animals out of burrows. They have very tight and compact front feet with well arched toes and tough, thick pads. Their hind legs are very well muscled with strong and powerful thighs. Their hind feet are smaller than their front feet. They have a long and rounded croup that sinks slightly toward the tail. Their tails are set in and have no pronounced curving.
The Dachshund has a very fluid gait. Their forelegs reach forward without lifting much as they run.
Dachshunds are very popular in the US, ranking 6th in terms of the number registered with the AKC. This breed has become synonymous with Germany. In fact, they are so closely associated with this country, that a Dachshund was the official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics, held in Germany.
Dachschunds come in two sizes; the standards on both varieties are exactly the same except for size. They are all longer than they are tall. There are three coat varieties; smooth coated, long coated and the rarest, the wire coated.
Dachshunds are low to the ground with very short legs and very muscular bodies. Their skin is very elastic, but not wrinkly. They are very well balanced in spite of their long bodies and they hold their heads high.
Their head taper uniformly to the tip of the nose. Their eyes are medium sized, dark and almond shaped, with dark rims. Their ears are set near the top of their heads, are rounded and moderately long. The flopping down of the ears was intentionally bred into the dog to prevent their ears from getting filled with dirt and other debris while they were hunting under the ground. Their lips are tightly stretched and they have strongly developed teeth that fit closely together in a scissors bite. Their teeth are exceptionally strong for a dog of their size.
The Dachshund has a long muscular neck that flows gracefully into their shoulders. Their trunks are exceptionally long and very muscular. Their bodies hang low to the ground, but should not be loose.
Their front legs are very strong, as they were built for flushing animals out of burrows. They have very tight and compact front feet with well arched toes and tough, thick pads. Their hind legs are very well muscled with strong and powerful thighs. Their hind feet are smaller than their front feet. They have a long and rounded croup that sinks slightly toward the tail. Their tails are set in and have no pronounced curving.
The Dachshund has a very fluid gait. Their forelegs reach forward without lifting much as they run.
Dachshunds are very popular in the US, ranking 6th in terms of the number registered with the AKC. This breed has become synonymous with Germany. In fact, they are so closely associated with this country, that a Dachshund was the official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics, held in Germany.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians, when treated and cared for properly, can make fantastic pets for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. An energetic dog by nature, Dalmatians require attention from their owners and should be walked at least once a day. Many people enjoy taking these dogs to parks, dog runs, and other areas where there are other dogs and people. Adult Dalmatians are usually 19 to 24 inches in height and weigh 45-65 lbs. Males are larger than females and can grow to be 27 inches and weigh 70lbs. Dalmatians are considered medium sized dogs and are fairly strong animals.
You may easily recognize the Dalmatian because of the characteristic spots on its coat. These spots are usually brown, black, or a lighter lemon color. Spots will begin to appear as the dog begins to reach adulthood. Puppies are born without spots. If you are considering showing your Dalmatian, keep in mind that dogs with lighter colored spots are restricted from competing.
Another characteristic of the Dalmatian is the look in their eyes. Viewed as intelligent, these dogs have bright brown, blue, or amber colored eyes. Their intelligence is supported by their devotion to people, their ability to stand guard and protect what they feel is important, and their overall friendliness.
You may easily recognize the Dalmatian because of the characteristic spots on its coat. These spots are usually brown, black, or a lighter lemon color. Spots will begin to appear as the dog begins to reach adulthood. Puppies are born without spots. If you are considering showing your Dalmatian, keep in mind that dogs with lighter colored spots are restricted from competing.
Another characteristic of the Dalmatian is the look in their eyes. Viewed as intelligent, these dogs have bright brown, blue, or amber colored eyes. Their intelligence is supported by their devotion to people, their ability to stand guard and protect what they feel is important, and their overall friendliness.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium sized dog with a square shaped body. They are compact and muscular, with a very strong appearance. They are powerful and capable of great speed. This is an energetic and protective dog with a regal appearance. Males look decidedly masculine and females decidedly feminine.
The Doberman has a long head with a bit of a wedge shape. Their eyes are almond shaped, deep set and dark in color. Their ears are carried erect, and are normally cropped. The top of the skull is flat and turns with a slight stop to the bridge of the muzzle. Their cheeks are flat and their jaws are full and powerful. Teeth are strong and meet in a scissors bite.
The Doberman's neck is proud, arched and muscular. Their necks should have a length that is well proportioned to their body. Their backs are short and firm, with a width that is proportionate with a hard and muscular body. They have a slightly rounded croup and a deep, broad chest. Their tails are carried high and are typically docked to approximately the second joint. Tails are carried slightly above horizontal.
The Doberman has very powerful legs that are straight and perfectly parallel. Their feet are somewhat small, turned out and catlike.
The Doberman has a vigorous and balanced gait. These dogs are beautiful and elegant runners, capable of great speed.
Ear cropping and tail docking were once considered "must" for these dogs. Tails are docked just a few days after birth and ears are cropped between 7 and 9 weeks of age. Today, however, both of these practices are coming into question. In fact, tail docking is illegal in many countries, but not in North America.
Cropping of the ears was begun to help create effective sound localization when the dogs were bred to be guard dogs. The process involves trimming off part of the ears and then propping them up with tape and bandages. This allows the cartilage to develop into an upright position. Cropping of the ears is also illegal in some countries. If the dog's ears are not cropped, they will resemble the ears of other hounds, and will turn downward. Likewise, if their tails are not docked, they will grow fairly long, like that of a hound or retriever. In some organizations, docked tails and cropped ears are required in order for the dog to compete in shows, but other shows will allow dogs to compete with ears that have not been cropped and tails that have not been docked.
The Doberman has a long head with a bit of a wedge shape. Their eyes are almond shaped, deep set and dark in color. Their ears are carried erect, and are normally cropped. The top of the skull is flat and turns with a slight stop to the bridge of the muzzle. Their cheeks are flat and their jaws are full and powerful. Teeth are strong and meet in a scissors bite.
The Doberman's neck is proud, arched and muscular. Their necks should have a length that is well proportioned to their body. Their backs are short and firm, with a width that is proportionate with a hard and muscular body. They have a slightly rounded croup and a deep, broad chest. Their tails are carried high and are typically docked to approximately the second joint. Tails are carried slightly above horizontal.
The Doberman has very powerful legs that are straight and perfectly parallel. Their feet are somewhat small, turned out and catlike.
The Doberman has a vigorous and balanced gait. These dogs are beautiful and elegant runners, capable of great speed.
Ear cropping and tail docking were once considered "must" for these dogs. Tails are docked just a few days after birth and ears are cropped between 7 and 9 weeks of age. Today, however, both of these practices are coming into question. In fact, tail docking is illegal in many countries, but not in North America.
Cropping of the ears was begun to help create effective sound localization when the dogs were bred to be guard dogs. The process involves trimming off part of the ears and then propping them up with tape and bandages. This allows the cartilage to develop into an upright position. Cropping of the ears is also illegal in some countries. If the dog's ears are not cropped, they will resemble the ears of other hounds, and will turn downward. Likewise, if their tails are not docked, they will grow fairly long, like that of a hound or retriever. In some organizations, docked tails and cropped ears are required in order for the dog to compete in shows, but other shows will allow dogs to compete with ears that have not been cropped and tails that have not been docked.
