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AKBASH DOG Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised April 1, 1998

History

The Akbash Dog is a white livestock guardian breed native to the plains and mountains of western Turkey. While the origins of the breed are obscure, it is known to be an ancient pure breed. The Akbash Dog is the Turkish counterpart of the other white guardian breeds found around the northern Mediterranean Basin. However, only the Akbash Dog possesses its unique combination of Mastiff and gazehound characteristics.

AKITA
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Copyright 1991, United Kennel Club, Inc.

History

The Akita is the largest of Japan’s native breeds, medium (Kai, Kishu, Ainu, Shikoku) and small (Shiba). It is a member of the Spitz family. The breed goes back many centuries to the polar regions. The Akita was originally bred as a fighting dog. The nobility later found alternate uses for the breed, such as hunting deer, boar or even black bear.
The Akita was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1980.

General Appearance

ALASKAN KLEE KAI
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised September 1, 2002

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in Alaska by Linda Spurlin and her family, to be a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. From the early 70’s through 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs who met their high standards for appearance and soundness. In 1988, they made the Alaskan Klee Kai available to others. Mrs. Spurlin originally called her new breed the “Klee Kai” but in 1995, it was changed to “Alaskan Klee Kai.” The Alaskan Klee Kai is still extremely rare.
The Alaskan Klee Kai was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1997.

ALASKAN MALAMUTE
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

History

The breed is a member of the “Spitz” family. The name indicates its area of origin, Alaska. The tribe of Mahlemuts, now spelled Malamute, is the source of the dog’s name. The natives used them as draught animals.
The Alaskan Malamute was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1947.

General Appearance

The breed was primarily a working sled dog used for hauling heavy freight. It is a heavily-boned, well-muscled, medium-sized dog, with a thick double coat, fox-like face, erect ears and a curled tail carried over the back.
Characteristics

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised April 1, 1998

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four ancient Swiss Sennenhunds, developed when the invading Romans bred their mastiffs to local flock-guarding dogs, and is the only one with a full coat. Refined in the Berne region, dogs of this breed were routinely used for multiple jobs. These included: general farm worker; flock guardian; and draft dog. The breed is characterized by the classic, striking Sen-nenhund tri-coloring (black ground color, with rust and white markings).
The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

NEWFOUNDLAND
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Copyright 1992, United Kennel Club, Inc.

History

As the name indicates, the breed originated in Newfoundland from dogs native to the island. Various theories state that the big black bear dogs introduced by the Vikings around 1001 AD contributed to the breed’s makeup. As European fishermen began to spend summers fishing in the areas around the island, various other breeds came with them and helped to shape and reinvigorate the breed, although the essential characteristics were not changed. By 1610, when colonization was permitted, the distinct physical characteristics and mental attributes had been permanently established in the breed.
The Newfoundland was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1919.