Basset Artesien Normand Dog

COUNTRY: France

WEIGHT: 33 pounds

HEIGHT: 101/2-141/2 inches

COAT: Short and smooth

COLOR: Tricolor or orange/white

OTHER NAMES: Artesian Norman Basset

REGISTRY: FCI

GROUP: Hound

Short-legged dogs were present in northern France for many years where they were generally known as Norman Bassets, although many also came from Artois (Artesien), Frenchman Fauilloux's memoirs from the 17th century mention his use of short-legged dogs from Artois for hunting badger.
By the end of the 19th century, when identification of individual breeds was begun throughout the world, two types of "Norman" bassets existed that were unrelated to one another. The Count Le Coulteux de Canteleu was breeding strong-bodied, straight-legged bassets with particular emphasis on hunting qualities rather than on "classic" appearance. In head type, they were similar to the Chien d'Artois, with the small flat ear. Near Rouen another breeder, Louis Lane, was emphasizing aesthetic characteristics, and his hounds had noble heads with large drooping ears. But they also had less energy, due to the extremely dwarfed front legs, so curved that the dogs were half disabled. Many other breeders of the area, wanting the best of the extremes, crossbred the two types.
By 1898, when the first written standard was adopted, most of these bassets carried characteristics from both types. The man who spearheaded the modern blend was Leon Verrier. In the early years of this century, his hounds dominated the exhibitions, and were the type most sought by the newly formed association for the breed. During the 1920s, his dogs were often referred to as Artois Bassets (Basset d'Artois), despite their double origin. WWI wiped out Ver-rier's kennels, but he continued his influence as a judge and leader. Under his presidency, the name of Basset Artesien Normand was chosen.
After WWII, the Basset Artesien Normand breed was reduced to very few pure specimens, but several dedicated breeders, especially Leparoux de Combree des Maine et Loire, saved the Artesian Norman Basset from extinction.
The desired type is an athletic dog, with an elegant head and long, smooth muscles. The muzzle is long, refined and arched. Ears are low-set, thin and curved. Most modern specimens approach the top of the standard or even larger. While not carrying over-abundant skin, some wrinkles appear on the cheeks, and this hound does have a bit of dewlap.
The Artesien Normand is a happy, good-natured dog who is courageous and headstrong in the hunt. He, like so many of his basset cousins, was designed to go into heavy cover. Originally bred for rabbit shooting, he is now adapted to hunt a variety of prey. His additional qualities of kindness, obedience and patience with children have found him a place as a house dog.

Basenji Dog

COUNTRY: Zaire
WEIGHT: 22-24 pounds
HEIGHT: 16-16V2 inches
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Red, black/tan, black—all with white markings
OTHER NAMES: Congo Dog
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Southern Hound

Admired by the pharaohs, these ancient dogs stem from the earliest pariahs. They were used as hunting dogs much like their larger relatives, the Pharaoh and Ibizan. As the great Egyptian culture declined, these hunting partners were adopted by tribes throughout the Congo.
The Basenji breed's keen nose (a Basenji can scent at 80 yards) and sharp eyesight were useful to the natives, who used the dogs to drive game into nets or to track wounded prey. Because the Basenji hunted silently, he often wore a bell.
Centuries later, the Basenji dog was found in the bush by British explorers, nearly in its original form. The Englishmen called the breed the African Bush Dog. The breed's independence, resourcefulness and hunting ability had helped the Basenji to survive on its own.
Finally, in 1936, a pair imported from the Congo by a Mrs. Burn, Bongo of Blean and Bo-koto of Blean, produced the first English litter. When these pups were exhibited at Crufts in 1937, they created so much interest that special police had to be employed to keep the crowds moving past the Basenji benches. The Basenji dog was obviously on its way to acceptance. It was Mrs. Burn who gave the breed its current name, Basenji, translating to bush thing from the African dialect. The Basenji was recognized by AKC in 1943.
A popular hunting dog for small game in his native land, he is valued for his silent approach. Today the barkless dog is valued for the same attribute in apartment complexes. Nevertheless, he is not totally silent, communicating with a growl when displeased and a singular yodel when happy. The Basenji dog is exceptionally clean, licking itself in the manner of a cat, adding to his appeal as a pet. Owners note the use of his feet to cling, play and communicate.
Current owners find them happy playmates and avid coursing dogs. They retain many of the characteristics of the pariahs: the aloofness, the wrinkled brow and the cycling once a year. Basenji bitches come into season between August and November (which would be late winter and early spring in Africa) allowing their young to be several months old by cold weather

Barbet Dog

COUNTRY: France
WEIGHT: 33-55 pounds
HEIGHT: 18-22 inches
COAT: Thick, long, and "tassled"; curly or wavy
COLOR: Black, chestnut, fawn, gray; with or without white markings; white
OTHER NAMES: Griffon d'Arret a Foil Laineux
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Gun Dog

Exact roots of the Barbet dog are forever lost, but most likely they stem from corded sheep dogs from Asia and, possibly, early griffon hounds. Woolly water dogs were found throughout 14th-century Europe, answering to various names, i.e., the wasserhund meaning water dog. Although not the source of all water dogs, the Barbet is very likely closest to the original type. The Barbet dog is most generic of water dogs, with a woolly sheep-dog coat and hair all over, allowing him to withstand hours in water and chilly marshes. The Barbet dog resembles a pointing dog, but is slower and heavier of body, without the keen nose or sleek beauty. Sixteenth-century synologist Fou-illoux dubbed him the Barbet, from barbe, a French designation for beard; his pseudonym, laineux., translates into woolly.
Elizabethan references to shaggy-coated water dogs in France and England describe their use for retrieving and their coat care. Dr. Johannes Caius says personalities were "efficient and playful." Perhaps it is their impishness that entices them to muddy, swampy places, giving them the nickname of "Mud Dog."

BULLDOG

COUNTRY: Great Britain
WEIGHT: 40-55 pounds
HEIGHT: 12-14 inches
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Red brindle, other brindles, solid white, red-fawn or yellow, piebald (in descending order of preference); black undesirable
OTHER NAMES: English Bulldog
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Mastiff

These dogs were first classified by cynologists as "bulldogs" in the 1630s, although mentioned earlier under "bandogge" or "butchers dogge." They probably shared a common ancestor with the Mastiff, through the Alaunt, which was described in Master of Game by Edward, second Duke of York, circa 1406: ". . . Alauntes are treacherous and evil ... it is the best hound to hold and to nyme [seize] all manner of beasts and hold them fast."
During the heinous days of bull-baiting, dogs caught the bulls by the ear. The early Bulldog, more agile than other fighters, went for the nose and was not as likely to be hooked by a horn. Certainly, the higher legged "bulldogge" of yesteryear could harass the bull into lowering its head for the dog to grab a piece of anatomy, whether the ear or the tender nose. Rules stated that the dog then had to pull the bull backward around the ring—or to throw and pin the beast. Bears, lions, monkeys and badgers were also found worthy to meet the Bulldog in combat. As Pierce Egan recites, the sight brought forth patriotic utterances, as:". . . What creature that, so fierce and bold, That springs and scorns to leave his hold?... It is the Bulldog, matchless, brave, Like Britons on the swelling Wave."
Following the demise of this grisly sport, the old-fashioned Bulldog then waded through the bloodbath of the dog-fight pits. This encouraged crosses to various terriers to increase speed, which resulted in the creation of other well-known modern breeds.
The Bulldog of today is not the same as that of the 1600s. After bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, the original dog evolved into the shorter faced, squattier version we know today, while retaining its powerful undershot jaw.
Bulldogs attained legitimacy in 1860 by entering a different arena—though not quite so bloody—that of the show ring. The bloodthirsty personality of its early years has mellowed into its even demeanor of modern times, while maintaining its threatening appearance. This has earned it the description of "beautiful in its ugliness." Bulldogs are popular mascots, demonstrating the toughness of a team, and have become a symbol of tenacity throughout the world.
The breed has widespread shoulders and a distinctive, rolling gait, making it recognizable anywhere. The exaggerated characteristics have made the Bulldog difficult to mate and whelp, often requiring human assistance through artificial inseminations and Caesarean sections. Care must be taken during hot weather, since the brachycephalic characteristics of the nose and throat tend to restrict air flow.
Bulldog temperament is loving, quiet and gentle. Docile and phlegmatic, their favorite activities are following their masters around the house and taking long naps at their feet.

Ainu Dog

COUNTRY: Japan
HEIGHT: 18V2-21V2 inches
COAT: Moderately short, thick, stand-off, with undercoat
COLOR: Sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white
OTHER NAMES: Hokkaido Dog, Ainu-Ken
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern

When the Ainu tribe arrived in Japan nearly 3,000 years ago, they had dogs of Nordic type with them, and these became the Ainu Dog. The Ainus were an ancient people who migrated to and were the first settlers in Japan, ten centuries before Christ. They were a white race of unknown origin, and at one time lived on all the islands of Japan.
The Ainus were slowly pushed out over the centuries by the influx of Yamato (Japanese) people and now live only in their own settlements on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. (They live in their own groups, with their own separate and quite primitive culture.) Their dog has changed little over the centuries. The Ainu Dog is probably the oldest of the Japanese breeds and may have been altered somewhat through crosses with matagi dogs.
The Ainu Dog is known for its strength and was a draft dog originally, but is used today for hunting and guarding. The Ainu Dog is extremely courageous for his size, willingly attacking a 650-pound bear. He is generally kept in the home.
As is common with most of the Japanese breeds, the Ainu Dog is clean and mannerly yet quite ready to warn of danger. As a working dog for so long, he tends to be a bit coarser and more primitive than the other Japanese breeds. His character is sharp and fearless. He also differs by having smaller ears, a broader head and a fiercer expression. Also of interest is that, although not particularly desired, these dogs occasionally have the black tongue. This may hint at ties to the Chow Chow and mainland China. If loved and cared for, he is said to be obedient to his master and an irreplaceable friend.

Afghan Hound

COUNTRY: Afghanistan
WEIGHT: 50-60 pounds
HEIGHT: 25-27 inches
COAT: Long, straight, thick, silky; short on face
COLOR: Any color; white on head undesirable
OTHER NAMES: Tazi
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Southern

The history of the Afghan Hound is ancient, though the legend which claims the Afghan as the dog Noah took into the Ark may be a bit exaggerated. Migration of northern African sight-hounds into the mountains of Afghanistan included some hounds with longer hair. In the cold mountain air, the heaviest coats were selected and bred from necessity, eventually creating the Afghan. The breed spread into the border areas and even into India and aided both the hunter and the shepherd.
The Afghan Hounds unique, upright tail with the curled end served as a marker in the heavier underbrush, and his high-set hip bones enabled him greater flexibility in the mountain ranges. The aristocratic, elegant Afghan Hound was no pussycat, hunting big even tough game: wolves, foxes and gazelles. In tirnes past, he was a favorite of the Afghani nobility as an adjunct to the sport of falconry.
The Afghan Hounds old native name is Tazi, and his obvious resemblance to the like-named Tasy of Russia (even to the ring in the tail) indicates similar histories. The proximity of southern Russia and Afghanistan geographically increases the likelihood of close ancestry.
Originally, sale of the Afghan Hound to outsiders was prohibited, and the first specimens to arrive in the United States and England did not appear until the turn of the 20th century. An English Captain Banff imported the exciting hound, "Zardin," from Afghanistan around this time. Exhibited at the Crystal Palace Show in 1907, he won spectacularly and started a true interest in the breed. Good breeding programs existed in Britain by the 1920s. AKC and CKC recognition followed in the 30s.
The Afghan Hounds coat bears singular requirements: the topknot and the distinct shorthaired saddle on the back which forms as an adult. It is permissible for the dog to display a shorthaired cuff on the feet. Frequent, fastidious combing is a necessity. An ungroomed Afghan is not only unkempt but uncomfortable.
As well as being a highly celebrated show dog today, the Afghan participates in lure coursing. Despite their high numbers as show competitors, they have not achieved the same status as a pet, due to their size, coat care and exercise demands. Their temperament is aloof, though they can be the greatest of clowns at play time. From their origin on Mount Sinai to today's show ring, the Afghans are majesty at its peak. "At a glance, one can see the Eastern inscrutability; the conviction that they are royalty; the certainty that they are above lesser breeds."

Affenpinscher Dog

COUNTRY: Germany
WEIGHT: 7-8 pounds
HEIGHT: Less than 10 inches
COAT: Medium long, harsh and wiry
COLOR: Black preferred, black/tan, red or dark gray also allowed
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Terrier

A true toy terrier, the Affenpinscher dog has been in existence for more than 300 years. His origins are difficult to pinpoint, but he is seen in nearly his present form in 17th-century paintings.The Affenpinscher dog may be a miniature form of the wire terrier prototype which came from Nordic dogs, such as the Schipperke. These, crossed with the little pin-schers or with small brachycephalic Pug like dogs from Asia found in Europe, could have created the Affenpinscher. In fact, earlier Affens may have had a longer muzzle, because the Affenpinscher and smooth Miniature Pinscher were at one time considered two coat varieties of the same breed and even occurred in the same litter. Whatever the Affenpinscher dog ancestry, this quaint little dog has earned the description of "monkey dog." His rather flat, turned-up nose, alert cropped ears, prominent round eyes, bristling eyebrows and bushy mustache and beard all add to this description. The French often call this dog Dia-bletin Moustache, literally the mustached little devil!
Belying his very small size, he is every inch a terrier in personality. He is alert, yet quiet, game and sturdy. The FCI standard translates: a charming mixture of fearlessness, obsti-nancy, loyalty and affection which he will show in rapid change from amusing earnestness to raging passion."
Regular brushing and tidying up is all the Affenpinscher dog requires to look neat. The tail is docked short. Although not among the most numerous of dogs, the Affenpinscher has his proponents internationally. American and Canadian recognition was granted in 1936 but, perhaps because of the wealth of terrier types already in Britain, he remains virtually unknown there.