List of Dog breeds (Page 18)

Old Danish Pointer

The Old Danish Pointer is a medium-sized breed of dog, white with brown markings, originally used as a pointing dog in Denmark.

Appearance

Old Danish Pointers are strongly built. One of the most charming features of the breed is the great difference between male and female. While the dog is powerful and substantial, the bitch is characterized by being lighter, more spirited, and capricious.

• Height at the withers:
  • Male 54-60 cm (21-23.5 in), above 56 cm (22 in) preferred.
  • Female 50-56 cm (19.5-22 in), above 52 cm (20 in) preferred.
• Weight:
  • Male 30-35 kg (66-77 lb)
  • Bitch 26-31 kg (57-68 lb)

Temperament

Conveys the impression of a quiet and stable dog showing determination and courage. During the hunt, the dog progresses rather slowly, always maintaining contact with the hunter and accomplishing its task as a pointing dog without creating unnecessary disturbance of the ground. The breed is suited for small as well as large hunting grounds.

This is a friendly family dog, as long as it gets its exercise. It is fast and active outdoors and quiet indoors, but is not suitable for apartments or small yards.

History

The origin of the breed can be traced back to about the year 1710 when a man named Morten Bak, living in Glenstrup near the towns of Randers and Hobro, crossed gypsy dogs through 8 generations with local farmdogs and in this way established a pure breed of piebald white and brown dogs called Bakhounds or Old Danish Pointers. The local farmers called their farmdogs Bloodhounds, but it seems more likely that these hounds were offspring from the Squire’s scent hounds, which in turn were descended primarily from St. Hubert Hounds. Likewise it is probable that the gypsy dogs generally descended from Spanish Pointing Dogs and other breeds of scent hounds, so in many ways St.Hubert Hounds have contributed to the Old Danish Pointer.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of dog used for herding livestock, and as a pet. They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes, which leads some casual observers to wonder how they can see.

With very few exceptions, the OES's tail is cut off at or below the first joint as puppies. The procedure, known as docking or "bobbing" the tail produces the panda-like rear end. Puppies are born with jet black and white fur further likening them to the panda. It is only after the puppy coat has been shed that the more common gray or silver shaggy hair appears. A nickname for the OES is "bobtail." AKC and British show breed regulations require showing only dogs with bobbed tails.

In some areas, they are often known as a Dulux dog, as a result of their prolonged use in advertising Dulux paint.

Appearance

Males generally weigh 70 to 100 pounds(45 kg); females, 60 to 80 pounds. They stand around 22 inches at the withers. Their long coats can be any shade of gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, with optional white markings. The undercoat is water resistant. The Old English Sheepdog's abundant coat is an effective insulator in both hot and cold weather.

Temperament

This breed is intelligent, funny, social, and adaptable, although they sometimes seem to not be all that intelligent on first impressions. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. They are bubbly and playful, and some times may be stubborn, depending on their mood. Sheepdogs are excellent, intuitive and loving companions, even earning the title "babysitter" or "Dear Nanny" around young children. The herding instinct that has been carried down through the generations is still astonishing. These animals are gentle with other dogs and are always willing to play.

An Old English Sheepdog in a shorter coat clip.

Care

Prior to the acquisition of an OES, thought should be given to the extensive grooming required. The long coat protects not only from the cold, but from the heat and sun as well. OES's are prone to cataracts, so the long hair over the eyes should be kept even when the rest of the coat is trimmed. The long coat requires thorough brushing at least weekly and can take an hour or longer to perform. The preferred method involves starting from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat hair mat and tangle free. The brushing should be started at a very young age to get the dog used to it. Brushing only over the top of the longer outside (guard) hairs can compact the undercoat and promote mats. The dense undercoat between the pads of the feet, behind the ears, and at the base of the legs are especially prone to matting. Trimming the hair between the toes and the ball of the foot is especially important. Matting of the dog's coat is uncomfortable and can even be painful for the animal. For those who can not devote so much time to grooming, and are not really interested in showing their dogs, trimming the dog's coat in the springtime with a professional electric shear is a great solution, and helps the dog stay cool during the summer months. 1/4" or 1/2" inch are practical lengths, and will take the coat down to the soft hair beneath the matting. The dog will also become very excited and frisky after shedding his heavy winter coat. By the time winter comes around, the coat will be completely full again for protection against the cold weather. Along with the sometimes stubborn temperament as noted above, the grooming requirements should give a first time dog owner pause and consider a breed that is easier to maintain.

Matting of hair inside the ear canal is normal, and can easily be removed by a veterinarian or by the use of a hemostat by the owner. Clean the inside of the ears and underside of the ear flaps regularly with "Oti-Clens" (Pfizer) or other recommended solution.

Some people save their Old English Sheepdog's hair from grooming and have spun it into yarn.

Miscellaneous

Dulux dog

The Old English Sheepdog is the brand mascot for Dulux paint. The dog was first introduced in Australian advertising campaigns in the 1960s. Since then they have been a constant and highly popular feature of Dulux television and print adverts in both Australia and the UK. So much so, that people in those markets may refer colloquially to the breed as a 'Dulux dog' rather than a Sheepdog.

Over the years, different dogs have appeared in the adverts. However, they all look very similar, partially as a result of most of them being selected from a closely related line of pedigree dogs. The first Dulux dog was Shepton Dash, who held the role for eight years. His successor, Fernville Lord Digby, was the most famous Dulux dog and also made his owner, Cynthia Harrison, famous. When filming commercials, Digby was treated like a star, being driven to the studio in a chauffeur driven car. Barbara Woodhouse was employed to train Digby and his three stunt doubles, who were used whenever specific tricks or actions needed to be filmed.

Apart from Dash, all the Dulux dogs have been breed champions, and five of them have won 'Best of Show' prizes.

Old English Bulldog

The Old English Bulldog is for all intents and purposes an extinct breed of dog.

Appearance

The Old English Bulldog was compact, broad and muscular as reflected in the well-known depiction Crib and Rosa. The average height was approximately 15 inches and they weighed about 45 pounds. A particular characteristic of the breed was the lower jaw that projected considerably in front of the upper jaw, which made possible a strong, vice-like grip. The nose was deeply set, which allowed the dog to get enough air as it gripped the bull.

History

Wasp, Child and Billy

The English blood sport of bull-baiting allowed for a specialized breed in the form of the Old English Bulldog. The main locations in London for these exhibitions were Westminster Pit, Bear Garden and Old Conduit Fields.

Breeding

Historians are fairly confident that the Old English Bulldog is derived from ancient war dogs, such as, the old Mastiff or Alaunt. Others believe that the true origin of the breed is not entirely clear. Depictions in old prints show that the variety was without doubt a small Mastiff, with a comparatively long head. The word 'Mastiff' was eventually dropped when describing these smaller Mastiffs, as the Mastiff proper was found too slow for bull-baiting. Eventually, the Greyhound was crossed into the breed increasing the mastiff's speed, without losing the breed's ferocity. This step reduced the Old English Bulldog's size and weight, with the Greyhounds features seen in specimens of that time.

Description

Two other recognized members of the breed 'Crib and Rosa' can be seen in a painting of that period, with Rosa being considered to represent perfection in the shape, make, and size of the ideal type of Old English Bulldog; however, being deficient in wrinkles about the head and neck and in substance of bone in the limbs.

Decline

In England, the passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 caused a decline of bull-baiting and dog fighting leading to a lack of interest in perpetuating the Old English Bulldog. Three dogs from the Duke of Hamilton's strain of Old English Bulldog, 'Wasp, Child, and Billy,' were famously depicted in a painting and recognized as some of the last known members of the breed before they became extinct.

Despite the laws making dog fighting illegal the activity continued for many years. Breeders determined a cross between the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terrier created a superior fighting dog with increased quickness and dexterity. This new breed of dog called the Bull and Terrier and precursor to the Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier accelerated the extinction of the Old English Bulldog.

Reincarnations

Several breeders are attempting to recreate this extinct breed with some success. However, it should be noted that these recreations are not the Old English Bulldog, as the genetics from this breed are extinct.

Olde English Bulldogge

Main article: Olde English Bulldogge

The contemporary recreation of the breed is called the Olde English Bulldogge. Starting in the 1950's & 1970's, a breeding program developed for cattle at Ohio State University was used, with the aim of recreating the Old English Bulldog. This modern day version with its similar physical abilities does not include the violent temperament of the Old English Bulldog. This recreation was done by line-breeding starting with a half Bulldog, and the other half Bullmastiff, a Pit Bull, and an American Bulldog.

Others

There are several other recreations but none have become popular, including but not limited to, the Able Bulldog, Dorset Tyme Bulldog, Renaissance Bulldog, Renascence Bulldogge, Victorian Bulldog, Aylestone Bulldog, Wilkinson Bulldog.

Bulldog

Main article: Bulldog

Often confused with the Old English Bulldog, the Bulldog is noted for its sweet disposition, however it has maintained little of the speed and agility that were the definitive characteristics of the Old English Bulldog.

Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed of dog.

History

The Olde English Bulldogge is a modern breeding back attempt at recreating the bulldogs that existed in England between 1800 and 1860, the latter commonly referred to today as the Olde Bulldog which is an extinct breed of dog. These were the early ancestors to many of the Bull breeds that exist today including the Bulldog, the American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier. They were bred to participate in blood sports like bull baiting. This sport, became quite popular in England throughout the middle of the 18th Century and through much of the 19th Century. Bull baiting primarily consisted of staking out a bull and allowing several Bulldogs to attack it. A dog of great courage and agility was needed for bull baiting. This dog was of medium size; larger dogs were considered to be the result of Mastiff crosses.

Around 1835, laws were passed in England prohibiting bull baiting and the Bulldog's main purpose of existence began to diminish. Within a decade or so, the number of Bulldogs declined drastically to near extinction. Eventually, many Bulldog breeders were able to reduce much of the Bulldog's high drive and excessive animal aggression and began developing a much more stable, even-tempered Bulldog. In the 1890s, many breeders had crossed Pug into their bloodlines to create a "Bullier" look for the dog.

The modern Olde English Bulldogge is a recreation of the "Regency Period Bull Baiter" — the Bulldog that existed from 1825 to 1860. One bloodline of Olde English Bulldogge was developed by David Leavitt, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. In 1971. Mr. Leavitt used a line breeding scheme that was designed and developed by Ohio State University for breeding cattle. The goal was to create a specific breed of Bulldogge with the look, health, and athleticism of the original bull-baiting dogs, but with a significantly less aggressive temperament. The foundation crosses consisted of ½ Bulldog, 1/6 Bullmastiff, 1/6 American Pit Bull Terrier, and 1/6 American Bulldog. After many carefully planned crosses, the Olde English Bulldogge emerged and began to breed true.

By 1985, three lines had been developed, and the breed was deemed sound, stable, and well suited for modern life. In the early 1980s Ben and Karen Campetti from Sandisfield, Massachusetts became deeply involved in breeding Olde English Bulldogges. At this time, the Campetti family began showing the breed in Molosser breed shows across the country. Through their efforts, the Olde English Bulldogge achieved much success and recognition in the Conformation ring, and spurred the interest of many rare breed fanciers, some of whom became interesting in producing the dog. It was at this point that the Olde English Bulldogge Association (O.E.B.A.) was formed to maintain proper records and implement a breeder code of ethics and standards. Detailed records of the foundation stock had been maintained and this information was converted into the O.E.B.A. registry.

One unwelcome by-product of the Olde English Bulldogge's success in the Conformation ring, obedience trials and in therapy work, was a rise in the use of the dog in Personal Protection training. This controversy displeased Mr. Leavitt and in 1995 he chose to abandon his work with the breed and pursue other interests. At this point, he turned the OEBA registry as well as his personal breeding stock over to Michael Walz, previously of Working Dog Inc. Due to issues with the Registrar and the organization itself, Olde English Bulldogge owners and breeders could not get necessary documentation for their Olde English Bulldogges.

These dogs were used very selectively in various combinations to obtain the desired physical and mental traits of the original Olde English Bulldogge. The result has been a Bulldogge of noted athletic ability. One of the distinguishing differences between an Olde English Bulldogge and another Hybrid Bulldog is its tail. As Mr. Leavitt was developing the foundation stock for his bloodline, he was insistent that his dogs should have a full pump handle tail.

Today the Olde English Bulldogge Kennel Club and Leavitt Bulldog Associationare recognized as the breed clubs of the Olde English Bulldogge and are working to protect all bloodlines. The OEBKC and the LBA are currently working in cooperation to gain UKC recognition and have adopted identical breed standards.

Otterhound

The Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.

Appearance

The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head. Originally bred for hunting, it has great strength and dignity, with a strong body and long striding action. This makes it able to perform prolonged hard work. Otterhounds generally weigh between 80 and 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg). They have extremely sensitive noses which make them inquisitive and perseverant in investigating scents. Consequently, they need particular supervision. They are friendly dogs with a unique bass voice which they use frequently.

Hunting

The Otterhound hunts its quarry both on land and in water and it has a combination of characteristics unique among hounds; most notably an oily, rough, double coat and substantial webbed feet.

The use of otterhounds to hunt otters ceased in the Britain in 1978 when it became illegal to kill otters, at which point otter hunts switched to hunting mink or coypu.

Health

The breed lives to between 10 and 13 years old, although some have reportedly lived to be 15 or older.

The Otterhound requires considerable exercise. They can be good family dogs but need to be kept in a secure property since they can jump fences up to 5 feet high.

An endangered breed

There are only an estimated 1,000 or so Otterhounds in the world and somewhere between 350 and 400 in the US. Even in the early 20th century, when otter hunting was most popular as a sport, Otterhounds were not numerous. They are now considered the most endangered dog breed in Britain since only 51 were born there in 2006. They are on the list of Vulnerable Native Breeds as identified by the UK Kennel Club, and as much as possible is being done to save the breed. Indeed, experts now view otterhounds as more endangered than the Giant Panda

Otto / Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog (ABBB) or Otto is an American rare dog breed, developed in the Alapaha River region of Southern Georgia.

Quick Facts

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Quick Facts
Weight:	22-40 kg	50-90 lbs
Height:	50-66 cm	20-26 inches
Coat:	Short, stiff
Coat (cont):	soft undercoat
Activity level:	Low indoors
Learning rate:	High
Temperament:	Athletic, intelligent, sometimes stubborn,
Temperament (cont)	protective, excellent with children, loyal.
Guard dog ability:	High
Watch-dog ability:	High
Litter size:	Unknown
Life span:	12-15 years

Appearance

Displaying an unexaggerated and natural bulldog type, the Alapaha is nevertheless a sturdy, well-developed, and muscular breed. Descriptions of its size vary greatly, calling for males anywhere from 65 to 90 pounds (32 to 45 kg) standing 19 to 26 inches (48 to 73.5 cm) at the withers, females smaller at 60 to 70 pounds (22.5 to 41 cm). Ears and tail are natural, with no cropping or docking. Colors of the Alapaha are varied, typically white or different shades of black, grey, red, fawn, brindle, brown, buckskin, or mahogany, always with white markings; some dogs are piebald spotted.

Temperament

The ABBB is described as trainable, dutiful, and responsible, with impressive capabilities as a guardian of family and property, but aggressive only in defense of these. They are friendly and relaxed until the need arises to defend their own.

History

The breed was developed by the Lane family of Rebecca, Georgia, out of stock that originated on the Paulk plantation near the town of Alapaha, in a sustained effort over many decades to preserve the "plantation dog" of south Georgia from extinction. Detractors say that the ABBB is identical to the American Bulldog and that nothing distinctive is found in the Otto. Alapaha owners appear to disagree and photos seem to indicate a fairly distinct type.

Health

This breed is susceptible to Entropion, an inversion of the eyelids.

Miscellaneous

The breed is quite rare with a population of living dogs probably around two hundred. Primary registry for the breed is the Animal Research Foundation in Quinlan, Texas. Registry also available through the ABBA (Alapaha BlueBlood Bulldog Association).

Polish Tatra Sheepdog

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a breed of dog introduced into the Tatra Mountain region of Southern Poland by Wallachian shepherds, probably in the 14th Century, and used to guard and herd sheep.

The Tatras are large (100-150 pounds) white dogs with heavy dense fur. These dogs are very similar in appearance and temperament to the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the Hungarian Kuvasz.

A Polish Tatra Sheepdog (tentative identification)