Purebred Breed List

Bergamasco Shepherd Dog

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a dog of medium size of rustic appearance with an abundant coat covering all parts of the body, of a powerful construction but very well proportioned. Its general shape is that of a medium proportioned dog, whose body fits into a square. He is balanced as much in relation to size.
Coat: Very abundant, very long and different depending on the regions. The texture is harsh, (goat hair) particularly on the front of the body. From halfway of the chest towards the rear, and on all limbs, the coat tends to form strands or loose mats, or is already in strands or loose matts, depending on the subjects age; these strands or loose mats are not cords and must start from the topline of the back and fall on the sides of the body. On the head the hair is less harsh and covers the eyes. On the limbs, the coat must be evenly distributed everywhere in the shape of soft flocks falling towards the ground; forming a kind of vertical column of hair on the front and strands on the hindquarters, without fringes. The undercoat is so short and dense, it is not easy to see the skin. Must be greasy to the touch. Solid grey or with patches of all possible shades from a delicate grey to a brighter shade of grey on to black; Isabella and light fawn shades are permitted. An all black coat is allowed providing the black is really opaque (zain). An all white coat is not allowed. White patches are tolerated as long as their surface is not more than a fifth of the total surface of the coat.
CHARACTERISTICS
The function of the Bergamasco Shepherd is to guide and guard the herd, the task for which he shows exemplary disposition thanks to his vigilance, his concentration and psychological balance. His learning faculty and determination combined with moderation and patience makes him an excellent guard and companion dog, suited to the most diverse uses. He establishes a close relationship with man.SIZE:  Males  60cm with a tolerance of 2 cm, either above or below. For females 56 cm with a tolerance of 2 cm more or less. Weight: Males 32-38 kg.  Females 26-32 kg 

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 58-70cm (23”-27½”).
Colour: Tricolour (black, tan and white as stipulated).
Coat: Long, soft, silky with a bright sheen and slightly wavy.
Gait: Fore and hindlegs move effortlessly and straight with strong hind propulsion. 
These handsome working dogs are both strong and agile. The broad skull is slightly furrowed and the muzzle is strong. The dark eyes are almond shaped and the triangular high set ears hang to the side of the head. As in a number of herding dogs, the body is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the shoulder. Fore and hindquarters are well angulated and the round feet are compact. The bushy tail reaches to just below the hooks and may be raised in action.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
While being almost insensible to the cold, these dogs readily adapt to all types of climate. They fit into any lifestyle but in order that they do not become a one man or one family dog, early socialisation with strangers is important. Regular grooming is advisable particularly when the dogs have their annual coat shed. Checks to see the ears and the teeth are clean should not be overlooked.
HISTORY
Like the Rottweiler, the origins of this breed can be traced back 2,000 years to the time the Roman invaders brought them to Switzerland. Originally known as the Sennehund or Durbachler, besides herding and guarding cattle the Swiss utilised them as draught dogs drawing small carts. In spite of their versatility and pleasant natures, with the arrival of other breeds in Switzerland, popularity for the Bernese Mountain Dog waned to such a degree that they almost became extinct. Fortunately some enthusiasts resuscitated the breed and formed the first specialty club in 1907. 

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: up to 30 cm (l2”).
Colour: White. Under the coat dark pigment is preferred.
Coat: Fine and silky with soft corkscrew curls 7-10 cm (3”-4”) long. Feet and muzzle may be trimmed.
Gait: Effortless with a smooth ground covering stride, showing the hindpads when moving away.
With their heads carried high and their plumed tails carried cockily over their hacks, these dogs are the essence of smartness. Their dark alert eyes sparkle with spirit. The skull is longer than the muzzle and the well coated ears hang to the side of the skull. Due to the thick coats, their bodies give the appearance of being compact. Fore and hindquarters are well angulated.
CHARACTERlSTICS
The character of these dogs is lively with alert eyes full of expression and a spunky tail carriage. As they are not yappy dogs, this breed make excellent pets for small homes or apartments. The Bichon coat does not shed, but plenty of grooming is required to keep it in good condition and free of tangles. Scissoring is necessary about once a month to ‘keep the smart appearance - however, for non show dogs, the coat is easily maintained if trimmed back to about 1.5cm long.
HISTORY
This breed has a long history as it originated from the Mediterranean Barbet - a dog with a thick curly coat who was once used for water retrieving. Originally known as the ‘Barbichon’, the French shortened the name to Bichon and added the word ‘Frise’ which means curly or frizzy. The colour of the Bichon became established after an infusion of the white Maltese Terrier. Of breeds which later evolved from the early Bichon, possibly the best known is the Poodle. 

Black & Tan Coonhound

Black & Tan Coonhound

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The size measured at the shoulder is 25 to 27 inches for males and 23 to 25 inches for females. The coat is short but dense to withstand rough going.
As the name implies, the colour is coal black with rich tan markings above eyes, on sides of muzzle, chest, legs and breeching, with black pencil markings on toes. 
The head is cleanly modelled.  From the back of the skull to the nose the head measures from 9 to 10 inches in males and slightly smaller in females. 
The Black and Tan Coonhound is roughly square, with moderate bone and good muscle tone. Males are heavier in bone and muscle tone than females.
They have parallel plains with a medium stop, and their almost round eyes are hazel to dark brown in colour. The ears are a feature of the breed, being low set and hanging in graceful folds, giving the dog a majestic appearance. In length they extend naturally well beyond the tip of the nose and are set at eye level or lower.  The neck is muscular, with powerfully constructed shoulders and straight forelegs. The back is level, powerful and strong, with well sprung ribs, the chest reaches at least to the elbows, and the hindquarters are well boned and muscled.  When viewed from the side, the stride of the Black and Tan Coonhound is easy and graceful with plenty of reach in front and drive behind. When in action, his head and tail carriage is proud and alert, the topline remains level and the tail is carried at approximately a right angle to back.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
They have an even temperament, and are outgoing and friendly. As a working scent hound, they must be able to work in close contact with other hounds.  The expression is alert, friendly and eager. 
HISTORY
The Black and Tan Coonhound is first and fundamentally a working dog, a trail and tree hound, capable of withstanding the rigors of winter, the heat of summer, and the difficult terrain over which he is called upon to work. 
Used principally for trailing and treeing raccoon, the Black and Tan Coonhound runs his game entirely by scent. The characteristics and courage of the Coonhound also make him proficient on the hunt for deer, bear, mountain lion and other big game. 

 

Bloodhound

Bloodhound

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 58-69cm (23”-27”).
Colour: Red, black/tan or red/tan.
Coat: Short, smooth and weatherproof. The skin is particularly loose.
Gait: Elastic free swinging movement. Legs moving straight and effortlessly with strong hind propulsion. ‘
A noble breed which displays impressions of dignity, wisdom and power.
The head is covered with wrinkles which are particularly evident when the head is downturned - the muzzle has a good depth of lip. The moderately broad skull and muzzle are of equal lengths, and the long low set ears hang in graceful folds. The medium sized eyes must be free from interference from eyelashes. A muscular strong body with a deep chest that reaches to the elbows. Legs and pasterns are squarely set and powerful. The high set stern isscimitar shaped and upright in action.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Dignified but at times a little reserved and sensitive, the Bloodhound is affectionate with both people and dogs. In fact, their affection can be almost overbearing. While longing to please, harsh training is out of place with these sensitive hounds - success is to be gained by gentle persuasive training. Coat care is minimal but regular checks must be made to see the orifices of the ear are clean and healthy.
HISTORY
Originating from the Asian mastiff family, it is believed this breed arrived in France with the Romans. In the 8th century, the monk St. Hubert established an excellent pack, and for many centuries these dogs were known as St. Hubert Hounds. Some four centuries later, it is presumed they were taken to Britain. So acute is their scenting ability that no other breed can match them, in fact they have been known to follow trails over 100 hours old. Earning the title of Bloodhound, it is small wonder they became invaluable to the police for their scenting abilities and their skill in finding their quarry. On succeeding in such a mission, being renowned for their gentleness, they were noted for showing no aggression to the victirn.