Breed All About It

Border breeder and earthdog enthusiast, Marg Pough, has four young dogs learning how to hunt like their forebears. Except this time the quarry is a rodent. Two teenage Borders are training for AKC earthdog trials.

The French Bulldog may look like a bruiser, but is more class clown than bully. Frenchie's are companion dogs, but can bond solely with one person. Their engaging looks have often attracted colorful characters.

With both spaniel and setter in it's bloodline, the Brittany is a versatile bird dog. The smallest of the versatile gundogs, the Brittany is an active dog with an independent spirit. Training becomes necessary in order to live happily with the Brittany.

The Samoyed is an old breed that grew up in Siberia, alongside a nomadic people called the Samoyede. The nomadic life meant that the Sammy had to be an all-purpose dog. They are working dogs and people dogs and have an urge to wander.

Scotties are smart, independent souls and even trainable given the right incentive. Perhaps more than any other breed, the Scottie has been immortalized in high art and pop culture.

Discover how Lhasa Apsos were employed as watchdogs inside Buddhist monasteries in their homeland of Tibet. Today, many pet Lhasas are self-appointed protectors of the home. Lhasas are known for their beautiful coats, which makes them great show dogs.

Created as a multi-purpose hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is able to point birds, retrieve in water, and track game. These canines are an athletic, healthy breed full of endless energy.

Learn the history of the Bouvier, a dog that started as a farm dog and ended up hauling weapons and ambulance litters in the Belgian and French armies. The Bouvier is a vigilant watchdog and has a perceptive sense of who belongs and who doesn't.

Once known as the poor man's racing dog, whippets today complete lure coursing field championships with grace and speed. The breed has also made their mark on disc-dog competitions, an agility sport that was actually founded by a dog named Ashley Whippet.

Bred to flush foxes from dens, the smooth fox has an independent spirit and a hardy soul. At an earthdog trial, terriers show their traditional talents. One contestant howls smooth tunes, while two others saddle up to become professional trick dogs.

Originally hunters, herders and guard dogs of China, chow chows, with their aloof, independent souls, require socialization at an early age. Commonly plagued by hip dysplasia, chows are magnificent show dogs, but require the grooming skills of a pro.