The American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel originated around the mid-nineteenth century. The breed was developed in the Midwestern United States, probably in the areas of the Fox River and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. Hunters needed a dog that could function on land as well as in the swamp, while easily fitting into a canoe or skiff without taking up much room and the American Water Spaniel fitted the job perfectly. The breed has the reputation of being an excellent hunter and farm dog.


Its direct ancestors include the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel as well as the English Water Spaniel, the Field Spaniel and possibly the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The breed reached its peak of popularity sometime between the 1920’s and 1930’s. It is now a very rare breed.

Their behavior shows intelligence, eagerness to plea and is very friendly. The American Water Spaniel is very loyal, obedient, persistent and energetic. Commonly gentle with children and other pets, the American Water Spaniel is an ideal family pet. Although, they may become aggressive with other dogs they don’t know. If socialized, this breed is friendly with strangers.

Since they have a tendency to bark excessively, they make superior watchdogs. Also, some American Water Spaniel may “yodel” when excited! Very cute and funny. Adoring attention, the American Water Spaniel loves to play, yet can also create its own fun.

American Water Spaniels require excessive about of exercise, and enjoy to swim and hunt. Lots of games such as fetch and Frisbee are also a great way to work out some of that energy. Country houses with lots of room are recommended to own an American Water Spaniel. Very good for active families.

A 5 week old puppy.

The American Staffordshire Terrier

Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s athletic build and intelligence make them ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation.

Until the early 19th century, the Bulldog used for bull baiting in England was more active and longer-legged than the breed as we know it today. It is thought that the cross of this older Bulldog and a game terrier breed created the Staffordshire Terrier.

Originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half or Pit Dog, it became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England. When the American Kennel Club accepted them as a breed in 1936, the name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to be a sign of the heavier American type and to distinguish them as separate breeds.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that thrives when they are made part of the family and given a job to do. Their short coat is low-maintenance, but regular exercise and training is necessary. They are usually obedient, and love to please. The Staffie is very loyal to its master

The American Staffordshire Terrier was once used primarily for fighting. That practice, however, was banned in the early 1900’s. Now, the American Staffordshire Terrier is very intelligent, happy and outgoing. They are a very confident breed, yet are gentle and loving towards children. Although,
 un-socialized Staffies are often aggressive. The Staffie will always protect its pack and they may bite and attack any threat. Be sure to make sure to socialize thoroughly as a puppy to prevent this. This terrier NEEDS to be shown it isn’t the pack leader and must have a firm and consistent owner who will always show that he/she is the alpha.

The American Fox Hound

The American Fox hound is a direct descendant of the English Fox hound. The ENGLISH Fox Hound was first brought to America in 1650 by Robert Brooke. The English Fox hounds were immediately popular with the richer people, who used them in the popular sport, fox hunting.

A century later an English Fox Hound was bred with a French Hound, as gift to George Washington from Lafayette. The combination of the French and English Hounds resulted in the creation of the American Fox hound.

American Foxhounds are a scent hound and were created purely for the purpose of hunting fox.

The American Fox Hound is sweet and affectionate, yet they are also brave and determined hunters. They are gentle with children, and get along with other dogs as they are a pack-hunting breed. Although, they shouldn't ever be trusted with other pets who aren't dogs.
The American Fox Hound is a very friendly breed, yet if they are able to think they are the 'Alpha Dog', they often become very protective.

The American Fox Hound needs lots of exercise and are seemingly tireless. They are not recommended for apartments and need lots of space: such as a farm with many acres. This breed makes a good outdoor dog, and needs firm training.

The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog originated somewhere in the United States during the 20th century. It is unknown of exactly where, but many believe it was New York City. The American Eskimo Dog was once known as the German Spitz or the American Eskimo Spitz. They were the first breed of dog to walk a tightrope, and were very popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s as circus dogs.

The American Eskimo Dog is very intelligent, easy to train and very eager to please. They are very friendly, although are slightly unadventurous. The American Eskimo Dog is never overly shy or aggressive, making them great show dogs. Also, this breed does make an excellent watchdog, and do tend to announce the arrival of any stranger with a bark, but will not threaten to bite or attack. They are in addition are protective of their home and family.

The American Eskimo Dog is a wonderful companion dog. They show a representation of strength, agility, alertness and beauty.

There are three different sizes of the American Eskimo Dog: Toy, Miniature and Standard.

The American English Coonhound

Renowned for speed and endurance, the American English Coonhound has a strong but agile body. This Coonhound is a balanced, powerful dog and they make great hunters. They are an alert and confident breed, but are also sociable with humans and other dogs. This breed makes excellent family pets, and is wonderful with children. Although, they do have a very loud bark.

The American English Coonhound is just the American Version of the English Coonhound, and is descended mainly from the English Foxhound. The name “Coonhound” is the shortened form of raccoon hound, as Coonhounds were often used to hunt raccoons.

The American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest dog in the Gundog group, and its name comes from the Woodcock, the bird the American Cocker Spaniel is good at finding. The American Cocker Spaniel is a different breed of dog than the English Cocker Spaniel because The American Cocker Spaniel has a longer coat, a longer neck and is slightly smaller. The dog became its own breed in 1946. Before than it was the same as the English Cocker Spaniel.

Easy to train and own, the American Cocker Spaniel is a very popular family pet. They are sweet-natured, sturdy, lively, friendly, obedient and intelligent. Although, the American Cocker Spaniel does need quite a lot of grooming, and they are an active breed that requires daily exercise. This breed is not a lap-dog, but does love a cuddle from its ‘person’.

The Alaskan Malamute

This powerful, large breed, was bred in Alaska for sled pulling by the Mahlemutes, which was a tribe of Eskimos. Alaskan Malamutes are the biggest sled pulling dog and were bred for endurance rather that speed, although they are quite fast.

Alaskan Malamutes are generally smaller than Siberian Huskies, and the husky is slightly more friendly. Also, the tail of the Malamute arches over their backs where the Husky's is just a bushy dog tail.

Alaskan Malamutes love their owners company, and are friendly towards other people, so they don’t make good guard-dogs. Malamutes do need a large yard, but do occasionally do enjoy coming inside. Alaskan Malamutes are not good in hot countries such as Australia, so if kept out in the hot, it’s a good idea to have a pool, pond, a large bird bath, or even a bath tub, just as long as they can fit inside with some room to move around.
Malamutes need lots and lots of exercise.
This breed also does tend to shed a lot, but can be controlled by giving them a good brush every 2-3 days.

The Akita

Going back to 800BC, the Akita or Akita Inu, was bred for dog fighting and hunting bears (they even look like bears!) in Japan; now they are used to be guard dogs and companions.

Akita’s are named after a city in Northern Japan, where they were first bred.
During 1931, they became Japan’s ‘National Treasure.’
They were also, popular Samurai dogs.
After World War Two, the Americans took these big, tough and strong dogs back to America. There they were bred and that is how they spread around the world.

Having pointed ears, a narrow nose and a curled tail means that the Akita is part of the ‘spitz’ group; meaning ‘sharp point’ in German.

To be able to own an Akita you need to have firm handling, and firm training; with this and the appropriate upbringing, the Akita could be an outstanding family pet.
They get along great with other people, when trained, but not with other dogs and animals, this must always watched. That does not mean isolate your Akita and never give it socialization. Akita’s are not recommended for soft or first-time dog owners. This breed needs lots of space, and to be brushed every day or two with a grooming mit, and more during molting.

The Airedale Terrier

Also Known as the 'King Of Terriers', the Airedale Terrier is the largest breed in the terrier group. Airedale Terriers are very lively, intelligent, loyal and affectionate if brought up correctly. They make wonderful companions, as they love playing, running, going out in the car, lazing around, really whatever you want to do! Except going to the vet, like all dogs, right? :)
Airedale Terriers are all round dogs, and are good for everyone who likes a big dog. They make great family pets. They aren't too active, but do need a daily run. Unfortunately, the Airedale is prone to Hip Dyspepsia, so you much watch carefully how you feed, and how much you exercise.

Since they are hardy, strong and aware, they make good guard-dogs. They are also one of the first breeds of dog to be used as police dogs in Great Britain. The Airedale Terrier has also been used as a messenger dog, rodent controller in wartime; and a hunter for game birds.
These terriers are sometimes called the Waterside Terrier, for their water working, the Working Terrier or the Bingley Terrier.

The name 'terrier' comes from the word 'terrarri' given by the Romans in the 1st century to dogs. 'Terro' means Earth.


Airedale Terriers make great show dogs, and they generally cost about $400 in NSW, Australia from a good breeder.
The Airedale Terrier needs a good brush once a week, and a clip about four times a year. They shed twice a year.

The Afghan Hound

Bred is Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is a sight-hound. Sight hounds are hunting dogs that use their excellent eyesight to hunt instead of their nose like most gundogs. Afghan Hounds are fast, strong and are an very elegant breed related to the Greyhound. They need lots of exercise.
Afghans also need to be groomed at least once a day. When well groomed, they are a very beautiful breed. Afghan Hounds are very tall, even taller than the German Shepherd or the Doberman Pinscher!

Afghan Hounds have great popularity world-wide, but are quite dumb, and are the hardest breed to train in the world. Although, they are great companions and are very devoted to their owners.

When the Afghan Hound eats it’s a good idea to put a snook over the dog’s ears. A snook is like a bib that goes around the dogs head, and holds back their long ears to stop food getting them dirty.
It’s easy to make a snook, all you need is some fabric, and measure it around the Afghan’s head, and sow. Just make sure it can slip on and of easily, but can’t fall of. It’s best to get your dog used to this when it’s a pup.