American Water Spaniel Dog - AWS

Introduction:
The place of origin of American Water Spaniel is United States.  The dog is a sporting breed.  It is a bird dog, used to hunt birds.  The life span of the American Water Spaniel is 10-12 years. The other names used for the breed is American Brown Spaniel, American Brown Water Spaniel. It is also called as AWS as its nickname.



Origin / History:

• Originally the breed was called the Brown Water Spaniel  
• Doctor FJ Pfeifer is credited with rescuing the breed from obscurity through the creation of a written standard and promotion with a breed club.
• The first  AKC registered  as American Water Spaniel was Doctor FJ Pfeifer’s own dog named “Curley Pfeifer”
• The American Water Spaniel was formally recognized as a purebred dog in  1920 by the United Kennel Club
• It was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1940

Nature / qualities:
The American Water Spaniel is an intelligent and energetic dog.  The American Water Spaniel is a good companion dog.  They behave very well if they are properly trained. They prove to be a good watch dog as they are accepted as a barking breed. They are an enthusiastic swimmer, loves to work in swamps, lakes and rivers. They are less seen at dog shows, but a very good family pet.  They love to be around people.  

Physical Appearance:
The height of American Water Spaniel is 15-18 inches (38-46 cm) and the weight is 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg). The American Water Spaniel is a compact dog with medium size length.  They have yellowish brown to dark brown color eyes. The nose is dark and moderate in size. They have dropped ears that are long and well feathered. The length of the ears is such that it touches the nose. The tail is long and slightly curved. The color of the breed is solid liver, brown or dark chocolate in color. The legs are strong and powerful.

Health Concerns:
The American Water Spaniel is generally a healthy breed. But some are occasionally prone to skin problems and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:
The American Water Spaniel does not need much shedding. Weekly brushing is suggested to maintain the coat. They should be given lots of regular exercise.

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

Advantages:

• The American Water Spaniels are very good with children and other pets in the family
• They are very gentle, kind and affectionate dogs

Disadvantages:

• The American Water Spaniels are dog aggressive with strange dogs
• They are very much food possessive

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Anatolian Shepherd Dog - Anatolian Blackhead

Introduction: 
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog also known as Karabash (Turkish literal meaning: blackhead) is a breed of dog which originated in Anatolia (central Turkey) and was further developed as a breed in America. With acute hearing, exceptional eyesight, and the strength to take down wolves, horses, and even lions, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a superb guardian of his flock. It is also called by other names such as Karabaş (Blackhead), Anatolian Blackhead (Anadolulu Karabaş), Shepherd dog (Çoban Köpeği).



History:
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is descended from ancient livestock guardian dog types that migrated with the transhumance, guarding flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs. It is plausible that dogs of this type existed 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. The dogs were called Çoban Köpeği (shepherd dog) in Turkish, and over the centuries, regional variations or landraces developed.

In the 1970s, western breeders became interested in the dogs and began developing the landrace natural breeds as modern breeds, by documenting their descent from particular ancestors and writing breed standards. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was imported from central Turkey into Petoria by author and archaeologist Charmian Hussey. Many Turkish breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a cross of the Kangal dog and the Akbash dog.

Description:
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, rough and powerful livestock guardian. He is very similar to the Great Pyrenees and the Kuvasz, but is more slender and agile. The head is in good proportion with the rest of the body, large and strong, slightly rounded, with a slight stop. The lips are black and hang down slightly, dewlap should not be extreme. The upper lip should not hang down lower than the bottom jaw's lower edge. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite, but a level bite is acceptable according to the written standard. They have triangular ears. They should be V-shaped with a rounded tip and are often black. In Turkey, the ears are often cropped very short. The eyes are medium size, set apart, almond shaped and dark brown to light amber in color. Eye rims are black in all dogs except those of the liver color, where they are brown with a brown nose. The neck is thick, slightly arched, powerful, and muscular, and has a slight dewlap. The back is powerful, muscular and level, short relative to the leg length. The front legs should reach out smoothly with no obvious pounding and are straight and set well apart. The tail is set rather high. It should be long and reaching to the hocks. When relaxed, it is carried low with the end curled upwards. When alert, the tail is carried high, making a "wheel." Both low and wheel carriage are acceptable, when gaiting. The "Wheel" carriage is preferred in the show ring. The tail will not unavoidably uncurl totally. The short or rough double coat is generally fawn with a black mask, though all color patterns and markings are equally acceptable including pinto, white and brindle. Coat is longer around the collar and the tail. The length will vary depending on the dogs lineage and the season. There are two basic coat types: medium length and medium long.
The life expectancy of this dog is about 12-15 years. The Anatolian is a muscular breed. They have thick necks, broad heads, and sturdy bodies. Their lips are tight to their muzzle and they have triangular drop ears. Males stand 26 - 31 inches. Females are between 27 to 30 inches. They weigh between 90 and 150 pounds (41 to 68 kg), with females on the smaller side and males on the larger side. The coat may be any color, although most common are white cream, "sesame," and white with large colored spots that do not cover more than 30% of the body. Known as piebald, these colors may or may not be accompanied by a black mask and/or ears. They have a thick double coat that is somewhat wiry, and needs to be brushed 1-2 times a week in warm weather due to excessive shedding. They have very thick hair on their neck to protect their throat. They are seen with docked as well as intact tails. They are a naturally thin animal with a large rib cage and small stomach. They look as if they are heavier than they actually are, due to the thick coa.
Temperament:
                  The Anatolian was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible for guarding its master's flocks without human assistance or direction. These traits make it challenging as a pet; owners of dogs of this breed must socialize the dogs to turn them into appropriate companions. They are intelligent and can learn quickly but might choose not to act upon. According to Turkish shepherds, three Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are capable of overcoming a pack of wolves and injuring one or two of them. These dogs like to roam, as they were bred to travel with their herd and to leave the herd to go hunt for predators before the predators could attack the flock. Therefore it is recommended to micro-chip and tag pets. This breed is not recommended for living in small quarters. They do well with other animals, including cats if they are introduced while still a puppy and have their own space. They are very loving and loyal animals who do well with children. They mature between 18–30 months. Both puppies and adults seem to have little interest in fetching or chewing. Rather, they prefer to run and sometimes swim

Health – Mortality:
Based on a small sample of 24 still-living dogs, the most common health issues cited by owners were dermatologic, musculoskeletal, and lipomas. Entropion and canine hip dysplasia are sometimes seen in the breed. Eyes and hips should be tested before breeding

Use in Conservation:
Anatolian Shepherd dogs are used by Dr Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund in the ongoing efforts to prevent cheetahs which have attacked livestock being killed by farmers. These dogs are bred and then given to the farmers to use in protecting and guarding their livestock from cheetah attacks.

Living Conditions:
Anatolian Shepherds are not suggested for apartment life. They are comparatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This breed is very apprehensive of strangers, and it is therefore necessary to provide a secure, fenced yard.

Exercise:
This breed needs a lot of exercise. They do best when they can run free in their own fenced-in yard, but still need to go on long daily walks.

Grooming:
This breed requires little grooming. The coat needs thorough brushing-out during the twice a year shedding season. You can get away with little attention the rest of the year. The Anatolian Shepherd is a seasonal, heavy shedder.

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American Staffordshire - Pit Bull Terrier

Introduction:
The American Staffordshire Terrier was originated in United States. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a terrier breed.  It is used as a companion dog and show dog. The place of origin of American Staffordshire Terrier is 12-14 years.  The nickname used for this breed is AmStaff.  The dog is been labeled by various names like Bull-and-Terrier, Half-and- Half, Pit dog, Pit Bull terrier, American Bull Terrier and Yankee Terrier.



Origin / History:

• The American Staffordshire Terrier was brought to United States in  the 19th century
• The American Staffordshire Terrier gained popularity in the first half of the 20th century
• They were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book  as Staffordshire Terrier  in 1936
• The name was revised to American Staffordshire  Terrier  on  January 1, 1972
• Today the breed is ranked  66 among  155 dog  breeds in USA

Nature / qualities:
The American Staffordshire Terriers are protective kind of breed.  They become aggressive and even bite the intruder if they feel that they are being threatened.  They prove to be an extra layer of protection for the owners who wants for their home.  They fight to the extent that they feel the attacker or intruder is submissive. This can be helpful in dangerous situations but may create problem to the ones who is friend or foe.  So they need to be taught properly in this regard.  They are docile and loving dog. They love to please their masters or owners.

Physical Appearance:
The height of American Staffordshire Terrier is 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) and the weight is 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg). The American Staffordshire Terrier is a well-built, muscular, compact and sturdy dog. The color of the American Staffordshire Terrier is multiple. It has strong jaws and broad skull. They have dark and round eyes.  The nose is black.  The ears are either cropped erect or semi-erect or naturally rose.  It has a short tail that tapers to a point.  The legs are long and strong.

Health Concerns:
The American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies, tumors, hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease.

Grooming:
Brushing on a regular basis is recommended. The American Staffordshire Terrier require regular exercise in order to remain healthy and happy.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1250 USD

Advantages:

• The American Staffordshire Terrier is a natural and good guard dog
• Has prove to be a good family dog over the years
• The American Staffordshire Terrier is a good breed for all ages 

Disadvantages:

• The American Staffordshire Terrier is a constant fighter
• They become aggressive and destructive if backed into a corner

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American Foxhound Dog - Foxhound

Introduction:
The American Foxhound was developed in United States. It is a hound breed.  Especially used for fox trailing. The life span of the American Foxhound is 12-13 years. It is also called as Foxhound as its nickname.



Origin / History:

• The American Foxhound was brought by Robert Brooke in  early 1650
• The American Foxhound was the first domesticated dog in America
• The American Foxhound has actually been named as the official state animal
• It is recognized in the common studbooks that the Brooke dogs were distinctly separate line from other dogs

Nature / qualities:
The American Foxhound is an energetic, easy going and friendly dog. The American Foxhounds can be stubborn and independent which causes difficulty in training and takes patience. It is difficult to make them understand that it is not necessary to bark at some people. They howl in a quite loud voice. They have a very good sense of smell. The American Foxhounds don’t run off but are clever enough to figure out how gates latch. So do not leave them off the leash, unless you are sure that there are no roads anywhere.

Physical Appearance:
The height of American Foxhound is 21-25 inches (53-64 cm) and the weight is 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg). The American Foxhound is a large, powerful and medium size dog. The color of the breed is white, black and tan. The head is long and broad. The eyes are large and brown in color. The nose is black in color. The dropped ears are of medium length. The legs are long and straight.  The tail is curved and set high.

Health Concerns:
The American Foxhound is generally a healthy breed. American Foxhounds are free of many genetic diseases such as hip and bone problems, which plague other large breeds.  They gain weight easily, so do not over feed them.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is needed. Regular vigorous exercise is recommended to this breed. They should be taken on daily walk, jog and run.

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

Advantages:

• The American Foxhound gets along with everyone, including children and other dogs
• They are very social dogs 

Disadvantages:

• The American Foxhounds do not make good watch dogs
• They become destructive in loud noises and overwhelming situations

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Alaskan Malamute Dog | Mally

Introduction:
The Alaskan Malamute was developed in the country of USA/ Alaska.  It is a working breed, bred as a sled dog. The life span of the Alaskan Malamute is 10-14 years.  It is called as Mal or Mally as its nickname.



Origin / History:

• The Alaskan Malamute is one of the world’s oldest breed
• The name  Alaskan Malamute came from  Mahlemuts, the Alaskan tribe that kept it
• The Alaskan Malamute helped the Mahlemuts tribe with virtually all facets of life including hunting and working with them and also living with them

Nature / qualities:
The Alaskan Malamute is an energetic dog.  The Alaskan Malamute is very intelligent and very quick learner. They can be trained easily to fill your needs as well.  They are loyal to their owners. They are very protective and independent dog. The Alaskan Malamute is very loving and affectionate toward their owners. The puppy Alaskan Malamutes are more energetic and active than the adult ones.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Male Alaskan Malamute is 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and the weight is 80-95 pounds (36-43 kg). The height of the Female Alaskan Malamute is 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) and the weight is 70-85 pounds (32-38 kg). The Alaskan Malamute is a well built and heavy boned dog. The color of the breed is of various shades like gray and black, always with white on underbodies, parts of legs, feet and face. The markings on the face should be cap- or masklike. The only solid color allowed is white. Blue eyes are a disqualification. The eyes are almond and brown in color. The nose is black, brown or snow.  The ears are erect and triangular in shape. The tail is plumed and curled over the back.

Health Concerns:
The Alaskan Malamute is prone to bloat, hip dysplasia and chondrodysplasia (dwarfism).

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is required. Regular exercise must be provided to the Alaskan Malamute.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 800 USD

Advantages:

• They are very friendly to other family members
• They are gentle, playful and an excellent pet

Disadvantages:

• They do not get along with other animals or pets
• They are not good guard dogs

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