Border Collie

Common Name(s)     Border Collie Breed Type     This breed is a member of the herding dogs. These dogs were bred for herding cattle or sheep, which explains many of their characteristics. They are extremely active, intelligent, and driven to work. If not provided with an organized activity, such as herding trials or Flyball, these dogs are likely to find something less desirable to do, such as digging up gardens or chewing on shoes. Herding dogs are still currently used to herd livestock, but they can also be great pets for active owners with the time and energy to meet their needs.

Background     The Border Collie originated from the British Isles, and spent much of its developing history in the border country of Britain and Scotland, hence the first part of its official name. The second part, "Collie" has less certain origins. It may come from the word "coalie", meaning black, a Gaelic work meaning "useful", or from the name of a particular Scottish sheep breed. No matter the specific origins of its name, all these terms represent important aspects of this breed.

Belgian Malinois

Common Name(s)     Belgian Malinois, Malinois, Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Belgian Shepherd Dog, Mechelaar, Mechelese Herder, and sometimes referred to as Belgium Malinois.
Breed Type      The Belgian Malinois is a herding breed. One of the four types of Belgian Sheepdogs, the Malinois is a hard worker that is skilled at herding. This breed is best suited to cooler climates, but is adaptable to warmer ones.
Background      The Malinois is native to Belgium, where it is exceedingly popular. The Malinois is closely related to three other types of Belgian Sheepdogs: The Tervuren, the Laekenois, and the Groenendael. All of these breeds were developed exclusively from other working breeds, creating dogs that are hardy, tough and energetic.

BeauceronBas Rouge ~ Beauce Shepherd

 BeauceronBas Rouge ~ Beauce Shepherd

Common Name(s)     Beauceron, Bas Rouge, and Beauce Shepherd
Breed Type      The Beauceron is a considered a herding breed dog, as it was traditionally used for this in France where it originated. But the Beauceron is truly multi-talented. It has been used in numerous types of work from herding, protection, drafting, tracking, service dog, and more. A hardy dog, it is also adaptable to a wide variety of climates.
Background      As its name suggests, the Beauceron originated in France. It is not known exactly how old the breed is, but records appear to go back to the 1500s. It is believed that the Beauceron may have been used in the breeding of Doberman Pinschers.

Australian ShepherdAussie

Common Name(s)      Australian Shepherd and Aussie

Breed Type      The Australian Shepherd is a working dog. Popular among ranchers due to its skill in herding, the Aussie is also great at sports. This breed is adaptable to a variety of climates.

Background      The Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia but rather was developed entirely in the United States. Some say its name comes from its lineage, others say it is because of the blue merle coloring of some Aussies, and still others believe it is a result of the breed's popularity among Australian ranchers who relocated to the U.S.
     The Australian Shepherd's history is rather vague as well. It is accepted that the breed was developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but it is unclear exactly which breeds were crossed to create it. Likely candidates include the sheepdogs of Spain and Collies.

Description      The Australian Shepherd is a dog of medium size with a well balanced build. Its muzzle is fairly long and tapered, its ears set high and triangular, and its eyes medium

Family: Canidae

Australian Cattle DogBlue Heeler ~ Queensland Heeler ~ Red Heeler

 

The Australian Cattle Dog is an especially energetic, loyal dog suited for cattle herding and other organized activities. They have a wild appearance, but can make great friends.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a hearty breed with a lot of power packed into its small frame. It is a high energy dog that can keep up with a high energy owner. This is an extremely loyal and protective dog that is wary with strangers, but relaxed and trusting with people it is familiar with. This dog is alert and intelligent, suiting it well for its traditional job of herding, or more modern activities, such as participating in agility trials or playing Flyball.

Dogs

Choosing a Labrador Retriever

Friendly, loving and very playful, the Labrador retriever has become one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Historically, this large "sporting" breed has been used to hunt and retrieve birds and only recently has the dog become known as a companion dog. The retriever is highly regarded for its good nature, easy trainability and intelligence.

The Labrador retriever was ranked the top breed for the year 2008, according to the American Kennel Club. Click here for the complete story on Top Dog Breeds of 2008.

History and Origin

The Labrador retriever hails from Newfoundland and not Labrador, as the name suggests, though both areas are located in eastern Canada. It is possible that geographic confusion led to the name. Exactly how the breed came to inhabit Newfoundland is not known. The first written report of the breed, a letter written by a traveler to this area, dates to 1822.