National dog of Japan - Akita

Introduction:
The Akita was developed in the country of Japan.  The Akita is a working breed. Today it is used as a guardian dog. The life span of Akita is about 12 years. The other names used for Akita is Great Japanese Dog (Obsolete), Japanese Akita. It is also called as Akita as its nickname. It is the national dog of Japan.



Origin / History:

• The ancestors of the Akita were for hunting by matagi, or  a hunter from the Tohoko region
• The name Akita comes from the Akita Prefecture, located in the Tohoko region
• It is believed that the Akita was originated from this particular area
• It is one of the seven breeds that Japan has designated national monuments

Nature / qualities:
The Akita is very alert and intelligent dog. They are very calm and powerful in nature. They are quite dogs who will bark only when they feel it is necessary. Akita makes people relaxed and calm. It is described as the “cat like” for their odorless, because it is a very clean dog. Akita is very protective dog that protects the children. It takes care of the children very well. They prove to be a good companion pets with cats and other dogs.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Akita is 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) and the weight is 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg). The height of the Female Akita is 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and the weight is 75-110pounds (34-50 kg).  The Akita is a large, heavy, muscular and well balanced dog. It is longer than it is tall. They have small, dark and triangular shaped eyes. The nose is dark.  The ears are small and erect. They have long size tail that is carried over the back in a single or a double curl. The colors of the Akita are white, brindle and pinto (white with large, evenly placed patches). Any color is allowed. It has powerful, thick legs.

Health Concerns:
Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee.

Grooming:
Regular brushing with infrequent bath is recommended. Regular exercise should be given to Akita as it is an athletic dog.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1000 USD

Advantages:

• It is the ideal pet to own if you suffer stress
• Very clean dogs
• Gentle with children

Disadvantages:

• Akitas become aggressive with other dogs

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Airedale Terrier - King of terriers

Introduction:
The place of origin of Airedale Terrier is England. It is a terrier breed, originally called as the “Kings of Terriers” as it is the largest of the terrier breeds. The Airedale Terrier is used for hunting, as a working dog.  The breed was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the river Aire. The other names used for the Airedale Terrier is Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier. It is also called as Airedale and King of terriers as its nickname. The life span of the Airedale Terrier is 10-14 years.


Origin / History:

• The Airedale Terrier originated in the early 1800’s near the river Aire in Scotland
• In India the Airedale terrier was used in safari type hunt
• It is used as a police dog in UK

Nature / qualities:
The Airedale Terrier is very distinctive and intelligent dog. They love to be the center of attention. These are very lively and energetic breed.  They should be given proper training so that they do not become over possessive to toys and food.  Be careful during training as they have independent nature. Always look for the breed that is already trained and has the basics would be better. They bark only with a reason.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Airedale Terrier is 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) and the weight is 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg). The height of the Female Airedale Terrier is 22-23 inches (56-58 cm) and the weight is 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg). The Airedale Terrier is a large, well built and square terrier breed.  The color of the breed is tan head, ears, legs, chest, and belly; sides and upper body are black, dark gray, or black with a red mixture. They have dark and small eyes with a distinctive terrier expression. They have v-shaped ears that is carried at the side of the head. The tail is carried high and slightly curled but not on the back.

Health Concerns:
The Airedale Terrier is generally a healthy breed. But however some prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia and skin infections.

Grooming:
Daily brushing is required.  Clipping must be done every two months or hand stripping should be three times a year.  Plentiful exercise in a safe area is needed for this breed.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 600 USD

Advantages:

• The Airedale Terrier will interact well with children of all ages
• They can adjust to many environments and living situations

Disadvantages:

• They tend to be the dominant dog as well as the leader if proper training is not provided
• Not a good choice for a first time dog owner

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Affenpinscher dog | Monkey Terrier

Introduction:
The Affenpinscher was originated in the country of Germany. The dog is a terrier-like toy breed, especially used as a companion dog. The nicknames used for the Affenpinscher is Affen, Affie, Monkey Dog. The life span of the Affenpinscher is 11-14 years.



Origin / History:

• The Affenpinscher has been in existence for  300 years
• The Affenpinscher was originated in Germany in the 17th century
• Affenpinscher means monkey terrier, so it is named for its monkey like looks
• The Affenpinscher is also called as "mustached little devil" or "diablotin moustachu" in France. 
• Today this breed is relatively rare in most countries

Nature / qualities:
The Affenpinscher is a loyal, intelligent and busy dog. They like to find some mischievous things and keep themselves busy in that.  They are very protective and this is a reason that they bark loudly to any unknown happenings. They are a good family dog. They behave well with other dogs and non-canine pets. They quickly learn any tricks and perform them well. They love a change in the situation and accept challenge very actively. They like to be among people. They are adventurous dogs and will do very well in vehicles.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Affenpinscher is 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) and the weight is 6.5-13.2 pounds (2.9-6 kg).  The Affenpinscher is a small, well-built and compact dog.  It has a monkey like expression.  It has a round and domed skull with a head that moves confidently. The color of the breed is solid black, which is the most common color, although black with tan markings, red, gray and other mixtures are permissible. The eyes are round, dark and black in color. The ears are erect and dropped. The nose is small and black and the longer hair grows away from the nose in a beard around the mouth.  It has well boned legs.  The feet are small and round. The tail is docked and set high.

Health Concerns:
The Affenpinscher is generally a healthy and hardy breed.  But some are prone to fractures, slipped stifle, PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), open fontanel and respiratory problems in hot weather.

Grooming:
Brush the Affenpinscher at alternate days to keep the shaggy coat free from tangles. Regular exercise is required for this breed along with daily walks.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is around $ 400 USD

Advantages:

• The Affenpinscher are excellent at problem solving and figuring things out
• They are best with older children that understand the nature of the dog

Disadvantages:

• They become bore and non-compliance to similar situation
• They become destructive when left alone for long period of time

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Afghan Hound dog | Persian Greyhound

Introduction:
The Afghan Hound was developed in Afghanistan.  The dog is a hound breed, originally used to hunt hares and gazelles by coursing them. It is also used as lure coursing. The life expectation of the Afghan hound is 12-14 years. It is also called as Sage Baluchi, Tazhi Spai, De Kochyano Spai, Tazi, Ogar Afgan, and Eastern Greyhound/Persian Greyhound.



Origin / History:

• The Afghan Hound moved with nomadic tribes from Egypt into the area which is now known as Afghanistan
• In the early 1900’s the Afghan Hounds were illegally exported from their native country to England
• They were used by shepherds as herders and watchdogs

Nature / qualities:
The Afghan Hound is very loving and playful dog. The Afghan Hound carries the personality which is very much like a cat. They do not tolerate loud and unpredictable noise. They enjoy interacting with older kids. If the Afghan hound is properly socialized they behave well with household pets. They love human interaction and companionship.  In the mornings and evenings the Afghans are very active.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Afghan Hound is 27-29 inches (69-74 cm) and the weight is 58-64 pounds (26-34 kg). The Afghan Hound is a large, agile and well-built dog. It has long and refined head and neck.  They have dark eyes that are triangular in shape. The nose is black in color. The ears are pendant, long and set apart from the eyes. The tail is long, thin and curled at the end. The feet are large in size. There are feathers on the ears and feet. The Afghan Hound shares all colors that are permissible. White markings, especially on the head, are undesirable.

Health Concerns:
The Afghan hound is generally prone to health problems such as heart, eyes and injuries to the tail. They are also prone to Necrotic myelopathy - - a respiratory paralysis that typically occurs at 3 to 6 months of age and will result in death, allergies, cataracts and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:
Brushing, combing and bathing should be done frequently. Regular exercise in a fenced area is recommended.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 600 USD

Advantages:

• The Afghan Hound is an independent and active dog 
• Good watch dogs 

Disadvantages:

• Not good for house with very small children
• They tend to be aggressive at times 

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Herding dogs | Stock dog | Working dog

Herding dogs are also known as stock dog or working dog.
Herding dogs are loyal and affectionate companions. These are developed to control livestock, move the animals between fields, rescue strays from rugged terrain and drive the livestock to market. The herding dogs are used as guardians to protect livestock from predators.

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