Glossary



Index

Body

Crest :

The area on a dog that starts at the nape of the neck (the area where the neck joins the base of the skull) and ends at the top of the shoulders.
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Flank :

An area on the side of the dog between the end of the rib cage and the start of the rear leg.
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Flew :

A dog’s lips
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Heterochromia :

A harmless genetic trait that results in a dog that has eyes that are each a different color. This trait is more common in some dogs than others.
Examples of dogs that commonly have heterochromia : Siberian huskies, American foxhounds, and Australian Shepherds.
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Miniature :

A smaller size of a dog breed that is larger than a toy-sized dog, but smaller than a medium to large dog.
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Muzzle :

The “snout” part of the dog, or the area that is composed of the upper and lower jaw.
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Occiput :

The highest point of the skull, which is at the back of the head and is a distinct feature in some dogs such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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Stop :

The indentation that divides the muzzle from the rest of the face. Some breeds like the Bull Terrier may not possess a stop.
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Toy :

The smallest size of dog, sometimes with larger counterparts.
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Withers :

The topmost point of a dog’s shoulders, which marks the highest point along their back.
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Temperament

Adaptability :

Dogs who are described as being “adaptable” are able to tolerate numerous situations that may not be appropriate for other dog breeds. Adaptable dogs are often more easy-going (at least indoors), able to be left alone for long periods of time, resilient to harsher temperatures (and therefore better suited for outdoor living), and can cope with being in confined spaces for longer periods without social interaction. Adaptable dogs are usually better suited to apartment living and households where family members are gone for most of the day.
While it’s not true for every member of the list, there are certain categories of dogs that are more adaptable than others.
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Hounds (more adaptable) : Hounds are often better at tolerating alone time. Many hounds are lazy around the house, and more weather resistant than you might imagine since they are often short-haired.
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Guard Dogs (more adaptable) :Dogs that were bred to be guard dogs are often more adaptable to being left alone or outdoors. They are often more resilient to harsher temperatures than other breeds, and do not suffer separation anxiety as readily. They’re usually pretty good about being lazy when nothing of interest is happening.
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Terriers (less adaptable) : Terriers are known to be “intense” – another temperament trait of dogs. Their intensity means that they are always on the move. They usually don’t tolerate being left alone for long periods, and they can be destructive and suffer separation anxiety. Moreover, they are often too destructive and obsessive to be left outdoors unattended. They struggle with excessive barking, so they’re often poor candidates for apartments.
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Toy Dogs (less adaptable) : Toy dogs are often bred to be companion animals, so they need constant affection. They suffer separation anxiety, and they’re very sensitive to cold temperatures due to their small size. As with terriers, they may have intense personalities or issues with excessive barking. They are often known to be fearful if not given enough training and attention.
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Family Friendly :

A dog that is family friendly is not only affectionate towards the humans of the household – they’re also great with kids! Family friendly dogs are often playful, gentle, and hearty. While they may be wonderful pets, many of these dogs may possess instincts that make them not as well rounded when it comes to how they treat strangers and other animals. Some family dogs may be excellent guard dogs that are possessive, and unfriendly towards strangers. Others may exhibit a strong prey drive that causes them to chase cats or small animals, or else, to be aggressive towards other dogs. For all around friendly breeds, see “Friendliness”.
Family Friend dog breeds include the: Golden Retriever, Poodle, Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, American Water Spaniel, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Curly-Coated Retriever.
Dog breeds that are not very family friendly include the : Akita, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Pomeranian, Affenpinscher, and the Yorkshire Terrier.
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Friendliness :

Friendliness in dogs is a description of a set of characteristics that are common to certain breeds. Friendliness comes in a variety of degrees. The most friendly dogs are affectionate with their owners, their owners pets, as well as other dogs and even strangers. Many dogs are mostly friendly, but present aloofness or shyness around strangers, may have a strong prey drive that causes them to chase cats, or may be more inclined to be snappy with other dogs and children. Even though some dogs are not known to be overly friendly, proper training and socialization can reverse most innate tendencies.

Dogs that are extremely friendly are the : Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Goldendoodles, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Samoyed, Shih Tzu, and the Labradoodle.
Dogs that are less friendly (usually with strangers, kids, or other dogs) are the : Cesky Terrier, Akita, Komondor, Chinese Shar-Pei, Cane Corso, and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
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Hearty :

Dogs are often described as hearty because they either have few health problems, or they possess a sturdy build that’s more appropriate for young children.
Dogs that are hearty because they are healthier often include :
Less popular dog breeds : They have a tendency to have fewer inbred hereditary diseases.
Designer dogs : These are dog breeds that are bred by crossing older purebred breeds, and therefore have more genetic diversity (see Mixed breeds below).
Mixed breeds : They are more genetically diverse. Generally speaking, dogs that are a cross of other dog breeds (and therefore have genetic diversity) have less of a chance of developing the genetic health risks of either parent.
Dogs that are hearty because they are more durable include :
Large Dogs : They are usually less prone to physical injuries due to their size
Sturdy Dogs : A dog that is “sturdy” has a more durable skeletal structure. Even small dogs can be sturdy.
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Intelligence :

While intelligence is objective, there are certain characteristics that are commonly considered to demonstrate intelligence in dogs. Intelligent dogs are often easier to train, more attentive, inquisitive, and have a better memory, but they usually require more mental stimulation and will become destructive without it. Additionally, intelligent dogs are often sensitive and respond poorly to negative reinforcement.
Examples of highly intelligent dog breeds are the : Poodle and Poodle mixes such as the Aussiepoo, German Shepherd, Corgi, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and the Papillon.
Examples of less intelligent dog breeds are the : Basset Hound, Mastiff, Beagle, Pekingese, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Chow Chow, Bulldog, and Afghan Hound.
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Mouthy :

A mouthy dog is one that is more likely to nip or bite, especially without proper training. Even if a dog has a tendency to be nippy, most intelligent breeds are easy discouraged with consistent training. However, it may be difficult to train them if there are kids in the family
Mouthy dogs include : Hunting hounds such as Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Retrievers, Terriers, and dogs that are bred for herding sheep or livestock.
Less mouthy dogs include : Companion dogs such as the Pug, and the Cavalier King Charles, and Large dogs that are notoriously lazy.
*A note on mouthiness : Although Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, many of them have an instinct to be very gentle with their mouths. This is common for retriever-type dogs, as they need to retrieve waterfowl gently.
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Prey Drive :

A term used to describe how instinctually strong a dog’s need to chase prey is. Some types of dogs have a tendency to have a higher prey drive. Terriers are notorious prey driven dogs that will chase nearly anything that moves. Dogs that were bred to be companion animals, such as the Havanese, have less of a prey drive.
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Sensitivity :

Often mistaken for intelligence, sensitivity is a temperament trait that describes a dog that is easily offended or excessively emotional when given harsh feedback from a human. While most intelligent dogs are also sensitive, some dogs may be sensitive without possessing most of the typical traits considered to be intelligent, and visa-versa. Dogs that are not considered sensitive are often described as resilient, thick-skinned, tolerant, and easy-going.
Examples of sensitive dog breeds are the : Border Collie, Poodle, Coton de Tulear, Maltese
Examples of less sensitive dogs are the : Australian Terrier, American Foxhound, Pekingese, and the Chow Chow.

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Velcro Dog :

A dog that grows incredibly attached to a single owner, and may follow that person everywhere. Velcro dogs are often small dogs that were bred to be companion animals. Due to their need for consistent attention, they may be prone to suffering separation anxiety.
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Versatility :

Versatile dogs are dogs who can adapt to a variety of dog-related work that often requires a different set of instincts that don’t typically come together. Versatile dogs are good candidates for dog sports, trick training, and search and rescue. Versatile hunting dogs are handy for hunters that require multiple dog-related techniques such as tracking, retriever, and flushing.
Some breeds that are considered to be quite versatile are the : Vizsla, Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Spanish Water Dog, and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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Training

Independent / Willful :

Independent dogs are dogs that may or may not be people pleasing, but are not as subservient as dogs that are not considered to be independent. An independent dog has a “mind of its own” and may sometimes possess a “what’s in it for me” attitude towards training. Though they are not necessarily “worshipful” like their people-pleasing counterparts, these dogs often have a “team mate” sort of mentality whereby they naturally view their owners more as equals than masters, and may sometimes disagree with you or question your judgement. Terrier-type dogs are infamous for being independent thinkers.
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People-Pleasing :

A quality that describes dogs that are usually subservient and always eager to please their owners. People pleasing dogs are known to be easier to train, especially in activities or tricks that require more effort or thought. These dogs often have a natural instinct to place their owners on a “pedestal” so to speak. Sheep herding dogs, such as the Rough Coated Collie, or the Border Collie are usually people-pleasing.

Separation Anxiety :

Dogs that suffer separation anxiety demonstrate destructive behaviors when left alone. Separation anxiety is more common in some dogs than in others. Dogs that are bred to be companion animals, or work very closely alongside people are more likely to suffer separation anxiety. Dogs that are more aloof, less sensitive, cat-like, independent, or adaptable to being left alone for long periods or living outdoors are less likely to have problems with separation anxiety. Often times, incredibly intelligent dogs will be more prone to separation anxiety because they are more invested in pleasing, and working with humans.
Dogs that are known to suffer separation anxiety include the : Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, German Shepherd, Poodles, Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrier, and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Dogs that are more adaptable to being left alone include the : Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Shar-Pei, Boston Terrier, Pug, Chow Chow, and the Shiba Inu.
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Stubborn :

Dogs that are described as “stubborn” are usually very difficult to train. Although they may understand what you want, stubborn dogs are unlikely to learn or obey commands quickly. Even when trained, these dogs may frequently try to test the rules of the house and may engage in dominance struggles. Stubborn dogs require more experience to raise and train than people-pleasing dogs. These dogs may be described as “habitual line steppers”. They take into consideration just how far you are willing to go to enforce obedience and may take a stand against commands. It is not unusual for a stubborn dog to perform a trick once or twice, and then refuse to continue. Stubborn dogs may also have a “I don’t have to do it because you can’t catch me” mentality when trained off-leash.
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Health

Addison’s disease :

Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this condition is a disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones. This condition is relatively uncommon in dogs, and with proper treatment, affected dogs can be expected to live a normal life.
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Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) :

A genetic disease that affects the Lagotto Romagnolo breed, in which dogs between 5 and 9 weeks of age develop seizures. However, the clinical signs of this disease will resolve around 4 months of age. Dogs that are affected by BFJE may also develop ataxia.
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Bloat :

This life threatening, relatively common condition is also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex, this condition occurs when the stomach of a dog fills with air. The condition is most common in dogs that have a deep and narrow chest and older dogs. There are a few breeds that are more likely to contract it. Bloat is a medical emergency! Without treatment, dogs may die within a couple of hours from this condition. This condition can cause death if not addressed by a veterinarian, so you should take your vet to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect your dog may have it.
Symptoms of bloat include :
• Distended abdomen (the stomach area)
• Retching (as if to vomit)
• Excessive salivation or drooling
• Restlessness
Also know that an affected dog will whine or indicate pain if you press on their belly. If your dog is burping, or passing gass, it is likely that they will be fine, but it is still important to contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY!
Preventing Bloat :
While you can never be 100% sure, there are some ways you can try to prevent bloat from happening. The most important way to prevent bloat is to keep your dog a healthy weight. Dogs that are overly excited are more likely to develop bloat, so train your dog to be calm when presented with food, and feed your dog in a safe and non-competitive atmosphere. Feeding your dog twice a day, rather than once, will also reduce their risk of getting bloat.
Pro-Tip!
Dogs appear to develop bloat more readily if they eat too fast. To avoid this, and give your dog an entertaining activity that will challenge their eyes, nose, and brain, try scattering dry dog food over your kitchen floor for a fun scavenger hunt!
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Hip Dysplasia :

Hip Dysplasia is the medical term for a condition in which the hip socket doesn’t completely cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone, thereby allowing the hip joint to become partially or totally dislocated. This condition may worsen over time, and can cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis. Though it is a genetic trait, environmental factors can help discourage the onset of hip dysplasia; never allow a dog that is predisposed to develop hip dysplasia to become overweight.
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Lagotto Storage Disease :

This is a genetic disease that affects the Lagotto Romagnolo. It is a very severe, lethal neurodegenerative disease that is auto-recessive.
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) :

This disease affects some breeds of dogs, and rarely, some cats as well. PRA actually refers to a group of degenerative eye disorders that can cause blindness in both eyes. The surface of an affected dog’s eye becomes cloudy, gray, and may take on a “greenish shine”. The best way to prevent this disease is to purchase your dog from a reputable breeder who has paperwork proving that the parents have been screened for the gene that causes PRA. Unfortuantely, for PRA, there is no cure or treatment currently available, and although this isn’t a painful disease for dogs, it always ends in blindness.
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Sebaceous Adenitis :

This is a rare disease which causes inflammation of the sin and affects the glands of young and middle-aged dogs. Some dogs are more commonly affected, such as : Poodles, Akitas, Vizslas, Shih Tzus, and Samoyeds. The disease causes a somewhat “moth-eaten” pattern of hair loss which starts in the head and neck.
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Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis :

This condition is a heart defect which affects the left ventricle of the heart and restricts blood flow. Symptoms may not be apparent in mild cases, but in moderate to severe cases, affected dogs may experience weakness, difficulty breathing, fainting, and in extreme cases – sudden death.
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Von Willebrands disease :

A blood-clotting disorder that results in excessive bleeding from even minor wounds. Symptoms of the disease include : nosebleeds, black or bright red blood in the feces, bloody urine, bleeding from the gums, excessive bleeding from the vagina. Dogs may also exhibit skin bruising, prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma, and anemia as a result of prolonged bleeding. Some dogs are more likely to be affected, including : German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Standard Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Golden Retrievers. Though there is no routine treatment for the disease, mild to moderately affected dogs can be expected to live normal lives, where as severely affected dogs may occasionally require blood transfusions.
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Coat

Dander :

Loose flakes of dried skin that shed from an animal. Dander is often attached to loose strands of fur that are being shed. Different breeds of dogs produce different levels of dander, and dogs that are hypoallergenic usually produce less.
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Hypoallergenic :

A word used to describe something that is less likely to invoke an allergic response. Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs whose coats are either low shedding, or no shedding, and which produce less dander. Dog saliva is known to cause allergies, so dogs that drool less are also considered to be hypoallergenic.
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Tear Stains :

Tear stains are dark marks that stain the fur under a dog’s eyes. Tear stains are common in toy and small dog breeds, as well as in dogs that suffer from allergies. Remove tearstains by gently wiping the area with a warm, damp paper towel.
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Undercoat :

An undercoat is a layer of a dogs coat that can be found in dogs that have what is called a “double coat”. A dog’s undercoat is downy-soft to the touch, and serves to keep them warm. Undercoats shed! However, hypoallergenic dogs that also possess an undercoat usually have top coats that catch and contain the fur that has been shed, so with regular brushing, they don’t usually bother those that suffer from dog allergies.
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Coat Colors

Brindle :

A coat color in dogs that results in a pattern of color that is somewhat similar to that of a tiger.

Merle :

A coat color that occurs in some dogs, resulting in a mottled patches of color that cover the dog’s coat. A merle coat is similar to that of a brindle coat, in that they are both multi-colored, however the brindle pattern is more similar to that of a tiger. Dogs that have the merle gene may have blue or heterochromatic eyes (where each eye is a different color).
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Phantom :

A black and tan coloring that is similar to that of the Doberman Pinscher.
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Roan (coat color) :

A coat color found in horses, cattle, and dogs – it is a coat which presents an even mixture of white hairs and colored hairs.
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Groooming

Clean Face :

A term used to describe the process of shaving a dogs face, muzzle, and cheeks very close to the skin. The typical Poodle Cut has a clean face.
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Clean Feet :

The feet of the dog are shaved down to the skin, exposing the toes and toenails. The traditional Poodle Cut has clean feet.
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Clippers :

A razor-like tool that’s often electrically powered. These tools are used to shave off a dogs fur. Clippers have different heads that come in different sizes that allow groomers to either completely shave a dog, or leave a certain length of hair behind. As an example, a 4F blade will leave about ½” of fur.
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De-matting :

Some dogs, especially breeds with curly or wavy fur, can develop dreadlock-like matts in their fur if they’re not groomed regularly enough. Dematting is the process of removing that matted fur.
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Feathers :

Feathers are a fringe of hair that is longer than the hair around it. Certain breeds like Border Collies have feathers on their hind legs.
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Pom Poms :

Balls of fluff that are left at the ankles or tip of the tail.
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Scissoring :

A technique used by groomers to fine-tune a trim by using a comb and scissors. This technique is often used to trim a dog’s face, feet, and tail. However, some dogs have distinctive cuts that require the use of scissoring in other areas, such as the legs.
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Skirt :

An area of hair that hangs down at the bottom of a dog’s side between their front and hind legs. Schnauzers have a skirt.
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Lion Cut :

A choice cut for dogs such as the Lowchen and the Portuguese Water Dog, a lion cut is a type of coat cut in which the back end of the dog is sheared to the skin, but tufts at the chest, shoulders, tail, and feet are left to give the dog a lion-like appearance.
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Poodle Cut :

There are numerous different types of cuts for a purebred poodle that involve leaving pom-poms and coat areas that are uncut. The fur of the poodle is then dried straight to give it a poofy look. The typical Poodle Cut has clean feet and a clean face. It is common to leave hair on the chest and ears, and pom poms at the ankles and the tip of the tail. Sometimes, Poodles will have hair on the hindquarters as well.
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Puppy Cut :

A puppy cut is a type of coat cut in which the fur of the dog is sheared to a short length that is easy to maintain.
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Sanitary Trim :

The process of trimming the fur on the belly and bum near the dogs genitals and anus. These trims are important to keep the dog clean in these areas.
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Schnauzer Cut :

The Shnauzer cut is a distinctive type of coat cut in which the body is cut closely, but furnishings on the legs are left. This cut type leaves a “skirt” which is longer hair on the belly between the front and back legs. In the Shnauzer cut, the eyebrows are shaped and the ears and cheeks are shaved.
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Dog Clubs

AKC :

The American Kennel Club, a kennel club that registers purebred dogs and promotes American dog events such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
(Visit the AKC here)
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CKC :

The Canadian Kennel Club, a kennel club that registers purebred dogs and promotes Canadian dog events.
(Visit the CKC here)
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EKC :

The European Kennel Club, whose mission is to “provide an opportunity for dogs from all registries to compete against each other in conformation and in a variety of working disciplines” (from europeankennelclub.eu)
(Visit the EKC here)
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FCI :

Fédération Cynologique Internationale, or the World Canine Organization, is the largest international federation of kennel clubs. It was founded in 1911 by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. 84 different countries are members of the FCI, which oversees breed clubs, coordinates efforts, and recognizes pedigrees and judges internationally.
(Visit the FCI here)
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UKC :

The United Kennel Club is the second oldest kennel club in the United States, it registers purebred dogs in all 50 states as well as many foreign countries.
(Visit the UKC here)
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Dog Types

Bird Dog :

A gun dog that is bred to hunt or retrieve birds. This broad category includes most hunting dogs including spaniels, pointers, setters, and retrievers, but does not usually include hounds or terriers. Bird dogs usually do not track ground scents so they are more likely to hold their head high to either locate prey by sight, or catch the scent of a prey on the air.
Examples : The Boykin Spaniel, Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and the English Cocker Spaniel.

For more information view :
Pointer
Setter
Sight-hounds
Spaniel

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Cattle Dog :

Cattle dogs are bred to herd cattle. They often possess a very sturdy build and may be short or have bodies that are low slung and long. These dogs are made this way to protect them from being kicked by cattle. Some cattle dog breeds have wrinkles on their faces which allow them to bite cattle without getting blood in their eyes.
Examples include : American Bull Dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and the Australian Cattle Dog.

For more information view :
Herding Dog
Pastoral Dog
Working Dog

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Companion :

A dog that is bred to be a pet, rather than a working animal. Many toy breeds are bred to be companion dogs. Companion dogs often require more human interaction, are less tolerant of extreme temperatures and therefore not adaptable to outdoor living, and are known to suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. These dogs usually need less exercise than working breeds.
Examples of companion dogs are : Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Lowchen, Toy Poodle, and the Xoloitzcuintli

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Guard :

Dogs that are bred to protect people, animals, or territory. Some guard dogs are livestock protectors, where as others may have other working purposes. Examples of guard dogs are : Akita, Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Giant Shnauzer, and the Puli.

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Gun Dog :

Gun dogs are hunting dogs that were developed to aid hunters in finding and retrieving game such as birds. Gun dogs are divided into three categories depending on the purpose they fulfill. These categories are: retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointing dogs.

For more information view :
Hunting Dog
Bird Dog
Retriever
Pointer
Hounds
Setters
Spaniel

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Herding Dog :

Herding dogs are pastoral dogs that are bred to herd sheep or cattle. Herding dogs are often highly intelligent, but require much more attention when it comes to training and handling. They have a tendency to nip the heels of children and herd smaller dogs and animals.

For more information view :
Cattle Dog
Pastoral Dog
Sheep Dog
Working Dog

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Hounds :

Hounds are a category of dog that is bred for hunting. They often have droopy ears and a strong instinct to chase prey. Some hounds will make unusual noises such as “baying” which similar to a howl, but frankly much more obnoxious. Hounds are tentatively divided into two groups, sight hounds, and scent hounds, with a few breeds having instincts for both.

For more information view :
Sight Hounds
Scent Hounds
Gun Dog
Hunting Dog

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Hunting :

Dogs that are bred for a variety of purposes to help hunters succeed on hunting trips. These purposes include locating prey or pointing at prey that is hiding, flushing birds from tall grass, retrieving injured prey, luring prey into shooting range, and chasing or catching prey.

For more information view :
Gun Dogs
Bird Dog
Retriever
Pointer
Hounds
Setters
Spaniel

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Pastoral :

Pastoral dogs are a type of dog that is used for working on farms. There are different jobs that pastoral dogs may perform, the most notable of which are cattle herding, sheep herding, and flock protection.

For more information view :
Cattle Dog
Herding Dog
Sheep Dog
Working Dog

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Pointer :

The pointer is a type of gun dog that assists hunters by locating prey, and sometimes flushing game. These dogs get their name from their strong instinct to freeze and point their muzzle at prey – often with a lifted foot and a straight tail. Many setter and spaniel type dogs are also pointers.
Examples : Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, English Pointer, German Longhaired Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Old Danish Pointer, Portuguese Pointer, Slovak Rough-haired Pointer

For more information view :
Sight Hounds
Gun Dog
Hunting Dog

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Primitive :

This class of dogs represents a large number of dog breeds that are very primitive, or spitz-type. These dogs are often instinctually more similar to the wolf and therefore do not demonstrate as many of the behaviors that have been bred into dogs to make them suitable pets. Some of these breeds are among the oldest in the world.

For more information view :
Spitz

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Retriever :

Retrievers are a type of gun dog that are bred to retrieve game, usually waterfowl. Due to their instincts, retrievers are usually very people-pleasing dogs that are weather resistant and make great outdoor pets provided they get plenty of attention from their owners.
Examples : Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Standard Poodle, Wirehaired Vizsla, and many dogs that are also part of the Spaniel gun dog category.

For more information view :
Hunting Dog
Bird Dog
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Scent Hounds :

Hound dogs that hunt primarily using their noses rather than their eyes. These dogs often have long ears and may have low-slung bodies that are close to the ground. They aren’t nearly as fast as sight hounds as a general rule of thumb, but they’re notorious for running full blast while mysteriously being able to hold their nose to the ground at the same time.
Examples of Scent Hounds include the: American Foxhound, Austrian black and tan hound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Coonhound, Dachshund, Otterhound, and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

For more information view :
Hunting Dog
Bird Dog
Pointer

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Setter :

A setter is a type of hunting dog that systematically and methodically tracks down prey and then freezes when prey is located, rather than giving chase. Usually, setters are used to track down birds. Once a setter has indicated the location of a flock of birds, they are usually sent to flush the birds out for the hunter to shoot.
Examples: English Setter, French Spaniel, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter (also called a red setter), Irish Red and White Setter

For more information view :
Hunting Dog
Bird Dog
Pointer

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Sheep Dog :

Sheep dogs are dogs that are bred to herd sheep. They are often fluffy with long noises that may be pointed. The coloring of sheep dogs is often chosen to help the dog scare sheep into moving – black and white or brown and white are both common color combinations for sheep dogs.
Examples include : Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Rough Coated Collies.

For more information view :
Herding Dog
Pastoral Dog
Working Dog

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Sight Hounds :

Hounds that are instinctively driven to find prey mostly with their eyes. Sight Hounds often pick up their heads and scan the scenery when hunting or playing. They often rely on speed to catch their prey.
Examples of Site Hounds include the: Afghan Hound, Borzoi , Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Italian Greyhound, Old Croatian Sighthound, Saluki , Scottish Deerhound, Whippet

For more information view :
Hunting Dog
Gun Dog
Bird Dog
Pointer
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Spaniel :

A spaniel is a type of gun dog that were originally bred to flush game out of denser brush, but soon were bred and used as water and land working breeds. Spaniels are distinguished by their long, silky coats, and drooping ears.
Examples : American Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Papillon, and the Blue Picardy Spaniel.

For more information view :
Hunting Dog
Gun Dog
Pointer

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Spitz :

A type of dog generally with northern origins that has a foxy face with erect ears, and a tail which curls over the back.
Examples of Spitz include the: Akita Inu, Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute, American Akita, Chow Chow, Canadian Eskimo dog, and the Finnish Spitz.

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Terriers :

Terries are a type of dog that were bred to hunt rats and vermin. Most terriers are quite small, but there are a few examples such as the Airedale terrier. Terriers are infamous for their “terrier temperament”. The terrier temperament is very volatile, energetic, and obsessive. Terriers are known to be dominant with an extremely powerful prey drive. They are fast, brave, and curious.

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Water Dog :

Water dogs are dogs that are trained to provide various services relating to water. Examples of water services are : herding fish, retrieving items that have fallen overboard, saving people who are drowning, towing boats to shore, acting as courier between two ships or between a ship and the shore, and retrieving game from the water.
Examples of water dogs : Portuguese Water Dog, Golden Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Spanish Water Dog, Newfoundland, and the Standard Poodle.

For more information view :
Retriever

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Working :

The category of “working dogs” includes dogs that have been bred to perform certain tasks, and are therefore more than just pets. Working dogs are the opposite of companion dogs in most cases. They generally need more exercise but are better suited for sports and trick training.

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Dog Sports

Agility :

A sport in which dogs are commanded to complete a set of obstacles in a certain order. Faults and disqualifications are given to dogs that make mistakes. Dogs that complete the course with the faster time without being disqualified win.
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Conformation/Showing :

A conformation event is a dog show in which well bred, purebred dogs whose breed is recognized by a kennel club compete. The dog that adheres to it’s breed standard the best, wins.
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Disc Dog :

A sport in which dogs and their frisbee-throwing humans compete. Dogs are challenged to do a series of different frisbee catches that test their speed, coordination, and agility. Points are awarded for different throws, and the dog that achieves the most points wins.
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Dock Jumping :

A sport in which dogs compete by jumping off of a dock to fetch an object. The dog that jumps the farthest wins.
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Flyball :

A dog sport that is unusual in that it features teams of dogs rather than individuals. Dogs race down a straight path that is lined with jumps to retrieve a tennis ball. Upon their return, the next dog is released. The team whose dogs finished first wins.
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Lure Coursing :

Lure coursing is a dog race in which does chase a mechanically operated lure that moves in a way that simulates chasing prey. he fastest dog wins.
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Other

Backyard Breeder :

A “backyard breeder” is a term used to describe substandard, independent breeding operations. While not everybody who breeds dogs in their backyard is necessarily a bad breeder, “backyard breeders” are notorious for caring little for the health of the animals they are breeding. They often will not provide paperwork to prove that their animals are healthy, and they will not ask many questions about the household that the animal is going to or the life they will have. Breeders like this are often in it for the money, and not much else. Consequently, the puppies they produce often have genetic health problems and behavioral issues.
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Poodle :

A versatile, intelligent breed of dog that comes in various sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and a vast amount of coat colors. Poodles are often mixed with other dog breeds because their hypoallergenic curly coat is a dominant gene that causes other breeds to be hypoallergenic as well. Poodles are regarded to be the second most intelligent dog breed.
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Puppy Mill :

A factory-like establishment that breeds dogs in inhumane conditions without regard to the health of the parents or lineage, or the actual dogs themselves. Puppy mills often breed dogs in tiny cages, where the puppies will live most of their young lives. The mother dog is never given proper exercise or attention and often doesn’t see the light of day. Puppies produced by these establishments often have behavioral problems due to the stress of the mother and the poorness of the environment in which they are raised. Additionally, puppy mill dogs often have severe genetic health issues that will develop later in life due to poor breeding practices.
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