Special Dogs

Picture of Shar Pei

Dogs inherited a range of behaviour from wolves. But by accentuating or diminishing specific traits or characteristics, humans have created dog breeds with different personalities. They have also created a range of shapes and sizes. Some of these present-day breeds are less fearful than their ancestral relatives, while others are more aggressive. By Roman times there were shepherd dogs, warrior dogs, sight and scent hunters, terriers, and companions. Kennel clubs still emphasize such divisions in their classifications.

Shar Pei
The Shar Pei originated in China and has a history dating back 2000 years. Although the exact place of origin is unclear, statues indicate they came from somewhere in southern China, Tibet or Dah Lel. The name Shar Pei literally translates to mean sand skin. This is from the breed's characteristic harsh coat. Shar Pei were used as general utility dogs for herding and guarding.



Picture of Shar Pei

Shar Pei were also known as tomb dogs, relating to the discovery in ancient tombs of 2000-year-old statues bearing their likeness. When China became a communist country, a tax was brought in that made the keeping of dogs a luxury and basically out of reach of the average farmer. In 1947 the tax was increased and breeding banned. This led to the Shar Pei becoming an endangered breed and it was listed with the Guinness Book of Records in 1978 as the world's rarest dog. The first registered Shar Pei were imported into Australia in 1981 with the first litter in 1985.



Picture of Borzoi

Borzoi
The fleet and powerful Borzoi originated in Russia and was used by the Russian aristocracy to pursue and catch wolf, fox and hare. While still used for hunting, they excel as companions and show dogs, with gentle temperament and striking good looks. The Borzoi is one of the largest sighthounds, averaging 28" to 32" inches at the shoulder, and a big male can weigh over 100 pounds. The muscular, athletic body is clad in a soft, silky coat of almost any color. Their graceful beauty has made them a favorite in art, fashion and advertising through the years.


Picture of Labradoodle

Labradoodle
Labradoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The Labradoodle was started when Wally Cochran was approached by a blind woman who suffered severe allergies to dogs in the 1970's. His vision was to create a dog who could aid the physically impaired, and have the low-maintenance and temperament of the Labrador Retriever, and the allergen-reduced coat of the Standard Poodle. For more details of Labradoodle breed information, Labradoodle Photos, Labradoodle forums and breed directory, visit Labradoodle. It is a site containing lots of Labradoodle stuff -- gifts, books, news, and other breeds of dogs as well.



Picture of Labradoodle


Sealyham Terriers
The Sealyham Terriers are white or yellowish-white with dome shaped skulls, a large nose and powerful jaws with sturdy teeth and very long canines. Its eyes are round and dark and its ears are wide and carried against its cheeks. The neck is long and muscular and the tail is docked and carried upright. Its front legs are short and straight; the hind legs are powerful and muscular. Their coats are bristly, coarse, and long and require stripping.


Picture of Sealyham Terriers

Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a of terrier named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. The Bedlington Terrier is often described as looking like a lamb on a leash, probably because it has non-shedding fur with a wooly texture. These handsome dogs may be blue, sandy, or liver, and can be solid colours or have tan markings. These become paler as the dog grows older.


Picture of Bedlington Terrier