Breed Central
The Dog Breeds
Xoloitzcuintli
Non Sporting Group
Loyal/Alert/Calm
Weight:10-15 lbs toy, 15-30 lbs miniature, and 30-55 lbs standard
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
"(show-low-eats-Queen-tlee) Xoloitzcuintles are national treasures in Mexico, with a history that goes back at least 3,000 years. Mentions of these “strange hairless dogs” appear in the journals of Columbus and other European explorers. Ancient Aztecs named the breed for their dog-headed god Xolotl.” *
Leonberger
Working Group
Gentle/Playful/Friendly
Weight: 90-140 lbs for females and 110-170 lbs for males
Life Expectancy: 7 years
“The breed was the brainchild of Heinrich Essig, a 19th-century politician and entrepreneur of Leonberg, Germany. Utilizing Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands, among other large working breeds, Essig’s goal was to breed a majestic pet for European royalty—truly a dog fit for a king. He succeeded grandly, and such clients as Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II, and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) lined up to add this stately companion to their royal courts.” *
Schipperke
Non-Sporting Group
Alert/Curious/Confident
Weight: 10-16 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
“Late medieval Belgium was the birthplace of the Schipperke (correctly pronounced “SHEEP-er-ker,” though many American owners say “SKIP-er-kee”). The breed earned its fame as shipboard exterminators on the canals that crisscrossed the Low Countries. The little black avenger of the Belgian dockyards was also a fearless watchdog on barges and in city shops.” *
Great Pyrenees
Working Group
Calm/Patient/Smart
Weight: 85 lbs and up for females and 100 lbs and up for males
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
“Great Pyrenees were bred centuries ago to work with peasant shepherds and herding dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains, the natural border between France and Spain. The dog’s job was to watch the flock and deter predators, whether wolves, bears, or livestock rustlers. The breed’s innate patience came in handy when sitting atop a freezing-cold mountain for days on end with nothing to do but look at sheep.” *
Jindo
Foundation Stock Service
Alert/Bold/Intelligent
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Life Expectancy: about 14 years
“The Jindo breed originates from an island located off the southwest coast of South Korea. The breed name is taken from the name of the island, Jindo. The dogs lived unrestrained on the island alongside their owners for thousands of years to develop into a natural breed with reputable hunting abilities. The Jindo was designated as Republic of Korea Preservation of Cultural Assets Act No. 53 in 1962.” *
Brussels Griffon
Toy Group
Alert/Curious/Loyal
Weight: 8-10 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
“The turning point of Griff history came in the 1870s, when the dog-loving Henrietta Maria, Queen of the Belgians, took a liking to the breed. With royal patronage, the Griff’s future was assured. They became all the rage among the queen’s courtiers, and kennel keepers of the upper classes further refined the breed, making the body smaller and the face more human like.” *
Keeshond
Non-Sporting Group
Outgoing/Lively/Friendly
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
“The Keeshond (“kayz-hawnd”; Keeshonden, plural) was a hardy, nimble-footed barge dog long kept as a guard and companion on Dutch vessels that sailed the manmade waterways of the Low Countries. An unpretentious “people’s dog,” the Keeshond was a symbol of the 18th-century Dutch Patriots Party in its long opposition to the royal House of Orange. There’s historical disagreement over why the breed is called Keeshond: The name might refer to a Patriot mascot dog called Kees, or to two different Patriot leaders nicknamed “Kees.”” *
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hound Group
Dignified/Even-Tempered/Affectionate
Weight: 70 lbs for females and 85 lbs for males
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
“The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an all-purpose 'Renaissance hound' whose hallmark is the ridge, or stripe of backward-growing hair, on his back. Though the breed was made famous in its native Africa for its skill at tracking and baying '“ but never, ever killing '“ lions, today Ridgebacks are cherished family dogs whose owners must be prepared to deal with their independence and strong prey drive.” *
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Smart/Noble/Friendly
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
“The history of the canine race might be very different without the Phoenicians. These seafaring traders, from what is today Lebanon, sailed the Mediterranean 2,500 years ago doing a brisk business in luxury items. It’s assumed that the Phoenicians disseminated Egyptian hounds throughout the ancient world, as far west as Britain. The prevailing theory suggests that Phoenicians introduced the Pharaoh to Malta, where they were used as rabbit hunters. In 1979, the Pharaoh was named the national hound of Malta.” *
Anatolian Shepherd
Working Group
Independent/Loyal/Reserved
Weight: 80-120 lbs for females and 110-150 lbs for males
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
“The new law required that ranchers control the population of predatory wolves without killing them. Anatolian Shepherds, who would rather intimidate predators than fight them, were perfectly suited for the job. Many Anatolian Shepherds are still working ranch dogs today, protecting everything from sheep and goats to ostriches and llamas.” *
Basenji
Hound Group
Smart/Poised/Independant
Weight: 22 lbs for females and 24 lbs for males
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
“Basenjis are contenders for the title of oldest AKC breed. Paleontologists tell us that the first domesticated dogs looked a lot like Basenjis. They were already well established when they were brought up the Nile from interior Africa as gifts for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Basenjis are depicted in ancient Egyptian artifacts, and traces of the breed can also be seen in ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian art.” *
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Affectionate/Alert/Lively
Weight: 8-12 lbs
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
“Chinese Crested origins go so far back in time, we can make only educated assumptions about how the breed was created. It is thought that in ancient times large hairless dogs from Africa were brought to China, where after generations of breeding they were reduced in size. (The Chinese were the master miniaturizers of the ancient world; the Shi Tzu and Pekingese are two further examples of breeds born of Chinese mini-mania.)” *
Australian Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Loyal/Alert/Intelligent
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
“As a herding dog, the Australian Kelpie is intensely loyal and devoted to duty. He has a natural instinct and aptitude for working in sheep, whether it be in open fields or enclosed yards. This breed originated from Collie type dogs imported from Scotland, but was developed to withstand the harsh heat and dry conditions of the vast open spaces of Australia.” *
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Friendly/Alert/Agile
Weight: 33-53 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
“The weatherproof Finnish Lapphund is a tough and substantial reindeer herder from north of the Arctic Circle. This remarkably empathetic breed is among the friendliest of all dogs once he's satisfied that you aren't a reindeer rustler. Finnish Lapphunds, with their luscious coat, sweet spitz-like face, and profusely coated tail that curves over the back, are instantly recognizable as Nordic dogs.” *
Alaskan Klee Kai
Foundation Stock Service
Loyal/Intelligent/Vigilant
Weight: 6-12 lbs (Toy), 10-18 lbs (Miniature), and 16-25 lbs (Standard)
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
“The Alaskan Klee Kai have ancient roots descending from the numerous native dogs which have populated Alaska for thousands of years. Many of these dogs became not only loving family pets, but in the harsh environment of Alaska, were crucial for survival for the tribal groups and nomadic people.” *
Puli
Herding Group
Loyal/Smart/Home-Loving
Weight: 25-35 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
“No other breed can be mistaken for the Puli, a compact but powerful herder covered from head to tail with profuse, naturally occurring cords. Bred to work closely with humans, these agile and faithful little dynamos are quick learners.” *
The Other Breeds
Abyssinian
Weight: 9-17 lbs
Life Expectancy: 9-15+ years
"Although the Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds, there continues to be speculation and controversy concerning its history. In appearance, Abyssinians resemble the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped eyes. Abys today still retain the jungle look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats." *
Holland Lop
Weight: 4 lbs
Life Span: 5-7 years
“Originally developed by Adriann de Cock of the Netherlands with the purpose of creating a dwarfed lop-eared rabbit that was smaller and easier to handle than the larger French Lop. The venture was long and challenging but ultimately, rewarding as the breed was recognized by the ARBA in 1979. Today the Holland Lop is one of the top five most popular breeds in the ARBA. Its compact size paired with the large head and lopped ears makes it a beautiful addition to the rabbit world." *
* https://arba.net/recognized-breeds/
Friesian
Weight: 1,200-1,400 lbs
Life Expectancy: About 16 years
“Dating back to the Middle Ages, the bold and powerful Friesian horse was originally bred to be a Friesian knight’s war horse. Strong and powerful, the Friesian horse exuded the qualities that would carry his lord boldly into battle and possessed the courage and loyalty to carry him back out of harm's way. Fortunately for horses, warfare changed, and so did the adaptable Friesian horse.” *
“The typical Friesian characteristics may be found in a horse that is harmoniously built and properly proportioned. A height of 1.60 meters (15.3 hands) is considered ideal.
The horse has fluid, elegant and suspended gaits which are emphasized by feathering on the lower legs, a fine mane and beautiful, long tail. Jet black is the preferred color. This is a horse of luxurious and proud appearance, full of personality, honest, and eager to work.” *
* https://www.breyerhorses.com/blogs/breeds-of-the-world/friesian
Japanese Bobtail
Weight: 8-12 lbs
Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
“The Japanese Bobtail is one of the oldest naturally occurring breeds of cat and is native to the islands of Japan. From written records it seems certain that the domestic cat first arrived in Japan from China or Korea at least one thousand years ago. It is believed that the original domestic cats came with the Buddhist monks in 600-700 A.D. and were brought to keep the rats out of the rice paper scrolls in the temples. In the 1600s, the silk trade found itself in jeopardy due to rats, and the Japanese Bobtail was pressed into service and thus became the street cat that it is today in Japan.” *
* https://cfa.org/japanese-bobtail/
https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/japanese-bobtail
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/japanese-bobtail
