The Kelpie is a medium-sized dog and come in a variety of colors. It’s an Australian sheep dog which is very successful at mustering and droving with little or no command guidance. The breed has been separated into two distinct varieties: the show or bench Kelpie and the working Kelpie. The show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and are selected for appearance rather than working instinct. Working Kelpies are bred for working ability rather than appearance.

Kelpies are loyal, friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs that require a challenging job to be satisfactory companions. They need to be stimulated as idle and bored dogs become frustrated, noisy, and destructive with personalized love and attention, they can be very placid and faithful, although they do need space to run. For the show or bench Kelpie, walks and socialization may be sufficient to keep them happy.

A working bred Kelpie must have a job to do and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and companionable.

Kelpies are a hardy breed with few health problems, but they are susceptible to disorders common to all breeds, like cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Current research is underway to find the genetic marker for cerebellar abiotrophy in the breed.

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was breed from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.

The Welsh Corgi is a type of small herding dog that originated in Wales. Welsh Corgis are generally recognized as two distinct breeds: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Beginning in 1934, the American Kennel Club recognized them as separate breeds.

The Cardigan is the larger of the two, with larger rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail. The Pembroke features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature. Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob tails.

The coats of both breeds come in a variety of colors, although there are some differences between the breeds. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are among the healthiest and longest-lived dogs in the Herding Group. The Cardigan tends to be a little hardier and has fewer documented hereditary health issues; among them are canine hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy and progressive retinal atrophy. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a typical life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years.

The Brittany is a Breed of gun dog primarily breeds for bird hunting. Although the Brittany is often referred to as a spaniel, the breed’s working characteristics are more akin to a pointer or setter. Brittanies were developed in the Brittany province of France in the 1800s.

Brittanies should range in a height of 17 inches to 20.5 inches at the withers, with females at the lower end and males taller. A properly constructed and healthy Brittany maintains a weight between 36 and 43lbs (16 to 19 kg), depending upon height.
A Brittany is typically quite athletic, compact, and solidly built without being heavy. Other characteristics include long legs, and their expressions are usually of intelligence, vigour, and alertness. Their gait is elastic, long, and free.
Some Brittanies are born with naturally short tails and others with long tails. If born with a long tail it is normally docked to a length of 3 to 10 centimetres (1 to 4 inches).
Brittanies come in a variety of colours, where an orange and white coat is most common in the American Brittany. Other colours include liver and white, orange roan and liver roan, all of which are acceptable in the show ring.
The Brittany makes a good house pet as long as it receives daily mental and physical exercise, as well as superb socialization on a regular basis. If not given sufficient exercise, love, and socialization, Brittanies can become house destructive or develop unnatural habits unrepresentative of the breed.
Brittanies are generally healthy and hardy dogs. Be sure to check and clean ears at home due to the fact that their ears can get infections because air can not easily pass through. They usually live 14-15 years.

Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary. The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a strong claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. The Vizsla’s size is one of the breed’s most attractive characteristics and through the centuries he has held a unique position for a sporting dog -that of household companion and family dog.

The Vizsla is a natural hunter endowed with a good nose and an above average trainability. Although they are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing.  The standard coat is a solid golden-rust color in different shadings, but some breeding programs have resulted in a solid rust coat. The coat could also be described as a copper/brown color, russet gold and dark sandy gold. Solid dark mahogany red and pale yellow are faulty. Small areas of white on the fore-chest and on the toes are permissible but not preferred.
The breed standard calls for the tail to be docked to two-thirds of its original length. Although the remainder of the tail is strong, the third docked is thin and whip-like and is open to damage in the field. The Vizsla holds its tail horizontal to the ground and wags it vigorously while charging through rough scrub and undergrowth. Without docking, the unprotected tip is docked to keep it from splitting and bleeding. Once damaged, the tail is extremely difficult to heal.’

Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as “velcro” dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.

The life expectancy of the Vizsla is 12-15 years. The Vizsla is considered to be a robust dog, but some localized breeding programs using a small number of dogs have led to heritable illnesses in some offspring, including:

The Basset artésien normand (Norman Artesian Basset) is a short legged hound type dog developed in France. The word Basset refers to short legged hounds.  Bassets are walking hounds, which are followed by the hunter on foot. The short legs mean that they would not get too far away from the hunter.

The Basset artésien normand was used to hunt rabbits and other small game alone or in packs, but today they are primarily bred to be pets.
The height of the Basset artésien normand is between 30 and 36cms (11.8 to 14.2ins), with a ratio of the height to the body length of about 5 : 8. Weight is roughly 17kgs (37.4lbs). The coat is short and tricolored (fawn and white with black blanket, a patch across the back) or bicolored (fawn and white). The head and long ears are distinctive, and the temperament should be calm and good-natured.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also called Korthals Griffon in the UK it is a breed of dog used in hunting as a gundog. It is Dutch in ancestry, but is regarded as a French breed because the breed’s development took place in France. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is particularly adapted for swampy country, where its harsh coat is excellent protection.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog with a harsh, wiry coat. The coat is preferably gray with tan to brown markings and a brown head. Other acceptable colors: chestnut brown, white and brown, roan, and white and orange. A black coat is not acceptable. The Griffon should have flat ears that lie close to the head, and eyes that are either yellow or brown. Its nose must be brown.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a superb swimmer and retriever and it loves to play in the water. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known as intelligent, extremely eager to please, friendly dogs. They are also known for their slightly less excitable temperament when not in the field, which makes them a very comfortable dog when home.

The Berger Picard or Picardy Shepherd is a French breed of dog of the herding group of breeds.  This breed of dog is people-oriented, loyal, and can make a good family pet if properly socialized early in life.

It is this breed’s rustic mutt-like appearance that has prevented it from being rapidly popularized and exploited in the United States by the movie release, as has been the fate of some other breeds. People are often fooled into thinking “Winn-Dixie” is a mixed breed.

The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog, slightly longer than tall with a tousled yet elegant appearance. Their ears are naturally erect, high-set and quite wide at the base. Their eyebrows are thick, but do not shield their dark frank eyes. They are known for their smile. Their natural tail normally reaches to the hock and is carried with a slight J-curve at the tip. Their weather-proof coat is harsh and crisp to the touch, not excessively long with a minimal undercoat. Coat colors fall into two colors, fawn and “gray” with a range of shade variations.

The Berger Picard’s attributes include a lively, intelligent personality and a sensitive and assertive disposition that responds quickly to obedience training. By and large Picards are laid back and mellow but they are known for having a stubborn streak and being reserved towards strangers.

Picards are energetic and hard working, alert, loyal and sweet-tempered with children. They are happiest when they have a job to do. They also have a protective nature, making them good guard dogs. However, they are not excessive barkers. Some Picards are notoriously picky eaters, and it may be difficult to decide on a diet that you and the dog agree on.The breed also has a well developed sense of humor making them an endearing companion, and they continue to be used very effectively as both sheep and cattle herder in their native land and elsewhere.

Like many herding breeds, Picards require human companionship and lots of it. Since they can be demonstrative to their owners and enthusiastic friends towards other animals, formal obedience training and plenty of positive socialization is a must. Athletic, loyal and filled with a desire to work a long day, the breed excels in any “job” as long as enthusiasm and praise is a part of the task.

Berger Picards due to lack of over breeding are a relatively healthy, disease free breed. Hip dysplasia is known, but not common. Nevertheless a reputable breeder will have hips and elbows x-rayed and eyes certified for hereditary diseases.

The breed’s life expectancy is 13 to 14 years.The breed’s intelligence and sensitivity have made it increasingly popular in dog sports such as agility, Tracking, Schutzhund, Flyball and French Ring Sport.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed of dog. In the late 1800s to early 1900s, two clubs were formed for the specific purpose of registering APBTs: the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeder’s Association. The United Kennel Club was founded with the registration of an American Pit Bull Terrier and was the first registry to recognize the breed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog. It has a short coat and smooth, well-defined muscle structure. Its eyes are round to almond shaped, and its ears are small to medium in length and can be natural or cropped. Females tend to have longer bodies than males, while males have slightly bigger limbs. The tail is thick and tapers to a point. The coat is glossy, smooth, short, and slightly coarse and can be any color.
The APBT is a breed that is loyal to friends and family, and friendly to strangers. Proper training can make the dog obedient and have a high desire to please. Without proper guidance, though, the breed can become stubborn, and at times, aggressive. A study done by the CDC showed that “pit bull” breeds accounted for the majority of dog related fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 1996, though the study admits some limitations in its data. The American Temperament Testing Society shows a pass percentage of 84.3% for American Pit Bull Terrier. Still, a firm, even hand and early obedience training are best.

The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originally bred for use as an Alaskan sled dog and is often mistaken for a Siberian  Husky.

The  American kennel Club (AKC) breed standard calls for a natural range of size, with a desired freighting weight of 75 to 85 pounds (34–39 kg) and a height of 23 to 26 inches (58–64 cm).Some Malamutes have been known to reach 32 inches (810 mm), and to weigh more than 160 lb (73 kg). Heavier individuals (90lbs) and dogs smaller than 75 pounds are common. There is often a marked size difference between males and females.
The primary criterion for judging the Malamute in a show is its function to pull heavy freight as a sled dog; everything else is secondary. As many an owner has found out, the pulling power of a Malamute is tremendous.The Malamute’s tail is well furred and hangs just over the back like a “plume”.
While a few Malamutes are still in use as sled dogs for personal travel, hauling freight, or helping move heavy objects, some are used for the recreational pursuit of sledding also known as mushing, also skijoring , bikejoring, and canicross. However, most Malamutes today are kept as family pets or show dogs. The Malamute is generally slower in long-distance dogsled racing against smaller and faster breeds and their working usefulness is limited to freighting or traveling over long distances at a far slower rate than that required for racing. They can also help move heavy objects over shorter distances.