I had a great day out with the Irish Setter Associations Centenary Field Trial Meeting on Shap Fell Cumbria on Tuesday 22nd July, I would like to thank all those who made me feel most welcome. I really enjoyed the day, Thank you.

Kath won the 2008 Crufts Freestyle Final and the 2008 Crufts International Freestyle Final with September Spice danceing for England in the Int with a winning points score of 28.13. In the Heelwork to music Final Kath with Tipp & Amber finished in 5th & 6th places. Photos of Kath and Spice to follow.

Photographs taken of celebritys while working as a canine photographer.

The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. It is one of the oldest terriers, originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs, used for hunting burrowing prey among the cairns.

A Finnish Spitz is a breed of dog originating in Finland. The breed is thought to be an old one, bred as a hunting dog. It is a "bark pointer", indicating the position of game by barking to attract the hunter's attention. It has been used mostly to bark at game that flees into trees, such as squirrels, grouses, and capercaillies, but it serves well also to hunt moose and elk. Some individuals have been known to go after even a bear, despite the dog's small size. In its native country, the breed is still mostly used as a hunting dog, but as it is very friendly and loves children[citation needed], in other countries it serves mainly as a house pet. The Finnish Spitz has been the national dog of Finland since 1979.

The Shetland Sheepdog (or Sheltie) is a breed of dog, bred to be small sheep dogs ideally suited for the terrain of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. While they resemble a rough Collie in miniature, they are not a true miniature Collie, as there are many differences in appearance.

The Portuguese Podengo (Warren Hound)

The Portuguese Podengo is The National Breed of Portugal. They come in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large.

The small Podengo has been known since the 15th Century. Classified in Europe by the F.C.I. as a Primitive Breed and shown in Group 5 at European Shows. They are classified in the Hound Group in the U.K.

The Small Podengo was first imported into the U.K. in 2002, and the breed was recognised by The Kennel Club on 1st October 2003. There are now 112 Podengos in the U.K. (103 Wire coats and 9 smooth coats.)

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the smallest of the three sizes of the Podengo breed. ’Podengo’ means Rabbit Hunter and Warren Hound. ‘Pequeno’ means small.

In each of the three sizes there is a smooth and wire coat variety, and both coat types require very little grooming. The coat is progressive, and any shedding hair is combed out, leaving very few hairs around the house. The breed is shown untrimmed. The tail is never docked.

Life expectancy of a small Podengo is around 12 to 16 years.

The Small Podengo was used to control vermin around the house and provide food for the table, they hunt by sight, sound and smell, and still retain their hunting instincts. Believed to be to be the smallest hunting dog. They are still used extensively in Portugal for hunting, and are either used singly or in a small pack.

What they lack in size they make up for in character. A small dog with a big heart. A superb companion dog, due to their obedient, friendly disposition. Very agile, lively and alert. Due to their small size they are equally at home in the town as well as the country.

Happy, loyal attentive and fearless, a very good house guard, easy to keep, good with children and other dogs, they love attention and are very playful.
They are very intelligent and are very quick to learn.

Renowned as a Hunting Dog, Guarding Dog and Pet Dog.

Height is 8 to 12 inches or 20 cms to 30 cms.
Weight 8 ¾ lbs to 11 lbs or 4 to 5 kgs.
Colour. Any colour. Fawn and Yellow in all shades with or without white markings being predominant.

Alaskan Malamute Int / It / Sp/SM/ Mon / Fin / Lux / Pol Ch Giving A New Royal Star de Jungla Negra, Handled by Monika Kubiak winner of the Working Group at Crufts 2007 on the dogs first visit to the UK.

A week working at The worlds best dog show as a photographer, I'll try to include a bit of all sorts over the coming weeks from the many hundreds of photographs I've taken at this years 2007 Crufts.

The Beagle's happy, affectionate nature and robust character makes it an ideal family pet. They are extremely intelligent and keen to please. Their hunting heritage gives them the quality of persistence and the ability to work things out for themselves. Their rather 'happy go lucky' outlook makes them great companions for all the family both human and animal alike.
Being only 13-16" at the shoulder, the Beagle is a great little athlete, masses of stamina and with energy to spare. They love plenty of exercise and, being short coated, they are easy to look after, whatever the weather. A simple rub down with a dry towel and they are clean again, even after the muddiest of walks. Their dense, weatherproof coats. clean legs and small, compact feet makes them a blessing in any household! Beagles never need to be clipped and their strong, healthy constitution makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a sporting breed with real character.
Beagles enjoy eating and are extremely 'good doers', so it's far more a case of being strict and avoiding tit-bits between meals or over feeding than having to worry about trying to find something they will deign to eat. An adult beagle only needs one meal a day, with usually a biscuit in the evening to go to bed with.
Like all dogs, they need daily exercise to keep them fit and happy, but the beagle is a great entertainer and will play endlessly in a well fenced garden. Owners need to adopt a sensible approach to keeping a dog - any animal left locked up day after day without proper exercise will soon become a nuisance and unwanted. Beagles are not a toy breed and really do need to have decent exercise every day. If you have to exercise your beagle in public areas please do not add ammunition to the anti-dog movement, by not clearing up after your dog!
The beagle's many attributes make it a perfect companion - they are thinkers and doers and really enjoy joining in with all the action. They are good with children and an ideal size for all the family to manage. Their fun loving attitude ensures that everyone enjoys themselves.
The Beagle is one of the smaller hounds, an ancient breed in Britain, he has proved a joy to the sportsman for hundreds of years. In the opinion of those who have researched the subject the Beagle has evolved from small hounds used for hunting small game in Southern Europe. Beagles were first mentioned by name in writings published in 1475. Chaucer called them the 'smale houndes' in his Canterbury Tales. Followed on foot and on horseback they have been hunted in packs after hare from time immemorial, and right up to the present. Queen Elizabeth I kept a pack, and so did George IV.
The scenting prowess of the beagle is legendary and today they are helping custom officers in the U.S.A. and Australia 'sniff out' illegal drugs at airports. They are also being used in the U.S.A. to detect arson.
Over one hundred years ago The Beagle Club was formed acting under the auspices of The Kennel Club for sporting purposes and exhibition. Since that time the membership has increased from the 12 founder members to over 600 in all parts of the world today.
The popularity of the beagle has steadily increased with about 2000 registered annually with the Kennel Club.
You can exhibit your beagle in the show ring against other beagles, at almost all of the hundreds of dog shows held all over this country annually.
The Beagle Club extends a warm welcome to the new beagle owner, and offers a wide variety of interesting beagle activities, including Rallies, Matches, Open and Championship shows and the wonderful opportunity to see your beagle drag hunting with the Working Section.
When you join the club you will be kept advised of its functions which will enable you to pursue whichever activity is of interest to you in the company of a host of new friends.

A Few photos of the new puppy's. The larger one is 6 weeks old and called Alfie Moon. The two smaller one are just over 3 weeks and have not been named yet.

The Bullmastiff.
In an attempt to decrease the massive size of the English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff was created through crosses with the Bulldog during the late 1800s. This resulted in a more agile, quiet tracker, which retained much of his larger progenitor's power and enabled the Bullmastiff to cover short distances quickly. The Bullmastiff s similarity to the Dogue de Bordeaux, which is centuries older, brings to mind the various Mastiff crosses made throughout history.

These dogs were originally called Gamekeeper's Night Dogs and were set against poachers. Since poaching in England carried the death penalty, those choosing the profession were pre-pared to murder the gamekeepers pursuing them. This called for a tough, fearless, absolutely silent canine assistant.

As the 20th century approached, the need for gamekeepers and their dogs waned. Staged contests were still held, however, to see if a man could outwit the animal. The volunteer was given a head start in woods or moors and, after a few minutes, the muzzled pursuer was slipped off lead. Upon catching his quarry, the dog knocked down the poacher and kept his captive on the ground until the handler arrived. As far as the records show, it was always the dog that won.

Recognition in its homeland came in 1925, and AKC followed suit in 1933. The dark brin-dles so desirable for night work in its original profession gave way to fawns. British fanciers prefer a dog that appears to have half-Mastiff and half-Bulldog influence from the 19th-century crosses, while Americans seem to desire a 60/40 ratio, with the Mastiff dominating. Hollywood welcomed the Bullmastiff, with both Douglas Fairbanks and producer Harry M. Warner as admirers of the breed.

Nowadays, the Bullmastiff is a calm, though alert, pet. A young dog is often clumsy and demonstrates normal puppy naughtiness. These activities must be "nipped in the butt" before the dog's full size and strength are reached. He is protective of children, other pets and property. These tendencies require a firm, loving owner.

Introduction
In ancient times, as the population of the Iranian plateau increased, stronger tribes drove weaker ones into the wilderness, and eventually, the Samoyed people wound up in Siberia. A gentle, nomadic tribe of family groups, they were accompanied everywhere by their dogs. The Samoyed people used the dogs to herd reindeer, pull sledges loaded with goods, and keep them warm in the frigid Siberian winters. The temperament of the well-bred Samoyed is a reflection of the breed's beginning: brought up within the family, eating at the campfire, snuggling in the beds, this dog is the ultimate companion, gentle with family members and happy to work.

The first written comments about Samoyeds was in 1696, when Adam Brand wrote of white dogs shorn to the skin pulling sleds. These dogs were depicted as medium-sized, with a curved tail quite unlike the tightly curled tail of today's Sammy. Pictures and descriptions from 1787-89 identified the dogs as terrier types, bearing little resemblance to the magnificent modern Sammy.

The first mention of Samoyeds outside Russia comes from an English newspaper advertisement in 1891, placed by Ernest Kilburn-Scott, offering for sale "Lovely white Russian (Samoyed) sledge dog pups, like small polar bears, most gentle and affectionate. Splendid coats and tails. Very rare. Parents imported."

At about the same time, Arctic explorers were putting together teams of dogs for polar expeditions, and Samoyeds fit the bill for their stamina and willingness to work. In 1911, a Samoyed lead dog on Roald Amundsen's trip to the South Pole was the first animal over the pole.


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The Samoyed today
The breed's history seems contrary to the Samoyed today, for few people captivated by the dog's long white coat, smiling face, and affection for people can imagine it pulling a sled or herding reindeer. The Sam seems more at home on a sofa than in harness, but in truth, he is happy in both places.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906, the Samoyed is a member of the Working Group (although some fanciers think the breed could do equally well in the Herding Group). The breed standard describes it as a medium-sized dog of moderate build, almost square, with the length slightly longer than the height. It is a double-coated breed, well suited for work in cold weather. The undercoat is short, soft, and thick, and the guard coat is long and harsh with straight hairs standing straight out from the body. The Samoyed people combed the undercoat for use in yarns, and today some spinners include Sam hair in hats, sweaters, and scarves.

Although the original Samoyed dogs were of several colors, the standard calls for the coat to be white, cream, biscuit, or white and biscuit. All other colors are disqualifications. Most Samoyeds are white, and many have biscuit marking on the ears and around the eyes.

The eyes should be dark, and the lips and eye rims black. The nose should also be black, but a liver, brown, or Dudley (flesh-colored) nose is acceptable. Blue eyes are disqualifications.

The Samoyed should move at a trot with grace and dignity. His is a ground-consuming, steady pace, well-suited for herding reindeer over the tundra or pulling a sled to the South Pole. He has a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, strong loin, well-muscled rear and strong neck. Males should be masculine without being aggressive; females feminine without appearing weak.

Since before 4000 B.C., the Norwegian Elkhound has faced icy weather, rugged terrain, dangerous animals... and still performed as a superior hunter, herder, guard and companion. Comrade to the Vikings, guardian of lonely farms and saeters, herder of flocks and defender from wolves and bear, a hunter always and roamer with hardy men, the Norwegian Elkhound comes down to us through more than six millennia with all his Nordic traits untainted, a fearless dog and friendly, devoted to man and the chase. A very rugged and robust dog built for endurance, bred and trained as a hunter and tracker, the Elkhound displays a keen and very acute sense of smell and hearing. Every physical characteristic is the expression of a need. His compactness, his muscled robustness, his squareness, his width and depth are true expressions of nature's requirements for a dog that would hunt day after day, all day long, in rugged country, where stamina rather than extreme speed is called for. The words brave, independent, dependable and determined describe their personalities. As pets, they are intelligent, friendly and reliable

The German Spitz: Mittle - Deutscher Mittle Spitz

The mittle, or standard, form of the German Spitz is the third largest of th five varieties. Like the Giant German Spitz, it is usually bred in solid colors. In British show rings all varieties and markings are acceptable.

The watchful demeanor of these dogs initially led to their being highly valued on farms, but they also make very rewarding companion dogs as well.

Like the other German Spitz, the Mittel has a harsh, long outercat and a soft, woolly undercoat. They are 11 and a half to 14 inches tall and weigh about 25 pounds.

The Kerry Blue Terrier of today is not much different from his predecessor, but just who that predecessor was is anybody's guess. The breed has been known in Ireland for at least 150 years, but its origins are as mysterious as the ancestry of breeds developed centuries earlier.

As typical in Ireland, legends abound; high on the list is the tale that the peasants developed the breed because noblemen restricted ownership of the Irish Wolfhound to the upper classes. The gentry hunted with the giant hounds, and the countrymen poached with their Kerries.

Yet another version has it that a Russian ship wrecked in Ireland's Tralee Bay and a blue dog swam ashore. Breeding of this dog with local terriers produced the Kerry Blue. Another account identifies the ship as belonging to the Spanish Armada. It is further said that the Kerry Blue Terrier may have been bred from the Irish Terrier and the Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier or from an earlier terrier and the Irish Wolfhound.

In any case, the Kerry Blue was found mostly in the mountains of County Kerry around Lake Killarney. He was first and foremost a working dog, used for hunting small game and birds, retrieving from land and water, and for herding sheep and cattle. He has even been trained as a police dog in England. Today, he is a formidable watchdog and gentle companion.

It was first shown as the Irish Blue Terrier in Ireland in 1916; in England it became the Kerry Blue Terrier and was shown at Cruft's for the first time in 1922. The dog came to the US about the same time; four Kerries were shown at the Westminster Kennel Club show in the miscellaneous class that year. Trimming the dog for the show ring in England gave the breed popular appeal.

THE BORDER TERRIER.

The border terrier is an agile and lively dog that only wants to please. The wiry coat gives them an appearance of being scruffy, which is one of the many endearing features of this little ball of energy.

History and Origin

The border terrier was originally developed in the mid 1800s in the Cheviot Hills, an area bordered by England and Scotland. The border terrier was bred to help farmers drive the foxes from their dens and then kill them. In addition, the border terrier has been employed as a marten, otter and badger hunter and watchdog. Over time, the border terrier left his full time job of hunter and became more of a family pet. Today, the breed is primarily a companion but can still be effectively used to control vermin on the farm. Since the breed is easily trained, it has been successful in agility, obedience competitions and as a trick dog.

In 1930, the border terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the terrier group.

Appearance and Size

The border terrier is a small compact and agile little dog. The head has a characteristic “otter” appearance. The ears are small and lie a little on the side of the head drooping forward. The body is muscular and well balanced. The tail should be short and thick at the base and then tapers. The coat of the border terrier is wiry and can be red, blue and tan, wheaten or grizzle and tan. A little bit of white is acceptable.

The adult border terrier stands around 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 12 to 15 pounds.

Personality

The border terrier is a hardy terrier with an innate desire to hunt. He appears scruffy due to his wiry coat and loves to make his owner’s happy. This terrier will bark when a stranger approaches but is not aggressive if properly trained. Similar to other terriers, the border terrier enjoys digging and must be kept in a fenced and secured area.

Home and Family Relations

The border terrier is a friendly, loyal, family-oriented dog that want please. When raised with cats and small children, the border terrier can do well but should be carefully supervised with other families children and pets. As a general rule, border terriers should never be trusted with hamsters, rabbits, birds, etc. and should never be allowed to roam free.

Some photographs taken of a young sheep dog.

General Appearance

The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting Group. He has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size. He stands well up at the shoulder on straight forelegs with a topline sloping slightly toward strong, moderately bent, muscular quarters. He is a dog capable of considerable speed, combined with great endurance. Above all, he must be free and merry, sound, well balanced throughout and in action show a keen inclination to work. A dog well balanced in all parts is more desirable than a dog with strongly contrasting good points and faults.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size-The ideal height at the withers for an adult dog is 15 inches and for an adult bitch, 14 inches. Height may vary one-half inch above or below this ideal. A dog whose height exceeds 15-1/2 inches or a bitch whose height exceeds 14-1/2 inches shall be disqualified. An adult dog whose height is less than 14-1/2 inches and an adult bitch whose height is less than 13-1/2 inches shall be penalized. Height is determined by a line perpendicular to the ground from the top of the shoulder blades, the dog standing naturally with its forelegs and lower hind legs parallel to the line of measurement. Proportion-The measurement from the breast bone to back of thigh is slightly longer than the measurement from the highest point of withers to the ground. The body must be of sufficient length to permit a straight and free stride; the dog never appears long and low.

The Lakeland Terrier.
From solid-colored, broken-coated terriers of the lake districts of northern England, this fine working terrier emerged. The entire area—the northern counties of Cumberland, Northumberland and Westmoreland—was the fount of many terrier varieties. The dog that eventually developed into the Bedlington and Dandie Dinmont was probably the origin of the Lakeland and the Border Terrier as well. A century or more before organized dog shows, the Lakeland assisted in informal hunts. These were organized by farmers—with a couple of hounds and terriers— when foxes were raiding the sheepfolds. These dogs were not like the "fox" terriers developed further south which were expected to bolt the quarry. The Lakelands were practical working terriers, required to face and kill the fox underground. When exhibited, they were still shown under the all-embracing term: Colored Working Terrier.


The breed was then called the Patterdale or Fell Terrier and came in a variety of colors as well as white. When they were first exhibited in the 1880s-90s, they were divided into white and colored dogs. Masters of Foxhounds judged the terriers not on their looks, but for their ability as working "fox" terriers. Soon the white terriers were used exclusively for otter work. (Young hounds, in their excitement, often mistook a dark dog for an otter and mauled the dog instead as both bolted from the hole.) The dark dogs were kept to hunt for foxes in the mountain rock piles.

Stories of Lakeland courage are plentiful. In 1871, Lord Lonsdale had a Lakeland that crawled 23 feet under rock after an otter. In order to extricate the dog, it was necessary to undertake extensive blasting operations. The dog was taken out, still in fine fettle, three days later. Still other dogs were recorded to have been taken out alive after 10-12 days. Of course, many paid the ultimate penalty.

In 1921, a group of fanciers met to resume pre-War activities and dubbed the breed after its lake district. Seven years later, the name Lakeland became official. The first president of the breed club was Lord Lonsdale, whose family had raised Lakelands for 50 years.

The Lakeland coat must be groomed in a manner similar to that of the Wire Fox and other rough-coated terriers. Although not as well known as some other terriers, they are consistently successful in the show rings. One famous champion, Stingray of Derryabah, was Best in Show at Crufts in 1967, followed by a BIS at Westminster, in New York, the following year. He became the only dog to win these prestigious shows on both sides of the Atlantic. Actor Bill Cosby is an ardent terrier fan, co-owning several top-winning dogs, among them a Lakeland, a Wire Fox and a Welsh Terrier.

They capture more than shows, however, winning hearts as well. Lakelands are down-to-earth, level-headed dogs who make fine companions. The breed adores children and matches their energy step for step.

The Bedlington Terrier is strong, lithe, graceful, and built for speed The Bedlington Terrier's unique appearance combined with his assertive demeanor are two reasons why this dog is described as having "the head of a lamb," and "the heart of a lion." The coat is distinctive in appearance and requires daily five-minute groomings to keep its unique shape and healthy condition. The alert, energetic Bedlington loves to play, but is known for his mild and gentle side. His personality earns him the reputation of a great companion dog.

Breed Standard

General Appearance
A graceful, lithe, well-balanced dog with no sign of coarseness, weakness or shelliness. In repose the expression is mild and gentle, not shy or nervous. Aroused, the dog is particularly alert and full of immense energy and courage. Noteworthy for endurance, Bedlingtons also gallop at great speed, as their body outline clearly shows

General Appearance
The English Cocker Spaniel is an active, merry sporting dog, standing well up at the withers and compactly built. He is alive with energy; his gait is powerful and frictionless, capable both of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating dense cover to flush and retrieve game. His enthusiasm in the field and the incessant action of his tail while at work indicate how much he enjoys the hunting for which he was bred. His head is especially characteristic. He is, above all, a dog of balance, both standing and moving, without exaggeration in any part, the whole worth more than the sum of its parts

General Appearance
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact and well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. He performs his original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight. The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian Husky are medium size, moderate bone, well balanced proportions, ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance. In addition to the faults already noted, the obvious structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Siberian Husky as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned herein.

The Miniature Bull Terrier was created in the 1930s by breeders of standard-sized Bull Terriers breeding the smaller puppies in litters in order to create a smaller version of the breed. The Miniature Bull Terrier is not a true miniature but is simply a smaller version of the standard-sized Bull Terrier. Other than size (see below), the standard is the same for both. His original use was to kill rats. Although shown in the Miscellaneous class at American Kennel Club shows since the 1963, he was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

The Miniature Bull Terrier is a good watchdog and, due to its size, ideal for urban apartment dwellers. He will not tolerate teasing from children.

The Miniature Bull Terrier is strongly built, symmetrical and active. He has a keen, determined, intelligent expression. His head is long, strong, deep with an oval or egg-shaped face. His profile curves gently from top of skull to tip of nose. The length of muzzle is perceptibly longer than the length of skull. His eyes are well sunken and dark. They are small, triangular in shape and obliquely set. The ears are small, think and placed close together. The nose is black. The teeth should set in a level or scissors bite. The neck is very muscular, long and arched. The back is short and strong. The chest is broad with great dept from the withers to the brisket. The tail is short, set low and carried horizontally. It should taper to a fine point. The legs are strong and muscular but not overly heavy. He should move smoothly with free, easy strides. His gait is parallel.The feet are cat-like with well arched toes. The coat is short, flat and harsh. He should stand between ten and fourteen inches at the withers and weigh no more than twenty pounds.

Breed Notes
The Bull Terrier was created in 19th century England. He is a cross between the Bulldog and a now extinct white English terrier. He was used originally in dog fights.

The Bull Terrier is fearless and energetic. He is well mannered but should not be kept with other dogs as he can become aggressive. He is also exceedingly friendly toward people. He has a jaunty attitude.

The Bull Terrier has an oval-shaped head that curve downward from the top of skull to tip of the nose. He has small, dark eyes. The ears are set at the corners of the skull and point upward. The body is muscular with a short, strong back. The legs are straight and of moderate length. The coat is short, flat and harsh to the touch. There are two types of coat colors that are acceptable. One is white with the possibility of some red or brindle markings on the head. The other is brindle or red in body with white on the chest legs and tip of the tail. The tail is short, set low and carried horizontally. When in motion, the legs move parallel to each other with easy strides. The Bull Terrier should range between 21 and 22 inches in height and 52 to 62 pounds in weight.

At first glance, the Welsh Terrier might be mistaken for a black and tan Wire Fox Terrier or a miniature Airedale, but he is neither of these. The head of a Welsh, in proportion to his body, is more powerfully made than either the Fox Terrier or the Airedale, being boxy rather than wedge shaped. He is bred for power and endurance instead of speed which gives him a broader, compact "cobby" shape. Since early fanciers used terms familiar to breeders of the horse, it would be appropriate to compare the Welsh to a working horse, while the Fox Terrier is more like a hunter or racer. The Breed Standard is a word picture of the ideal Welshman which has been adopted by breeders and registry associations.

Often described as the least quarrelsome of the Terriers, the Welsh has all the gaiety, fire and courage of a true terrier combined with the common sense and dignity of the larger working breeds; this happy blend of temperaments makes him easy to train and ideally suitable as a family companion or children's pet.

Standard Schnauzer Breed Description
General Appearance
Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or purely ‘beauty’ points.
Characteristic
Strong, vigorous dog capable of great endurance.
Temperament
Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.
Coat
Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness. Closer on neck and shoulders; clean on throat, skull and ears. Harsh hair on legs. Dense undercoat essential.
Colour
Pure black (white markings on head, chest and legs undesirable) or pepper and salt. Pepper and salt shades range from dark iron grey to light grey; good pigmentation. Hairs banded dark/light/dark. Facial mask to harmonise with corresponding coat colour.
Size
Ideal height at withers: dogs: 48.3 cms (19 ins); bitches: 45.7 cms (18 ins). Any variations of more than 2.5 cms (1 in) in these heights undesirable.

The Basenji is a unique dog of terrier size and come in four colour variations: red & white; black & white; a combination of these colours known as a tri-colour and brindle. All have white feet, tail tip and some white on the chest. They may also have a certain amount of white markings on the face and neck. The Basenji has alert pricked ears with the characteristic puzzled frown and a tail which curls tightly over the hip. He does not bark but is very far from mute making all the usual doggie noises in addition to his own very special yodel when he is excited or happy. He is cat-like in that he hates the wet and cold. If by chance he should get wet or muddy, he will lick himself clean as well as any other dog or human who is in the same state. He uses his front paws a great deal in play and to rub his ears and face; he also has the cat habit of sitting in the best chairs or on the sunny windowsill watching the world go by!



He is, without doubt, a ‘people’ dog, trained by thousand of years around the native’s camp fires to be part of the family. However, the primitive background of the breed means they are not everyone's idea of the ideal breed. They are incurably inquisitive and everything out of the ordinary, or ordinary for that matter, must be inspected and assessed. They are not by nature instantly obedient and see no point in abandoning an interesting ploy the minute they are summoned although it is fair to say that they have been trained to the highest level of obedience work, mostly in America. If you want a dog that is servile and obeys your every command, the Basenji is not for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a proud, faithful, teasing, playful, talking dog that can outsmart you nine times out of ten, you will never consider any other breed!

The Akita is the largest of all the Japanese breeds and was originally bred in the province of Akita in the 1600's. Some believe the dogs were originally bred for hunting such prey as wild boar, deer and black bear, others believe they were bred for pit fighting. However, when the Japanese (and European) dog-fighting sport lost favour, the dogs were then employed for hunting. In the late 19th century other breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog and the Pointer were imported, making the Japanese breeds suffer in popularity. The Society for Preservation of Japanese Dogs was then formed for the purpose of preserving the native breeds. This Society then declared that all native breeds were national monuments. After World War 1, Akitas were protected because they were becoming so scarce and The Akita Inu Hozankai Society of Japan was founded in 1927 to preserve the breed. In the 1930's, the Akita was so rare that only the very wealthy could afford to buy one, if indeed one could be found!

Show Characteristics
The head should be long and flat with a defined stop and broad forehead. Jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes are relatively small, almond-shaped and dark brown in colour. The ears, again are small, thick and triangular carried forward over the eyes, firmly erect and slightly rounded at the tips. The neck should be thick and muscular and relatively short with a pronounced crest blending into the back of the skull. The shoulders are strong and powerful with very tight elbows. The forelegs should be well-boned and straight and the hindquarters strong and muscular with well-developed thighs. The feet should be thick, well-knuckled and very tight. Dewclaws on hindlegs should be removed. The tail is large and full, set high and carried over the back in a three-quarter, full or double curl and should dip down to or below the level of the back.

Temperament: Bred to run for miles, the Dalmatian retains this tireless enthusiasm. It is a playful, eager companion that must get daily hard exercise in a safe area if it is expected to behave at home. It loves to run and may roam. It may be aggressive toward strange dogs, but is generally good with other pets and is especially good with horses. It may be too energetic for young children. It tends to be reserved toward strangers. It can be stubborn. *Deaf Dalmations present special training and behavioral problems. They are easily startled and may snap.
Description: The Dalmatian is a distinctively spotted dog; poised and alert; strong, muscular and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression. He is capable of great endurance, combined with speed. A friendly, outgoing dog, he will make a excellent companion for anyone who has the time to exercise and train him. He will bond very closely with his owner, more so than other breeds and will exhibit separation anxiety when left alone. Dalmatian puppies are born all white and begin to develop their spots by ten to fourteen days.

The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs, it's origins goes back to Roman Times. The Rottweiler was kept as herding and driving dog they marched over the alps with the Roman Legions, protecting the humans and driving the cattle.

The Rottweiler originated from Mastiff type dogs and were brought to Germany by the Romans. The breed acquired its name from the old federal town Rottweil and was known as the Rottweil Butcher's dog. The Rottweiler was also used as draught / carting dog.

General Appearance
The Rottweiler today is a medium to large size dog with abundant strength, it has a black double coat with clearly defined rich tan markings neither heavy or light nor leggy and weedy.

Temperament - Behaviour and Character
The Rottweiler is good natured, placid and fond of children. He is devoted, obedient and biddable. The recent popularity of the breed has lead to "backyard breeders" capitalising without careful breeding of temperament and hereditary diseases such as Hip Dysplasia. I suggest prspective Rottweiler owners to buy puppies recommended from the breed clubs, make sure the sire and dam are of suitable temperament and that they have passed the Breeds clubs Schemes for breeding.


Size:
Males: 62-68 cms shoulder height
Bitches 56-63 cms shoulder height

The Lowchen,
A small, bright, and lively dog that originated as a companion breed in Pre-Renaissance Europe where ladies of the court groomed it in the likeness of a little lion. Breed characteristics are a compact, balanced body; a relatively short, broad topskull and muzzle; and a proud, lively gait that accentuates the lion cut with a long flowing mane. These quintessential features, combined with an outgoing and positive attitude, result in a dog of great style.

THE PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER,General Appearance
Workmanlike, active and agile; built for speed and endurance. Overall picture of balance and flexibility. Honourable scars permissible.
Characteristics
Essentially a working terrier with ability and conformation to go to ground and run with hounds.
Temperament
Bold and friendly.
Head and Skull
Flat, moderately broad, gradually narrowing to the eyes. Shallow stop. Length from nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Nose black.
Eyes
Almond-shaped, fairly deep-set, dark, keen expression.
Ears
Small, V-shaped, dropping forward, carried close to head, tip of ear to reach corner of eye, fold not to appear above top of skull. Leather of moderate thickness.
Mouth
Jaws strong, muscular. Teeth with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Clean, muscular, of good length, gradually widening to shoulders.
Forequarters
Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, cleanly cut at withers. Legs strong, must be straight with joints turning neither in nor out. Elbows close to body, working free of the sides.
Body
Ribs not over-sprung. Chest of moderate depth, not to come below point of elbow, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average size hands. Back strong and straight. Loin slightly arched. Well balanced. Overall length slightly longer than height from withers to ground.
Hindquarters
Strong, muscular with good angulation and bend of stifle. Hocks set low and rear pasterns parallel giving plenty of drive.
Feet
Compact with firm pads, turning neither in nor out.
Tail
Customarily docked.
Docked: Length complimenting the body while providing a good handhold. Strong, straight, moderately high set, carried well up on the move.
Undocked: Of moderate length and as straight as possible, giving a general balance to the dog, thick at the root and tapering towards the end. Moderately high set, carried well up on the move.
Gait/Movement
Free-striding, well co-ordinated; straight action front and behind.
Coat
Naturally harsh, close and dense, whether rough or smooth. Belly and undersides coated. Skin must be thick and loose.
Colour
Entirely white or predominantly white with tan, lemon or black markings, or any combination of these colours, preferably confined to the head and/or root of tail.
Size
Ideal height: at withers: Dogs: 36 cms (14 ins); Bitches: 33 cms (13 ins). 2.5 cms (1 in) above or below is acceptable.
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
General Appearance
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

The West Highland White Terrier is a small, game, well-balanced hardy looking terrier, exhibiting good showmanship, possessed with no small amount of self-esteem, strongly built, deep in chest and back ribs, with a straight back and powerful hindquarters on muscular legs, and exhibiting in marked degree a great combination of strength and activity. The coat is about two inches long, white in color, hard, with plenty of soft undercoat.

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds. The Airedale's coat is tan with black markings on the sides and upper parts of the body. The coat is dense and wiry; it requires a great deal of grooming and may need professional help to maintain. Airedales are a good natured and fun-loving breed. They have an excellent reputation with children, but should always be supervised during play. Characteristics
The head and ears should be tan, the ears being of a darker shade than the rest. The legs up to the thighs and elbows and the under-part of the body and chest are also tan and the tan frequently runs into the shoulder. The sides and upper parts of the body should be black or dark grizzle. A red mixture is often found in the black. A small white blaze on the chest is a characteristic of certain strains of the breed. Dogs measure approximately 23 inches in height at the shoulder; bitches, slightly less. Both sexes should be sturdy, well muscled and boned.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is a lively, active, and sleek dog. The Smooth Fox Terrier is easily housebroken. The breed requires occasional bathing and regular brushing to control the minimal shedding. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a keen nose, remarkable eyesight, and staying powers in accomplishing his work.
The dog must present a generally gay, lively and active appearance; bone and strength in a small compass are essentials; but this must not be taken to mean that a Fox Terrier should be cloddy, or in any way coarse--speed and endurance must be looked to as well as power, and the symmetry of the Foxhound taken as a model.

Mini Schnauzer Breed Description
General Appearance
Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or other purely 'beauty' points.
Characteristic
Well balanced, smart, stylish and adaptable.
Temperament
Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.
Coat
Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness, dense undercoat. Clean on neck and shoulders, ears and skull. Harsh hair on legs. Furnishings fairly thick but not silky.
Colour
All pepper and salt colours in even proportions, or pure black, or black and silver. That is, solid black with silver markings on eyebrow, muzzle, chest and brisket and on the forelegs below the point of elbow, on inside of hindlegs below the stifle joint, on vent and under tail.
Size
Ideal height: dogs: 35.6 cms (14 ins); bitches: 33 cms (13 ins). Too small, toyish appearing dogs are not typical and undesirable.

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action; distinguished from other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears. The Papillon is a happy dog who makes a great house pet. Papillons make a very good watch dog, alerting their owners of strangers. The coat requires minimal grooming, but to prevent matting the coat should be groomed at least once a week.

THE PUPPY FILE.

THE FUN OF DOGS,This is a collection light hearted photographs from my self and other photographers.

Photographs of our gang,in their younger years.

THE JAPANESE SHIBA INU
The Shiba is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds of dog and was originally developed for hunting by sight and scent in the dense undergrowth of Japan's mountainous areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. His frame is compact with well-developed muscles. Males and females are distinctly different in appearance: males are masculine without coarseness, females are feminine without weakness of structure.The Shiba Inu may seem slightly aloof at first, but it is typically an inquisitive, good-natured, bright and active dog. The Shiba Inu's coat is somewhat soft, thick and plush to the touch. It has a double coat, with a strong, straight outercoat and a soft, dense undercoat. Shiba Inus have lived with the Japanese people for centuries. Considered the smallest and oldest of Japan's dogs, the Shiba's ability to maneuver steep hills and mountain slopes, together with its keen senses, have repeatedly shown it to be a superb hunting dog. After reaching near extinction during World War II, only three Shiba bloodlines remained. They were the San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and the Shin Shu Shiba, the latter being the most popular. It is from these three lines that the breed evolved into the modern Shiba.

The Wire Fox Terrier will instinctively alert its owner of someone approaching. They are easily trained and do well in obedience. Wire Fox Terriers are alert and quick of movement. The Wire Fox Terrier character is imparted by the expression of the eyes and by the carriage of ears and tail. The Wire Fox Terrier's coat needs brushing weekly.
The Terrier should be alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on the tip-toe of expectation at the slightest provocation. Character is imparted by the expression of the eyes and by the carriage of ears and tail. Bone and strength in a small compass are essential, but this must not be taken to mean that a Terrier should be ''cloddy,'' or in any way coarse--speed and endurance being requisite as well as power. The Terrier must on no account be leggy, nor must he be too short on the leg. He should stand like a cleverly made, short-backed hunter, covering a lot of ground. N.B. Old scars or injuries, the result of work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a Terrier's chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud.