English Cocker Spaniel
energetic / merry / responsive
About the Breed
English Cocker Spaniel lovers often use the word 'merry' to describe their breed. Upbeat in the field and mellow at home, this compact, silky-coated bird dog is widely admired for his delightful personality and irresistible good looks. The English Cocker Spaniel is a compactly built sporting dog standing between 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The softly contoured head, with its dark, melting eyes that convey an alert and dignified expression, is framed by lush, close-lying ears. The medium-length coat, seen in a variety of striking colors and patterns, is silky to the touch. 'Balance' is a key word in understanding the breed: The EC is balanced in temperament, construction, and movement. Beneath the EC's physical beauty beats the heart of a tireless, eager-to-please hunter's helper, famous the world over for his ability to flush and retrieve gamebirds. For those who prefer more domestic pursuits, there is no more charming and agreeable household companion.
English Foxhound
sociable / affectionate / gentle
About the Breed
The English Foxhound is a substantial galloping hound of great stamina. His long legs are straight as a gatepost, and just as sturdy. The back is perfectly level. And the chest is very deep, 'girthing' as much as 31 inches on a hound measuring 24 inches at the shoulder, ensuring plenty of lung power for a grueling day's hunt. These pack-oriented, scent-driven hounds are gentle and sociable, but rarely seen as house pets. They can be so driven by a primal instinct for pursuit that not much else, including training, matters to them. Owning these noble creatures is best left to huntsmen who kennel packs of hounds or to those experienced in meeting the special challenges of life with swift, powerful hounds hardwired for the chase. The English Foxhound is the epitome of what serious dog breeders strive for: beauty, balance, and utility. The long legs are straight as a gatepost, and just as sturdy. The back is perfectly level. And the chest is very deep, 'girthing' as much as 31 inches on a hound measuring 24 inches at the shoulder, ensuring plenty of lung power for a grueling day's hunt. 'Next to an old Greek statue,' a poet wrote, 'there are few such combinations of grace and strength as in a fine Foxhound.'
English Setter
friendly / mellow / merry
About the Breed
The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog of sweet temper and show-stopping good looks. It is one of the AKC's four British setters created to work on the distinctly different terrains of England, Ireland, and Scotland. English Setters are elegant but solid dogs of beauty and charm. The word 'belton,' unique to the breed, describes the speckled coat patterns of colors that sound good enough to eat: liver, lemon, and orange among them. Under the showy coat is a well-balanced hunter standing about 25 inches at the shoulder. A graceful neck carries a long, oval-shaped head proudly, and dark brown eyes convey a soft expression. The merry English Setter is known as the gentleman of the dog world but is game and boisterous at play. English Setters get on well with other dogs and people. A veteran all-breed dog handler says, 'As a breed to share one's life and living space with, no other breed gives me more pleasure than the English Setter.'
English Springer Spaniel
friendly / playful / obedient
About the Breed
The English Springer Spaniel is a sweet-faced, lovable bird dog of great energy, stamina, and brains. Sport hunters cherish the duality of working Springers: handsome, mannerly pets during the week, and trusty hunting buddies on weekends. Built for long days in the field, English Springer Spaniels are tough, muscular hunters standing 19 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 40 and 50 pounds. The double coat comes in several colors and patterns, the ears are long and lush, and the kindly, trusting expression of the eyes is a cherished hallmark of the breed. Springers move with a smooth, ground-covering stride. Bred to work closely with humans, Springers are highly trainable people-pleasers. They crave company and are miserable when neglected. Polite dogs, Springers are good with kids and their fellow mammals. They are eager to join in any family activity. Long walks, games of chase and fetch, and swimming are favorite pastimes of these rugged spaniels.
English Toy Spaniel
intelligent / playful / gentle
About the Breed
The merry English Toy Spaniel was bred to be the companion of kings. But ETS are spaniels first and pampered lapdogs second, and beneath the patrician exterior beats the heart of a real doggy dog-bright, loving, and willing to please. The ETS is a square, snub-nosed toy weighing no more than 14 pounds. The large domed head-with its long and lush ears, dark melting eyes, and chubby cheeks-is a famous breed trait. The profuse coat comes in four varieties, each with its own proper name: red and white (Blenheim); black and tan (King Charles); white, black, and tan (Prince Charles); and a solid red (Ruby). Blenheims often have a red mark, the 'Blenheim Spot,' on top of the head. The ETS, like many toy breeds kept by royals, came to assume the personalities of their aristocratic owners. They can be proud and willful, and extremely discriminating in their choice of friends. With their favored humans, they are affectionate at home and exuberant and curious at play.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
loyal / smart / enthusiastic
About the Breed
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, tricolor 'Laughing Dog' of the Swiss Alps, is a rugged and determined mover of cattle. These spirited, energetic workers and athletes are independent problem solvers and are happiest with a job to perform. Entlebucher (ENT-leh-boo-cur) Mountain Dogs are muscular, long-backed cattle dogs standing from 16 to 21 inches at the shoulder. They have short, sturdy legs; a striking black, white, and tan coat; and an attentive, friendly face. Entles are famous for their agility, balance, and boundless enthusiasm. Entles are vigilant protectors of their four- or two-legged 'herds' and, when properly socialized, make durable and trustworthy playmates for older kids. Energetic Entles require lots of exercise, family time, and direction to reach their full potential. Inexperienced owners might be overwhelmed by this strong, self-confident, go-go herding dog eager for work. Entlebuchers are fine dogs'clever, zesty, happy'but not for everyone.
Estrela Mountain Dog
alert / intelligent / brave
About the Breed
The Estrela Mountain Dog is not only an excellent livestock guardian, but is also known for his love of children and family. Proper socialization and training as a puppy is very important so that the dominance in the Estrela's personality does not become aggressive. The Estrela Mountain Dog is named for the Estrela Mountains in Portugal and is believed to be the oldest breed in the region. The breed has several distinctive physical characteristics including rosed ears, a black mask and a hook at the end of its tail. He is an inseparable companion of the shepherd and a faithful flock guardian, bravely protecting it against predators and thieves. A wonderful farm and house guard, he is distrustful towards strangers but typically docile to his master.
Eurasier
confident / calm / family-oriented
About the Breed
The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog with a thick, medium-long coat that can come in a variety of colors. Confident, calm, and well-balanced, he is loyal to the entire family, but reserved towards strangers. He must live in close contact with his family, as he is not suited to be kept in kennels or tied up outside. The Eurasier comes in a beautiful array of colors. All coat colors are permitted as per the breed standard except for liver color, pure white and irregular white patches. Eurasiers can have purple tongues, pink tongues or spotted tongues. They can also have dark face masks or light, so-called reverse masks. Eurasiers are calm, even-tempered, gentle, loving, intelligent and confident.