English Cocker Spaniel

An active sporting dog, the English Cocker Spaniel’s compact, solid body practically vibrates with energy and enthusiasm, particularly when at work in the field. Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed is a tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. His coat can be solid-colored (black, liver, or shades of red) or parti-colored, including ticking or roaning.

History

One of the oldest types of land spaniel known, the Cocker descended from the original spaniels of Spain. They were used to hunt in dense cover, flushing, and retrieving game. In 1935, The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America was formed in the United States to promote the interest of the English Cocker and differentiate it from the American-type Cocker that was emerging. The English Cocker was recognized as separate from the American Cocker Spaniel by the AKC in 1946.

Temperament

Merry and affectionate, the English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent family companion due to its even disposition and trainability. Whether working in the field or at home lounging on their owner’s bed, their tails rarely stop wagging. The breed can live in any environment provided it receives daily exercise. Their medium-long coat does take some care, including brushing and regular stripping or clipping.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1946.
• Ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and 26 to 34 pounds.
• Hunting dog.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Average size yard is fine.

Exercise

• Extended daily exercise.

Grooming

• Daily brushing.
• Regular grooming and trimming.
• Average shedding.

Dogue de Bordeaux

A powerful and muscular French Mastiff breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a molluscoid (mastiff-type dog), “dogue” meaning Mastiff in French. A massive head and stocky body are trademarks of the breed. Americans became aware of the Dogue de Bordeaux when he appeared as drooling, messy “Hooch” in the 1989 Tom Hanks’ film, Turner and Hooch. The breed’s short, fine coat is fawn-colored, ranging from a dark red to a light fawn.

History

The Dogue de Bordeaux’s history is a mystery different theories link him to the Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff, and the ancient Dogues de Bordeaux of Aquitaine. In any case, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been used as a guardian, hunter, and fighter. They were trained to bait bulls, bears, and jaguars, hunt boars, herd cattle, and protect the homes and businesses of their masters.

Temperament

The Dogue de Bordeaux possesses an instinct for guarding, which he does with vigilance and courage, but without aggressiveness. He is an excellent companion affectionate and attached to his family with a patient, calm temperament. Their short coat is easy to care for and they require moderate daily exercise. New owners should be prepared to deal with drool!

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 2008.
• Ranging in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and at least 99 pounds.
• Guardian; hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is ok.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Average shedding.

English Setter

A graceful, elegant gundog, the English Setter today excels in the show, obedience, and agility rings as well as in the field.

Although similar in function to the Irish and Gordon Setters, the English is a distinct breed, differing personality, and appearance. Their beautiful feathered coat is white with an intermingling of darker hairs resulting in markings called “Belton.” Belton markings can be orange, blue (white with black markings), tricolor (blue Belton with tan points), lemon, and liver.

History

One of the oldest gundog breeds, the English Setter was developed in England more than 400 years ago. Believed to have developed from Spaniel stock, the breed was originally called a Setting Spaniel. Before the use of firearms, this “Setting Spaniel” would find the birds and then crouch down on its front legs or “set” to allow the hunter to throw a net over the game. When guns became widely used, a more upright pointing stance was bred into the Setter so he could be more easily seen.

Temperament

This gentle, affectionate family dog loves to be with its people and does not thrive when isolated in a yard or kennel. Athletic and energetic, they also require daily vigorous exercise either on a leash or in a fenced area. Their beautiful, feathered coat requires regular maintenance, including brushing and clipping.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1884.
• Ideal size: 24 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Bird dog.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Average to large yard.

Exercise

• Daily moderate to extended exercise.

Grooming

• Regular brushing.
• Infrequent bathing.
• Average shedding.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is characterized by his long, low body and “scimitar” tail, which looks like a curved sword, as well as his large soulful eyes and fluffy head of hair. Though small in stature, the Dandie has the character of a big dog, possessing confidence, intelligence, and independent nature. The breed’s allowable coat colors are described as “pepper” and “mustard.”

History

The Dandie Dinmont was first recorded as a distinct breed around 1700 and has been popular with both gypsies and the wealthy at various points in his history. Originally bred to go to ground, he was well known for his skill in catching otter and badgers. Dandies were made famous when Sir Walter Scott wrote about them in Guy Mannering in 1814. Scott’s farmer character was named Dandie Dinmont, after whom the breed was soon named.

Temperament

As a companion, the Dandie Dinmont is affectionate towards his family, but it would not be uncharacteristic for a Dandie to show little interest in a stranger. The breed would do well in a rural or urban setting with daily walks. The Dandie does not shed, but his coat must be stripped about twice a year and brushed daily.

• Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
• Ranging in size from 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and 18 to 24 pounds.
• Vermin hunter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.

Grooming

• Regular brushing.
• Professional grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.

Curly-Coated Retriever

Distinguished by its coat of small, tight, water-resistant, crisp curls, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong, robust, and agile breed. Developed to be a multi-purpose hunting retriever, the Curly will work for as long as there is work to be done, retrieving game in the heaviest of cover and iciest of waters. The breed’s curly coat can be black or liver in color.

History

Although the Curly’s origins are unclear, he is one of the oldest of all retriever breeds, thought to have descended from the English Water Spaniel, the St. John’s Newfoundland, the retrieving setter, and the Poodle. Developed in England as both a waterfowl retriever and upland game hunter, this breed was a favorite of English gamekeepers for his innate field ability, courage, and perseverance.

Temperament

An energetic and intelligent dog, the Curly-Coated Retriever is an excellent companion but requires training and daily exercise or a job to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. One of the more independent retriever breeds, the Curly may appear somewhat aloof, but is always willing to please. Their coat is easy to care for, requiring only occasional bathing.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1924.
• Ranging in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Waterdog; retriever.

Environment

• Apartment? Not so much.
• Love a large yard.
• Low activity indoors.

Exercise

• Lots of exercise.
• Love to swim.

Grooming

• Easy care.
• Infrequent brushing.
• Average shedding.

Coton De Tulear

Coton De Tulear is the French word for Cotton. As the name suggests the most conspicuous feature of the Coton De Tulear is its coat, which is cottony or fluffy rather than silky. It has a long topcoat. The fluffy hair covers the thin, lightly-muscled forelegs. Colors come in white ” black and white and tri-colored. (White is preferred by show breeders.) Some have slightly yellowish markings on the ears.

Temperament

This is a typical bichon-type dog. Very friendly, gentle, affectionate, and alert. Cotons are very sociable dogs that get along well with children, other dogs, and animals. Very attached to its home and master – wanting always to be in their presence and trying its best to please. The Coton makes a great watchdog. Full of tricks and surprises to fulfill his master’s every wish. One of their most endearing traits is a tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. Their teasing expressions enhance any home willing to spend a few moments a day in the necessary play and grooming routines. The Coton learns quite quickly but can be a little bit stubborn without the proper leadership. They are intelligent and eager to work. Make sure you are this dog’s firm, confident, consistent pack leader, to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human-induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.

• Height, Weight
• Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm.)
• Weight: 12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg.)

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.

Exercise

• Daily moderate exercise.
• Love agility.

Grooming

• Daily brushing.
• Professional grooming recommended.
• Little to no shedding.
• Easy on allergy sufferers.

Chinese Crested

A fine-boned, elegant toy dog that craves human companionship, the Crested comes in two varieties. The Hairless has soft, silky hair on its head (crest), tail (plume), and feet (socks). Wherever the body is hairless the skin is soft and smooth. The Powderpuff is entirely covered with a double soft, straight coat. The two types often come from the same litter. Any color or combination of colors is allowed.

History

It is believed that Chinese mariners sailed with this breed believed to have evolved from African hairless dogs on board. During the time of the Chinese plagues, hairless dogs were stowed aboard ships to hunt vermin. By the mid-nineteenth century, Cresteds began appearing in European art, and entries of the breed in American dog shows began in the late 1800s.

Temperament

The Crested is prone to more frequent skin irritations, allergies, and sunburn than a coated dog would experience, and its owner should always take precautions to prevent this. Although no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Cresteds shed little to no hair and are on AKC’s list of breeds recommended for those with allergies. They are also alert and playful companions and do well in families with gentle children.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1991.
• Ideal size is 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Companion; ratter.

Environment

• Apartment is fine.
• Fairly active indoors.
• Do not tolerate cold.
• Be careful in direct sunlight.

Exercise

• Daily light walk.
• Love to play.

Grooming

• Daily careful brushing.
• May need skin moisturizing.
• Easy on allergy sufferers.
• Little to no shedding.

Cock-A-Poo

The Cockapoo is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: some Cockapoo clubs are working towards making the Cockapoo a purebred dog by multi-generation crossing, while other breeders are sticking to the basic Poodle / Cocker mix stating they wish to preserve the heterosis effect in the hybrid mix. Ask the breeder you contact which type of Cockapoo they are breeding.

Cavachon

The Cavachon is not a pure breed. Rather, it’s a “designer dog” combination of Bichon Frise and King Charles Spaniel. The result is a sweet-tempered, fuzzy ball of fluff that can make a lovely companion for the right person.

Size

Cavachons are small dogs, which makes them a nice choice for people who live in small apartments or houses, as well as for people who travel extensively in recreational vehicles. When fully grown, these dogs tend to range in height from 12 inches to 13 inches.

Coat

Cavachons tend to have soft, silky coats with slight waves. Standard colors include:

• White
• Apricot and white
• White with black or black and tan markings

Temperament

If you’re looking for an aggressive guard dog, this designer combination is definitely not the right choice for you. Rather than being aggressive, Cavachons are quite the opposite. They are gentle, accepting, and tolerant (for the most part). This makes them a good pet option for families with children, as well as for households where there are other pets.

Exercise

Cavachons are generally energetic, but not hyperactive. Moderate daily exercise is usually enough to help them burn off some of their excess energy. A daily walk and a game of fetch or some other activity will provide some mental stimulation as well.

Attention Needs

Cavachons tend to be cute, friendly animals that can make excellent companion animals for the right person or family. They have loving personalities and form close bonds with their human companions. They crave companionship and attention, and they like to be active. If you want a small pet that will be an affectionate and loyal sidekick, a Cavachon might fill the bill.

Cockalier

The Cockalier is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.