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Dogs + Breed Characteristics

  • Hailing from Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was bred to guard livestock. The breed is not well-known outside of his native land, except to fanciers. Guarding instincts are highly developed and can be misplaced if owners are not aware of this.

  • At first glance, the Aussie Cattle Dog looks like a commoner from the streets of Sydney. On closer inspection, you can see in his face an uncommon intensity of purpose, a true sense of self, and a keen intelligence. This is no ordinary dog; all of the romance of the Australian outback seems embodied in this diamond-in-rough.

  • The Australian Shepherd must have a job to do in order to be content, whether it's an obedience routine, a chance to round up sheep, or helping with various household chores. This agile, quick-thinking dog can be a joy to owners who want a dog by their side in all things, but a challenge to those who expect the dog to entertain herself.

  • Happy, sunny, and feisty as all get-out, the Australian Terrier knows he has serious work to do: chase anything that moves, bark at anything that approaches, and keep you in stitches.

  • The Basenji may be the most un-doglike dog on our planet. He does not bark, cleans himself in a manner similar to that of a cat, is a good climber, and is relatively independent.

  • Despite its droopy visage, the joyful Basset Hound is a good-natured, loving dog that plays well with children and is happy most of the time with everyone in its family, including the cat.

  • The Beagle is a sociable, easy-going individual who enjoys meeting anyone and everyone – especially children and other dogs. That said, the breed does have an independent streak, and any self-respecting Beagle is inevitably at the mercy of his nose.

  • The Bearded Collie just loves life. He is an active, shaggy dog with an effervescent personality, always ready to join his people in any activity.

  • The Beauceron is alert, courageous, and loyal, making him an ideal family guardian. He's also eager to please and extremely intelligent, gifted at any task involving learning, memory, and reasoning.

  • Anyone can see why the Bedlington Terrier is called the "little lamb dog." That gentle manner, that lamb-soft coat, those tasseled ears... adorably affectionate and sweet, the Bedlington is the perfect combination of a loving and devoted family pet and a fiery, brave-hearted terrier that can run like the wind on the hunt or defend himself with lion-like courage if provoked.