Exploring the Wonderful World of Dogs
Newfoundland
Historically, large, heavy dogs often rescued people from the sea as well as those trapped in snow and ice covered mountains. Other draught dogs acted as the farmer's or milkman's assistants, pulling carts of containers full of milk or other produce. This section described several of our pure breed dogs that still do the job for which they were originally designed.
Carting, or 'Drafting' as it is called in the modern formal activity developed by the ANKC and AKC, was an essential to the lifestyle of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, dogs pulling carts make a wonderful spectacle in exhibitions that demonstrate the diversity of our beloved canine friends. Additionally 'Drafting', the formal sport held under the Rules of ... »» Read more...
Named after the Canadian Island of Newfoundland where he was first developed, this giant breed is capable of swimming strongly in the sea, hauling loads on land as well as being a gentle companion. Immortalised in numerous works of art by famous painters, in literature by poets and writers especially through the 1800's, today's Newfoundland is essentially unchanged. »» Read more...
The Saint Bernard is a massively large breed of dog with ancient origins. Developed by Swiss monks centuries ago specifically to rescue people lost in snow blizzards or buried by avalanches, the instinctive behaviour of Saint Bernards is legendary. »» Read more...
Almost two centuries ago, the Leonberger was first developed for his good looks rather than for a particular purpose. A large, elegant, reddish brown dog, he was supposedly bred to represent the form of a lion, a symbol for the town of Leon, in Germany. Today, his elegance and charming temperament makes him admired by dog enthusiasts world-wide. »» Read more...
The Rottweiler is a self-assured, steady and fearless medium to large sized dog, neither heavy nor light, and neither leggy nor weedy. Good-natured and placid, he is obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic and his behaviour self-assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness but at the same time is ... »» Read more...
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a long-haired, tricoloured, agile family dog of above medium size. Self-confident and adaptable to everyday situations, he is devoted to his family. At the same time, he is self-assured, good-natured, docile and placid towards strangers. »» Read more...
Recently in the spotlight by being former USA President Obama's family dog, the Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient breed. From early times, this Water Dog was regarded as a crew member on the early fishing boats that travelled around the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal. A dog with a love of the sea, he would stand on the ... »» Read more...