Special Sub-Topic: Breed Nicknames Click Here To Play: Breed Nicknames

The American Gentleman of Dogs

Boston Terrier. Although the Boston Terrier, American Water Spaniel, American Pit Bull Terrier and Australian Shepherd (go figure!) are all American breeds, America has very few breeds we can call our own. Perhaps the Boston Terrier's black and white coloring contributed to his title as "gentleman."

The Grey Ghost

Weimaraner. There aren't too many grey dogs, although the Weimaraner is actually a silver grey, which does give it a ghostly appearance.

The Best Little Pal in the World

Cairn Terrier. The Cairn is a fun-loving canine companion.

The Butterfly Dog

Papillon. The Papillon is called the Butterfly Dog for his large, fluffy ears that resemble butterfly wings. The drop eared and less well known variety is known as the Phalene.

The Poor Man's Racehorse

Whippet. Although the Whippet was originally bred as a rabbit courser, he became popular in races among the working class of Northern England. (The Disney movie "The Littlest Horse Thieves" has a whippet race amongst the working class miners).

Apollo of Dogs

Great Dane. Apollos was the Greek and Roman god of truth and the arts.

The White Cavalier

Bull Terrier. James Hinks was one of the early founders of the Bull Terrier breed. He breed a strain of pure white terriers known as the "White Cavalier." The nickname has stuck to this day.

The Lion Dog of Tibet

Lhasa Apso. The Lhasa Apso guarded Tibetan temples, and was known as "Apso Seng Kyi," The Lion Dog of Tibet, which it is still known as today. Tibetan Spaniel owners say that it was the Tibetan Spaniel that the "Apso Seng Kyi" was referring to. Maybe it was both, or perhaps we'll never know.

King of the Terriers

Airedale Terrier. As the largest terrier (excepting the very new and very rare breed, the Black Russian Terrier), the Airedale terrier exemplifies all of the best qualities that make a terrier a terrier. The Airedale is a very versatile dog, having been trained in everything from schutzhund (sport where well-trained dogs show their obedience, protection and scenting skills), agility, search and rescue, police work and military work.

The Happy Breed

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. The nickname says it all. The PBGV always has a smile on his face and wag in his tail.

Many breeds fanciers consider their dogs to be "the clown of the dog world." Which breed has NOT been called "the clown of the dog world"?

Briard. The Old English Sheepdog, Irish Water Spaniel and Pug all delight in playing the goof to get their owners laughing. Briards are playful, but they tend to be more serious dogs, and have never been called "the clown of the dog world."

"Multum in parvo": Latin for "A Lot of Dog in a Small Space" or "A Lot in a Little."

Pug. The Pug's motto encompasses much of the Pug's essence. The breed is the smallest mastiff breed (characterized by their large heads), and has a very compact frame, packing a lot of punch for the little dog. Besides this, the dog's personality is full of gusto.

The Plum Pudding Dog

Dalmatian. The Dalmatian was used by the English as a coach dog, running alongside the horses (which is how he got his reputation as a firehouse dog). The Dalmatian has a variety of nicknames, including the Carriage Dog, the English Coach Dog, Bengal Harrier and the Plum Pudding Dog.

The Gamekeeper's Night Dog

Bullmastiff. The Bullmastiff was originally bred from the Mastiff and the Bulldog to guard against poachers on the large English estates at night, alongside his owner.

The Dutch Barge Dog

Keeshond. The Keeshond was originally bred by the Dutch to guard their barges and for the company of the barge's crew.

The Monkey Dog

Affenspinscher. The Affenpinscher is called the monkey dog because of his monkey-like facial appearance and expressions. Although he is small, this dog was originally bred as a working dog--a ratter on farms.

The Starter

Welsh Springer Spaniel. Developed in Wales, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was originally known as "the Starter," which it is still known as today.

The Royal Dog of Egypt

Saluki. The Saluki was the dog of Egyptian nobility. Although the Muslim religion declares dogs to be unclean, Salukis were declared to be 'sacred,' and thus the prey they brought down could be eaten. . . and they could have canine companions.

The Gentleman's Terrier

Manchester Terrier. A very alert and sharp-looking dog, the Manchester Terrier was developed as a ratter and for rabbit coursing. It was in Victorian times that he was first given the title of "the Gentleman's Terrier."

The Sharkskin Dog

Chinese Shar-Pei. The Shar-Pei's other nicknames are the "Chinese Fighting Dog," and the "Chinese Bulldog." The Shar-Pei has a rough, sandpaper-like feel to it, which gave it this nickname.