Afghan Hound. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Size: Male: Height: About twenty eight inches; weight: About sixty pounds: Female: Height: About twenty six inches; weight: About fifty one pounds.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Coat: Long and silky . Colors include fawn, golden, cream, red, blue, white, gray, brindle ( dark streaks or flecks ), and tricolor all hound colors are permissible.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Also called: Afghan greyhound; Afghanischer Windhund ( German, "Afghan greyhound" or "Afghan sighthound" )

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AKC/hound; KC/hound

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                               THE AKITA!!!!!!!!!!                                  

                           Size: male: height: about 26-28 inches; weight: about 107 pounds. Female: Height: about 23-26 inches; wheight: about 89 pounds

Coat: outer coat is hard, undercoat is soft and dense. Coat color: comes in red, brindle, peppering, and white, all colors exept white must have white markings on underside.

The rather small ears of Akita puppies stand up late; after a repetitive process of pricking up and folding back,  they finally stand erect at 3-4 months. The Akita, designated as a natural treasure in Japan in 1931. Is descended from a midsize Hound dog bred with other indigenous dogs and fighter dogs in other native Northeast Japan. Once called odate, after a location in the Akita region, they often shared the dog-fighting ring with the Tosa, another fighter breed. Efforts to strengthen the breed continued, and they were bred with Western dogs such as mastiffs, which resuted in a declining number of true Akita'l. However, a preservation movement arose during the early 20'th century that began to breed out the Western linages in an effort to return the breed to its original appearance. This large, dignified dog has pricked ears and a curly tail-and a face thought to be reminiscent of classic Japanese aristocrats. One owner says, "No matter what happens, they don't react right away, and they check out the situation, remaining calm." Despite its sedate demeanor, however, the Akita requires frequent exercise. Dogs of this breed are typically obedient and loyal, but only to their owners. They are friendly enough around strangers, but only if the owner is near, and they are very strong willed, so it is important to bhuild a trusting relationship. One owner says, "When he fails in something, he tends to get very depressed. It requires considerable effort to help him regain confidence." The Akita's thick double coat requires daily brushing.

I have not owned one of these dog's before. I just think they are cute.

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Size: Male: Height: 31-32 inches; weight 120-144 pounds, Female: Height: 28-30 inches weight 100-122 pounds

Coat: Short, and glossy. Colors include brindle, fawn, blue, black, and harlequin ( black patches )
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Remarks: Kennel clubs ( exept KC and those in Germany ) require crepped ears.
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Also called: Deatsche Doggie ( German, "German Dog" )
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Great Dane puppies undergo a rapid and drastic transformation from kitten-size newborns, to calf-sized dogs, but their bones and muscles are slow to mature, so take care not to excersize them exesively when they are young.  This breed was developed by cross-breeding the boarhound- named for its aggressive quarry- with the Tibetan mastiff, the Old English mastiff, and the greyhound, retaining the dignity of the first two breeds and the elegance of the latter one, but the details of its origins are unknown. The breed name derives from the United Kingdom, where one of several French names for it, grand danois ( "big Danish" ), was slightly modified in the translation. This expressive breed, called the "opollo of dogs", appears to be unapproachably imposing, but one owner says, "They are a little stubborn, fairly delicate, and shy. They love to be abied." Nonetheless, they are friendly only to their owners. Although these quick-learning dogs are gentle giants, they are powerful, and owners of this breed should train them well from puppyhood. Also, note that they require not only a great deal of time (and space) for exercise but also a prodigious amount of food. As their coat is short, it is easy to care for; an occasional brushing is sufficient.

I have one of these dogs. It's a she. She's very pretty, but aggressive...just to let you know we are not going to call Ceasar Millan...so don't get exited.

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Size: (male) Height: 18-20 inches; weight: 40-51 pounds (female) Height: 16-18 inches; weight: 36-44 pounds

Coat: Short, straight, and hard. Colors include red, black, fawn, cream, and white.

Remarks: Tail is carriend over back or bent to either side.

Also called: Chinese fighting dog

For connoisseurs of uncommon canines, there's no dog more fascinating than the Chinese Shar-Pei. The wrinkled pups look like they are enfolded in bristly blankets, and the hippo-faced adults are unique in the canine world. Their history matches their singular appearance -- the breed was all but destroyed by the Chinese Communist regime and was saved through the Herculean efforts of a handful of breeders in Hong Kong and some Americans intrigued with the look and character of the breed.

The Shar-Pei is an ancient breed from an ancient land, perhaps related to the smooth-coated Chow Chow and the Tibetan Mastiff. The breed developed in the southern provinces of China as a working companion of farmers and peasants who needed a cattle herder, guardian, and hunting helpmate. His loose skin, nettlesome coat, and small ears protected him in battles, characteristics that unfortunately gained him favor as a fighting dog.

During the Han Dynasty some 2000 years ago, traders opened China to the West and to mastiff-type dogs that outweighed the Shar-Pei and attracted the attention of fight promoters, so the breed's fighting career was cut short. The Shar-Pei returned to his peasant roots to guard hearth and home for several centuries. After World War II, Communism took over in China, and dogs were considered a luxury that took food from the mouths of babes. Taxes on pets thinned their ranks, and by 1950, the breed was in big trouble.

Somewhere along the way, a few breeders in the British colony of Hong Kong acquired a few of these Chinese Fighting Dogs. Matgo Law was one such fancier of the wrinkled dogs, and in 1973 he and fellow breeder C.M. Chung began a campaign to save the breed with a plea for help in Dogs magazine.

Americans responded wholeheartedly and almost too well -- the Shar-Pei became a fad in the early years in the US, with pups selling for thousands of dollars and breedings done without concern for temperament, health, or structure.

A handful of Shar-Pei came to the US prior to Law's effort, but the breed was neither promoted nor developed. Chung and Law received more than 2000 responses to their appeal, and they began to send puppies to selected breeders in this country. Several of these early breeders formed the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America to form a breed standard and work together to preserve the breed.

The Chinese Shar-Pei gained entrance to the American Kennel Club miscellaneous group in 1988 and became a full-fledged member of the non-sporting group in October, 1991. The breeds numbers have increased substantially from that first cry for help; in 1994, more than 15 thousand individuals and 6600 litters were registered, placing the dog 25th in popularity of 137 breeds.

I do not own one of these dogs, but I know they are very fat and hard to take care of.                      

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The australian shepard is considered to be a very versatile breed capable of working livestock, search and rescue, hunting, even dog sledding. However, their strongest talent comes from their innate desire to herd and protect livestock. The australian shepard is also recognized for it's stamina, intelligence, attentiveness, good disposition and loyalty. The australian shepard actually originated in the basque region of the pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, but was given the australian prefix because it was originally brought to the US in the 1800's by basque shepards sailing to the US by way of Australia.

Size: (male) Height: 20-23 inches; weight: 50-65 pounds

(female) Height: 18-21 inches weight: 35-50 pounds

Coat: Straight or wavy; undercoat seasonally changes density. Feathering on neck, chest, and forelegs prominent in males. Colors include red merle, blue merle, red, and black all of which may include white markings or tan points.

Remarks: May have natural bobtail; if not, kennel clubs require docked tail.

I also do not own one of these dogs, they are very cute though! Sometimes I think of owning one. How nice that would be!

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                           AUSTRALIAN KELPIE                                        

size: ( male ) Height: 18-20 inches;

weight: 24-31 pounds

( female ) Height: 17-29 inches;

weight:20-24 punds

 Coat: Short, smooth, and dense. Colors

  include black, tan, red, chocolate, and bluish grey.

Also called: Australian sheepdog

"Compared with other breeds, Australian Kelpies seem to grow faster:

  Their eyes open earlier, their ears stand earlier, and the wean earlier,"

  one owner says. THe breeds origin and lineage are uncertain, though some 

   people believe its name is derived from the legendary Scotish water sprite;

  alternatively, it hearkens back to a dog by that name. Active, intellegent,

  and hardworking, these natives of their namesake country have great stamina.

"They are bustling about all day, and seem to sleep very little," says one owner.

"They are very serious, and they will never fail to respond to your call."

Appropriatly for dogs bred to herd sheep, Australian Kelpies are quick to size

up situations, and they know when to be aggressive and when to withdraw.

 As another owner comments, "They don't fail to accomplish what they were asked to do."

On the job, these tough, highspireted, and zealous sheepdogs can easily run

30 miles a day, so they must be walked long distances or allowed to run freely to satisfy their need for exersize, and it is important to provide them with tasks that engage them both physically and mentally. This highly social breed is easy to train and to teach various games-and fun to play with. The Australian Kelpie's all-weather coat requires little maintenance. 

We used to own one of these dog's but we had to get rid of her because she peed and pooped on our carpet. Plus Xena out Grear Dane German Shepard and Princess ( For that was her name ) were not a very good pair.

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