Basset Hounds are scent hounds and therefore are useful for hunting fox, hare, opossum and pheasant.

Bred in Britain around 100 years ago, the Basset Hound is often used by hunters on foot as their slow pace means that hunters can keep pace with them.

Having a slower pace also means they do not flush the game out of reach as some of the faster more lively breeds have a tendency to do.

FACTS ABOUT THE BASSET HOUND:

Bull Terriers were bred as fighting dogs and were used in bull baiting. The fighting instinct is still strong and they will never turn away from a scrap with other dogs. They are known for their courage, tenacity, agility and speed.

Considered by many to be a not particularly attractive dog, some people find the bull terriers determined and fearless nature to be extremely appealing. The Bull Terrier is available in a range of colors including white, brindle, black, red, fawn and tri color.

The miniature Bull Terrier has the same qualities as the standard Bull terrier but is a more manageable size.

FACTS ABOUT THE BULL TERRIER & MINIATURE BULL TERRIER:

The Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds. A large, powerful imposing looking dog. Mastiff’s are use in police work, as guard dogs, military dogs and for search and rescue. An ancient breed the Bullmastiff was around at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain.

The Romans used the Mastiff in the gladiatorial ring and pitted it against lions, bears and bulls. Throughout time the Mastiff has been used as a warrior dog. In recent times the Bullmastiff has become a quieter, calmer dog that is loyal and protective of its family.

FACTS ABOUT THE BULLMASTIFF:

The Basenji originated in Africa where it is used for pack-hunting of small game.

The first traces of a dog bearing a strong resemblance to the Basenji are depicted in carvings and wall drawings in the tombs of the pharaohs of ancient Egyptian.

The breed had almost disappeared when it was discovered by explorers in Southern Sudan and the Congo.

The Basenji does not bark, although it is not silent and gives a kind of ‘yodel’.

Other particular characteristics are the fact that it washes itself like a cat and when alert, has a forehead creased with wrinkles that give the dog a worried look.

FACTS ABOUT THE BASENJI:

In spite of its name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian, it was bred entirely in the U.S. to work on ranches as a herding dog.

Although it isn’t certain how the Australian Shepherd received its name, it is considered that the name may have been derived from one of the dog’s many ancestors, and in particular from the Spanish dogs who accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of Merino sheep that were exported to both America and Australia in early colonial times.

FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD:

There are approximately 150 breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC assigns each breed to a category depending on the dog’s original use. These categories include sporting, working, hound, toy, non-sporting, terrier, herding and miscellaneous.

Sporting  dogs were originally bred for hunting to assist with retrieving the prey. This group includes dogs such as spaniels, retrievers and setters. Most breeds of dog in this group generally have a soft mouth, are quite energetic and have a love for the water. These dogs require regular intensive exercise.

Hound dogs were bred to assist with hunting due to their sense of smell or sight. Breeds of dog in this group include any of the known hounds as well as Beagles, Basenjis, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Whippets and more.

Working  dogs were bred to guard people and property, pull sleds and herd livestock. Breeds of dog in this group are generally big muscular dogs and include breeds such as Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Boxer, Bull Mastiff and Rottweiler. Although they make good loyal companions these breeds of dog are generally considered to be too large for the average family where a smaller or more medium sized dog is better suited.

Terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. These breeds of dog are feisty and don’t mind scrapping with other animals and dogs. They generally have a determined streak and require firm handling. Toy dogs are ideal companions for the elderly or anyone who wants a dog who is affectionate and easy to train. These breeds of dog were often bred down to meet the fashion requirements of the nineteenth century.

Toy dogs are ideally suited to apartment living Non-Sporting dogs have diverse breeds of dog in all sizes, colours, personalities and temperament. This group contains breeds like the Poodle, Chow Chow, Lhaso Apso and French Poodle. There is bound to be a breed of dog in this group that will suit lots of families.

Herding dogs are the latest group added to the AKC listings. These breeds of dog have a herding instinct that will come into play when rounding up the children of their family group or other animals. Even those breeds of dog that never come into contact with farm work will use their herding instinct. Just some of the breeds included in this list are the Australian cattle dog, Collie and German Shepherd.

Miscellaneous breeds of dog comprise of purebred breeds that are not recognised in any of the other categories by the AKC. The AKC does provide a pathway to recognition for these breeds of dog and once a breed is shown to have stability and expansion in breeding and sustained interest is shown in the breed can apply for registration in the AKC stud book. Some breeds of dog in this category are the Black Russian Terrier, Neapolitan Mastiff and the Redbone Coonhound.