Breed Central
The Dog Breeds
Xoloitzcuintli
(Featured on Episode 2)
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.” *
* https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
Leonberger
(Featured on Episode 14)
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
(Featured on Episode 20)
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
(Featured on Episode 30)
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
(Featured on Episode 33)
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
(Featured on Episode 41)
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/Independent
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.” *
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Dogo Argentino
Working Group
Loyal/Courageous/Athletic
Weight: 80-100 lbs
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
“The Dogo gives the impression of explosive power and energy. Developed to find, chase and catch dangerous game the Dogo must have a good nose, great lung capacity, and a powerful, yet agile, muscular build. His expression is alert and intelligent, with a marked hardness. The Dogo is instantly identifiable by his short, completely white coat.” *
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Independent/Loyal/Watchful
Weight: 50-95 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
“The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-large, short-coated dog, known for its many varied coat and eye colors and patterns. The word is of Choctaw origin and is translated to mean "sacred lake." Catahoulas are the only breed of dog to have historically originated in the state of Louisiana.” *
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Romanian Carpathian Shepherd
Foundation Stock Service
Loyal/Brave
Weight: 70-100 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
“The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog has been used for centuries by the Romanian human shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains to defend the herds and guard the family or tourist cabins, houses, and barns – the Carpathian Mountains of Romania being known to this day for housing more than 50% of Europe’s brown bear population and more than 37% of Europe’s gray wolves.” *
*https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/romanian-carpathian-shepherd/
Czechoslovakian Vlcak
Foundation Stock Service
Loyal/Intelligent/Active
Weight: 44-57 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
“An alert, primitive canine that resembles a wolf in appearance. They are highly intelligent, powerful, active, loyal and devoted to it's owner. They have superior eyesight, hearing and sense of smell and are known for having excellent stamina and endurance. The Czechoslovakian Vlcak (CSV) was originally bred for working border patrol in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. They are currently used in Europe and the United States for search and rescue, tracking, obedience, agility, drafting, herding, and working dog sports.” *
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Azawakh
Hound Group
Independent/Loyal/Deeply Affectionate
Weight: 33-44 lbs for females and 44-55 lbs for males
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
“Tall and elegant, the Azawakh is a West African sighthound who originates from the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Traditionally owned by the blue-clad Tuareg nomads, they are called the “idii n’ illeli.” Translated from the native tongue, this means “sighthound of the free people.” The Azawakh enjoy a special appreciation from the nomads. They live under the same roof and are fully accepted members of the family. They assume the duty of protecting the encampment and flocks from invaders.” *
Afghan Hound
(Featured on Episode 110)
Hound Group
Independent/Sweet
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
“Because the breed predates written history by a few thousand years, and because it was developed in some of the world’s most remote locales, its exact time and place of origin within the vast area that is now Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan will never be known. What we do know is that for centuries Afghans were rugged, fleet-footed hunting companions and status symbols of royals, tribal chieftains, and aristocrats in Asia’s mountain kingdoms.” *
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Australian Terrier
(Featured on Episode 114)
Terrier Group
Courageous/Affectionate/Spirited
Weight: 15-20 lbs
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
“The diminutive Australian Terrier is plucky, spirited, and smart. How did they fit so much dog into such a bitty package? Upbeat and lively, the self-assured Aussie approaches life with plenty of the old-time terrier curiosity and grit. Australian Terriers are small but sturdy, self-confident terriers known for a longish torso, distinctive coat furnishings around the neck and forequarters, and a topknot of soft, silky hair that contrasts in texture with an otherwise harsh coat..” *
Bedlington Terrier
(Featured on Episode 119)
Terrier Group
Loyal/Charming/Frollicking
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Life Expectancy: 11-16 years
“Bedlingtons are lithe, energetic Englishmen. The crisp, curly coat; arched back; tasseled ears; scimitar-shaped tail; and fleecy, pear-shaped head are identifying features of this one-of-a-kind breed. As the curvy contours indicate, there's sighthound, Whippet, most likely, in their family tree. Bedlingtons move with a light, springy step and when roused to pursuit can run like the wind. Rollicking, charming, and full of fun, Bedlingtons want most to be their family's center of attention and are known to be protective of loved ones..” *
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
(Featured on Episode 123)
Sporting Group
Intelligent/Affectionate/Outgoing
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
“Tollers were created to employ an ingenious hunting method. They imitate the curious activity of foxes, whose color and quick movements exert a strange fascination over waterfowl. The sight of a Toller playing fetch along the shoreline arouses the curiosity of ducks offshore. The dog’s feathery tail and red coat all scream “I’m a fox!” to the gullible ducks. The birds are enticed into gunshot range, where the duck’s goose is cooked.” *
*https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever/
Glen of Imaal Terrier
(Featured on Episode 128)
Terrier Group
Spirited/Gentle/Bold
Weight: 32-40 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
“Glens were developed as badger hunters, but they also did various odd jobs around the farm. Glens carry the nickname “Turnspit Dog” because, according to some, they were used in kitchens to run in a hamster-wheel contraption that turned meat over an open fire. The Glen’s highly individualized bowed front legs, well-padded loin and powerful hindquarters were ideally suited for this. For several hundred years, these hearty dogs performed their chores in this remote corner of Ireland unnoticed by all except those who treasured them.” *
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
(Featured on Episode 45)
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
(Featured on Episode 69)
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
Norwegian Fjord Horse
(Featured on Episode 94)
Weight: 900-1,200 lbs
Life Expectancy: 20-25 years
“The Norwegian Fjord is one of the world's oldest and purest horse breeds, first having been domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Herds of wild Fjord horses existed in Norway after the last ice age. Excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years.”
“About 90% of all Fjords are brown dun in color; the rest being red, gray, white or yellow dun. The Fjord retains its original wild dun color, as well as zebra stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe that runs from the forelock down the neck and back and into the tail.
Another unique characteristic of the Fjord is the mane. The center hair of the mane is dark (usually black) while the outer hair is white. The mane is cut short so it will stand erect. It is trimmed in a signature crescent shape to emphasize the graceful curve of the neck. The white outer hair is then trimmed slightly shorter than the dark inner hair to display the dramatic dark stripe.
Fjords generally range in size from 13.2 to 14.2 hands and weigh between 900 and 1200 pounds at maturity, with a few ranging outside these measurements.” *
*https://www.breyerhorses.com/blogs/breeds-of-the-world/norwegian-fjord?_pos=1&_sid=e2fda9d81&_ss=r
Lionhead
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Life Expectancy: 4-7 years
“The origination of the Lionhead rabbit is not really known, although they are believed to be a cross from Angora or Belgian Dwarf to Swiss Fox. They began showing up, in what many refer to as being a genetic mutation, in France and Belgium in the 1960’s.
Due to the distinguishably desirable mane of fur surrounding their heads, breeders began working with these “mutations” to lock in those genes, so they would securely be passed from one generation to the next, resulting in the breed that has become known today as the increasingly popular Lionhead. Additionally, they were recognized by the BRC in 2002, then further developed and recognized by the ARBA in 2014.” *
*https://rabbitpedia.com/lionhead-rabbit/
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Nigerian Dwarf Goat
(Featured on Episode 116)
Weight: 75 lbs
Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
“The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African Origin. Its conformation is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds.”
“Dwarf goats come in many colors. Main color families are black, chocolate and gold. Random white markings are common, as are spots and other color combinations such as red, white, gold and black. Color is one of the BIG factors that makes breeding Dwarves so popular. You never can be sure what color the babies will be until they are born; even then you can't be sure because their color can change.”
“Dwarf goats are gentle and lovable. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children in 4-H.” *
* https://breeds.okstate.edu/goats/nigerian-dwarf-goats.html
https://breeds.okstate.edu/goats/nigerian-dwarf-goats.html
Silkie Chicken
Weight: 4 lbs (males) 3 lbs (females)
1.2 lbs (male bantam) 1.1 lbs (female bantam)
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
“There is no doubt that the Silkie chicken is an ancient breed, probably of Chinese origin.
Some believe that the Silkie chicken dates back as far as the Chinese Han Dynasty, in 206BC.
The Chinese name for the Silkie chicken is wu-gu-Ji – meaning black-boned.
An alternative name for this bird is the Chinese Silk Chicken. The evidence points to a Chinese origin quite strongly, but it cannot be stated completely.
It was first mentioned by Marco Polo (around 1290-1300) on his remarkable journey across Europe and the Far East. Although he did not see the bird, it was reported to him by a fellow traveler, and he reported it in his journal as “a furry chicken.”” *
*https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/silkie-chicken/
