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Also known as the Mountain Feist or the American Feist, the Treeing Feist has been in North America for quite long time. They were here decades, probably even longer, before the Rat Terriers made an appearance on American shores. Though we're not sure how they got here, we do know both Abraham Lincoln and George Washington wrote about 'fice' or 'fyce' dogs, proving they're not exactly new arrivals.
American Feists should have a short and smooth coat. Coat colors vary and may include black, red, white, black and tan, red and white, red bridle, and even blue and white. Because the coat is short and flat, it's easy enough to groom. A good brushing once a week followed by a buff with a chamois cloth will keep your pup looking his best.
Eyes should be small and dark while the ears are erect or semi-erect. Standing no more than 22 inches high and weighing no more than 30 pounds, the American Feist is a small dog with a muscular build. They are Swift and agile, the perfect combination for a dog used for hunting.
This breed is full of spirit and highly active. They can live in an apartment, but they'll need to be walked two or three times a day in this scenario. The Treeing Feist would do better with at least a small yard.
Lovable to a fault, the American Feist makes a wonderful family pet. Though frequently used for hunting rabbits, rodents, birds, and other small game, they adapt well to ripping with children. They may not enjoy living with small animals such as guinea pigs, gerbils, and even cats, but they're generally sweet with humans, young and old.
If you're looking for a dog with a powerful personality and boundless energy, the American Treeing Feist might be for you.
Developed in the United States in the 1930s, the American Toy Terrier is descended from the Smooth Fox Terrier. Other breeds used in the development of the Toy Terrier include the Chihuahua, the Italian Greyhound, the Manchester Terrier, and the Miniature Pinscher. This breed wasn't officially recognized until 2003, so it actually goes by many names. It can be called the Toy Fox Terrier or the Amertoy, depending on the association involved.
The Toy Terrier has a distinct appearance. The nose should be black for all dogs except those of chocolate coloring (these dogs should have chocolate noses). Eyes are dark, round, and set forward on the head. Ears are v-shaped and erect. The muzzle should be fairly small and narrow. The tail has traditionally been docked at birth, but since this procedure is illegal in much of Europe, and frowned upon in many other countries, it is becoming less common as time goes on.
The coat is typically short and quite thick, which makes it easy to groom. Most Toy Terriers are tri-colored, usually white with tan or black and tan markings. Other colors can and do appear, but not all colors are accepted by all associations. Regardless of association, this tiny breed should weight no more than 7 pounds and stand about 10 inches high.
They may be small, but they're very much like their Fox Terrier ancestors. They're smart, tough, and are prone to fits of stubbornness. Though generally curious, active, and pleasant, this small breed can be a bit of a fighter. They're natural hunters, so expect them to go after mice, rats, and generally anything that's small and mobile. And once they're hunting, they won't stop until they catch their prey.
But the American Toy Terrier is more than just a hunter. They're also intelligent enough to learn just about any trick, sensitive enough to respond to your moods, and loving enough to be a friend through thick and thin. And you'd be hard pressed to find a more loyal canine. In general, this is a wonderful breed with a few little quirks.
My oldest son, who is now 9, recently suffered a great loss. His baby, a small black Poodle he's had since he was 3, was killed a little over a month ago. He was quite naturally devastated, and he cried for days. But, like most little boys who need dogs for companionship, Tristan soon started asking about a new puppy. It's not that he was over Brownie. Far from it. It's just that he NEEDS a dog. It's a part of who he is. Like his glasses or his medic ID bracelet. A small dog running at his heels makes him complete, and going through the summer without a puppy was going to be hard.
And thus began our search for a dog. Since it was going to be Tristan's dog, and he was going to be the one looking after this dog, it only made sense that he get to choose. The first thing he wanted me to look for was a small black Poodle, boy or girl, as long as it looked like Brownie.
I'm not that stupid, so relax. I didn't go out and get a small black Poodle he could call Brownie. But I also didn't want to refuse out of hand. Here's where his desire for a purebred Poodle comes in handy. You don't go out and pick up a purebred, show quality, Toy Poodle from your local shelter. It just doesn't work that way. It can take months, sometimes a year, before that perfect Poodle shows up.
What did this mean for me? Well, it meant that I could help him search for a puppy in a convincing manner without committing to a black Poodle. So we searched for a while, looked at pictures of dogs that might have black puppies, and cried quite a bit for Brownie. Tristan cried every night for 2 weeks, actually, which I had expected. He was grieving.
So a little time passed, only a couple weeks really (though it seemed longer), and we were still looking at puppy pictures. I know my son, and I knew he'd do a flip flop on me. And he did. One afternoon, as he was browsing yet another breeder's website, he turned to me and said, "I don't want another Brownie. I want something small and sweet and not black. Or brown. That would remind me of Brownie too much."
That was the sentence I'd been waiting for. I'd known he'd want a Poodle, but not one exactly like his baby. So we discussed it in detail. He was fine with any color that wasn't black or brown, but he wanted a little girl, and he wanted it smaller than Brownie had been. She'd been 8 pounds all soaking wet, not exactly large, so smaller came as a surprise. 6 pounds is what he'd decided he wanted.
To be frank, that size made me a little nervous, but it wasn't my dog. I wasn't the one who would have to feed her. I wasn't the one who would have to carry her outside, or put her in my bike basket when her little legs couldn't keep up. Tristan had been doing all these things since he was 3. He could do them at 9. Not my dog. Not my call.
So now we had a real description of the dog he might want. At this point, I called the breeder who had bred Brownie all those years ago. As soon as I told her what had happened, and as soon as I gave her Tristan's wish list, she told me she had two girls who might be pregnant with puppies who might fit his needs. We'd have to wait and see.
But just knowing a puppy might be born soon was enough to lift Tristan's spirits. Not completely, and he continues to grieve for Brownie, but he's getting better. And having to wait for a puppy is good for him. It allows him to finish grieving while knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
We recently suffered a canine loss on our family. My son's dog Brownie was killed on the highway at the end of June. It was the greatest tragedy my 9-year-old had ever experienced because of the close relationship he had with her. They were each other's everything. They played together, ate together, sang together, watched TV together, went camping together, and slept together for 6 years. They were only apart when he went to school or went to visit his father for an afternoon. He even took her shopping with him, and not just at pet stores. They really were two of a kind. She was his best friend, baby, and confidant all rolled into one.
And then that Sunday in June hit. It was the last Sunday of the month, and it dawned bright and sunny. But, because it was Sunday, most of us weren't awake. Unbeknownst to us, a series of unrelated events were about to occur that would lead directly to Brownie's death. My youngest son was the only one awake, and the dog had to go out. Instead of waking my oldest son, as he had always done, he decided to let his brother's dog out into the dog run. What he didn't know was that the fence was down and Tristan had been taking the dog out the front. Tristan would sit on the deck and wait for her, never taking his eyes off her wiggling form.
Rowan, unfortunately, didn't know that. He put the dog in the dog run like a good brother would do. After that we have to piece together what happened from the bits and pieces of information we have gathered. As near as we can tell, Brownie was in the yard for 3 hours before she saw a neighbor jogging down the street. There are no sidewalks where we live, so the shoulder is where we jog. Now Brownie, being naturally social, decided to go with said neighbor. The neighbor saw her and welcomed the company. But it only lasted a moment because people speed on our road. By a lot.
They were jogging together when a car slowed behind them. I'd slow down too if there was a jogger and a little dog on the side of the road. The car behind, however, didn't share the sentiment. It sped up, whipped around the first car, pulled over too far, got caught on the soft shoulder, and hit Brownie and nearly hit the neighbor. Everyone but the speeding idiot stopped, which is obviously how we found out.
So now I'm faced with telling a 9-year-old his dog has passed away. He didn't scream or yell, he just curled up and cried silently into his hands. It broke my heart. I'd lost my own dog 5 years earlier, so I knew something of what he was going through, and I knew there was nothing I could do for him. I couldn't fix it, and that's hard for a mother to accept.
But accept it I had to, because there was nothing else I could do. We did rescue Brownie's collar, which Tristan wore as a bracelet for a few days. Then he asked me to buy a stuffed toy that looked like Brownie. Tiny black poodle toy. Maybe a few years ago this would have been a tall order, but these days the Internet solves many a problem. A stuffed black poodle arrived 3 days later (because when your kid is crying, you pay for faster shipping). He put the collar on the toy and has been carrying it around ever since.
A month has passed since his little dog was killed and he still talks about her every day. She was such a big part of his live that he'll probably talk about her for years, even decades. And that's all right, because she was his baby. His first baby, and he grieved for her as much as anyone has ever grieved for a loved one. There will be other dogs, but Brownie will forever hold that special place in his heart. And I wouldn't change that for the world.
Called simply the Staghound most of the time, the American Staghound is an interesting breed. It's not recognized by any association, and so has no detailed breed standard, but it's a breed nonetheless. Because they're mostly bred for function, not form, there hasn't really been a push to get them recognized. The Staghound is a hunting dog, and most huntsmen would rather the breed continue to be bred for this function rather than have to adhere to a specific breed standard. In any case, the Staghound has been bred in its current form since the 1800s. Before that, it was primarily the result of crossing the Greyhound with the Scottish Deerhound, with a few other breeds likely thrown in there to get the best possible hunter. The Greyhound gave it the speed to pursue the coyote while the Deerhound had a rough jacket and better scenting abilities, not to mention a more robust constitution. Their breeding has always laid with the huntsman, and if the Staghound is to maintain its majesty, it should probably stay that way. Standing no more than 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 90 pounds, the Staghound looks like a hunting dog. It has strong muscles, a deep chest, and long legs. They have extraordinary visual acuity and most of them have some scenting ability. Because of their Greyhound ancestry, the American Staghound is incredibly fast, but it also has some endurance, making it a well-rounded hunting dog. The American Staghound can be of any color and pattern, though it usually mimics the colors found in both the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There are three distinct coat types, none of which is more prized than the other. First, there is the 'shag', which resembles the coat of the Deerhound. Then there is the 'slick', which looks a lot like the coat of a Greyhound. Finally, there is the 'broken' coat type, which is somewhere between the two. Many hunters have a preference for the 'shag' coat, but it isn't a strong preference and both 'broken' and 'slick' are common as well. Though this breed is a born hunter, he also makes an excellent companion. Most Staghounds crave human attention and want to be around their families. They tend to be calm, even lazy in the house, so they really do make great house pets. Staghounds are wonderful with children, but they are a bit large and don't know it, so they often knock young children over without meaning to. Unlike some breeds bred for a specific physical standard, the Staghound has been bred for hunting and practically nothing else. This means they have a strong hunting instinct and a high prey drive. So while they may be trusted with humans, don't trust your Staghound with other pets unless you're there to supervise. They're excellent dogs, and highly obedient, but they are hunters. Never forget that. Some Staghounds can live comfortably with cats and other small animals, but most shouldn't. The American Staghound isn't an apartment dog, but they can do well enough in the city if you make sure to exercise them on a daily basis. They're a healthy breed, mostly because they've been bred for it, so there aren't many health problems to be aware of. If you're going to have a Staghound for your canine companion, you should know that they have little body fat, making them more susceptible to anesthesia during surgeries. They also shouldn't run after a heavy meal because of torsion bloat concerns. Other than this, they are one of the healthiest dog breeds out there. If you're looking for an affectionate dog who will bond well to his family, the American Staghound might be for you. Elegant and strong, this hearty breed can be an excellent addition to the right household.
Known by such diminutives as Staffy, Stafford, Amstaff, and American Staffy, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a cousin to the American Pit Bull Terrier and often treated with the same lack of respect. The American Staffordshire Terrier is descended from the Staffordshire Bullterrier which was brought from England to the United States in the 19th century. American breeders took the Bullterrier and increased its weight and gave it a more powerful head to make it more effective as a fighting dog. Because of these and other changes. the American Staffordshire Terrier was eventually recognized as a separate breed from its British cousin. When dog fighting was finally banned in the United States in 1900, breeders went two distinctly different routes with their breeding program. Some created a show strain for competition and others created a non-show strain for other purposes. The non-show strain was labeled the American Pit Bull Terrier while the show strain retained the name American Staffordshire Terrier. The Staffy is a relatively small dog, standing no more than 19 inches high, but he's heavy for his size and can weight up to 67 pounds. His smaller size may make you think he's easy to hand, but he's incredibly strong for his size. He's agile, muscular, stocky, and powerful. The eyes should be dark and round and set wide apart. Pink eyelids are a fault and not at all desirable. The head should be broad and the jaws should be strong with the teeth meeting in a scissor bite. Ears should be set and may be cropped, but uncropped is both more common and preferred, especially with several countries having banned the procedure entirely. When ears are cropped, they should be rose or half prick. Tail should be undocked and taper to a point. The coat should be thick, stiff, and glossy. This makes it easy to groom. A firm bristle brush once a week or so should do the trick. If you're having trouble getting your Staffy to shine, try a chamois cloth twice a week. The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average shedder. All coat colors and patterns are accepted, but some associations (such as the AKC) discourage dogs that are more than 80% white. Intelligent and happy, this dog is a stable and confident breed. They outgoing, gentle, and loving with their family and are amusing for adults and children alike. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a sense of humor and is extremely loyal. With its strong desire to please, this powerful breed is almost always obedient. Because this dog was partially bred for protection, they are incredibly protective of their owners, their owner's family, and their owner's property. They are a persistent fighter if provoked, and they have a high tolerance for pain, so care should be taken around strangers. This is not a breed to give up. Some unsocialized Amstaffs can be dog or even people aggressive, so socialization at a young age is a must. An obedience class, one with plenty of other dogs and many people, is recommended for this breed so socialization occurs in a controlled setting. While this is important for all breeds, with more powerful breeds (such as the American Staffordshire Terrier) it is essential. This plus plenty of exercise will ensure a well adjusted canine companion. Like many other purebred dogs, the American Staffordshire Terrier has its own set of health problems. They can have heart murmurs, skin allergies, tumors, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, and cataracts. Ask a breeder about the frequency of these problems in their breeding lines. One of the more serious problems the American Staffordshire Terrier may inherit is ataxia. This is a neurological condition consisting of a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. One of the symptoms can be a gait abnormality. Ask your breeder about guarantees that your pup will be free of this condition before purchase. There is a test available for ataxia, so don't be afraid to request one. Used for agility, protection, police work, and other activities, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a fun and loving companion. If you're looking for a loyal and affectionate family pet, the American Staffordshire Terrier might be for you.
Of all the breeds out there, the American Pit Bull Terrier (casually called the Pit Bull) has faced the most discrimination. Originally bred as an all-purpose breed that could hunt, herd, guard, and even pull a cart around the farm, the Pit Bull became a status symbol for many types of criminals and dog fighters. Because of a few poor choices (by people, not the dogs), the Pit Bull is the go-to when a dog needs to be blamed for an attack. The media is often the driving force behind the witch-hunting that goes on for this poor breed. A few years ago there was a news story about Pit Bulls attacking a young girl. Turns out they weren't Pit Bulls at all, but Alaskan Huskies. The media continued to call them Pit Bulls until they were corrected several times (by several sources). This isn't the only incident of its kind. Most American Pit Bulls weigh no more than 78 pounds and stand no more than 24 inches high. This isn't actually the largest dog, though they are powerful. Some might think of the Pit Bulls as quite a large dog, but Pits that are larger than 24 inches at the shoulder have likely been crossed with another breed. They may even be American Bullies or another breed altogether. American Pit Bulls are medium-sized dogs with a more elegant appearance that you might think. Some are no larger than 14 inches at the shoulder. Certainly not a large breed by any measure. Though not large, the Pit Bull is powerful, agile, and has the appearance of a dog ready for anything. They have a broad head and a well-defined neck (to carry that heavy head). The chest should be deep and well-sprung and the entire body should be muscular. This dog is definitely strong for its size and he'll let you know it. The ears are sometimes cropped, but this is becoming less common as cropping is not allowed in several countries. Tail docking is even rarer. When the tail is not docked, it should taper to a point. The coat should be short, thick, and quite shiny. Because it is so short, buffing your Pit Bull with a chamois cloth is usually enough of a groom unless you companion happens to be a show dog. Even with the short coat this breed is classified as an average shedder. All coat colors are admissible, though some associations don't accept merle coats and there are even a few that will not accept a Pit Bull with blue eyes. Pits generally fall into two color categories--blue-nose and red-nose. Blue-nose Pits are shades of grey with a matching grey nose. Red-nose Pits are shades of red or brown with a matching red or brown nose. Both varieties are accepted by all associations. The American Put Bull Terrier is driven by its need to please. This has, at least in part, led to its rather nasty reputation. A Pit Bull really wants to do what you want him to do, but if you aren't very clear about your expectations, he'll come to his own conclusions. This breed is highly intelligent, so as long as you're a strong leader and have communicated your expectations in a manner he understands, he'll be a loyal and friendly companion. Highly protective, this dog will guard your children and property from any and all threats. With his high tolerance for pain, he can happily roughhouse with the children in your family, but remember that this dog has a clear vision of his 'pack'. Your own children may be perfectly able to roughhouse with your dog, but never let children who won't live with the dog on a daily basis play with the dog in this manner. Don't even leave them alone with the dog (or any dog, really). Though great with children, the Pit Bull has a natural distaste for other animals. If they're raised with a cat or other pets, this can be managed, but always be aware that this dog likes people better. They do have a natural fighting instinct, but it's not so strong that it cannot be curbed with proper instruction and a clear set of boundaries when it comes to the behavior of you Pit Bull. This is an active breed, so be prepared for long walks. They're even active indoors, so expect your Pit to bounce off the couch a few times. The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally healthy, but beware of hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, cataracts, and a genetic allergy to grass in some lines. Ask your breeder about these problem prior to bringing a new Pit Bull into your life. Some of these problems are harder to deal with than others, and the grass allergy is really not fun for your dog. Most Pit Bulls live a happy life as family pets, show dogs, or sporting companions. They can be excellent pets if they are raised right, so if you want a happy and loyal dog, you might want to consider the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Some breeds have a darker history than others, and such is sadly the case with the American Mastiff Panja. Bred from the crossbreeding of several large breeds (the Pit Bull and the Rottweiler among them), the American Mastiff Panja was originally used by drug dealers to protect their homes and even their drugs. They were perfect for this job because they looked intimidating and weren't too friendly, but they also allowed foot traffic when necessary. Originally referred to as 'rock dogs', this powerful breed was registered with the Dog Registry of America (DRA) in 1996 under the name 'American Mastiff (Panja)'. Since then, the Panja Mastiff can be found as a guard dog, a protection dog, and a family pet. They are considered a rare breed by most. Weighing in at up to 100 pounds, the Panja Mastiff is a powerful and athletic breed. The chest should be wide, the front legs straight and heavy. The hindquarters should be incredibly muscular, giving the impression of a dog ready for action at all times. This is an intense breed, and they look it. Color is unimportant when it comes to the American Mastiff Panja. Eyes should be small and wide set, giving the American Mastiff Panja its alert and curious expression. Ears should be button-style, meaning it stands on its own and only the front ¼ to ⅓ of the ear should be folded down towards the front of the head. The ears and tail are sometimes cropped. The dewclaws are almost always removed for the health and safety of the dog. For the most part, the Panja Mastiff is easy-going, but remember that they were bred to protect. They will protect their homes and families to the death if necessary. It's generally best if the Panja Mastiff is raised with the family they are going to live with from puppyhood. This is especially true if there are children involved. This dog is not at all meek and so is not recommended for an inexperienced dog handler. This dog is incredibly active and does not do well in apartments. They love to play and tend to get bored easily. When bored, they will chew anything and everything, so plan to keep this dog entertained even when you're not at home. Otherwise you may returned to an eaten couch. Since this breed has only a medium coat, they don't make good outdoor dogs unless you live in a temperate climate. They do shed, but a light brushing twice a week can keep this under control. A good bath once a month will also help. Other than this, the Panja Mastiff requires little in the way of special grooming. If you're looking for a protective dog that never tires of a good game, the Panja Mastiff might be for you. This powerful breed, however, requires an experienced handler.
Most Mastiffs have notoriously wet mouths and loose lips, so they drool an awful lot. This is not the case with the American Mastiff. Originally bred in Ohio from the English and Anatolian Mastiffs, the American Mastiff has a firmer lip line and a drier mouth than most of the other Mastiff breeds. Selective breeding has maintained this trait, so this breed is excellent for people who love the Mastiff but hate the drool. Sometimes weighing over 200 pounds, the American Mastiff is a large and powerful dog. Its chest is broad and the head is wide. Ears are round and set quite high on the head. The feet are, quite frankly, huge, so it should come as no surprise that his dog can stand as high as 36 inches. The tail is quite long, typically reaching the hocks if held downward. Eyes should be a dark amber. Puppies are born dark in color and lighten as they age, so don't be surprised when you see a bunch of dark puppies squirming around a lighter-colored mother. Most dogs lighten to a fawn by one year of age, but some will retain darker hairs. Acceptable colors include fawn, apricot, and brindle. White markings are acceptable on the chin, nose, chest and feet. The face, including the ears, must have a dark mask. The coat is short and lays flat against the skin, making grooming easy. Simply stroke with a stiff brush and shine up your dog with a chamois cloth and your dog is gleaming. Despite their large size, the American Mastiff is great with children. They are loving and playful and will happily romp with the little ones until darkness falls. The American Mastiff isn't usually an aggressive breed, but if its family is threatened you'll quickly see the protective side emerge. This is especially true if the children are threatened. So don't threaten the children. Loyal and devoted, this loving breed is great with families of all sizes. They bond quickly to their family and don't like to be separated. In addition, the American Mastiff is kind, patient, understanding, gentle, and very wise. All in all, an excellent companion dog. If left to their own devices, American Mastiffs are incredibly lazy. Except your furry friend to lay about on the couch all day unless there's a child playing who needs a friend. This lazy streak means they do fairly well in apartments. A small yard or a brisk walk is all they really need to keep them healthy and happy. Unlike other large breeds, the American Mastiff is a hardy breed with few of the health problem you'd often see in a breed this size. If you're looking for a dog that is great with kids and relatively easy to exercise, the American Mastiff might be for you. Their gentle nature makes them excellent companions for the young and old alike.
It is an unfortunate fact that some breeds are changed to suit the needs and desires of people, sometimes so much so that the new breed bears no resemblance at all to the parent breed. This is the case with the Lo-Sze. In ancient China there are references to three distinct dogs with small heads and short legs. The first resembles the Pekingese, though it was referred to as the Fu Lin. The second was the Shoku-Ken, a dog that is probably the ancestor of the Japanese Chin. The third was the Lo-Sze, which looked similar to the Fu Lin but with a shorter coat and a tail that wasn't at all feathered. The Lo-Sze is the ancestor of the modern day Pug. When trading began with the western world, all three dog were changed irrevocably. The Pekingese, Japanese Chin, and Pug all emerged, but the older breeds were quiet lost to time. In 1989 a woman by the name of Rebecca Manns began researching the history of the Pug and its older Chinese ancestor. When she discovered that the original traits of the Lo-Sze had been abandoned in favor of European traits, she decided to do what she could to restore the original grandeur of the Lo-Sze. In 1998 the American Lo-Sze Pug was recognized by the International Rare Breed Dog Club Registry, proving Manns efforts successful. Like the modern Pug, the American Lo-Sze Pug should be short of stature but broad in the chest and face. The nose should have wide nostrils but may be of any color. A wrinkle in the nose is preferred but not required. Ears are set high and may be either drop-style or rose formation. Think Pug, but not quite Pug. This breed can weigh up to 12 pounds but stands no more than 10 inches tall. The tail of the American Lo-Sze Pug should be set high and carried directly over the back. Offset tails are not allowed. The preferred coat type should be short, soft, and smooth. An undercoat may or may not be present. Less desired, but still permitted, is a longer coat with feathering around the ears, tail, legs, and toes. Regardless of coat type, any color or pattern is acceptable. A weekly brushing should keep the coat in top shape. The American Lo-Sze Pug is a highly social dog and loves to be around adults, children, and other pets. They have been known to get along well with dogs, cats, birds, and even squirrels. This breed is a bit of a clown and will enchant family and friends with his antics. Smart and responsive, the American Lo-Sze Pug is easy to train, but may show shyness around strangers. They do bark to alert to anything suspicious, but they're not incessant about it. Like the common Pug, the American Lo-Sze Pug does have a few health issues, many of them associated with the blunt nose so associated with this type of dog. Look for cleft palate, inadequate blinking, lacrimal duct atresia, patella luxation, stenotic nares, and umbilical hernia. They can also suffer from such conditions as cataracts, cleft lip, distichiasis, elongated soft palate, and hip dysplasia. Because of the short nose, the American Lo-Sze Pug is prone to overheating. Case must be taken when exercising this dog and it should never be left outside in the heat. Or in the cold, for that matter. In fact, this dog is definitely an indoor dog. If your dog overheats, throwing a cold bucket of water over him usually helps. Sometimes veterinary intervention is required, so watch your dog closely. If you're looking for a dog that is excellent with children and does well in small spaces, the American Lo-Sze Pug might be for you.
There's a great deal of debate surrounding the origins of the modern American Indian Dog. Some claim they are an ancient breed while others are certain that the current American Indian Dog is merely a recreation of a much older breed. In the end, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that there is an American Indian Dog and its popularity is growing slowly but steadily.
The American Indian Dog is medium in size with a light build. They can be up to 20 inches tall, but they only weigh 60 pounds at their heaviest. The ears are pricked and very pointy while the muzzle has a natural look. The eyes are medium in shape and have a slanted appearance. Acceptable eye color includes yellow, blue, gray, or even silver. The color and the shape of the eyes give the impression that the dog is staring right into your soul.
The nose and lips should be black, though liver is an acceptable color for some coat colors. Teeth should come together in a scissor bite. The tail should be plumed and medium in length. It should be carried with a slight curve, though this curve should never extend over the back.
This sturdy breed has a medium-length coat that is shiny and thick. Hair is longer on the tail, ruff, shoulders, chest, and on the back of the legs. Acceptable colors include blue, black, chocolate, cream, fawn, gray, golden red, red and tan, silver, tan, and white. All colors should have sable shading with darker tipped guard hairs. There should be very little spotting or defining marks between the colors, meaning the colors on the coat blend together seamlessly. Some white on the chest, collar, feet, and tip of the tail is accepted but not desired.
The American Indian Dog is a true pack animal so it tends to bond intensely with its family. They are quite territorial and don't like unknown people or animals in their space. Wary of strangers, they make good watchdogs. This breed is also highly intelligent and easy to train. Sometimes the American Indian Dog will try to take charge of the entire family, but a strong pack leader (a human one) can normally head this off.
With its ability to adapt to most environments and its overall health, this is a good choice for a family pet or companion dog. It should be noted, however, that the American Indian Dog is not recognized by all associations.
Sometimes genetics grows a sense of humor, as it did in 1972. A little of Rat Terriers was born, and among them was a tiny hairless female. This dog, named Josephine, was bred when she matured, but produced only a single hairless pup. Her next several litters produced no puppies of the hairless variety. Finally, when Josephine was nine years old, she produced two hairless puppies, one male and one female. These pups would be the basis for a new breed that would eventually be labeled as the American Hairless Terrier.
This hairless trait is quite different from the hairless trait shared by other 'hairless' dogs. For one thing, the American Hairless Terrier has no powder-puff variety; they're all hairless. All of them. The second and most importance difference is that the American Hairless Terrier has a autosomal recessive hairless gene instead of the semi-lethal dominant gene common in other hairless breeds. This results in a healthier dog that is truly hairless in every respect.
Physically, the American Hairless Terrier is nearly identical to the Rat Terrier (except for the hairless nature, of course). They're a medium sized dog, typically weighing in at no more than 16 pounds, with strong shoulders, a deep chest, and powerful legs. Ears should be perky and tails should be left long. Docking the tail is an immediate disqualification in the show ring.
Puppies are born with a light fuzz, but this fuzz will shed out as the pup matures. They should be entirely hairless by the time they are six weeks old. The skin should be primarily gray with black, gold, gray, or red spots. There should be no tuffs of hair on an adult dog, but all dogs should have normal eyebrows and whiskers.
Like Rat Terriers, American Hairless Terriers are sweet, playful, loving, and very smart. They also have a lot of energy and are great with children. This last part is especially true if they are raised from puppyhood with said children because they will develop an intense bond to the entire family. This terrier is really territorial, making them excellent watchdogs.
Terriers through and through, the American Hairless Terrier is quick, feisty, and fearless. Because they are so intelligent they are fairly easy to train, but they also have a dominant streak. Proper obedience classes and at least 30 minutes a day of exercise can help curb this and other undesirable behaviors, especially if you keep your dog in an apartment.
American Hairless Terriers don't have the health problems associated with many of the hairless breeds such as absent premolars and skin complications, but that doesn't mean everything is rosy. Because they really do have no hair, they can get sunburns and even occasional rashes. Use a sunscreen rated for dogs and apply lotion (that is lanolin-free) to any rashes that develop. This dog has sweat glands, so expect your dog to sweat and even get pimples. Sweating is normal and pimples will go away on their own.
The total lack of hair makes this dog as 'hypoallergenic' as dogs can get. They still drop dander, however, so they are not truly allergen-free. Still, many people who are allergic to dogs find they can tolerate the American Hairless Terrier. The lack of hair also means that this breed experiences the cold quite intensely, so don't leave him outside in the winter.
If you're looking for a dog with boundless energy who won't drop hair all over your sofa, the American Hairless Terrier might be for you. Just remember to buy him a sweater.
The American Foxhound closely resembles its cousin, the English Foxhound, because the American version is a direct descendent of the dogs brought over in the 1600s. The English hounds were later bred to French hounds, so the American Foxhound is actually an almost-perfect blend of the two. The American hound was often used to track both people and animals and quickly became favored among hunters for its efficiency and unfailing energy. Standing no more than 25 inches tall and weighing in at no more than 75 pounds, the American Foxhound is both lighter and taller than its English counterpart. It also has a better nose and is significantly faster in the hunt. The skull is large and domed, the ears broad, and the eyes large and wide-set. This gives the hound a sweet and handsome face. Eyes should be either brown or hazel. Other colors are not accepted. The legs should be straight and long, giving the dog an elegant appearance. The tail is thick and has a slight upward curve. It is not, however, carried over the back. A tail that does curl over the back is cause for disqualification in the show ring. Things are a little more forgiving when it comes to the coat, which may be of any color as long as it is both short and hard. The short coat needs little grooming beyond a firm bristle brush applied once a week. With appropriate care, this breed is an average shedder. You won't find may breed sweeter and more affectionate than the American Foxhound, but they're also fiercely loyal and brave. They're very intense and nearly impossible to distract once they catch an interesting scent. This means they are prone to taking off, but they also tend to come back...eventually. This breed is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs, but care should be taken when exposing this breed to non-canine pets. The American Foxhound is a natural hunter, and even show lines may decide to hunt the guinea pig or think the hamster is excellent as prey. Cats fare a little better, but only because they're fast and can hide on top of the bookshelf. Because of its hardy nature, the American Foxhound is relatively free of genetic disorders. They do, however, gain weight easily, especially when they're not rigorously exercised. Take care not to overfeed this energetic breed or they may suffer from unhealthy weight gain. The American Foxhound is a dog that needs plenty of exercise and space, so they are not generally suited for apartments. They are incredibly active whether inside or out, and when left alone indoors they do tend to become destructive. Acreage is best for these active hounds, though they can do well enough in the city if they have a yard and someone who will take them on long walks. Plan on very long walks because this breed simply does not tire out easily. They can be loud as they like to bay, so take care that they don't annoy the neighbors. As a hunter, the American Foxhound is very quick and has an excellent nose for tracking prey. His stamina is unmatched and his bay is almost musical in nature. Because of these traits, the American Foxhound is still primarily used as a hunting dog that appears frequently in field trials. That doesn't mean, however, that this dog can't be used for other things. They make excellent trackers and great companions for families who understand their high-energy needs.
