Month December 2022

Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized herding dog breed from Netherlands developed as an all-purpose farm dog. It is a highly intelligent and trainable dog that is currently used for police work, guide for the blind, and search & rescue work. Dutch Shepherds may either have a smooth, long-haired, or rough-haired coat. This is a rare Shepherd Dog as compared to German Shepherds and Belgian Shepherds. However, it is relatively healthy as compared to other Shepherds.

English Setter is a medium-sized setter gundog breed from England. It is popular for its belton coat which features flecks of color varieties. English Setters are people-oriented and energetic dogs suitable for families that give them activity and attention. These dogs need at least 2 hours of exercise in a day. Although, English setters tend to have low energy levels while in the house.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier ( affectionately referred to as Staffy, Stafford, or Stafford Terrier) is a small to medium-sized pure bred dog in the Terrier group from the United Kingdom. Staffy was descended from the 19th century bull and terriers( created by crossing bulldogs and terriers). It is closely related to the modern Bull Terrier even though the two breeds don't resemble each other and were developed along independent lines.

Brittany ( also known as Brittany Spaniel or Brittany dog) is a gun dog breed originally developed for bird hunting. They are popularly known as Brittany Spaniels. However, AKC(American Kennel Club) dropped the spaniel name in 1982. This is because Brittanys are pointing dogs and are less genetically in common with spaniels. However, they are more common with Setters which are pointing dogs. Their are American Brittanys and French Brittanys. The former is taller and faster while the latter is smaller and generally works closely to the hunter. Brittany Dogs are energetic and athletic pets that need at least one hour of exercise on a daily basis. This is also a versatile breed that has won championships in both conformation shows and field trials.

Neapolitan Mastiff( also known as Mastino Napoletano or Mastino) is a large-sized mastiff type of dog from Italy. It is popular for its abundant and loose skin, particularly on the head where it hangs in heavy wrinkles. Neapolitan Mastiffs are loving, affectionate, and protective dogs towards their families. However, they are wary of strangers which makes them great guard dogs. These dogs have large and long jowls that make a lot of drool that leave marks on the ceiling, walls, and furniture.

Irish Setter ( also known as Red Setter) is a setter gundog breed from Ireland popularly used as family dogs and therapy dogs in hospitals and schools. In schools, dogs are used to create a relaxing and calming environment. A kid may read to the dog without being judged or corrected. Irish Setters are alert to their surroundings and will bark at strangers to alert the owner. However, they are not well-suited as guard dogs since they are not an assertive breed. Generally, an Irish Setter will do well in a household that has pets, however, small animals pose as a problem for this breed, due to their hunting instinct.

Wheaten Terrier ( officially known as Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier ) is an Irish pure-bred terrier developed as all-purpose farm dog. It tends to get along well with children and other dogs since it is playful and friendly. However, if not socialized with cats and puppies, care should be taken when introducing them since they have a strong prey-drive stemming from their vermin hunting origin. Wheaten Terriers are considered less disorganized than other terriers, although, they are lively and can be more active than many other breeds. Therefore, a Wheaten is happy when exercised regularly. Wheaten Terriers are cool-weather dogs that may easily get overheated in hot weather.

American Staffordshire Terrier ( affectionately nicknamed American Staffy or AmStaff) is a short-coated, medium-sized bull-type terrier from the United States. AmStaff is one of the breed categorized under the pit bull heterogeneous group in the U.S. along with Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, and occasionally the American Bulldog. Therefore, it has included in bans that target pit bull-type dogs that may range from outright bans on conditions, possession, and restrictions of ownership. Amstaffs have also been commonly listed on breed restriction lists for apartments in the US. However, according to AKC, responsibly bred and well-socialized AmStaffs are loyal and trustworthy friends to the end.

Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized innate swimmer from Portugal. It was bred to retrieve broken nets or lost tackle, herd the fish into the nets of the fishermen, and also act as courier from ship to ship or ship to shore. The popularity of Portuguese Water Dogs skyrocket after been the chosen dog breed by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. This is also an empathetic and intelligent breed that excel as a service and therapy dog.

Cairn Terrier is a small-sized terrier breed from Scotland. It was developed to chase and hunt quarry between the cairns in the Scottish highlands. Therefore, this dog gets its name from this role. Cairn Terriers are affectionate dogs that make great family pets and companions for just about every kind of dog owner. However, they get bored and destructive if they are left alone for long hours. A Cairn Terrier is an adaptable dog that can live in apartments if it gets its daily exercise. This is a good pet choice for novice owners.