Taiwan Dog
loyal / intelligent / versatile
About the Breed
The Taiwan Dog is extremely faithful to his master, keen in sense, alert in movement, bold and fearless. He is a medium-sized dog with triangular head, almond shaped eyes, thin pricked ears and a sickle tail. The Taiwan Dog's intuitive nature and connection to its master were most likely honed from generations of collaboratively hunting small game in the mountains. This also means that they are extremely responsive to commands and easily trained. This breed can be reserved towards strangers and are fearless in protecting their family. Therefore, socialization for the Taiwan dog is necessary to mediate its strong instinct to protect its master and family. They should be an integral part of the family household and not an outside dog as they excel with daily interaction and socialization.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
intelligent / playful / versatile
About the Breed
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a lively, friendly, affectionate dog with his family but can be somewhat of a one-person dog. With his strong protective nature and well-developed pack instincts, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier gets along well with children (when raised with them), cats, and other dogs. He is a bold, tenacious hunter with seemingly unlimited energy whose size and endurance makes him an excellent hunter of squirrels and vermin. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are delightful companions in the home. They learn quickly and are ready for any activity their owners engage in. While they will still keep the family farm and home free of rats and mice, the job for which they were bred, they also excel in companion sports such as agility and obedience. They get along with other dogs without belligerence and have retained their prey drive without obsessive compulsion. At the end of the day, they love nothing better than to share the love and companionship of their owners. Teddies can adapt to pretty much any lifestyle, whether you show in conformation rings, work in agility trials, or just want a great companion for your home or farm. Their small to medium size makes them suitable for apartment living as well. This loyal, active and playful breed is at its best as a member of its human family.
Thai Bangkaew
Loyal / Alert / Intelligent
About the Breed
Thai Bangkaew are loyal to their owner and eager to train, but aloof toward strangers. Their alert nature makes them naturally adept watch dogs. The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a square-built, well-proportioned dog with a double-coat that should form a ruff around the neck and shoulders and a plumed tail. Bangkaew are loyal to their owner and eager to train, but aloof toward strangers. Their alert nature makes them naturally adept watch dogs.
Thai Ridgeback
Loyal / Alert / Intelligent
About the Breed
The Thai Ridgeback is tough and active, with an excellent jumping ability. He is highly intelligent, has a strong survival instinct, and is a loyal family dog. The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a stream-lined body that makes him very agile and a natural athlete. The ridge on his back is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of his coat and the breed has up to 8 different ridge patterns. Puppies can be born without this ridge. Coat colors include solid blue, black, red or fawn with a black mask occasionally on the red-coated dogs. Thai Ridgebacks also have spotted tongues and some even come with solid black/blue tongues. Today, most Ridgebacks are companion dogs, but they still maintain many of the same instincts for the jobs for which they were bred: hunting and guarding. They had to be independent, self-sufficient and hunt for their own food, which gave them strong survival instincts, a high prey drive, and a high level of intelligence. If well-bred and properly socialized, the Thai Ridgeback can be a loyal, loving pet. As a guarding breed, they are naturally protective of their home and can be reserved and suspicious with strangers. Thai Ridgebacks will need a patient, consistent, and experienced owner with a good understanding of dog behavior; they are not for first-time dog owners.
Tibetan Mastiff
reserved / independent / intelligent
About the Breed
Watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating: The ancient Tibetan Mastiff is the guardian dog supreme. These densely coated giants are mellow and calm around the house, sweetly devoted to family, and aloof and territorial with strangers. Coming face to face with this ancient behemoth, an intruder up to no good will likely move on to easier pickings. TMs can stand 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh well over 100 pounds. It's impossible to discuss this breed without leaning on words like 'powerful,' 'muscular,' massive,' and 'substantial.' And yet, TMs are quite light-footed and will meet a perceived threat with surprising agility. The broad head, with its high-set, V-shaped ears and expressive brown eyes, projects a noble, sagacious expression.
Tibetan Spaniel
playful / bright / self-confident
About the Breed
The frisky and curious Tibetan Spaniel was bred ages ago for sentinel work on the walls of Tibetan monasteries. Known for a flat, silky coat and 'lion's mane' around the neck, the Tibbie forms a tight, worshipful bond with their humans. With a blunt muzzle and big expressive eyes, a 'lion's mane' around the neck, and a plumed tail elegantly curving over the back, they're distinctly Tibetan. But are they spaniels? No, not in the Western sense, like Cockers or Cavaliers. Instead, Tibbies recall the ancient traditions that produced Pekes, Pugs, Lhasas, and other unmistakably Asian breeds. Tibbies stand about 10 inches at the shoulder; they move quickly and with purpose. They're seen in coats of many colors and combinations.
Tibetan Terrier
loyal / affectionate / sensitive
About the Breed
The Tibetan Terrier, 'Holy Dog of Tibet,' is an ancient watchdog and companion long associated with Buddhist monasteries. A profusely coated, small-to-medium-sized dog with 'snowshoe' feet, the TT is affectionate, sensitive, and clever. Bearing a passing resemblance to their smaller cousin, the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Terriers reside at the lower end of medium-sized breeds, standing about 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 20 and 24 pounds. A breed hallmark is the beautiful and profuse double coat'wooly underneath, with a long, fine topcoat. TTs are unique among dogs for their large, flat 'snowshoe' feet, adapted over centuries to help them negotiate the snowy, mountainous terrain of their homeland.
Tornjak
intelligent / friendly / courageous
About the Breed
The Tornjak is of steady disposition, friendly, courageous, obedient, intelligent, and full of dignity and self-confidence. Fierce in guarding property entrusted to him, he cannot be bribed and is suspicious of strangers. He is devoted to his master, very calm in his presence and very affectionate towards the people living in his immediate vicinity. The Tornjak is also known as the Bosnian and Herzegovinian ' Croatian Shepherd dog. He is a large and powerful dog, well-proportioned and agile. The shape of his body is almost square. When standing and moving, he is strong, harmonious and well-balanced. His coat is long and thick. According to studies, the Tornjak is most likely a descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff, or from the area where modern-day Iran is. That environment has created a healthy and strong watchdog, with modest needs for food and shelter. Tornjaks are friendly with people, but aggressive towards other animals and dogs that threaten his owner, home, sheep, pen or flock. They like to work and take commands readily from their owners.
Tosa
vigilant / fearless / patient
About the Breed
The Tosa's temperament is marked by patience, composure, boldness and courage. He is normally a tranquil, quiet, and obedient dog, with a calm but vigilant demeanor. With a stately manner and robust build, they were formerly bred for fighting, but are now used as watchdogs. The Tosa is quietly affectionate with his own family, but may be somewhat aloof with strangers. This breed is also, by nature, watchful of other dogs and may react aggressively to dogs it considers intruders. Overtly aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic of the breed. Their short, dense coat can be fawn, red, apricot, black or brindle and they can also have white markings on their chest and feet. In addition, Tosas mature slowly and individual dogs may not reach their prime until as late as four years of age. This breed is the largest of all Japanese dog breeds. They are also known as the Tosa Ken, Tosa Dog, Tosa Token, Tosa Inu, Japanese Fighting Dog, and Japanese Mastiff.
Toy Fox Terrier
alert / intelligent / friendly
About the Breed
A diminutive satin-coated terrier with an amusing toy-dog personality, the Toy Fox Terrier is, as breed fanciers say, 'truly a toy and a terrier.' They began as barnyard ratters but are today beguiling companions with a big personality. A surefire recipe for fun: Take the lovability of a lapdog. Combine with terrier tenacity. Pour the mixture into a beautifully balanced container. Wrap in a tight-fitting satin coat. Top with large, erect ears and dark eyes that sparkle with eager intelligence. This is the Toy Fox Terrier, a lithe but sturdy little comedian standing under a foot tall but packed with enough charisma for a whole kennel of ordinary dogs. The breed's admirers like to say, 'TFTs are truly a toy and a terrier.'
Transylvanian Hound
good-natured / courageous / determined
About the Breed
The Transylvanian Hound is good-natured, courageous, and enduring. At his foundation, he is quiet and even, but also determined and lively. The environmental conditions of the Carpathians made the breed a tough, brave dog. The Transylvanian Hound is an ancient Hungarian hunter created by special climate, terrain, and hunting conditions. His whole appearance reflects nobility and harmony. Due to his medium size, his body is athletic, lean, muscular, and exaggerated, and his movement is balanced and elegant. Its basic nature is calm, balanced yet firm, temperamental, and adaptable. Their playful nature makes them an ideal family favorite. Because of their balance and friendliness, they can be kept both in an apartment or house. His courage and loyalty make him a good guard. This scent hound is a basic dog, but it can also be used for retrieval. Hunting in a group or alone, you will hear a far-ranging, high, ringing tone indicating the direction of the game. Working far from the farm, they developed problem-solving abilities and through the centuries have become highly intelligent.
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
alert / intelligent / friendly
About the Breed
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an exceptionally sturdy and healthy breed. They are intelligent, brave, courageous and loyal companions with a strong inbred instinct for hunting. The breed bays during a hunt, which means they cry out to the hunter. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle originated in the United States, most notably the areas in and around the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains. They are bred from Cur dogs with a focus to have great scenting power, be an open trailer with good voice, and retain the uncanny ability to tree all kinds of game. Brindle-colored, smaller in size, and with a shorter ear, they are different in conformation than the Plott. The Treeing Tennessee Brindles are a very intelligent, courageous, and companionable breed. Alert, agile, and fast, they make for wonderful hunting dogs.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
smart / brave / courteous
About the Breed
A smart, brave, and sensible hunter, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a genuine American favorite, nicknamed "The People's Choice." Don't let the name fool you' Walkers are runners and are capable of covering a lot of ground in a hurry. Few things can quicken a coon hunter's pulse like the sight of this swift tricolored hound in full stride'the long, muscular legs, the powerful and propulsive hindquarters, and the streamlined frame all working to cover maximum ground with minimum effort. Later, basking in the warmth of a campfire after an honest night's work, this sweet-faced hound will look up and stir your soul with his gentle, pleading expression. Mercy, what a pretty picture! No wonder Treeing Walkers are called the People's Choice.