Purebred Breed List

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 65-75 cm (26”-29”)
Colour: Blue, brindle, black, brown, fawn or grey.
Coat: Short, dense and fine. Gait: Slow, free and bearlike.
These large massively boned members of the Mastiff family must be muscular with a majestic bearing. Their bodies are covered with a loose fitting skin. The skull is broad and two-thirds longer than the square muzzle which is covered with heavy lips. The eyes are deep set and the smallish ears are pendant. The neck is distinctive in that the dewlap from the lower jaw reaches midway down the neck. The body is long and large with a deep chest. Fore and hind quarters are moderately angulated and must be powerful. The tail is set on slightly lower than the topline and preferably docked to one third its length - it may be carried level when moving.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
This member of the Mastiff family is devoted to its owners and although a loyal guard dog, should never be aggressive with people. When reared in a gentle environment, these dogs make loving and stoic pets, however they do need space in which to exercise. During the hot weather, care should be taken to see that hot spots do not develop in the wrinkled coat, but other wise, care of the coat is minimal.
HISTORY
Presumed to have originated from the molossus family of dogs and more particularly, the Tibetan Mastiff, it is believed these dogs arrived in Greece and later in southern Italy during the Roman times. It is well documented that fighting mastiffs were used by the Roman armies and in their circuses as fighting dogs. Some believed their colour made them ideal guard dogs at night, as it acted as a camouflage and made it easier for them to attack marauders without first being seen. After World War II, in Italy they were first exhibited at dogs shows, and since then have become better known around the world.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 66-71cm (26”-28”).
Colour: Black or brown with or without some white on the chest or tail tip.
Black and white (Landseer).
Coat: Oily, flat, dense outercoat - thick undercoat. Gait: Free, slightly rolling. Fore feet may not turn out.
These noble, massively built water and draught dogs impress with their great strength - they weight between 50-69kg (110-1501b). The massive skull with its developed occiput, is set off with a rather short square muzzle. The small widely set eyes are tight rimmed and the ears lie flat to the cheek. Both neck and body are strong and muscular, and the chest is deep. Fore and hindquarters are well angulated and muscled and the large feet are webbed to assist in swimming. Tails often hang down in repose but when gaiting, are carried out with a slight curve at the end.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Recorded feats have established that the Newfoundland is a dog whose endurance and working abilities in water are far above average. Their affinity with people and protective instincts have saved many a person from drowning after being washed off fishing vessels. They make wonderful nursemaids to families with young children and due to their size can accept a certain amount of rough handling. Bearing in mind their natural characteristics, Newfoundlands should never be relegated to a lonely life in a yard. Their coats need little care. Periodic brushing removes dead hair.
HISTORY
While it is certain that this breed was established in Newfoundland off the east coast of Canada, the actual evolution of the breed is somewhat obscure. One of the most popular theories is that the Basque fishermen brought their white Pyrenean Mountain dogs over from France in the 17th century. These were crossed with the local black Labrador which would account for the colours of black, brown and the black/white ‘Landseers’. Besides being intrepid rescue dogs they also assisted fishermen by carrying lines from one boat to another. On land, these dogs also served as draught dogs.

Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terrier

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 25-26cm (10”).
Colour: Red, wheaten, black/tan or grizzle.
Coat: Harsh, wiry straight outercoat. Thick undercoat.
Gait: All legs moving straight with hind pads kicking up.
These two breeds are separately classified by their different ear carriages. The Norfolk have pendant ears while in the Norwich they are pricked. Skulls should be broad with wedge shaped muzzles one-third the length of the skull. The oval shaped eyes are dark with keen expressions. Both varieties require compact bodies with well sprung ribs, short straight backs and jauntily carried tails which may or may not be docked. Fore and hindlegs are powerful and the round feet must have thick pads. 
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
They are the smallest in the Terrier Group, weighing 4.5-5.5kg (10-12lb) however, in no way does this mean these little dogs should be thought of as Toy dogs. They enjoy a sporting life with plenty of outdoor activities and have no trouble living in the city if given regular exercise and walks. Although adaptable to the ways of humans, they do enjoy the company of other dogs. Coat care is minimal and regular grooming removes any dead hair. Sometimes they are trimmed for the show ring.
HISTORY
The origins of these breeds lie in East Anglia, England and they take their names from the county Norfolk and its main city Norwich. Both prick and drop eared varieties co-existed until 1964 when they were separated into two breeds. Presuming to have been bred from crosses of the old Border Terrier to some Irish breeds with a possible added blend of the shorter legged Glen of Imaal Terrier, these dogs were once known as Trumpington Terriers. In the past, they were very popular with Cambridge University students.

Norwegian Buhund

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Approximately 42-45cm (17”-18”).
Colour: Wheaten, black, red or wolf-sable with or without a mask.
Coat: Outercoat - harsh. Undercoat - woolly. Smooth on face and legs.
Gait: Legs move straight with good hind propulsion.
These medium sized lighter framed dogs are members of the spitz family. The head is wedge shaped with a marked stop between the dark brown eyes. The high set ears are pointed and highly mobile. The neck is of medium length and is moderately arched and the lightly framed body is strong and short. The tail set is high and is carried tightly over and to one side of the back. The forelegs are lean and the strong hindquarters have little angulation. The small oval feet have tightly closed toes. a
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
The Norwegian Buhund is capable of arduous work and combines this with a fearless, brave and energetic temperament. These versatile dogs are good with children and make excellent guard dogs. Being natural herders, they - need plenty of exercise to avoid boredom. Their coats are not difficult to maintain and only periodic brushing is necessary.
HISTORY
‘Buhund’ in Norwegian means ‘farm dog’, and to this end these dogs were bred to fulfil many tasks. Coming from the spitz family of dogs, they are closely related to the Norwegian Elkhound. Irrespective of this similarity, each breed carries out its own particular duties in Norway. Like the Border Collie, they enjoy exhibiting their natural traits of herding and rounding up livestock, poultry and even people.

Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 49-52cm (l9½”-20½”).
Colour: Grey with black tips on the outer hairs, dark foreface and ears.
Coat: Outercoat is close abundant and weather resistant with a soft undercoat.
Gait: Movement is straight and free, and the dogs single track at speed.
The Elkhound is a member the spitz family and, like most in this group, they display a proud carriage. The moderate stop and the oval eyes are set midway in the broad wedge shaped head. Like all members of the spitz family, the ears are erect and pointed. The square strong body ends with a high set tail curled over the centre of the back. The strong legs and well turned stifles finish with tightly closed feet which carry plenty of hair between the pads.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Elkhounds display courage and reliability with expressions that are frank, friendly and fearless. Originally bred to hunt elk in Scandinavia, they excel in this field due to their highly developed senses and intuition. They make excellent watchdogs but in urban areas, if left outside alone they may bark excessively, disturbing neighbours. A particular virtue is that these dogs have no doggy odours, however regular brushing is needed to remove the dead hair as Elkhounds do shed.
HISTORY
The origin of the Elkhound can be traced back to the days of the Vikings - in fact skeletons of dogs resembling them have been dated back to the Ice Age. They are versatile hunters, not only of elk, but also trailing and hunting bears and mountain lions, either by airborne or ground scent. When their quarry is in sight, Elkhounds bark to alert their master and then proceed to worry and keep the attention of the animal by nimbly bouncing around it like a rubber ball. Although rarely used for hunting purposes
today, these dogs have such attractive characters and natures that they are always be popular.