These centres occasionally have litters of puppies but in most cases their dogs are either fully mature or at least a few months old. The correct set, shape, and carriage of the ears are considered very important in recognized breeds, and are described precisely in official breed standards. Life span 12 years Formidable in size and strength, Origin Portugal though not aggressive, this dog is unsuitable for novice handlers. By Weight range the 20th century the breed’s intelligence, trainability, and impressive 29–41kg (65–90lb) appearance had been recognized as ideal qualities for a guard dog. You'll also find quick-reference panels offering an at-a-glance guide to key traits, such as the dog's temperament, size, and colour.

PRIMITIVE DOGS 29 CAROLINA DOG THIS DOG RESPONDS TO TRAINING BUT CAN BE SHY Height range Also known as the “American Dingo”, this dog’s ancestors 45–50cm (18–20in) are thought to have been domesticated and brought into North Weight range America by early settlers from Asia.

Tried-and-tested notes on how to identify and prevent common behavioural problems provide a fascinating insight into the behaviour of dogs and how we interact with them. Bold and protective, but not aggressive, the Briard 35kg (77lb) is an excellent family companion if given regular exercise and room to run Life span Over 10 years Origin France and play.

With high intelligence, Fringed ears 20–27kg (44–60lb) a quiet temperament, and a readiness to please, the hang close Catalan Sheepdog is relatively easy to train to head Life span 12–14 years and makes an excellent Origin Spain family companion.Alert and agile, the salt coat 14–20kg (31–44lb) Lighter- Life span Over 10 years Schnauzer was used primarily coloured hair Origin Germany on lower legs as a versatile farm dog with Other colours a formidable reputation Straight back for rat-hunting. Despite occasional bad publicity for aggressive behaviour, German Shepherd Dogs produced by reputable breeders usually have a steady temperament. The dog’s height is measured from dog belongs its feet to the highest point of the withers Amount of exercise required: from up to WORKING DOGS 95 30 minutes a day (1 bar) to more than GREAT DANE KC Kennel club 2 hours a day (3 bars). The two large forearm bones, the radius and the ulna, are locked together in such In the past, the history of a dog breed was pieced together a way that a dog can make rapid changes of direction from written records, pictures, and information handed without the bones rotating and breaking.

Although it was suggested that this new breed could 35–40kg (77–88lb) be useful as a guide dog, the Saarloos Wolfdog has proved better suited to life as a pet and companion. designed to deal with tough foods such as hide, flesh, and PACK MENTALITY Doing things cooperatively is an inbuilt canine characteristic, but domestic dogs now look to humans, rather than other dogs, when they need help. Evolution of the dog domesticated dogs has been found in several locations in Asia and Europe; the timing varies from 20,000 to 40,000 All dogs share a common ancestor: the grey wolf. With lots of colorful photographs and step-by-step instructions, these chapters will aid new dog owners as they adopt a furry friend.Associate Publishing Director Liz Wheeler Art Director Karen Self Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf Consultant Editor Kim Dennis-Bryan Contributors Ann Baggaley, Adam Beral, Candida Frith-Macdonald, James Harrison DK INDIA Senior Editor Arani Sinha Assistant Editor Ankita Gupta Art Editor Anukriti Arora Managing Editor Soma B. Today’s dogs Medio: may be small (pequeno), medium (medio), or large 40–53cm (16–21in) (grande), and some are smooth-haired while others Grande: have moderately long, wiry coats. Other examples to do with humans and nothing to do are hairless dogs from Mexico with breed development programmes. Origin Hungary Other colours Erect ears, Dense, shiny, covered with wavy, black coat thick hair Fawn Blue merle, ash Brown Black nose Feathered May have white markings. Observe • Will you provide a written contract of sale and does it specify the dogs closely and ask, and expect to be asked, questions.

red roan; roan These are in addition to the colours that can Blue; blue merle (blue-grey); ash be seen in the photographs of the dog. WORKING DOGS 45 PORTUGUESE WATCHDOG FCI THIS CALM-NATURED WATCHDOG MAY BE TOO BIG AND STRONG FOR MANY OWNERS Height range Possibly descended from the powerful mastiffs brought into Triangular, 64–74cm (25–29in) Europe from Asia by nomadic herders, this breed is also known drop ears Weight range as the Rafeiro de Alentejo, named after the Alentejo region of 35–60kg (77–132lb) Portugal. This is something to consider if you have dog allergies, live with someone who does, or don't want to deal with large amounts of dog hair. Its dense, wiry, double- layered coat needs regular maintenance, with daily grooming and an occasional trim.Reliable and affectionate, the breed Life span 12–14 years also makes a good family dog, though it has a natural wariness of Origin The Netherlands strangers. PRIMITIVE DOGS 31 XOLOITZCUINTLE KC THIS CALM-NATURED, ALERT DOG IS EASY TO CARE FOR AND MAKES A DELIGHTFUL COMPANION Black skin Height range In pre-Conquest Mexico hairless dogs were believed to have sacred Standard Miniature: 25–35cm (10–14in) significance and were often used as a sacrifice or ritually eaten in Intermediate: 36–45cm (14–18in) religious ceremonies. In some breeds, chance genetic mutation has produced dogs that are either completely hairless or have just a few strands of hair on the head and legs.