Special Sub-Topic: Which Breed? From the Breed Standards Click Here To Play: Which Breed? From the Breed Standards

From the AKC Standard: "Head: Similar to that of an otter."

Border Terrier. The border terrier is known for his small, otter-like head. A rugged little terrier, he was mostly used for hunting small game and "going to ground."

From the AKC Standard: "Ears: Known as the bat ear, broad at the base, elongated, with round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with the orifice to the front."

French Bulldog. The forerunner of the French bulldog is a now-extinct breed, the miniature bulldog. The miniature bulldog looked almost exactly like a smaller bulldog. The bat ears distinguish the French bulldog from the miniature bulldog.

From the AKC Standard: "The hallmark of this breed is the ridge on the back which is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat."

Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of only two breeds with hair growing backward. The other is a very rare breed known as the Thai Ridgeback.

From the AKC Standard: "Head: Should be long, strong and deep right to the end of the muzzle, but not coarse. Full face it should be oval in outline and be filled completely up giving the impression of fullness with a surface devoid of hollows or indentations, i.e., egg shaped. In profile it should curve gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose. The forehead should be flat across from ear to ear."

Bull Terrier. The unusual "egg-shaped" face of this breed is certainly its hallmark. Seems to be a favorite for painting "bulls-eyes" on.

From the AKC Standard: "A distinguishing characteristic of the breed which sets the dog apart from all other terriers. An abundant single coat covering the entire body, legs and head; coat on the latter falls forward to shade the eyes. Texture soft and silky with a gentle wave. In both puppies and adolescents, the mature wavy coat is generally not yet evident. Major Faults--Woolly or harsh, crisp or cottony, curly or standaway coat; in the adult, a straight coat is also objectionable."

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Like the poodle and a few other breeds, the soft coated wheaten terrier sheds less, and is generally causes less problems for allergy sufferers.

From the AKC Standard: "The so-called 'rat tail' is a striking characteristic of the breed. At the root it is thick and covered for two or three inches with short curls. It tapers to a fine point at the end; and from the root curls is covered with short, smooth hair so as to look as if it had been clipped. The tail should not be long enough to reach the hock joint."

Irish Water Spaniel. One of many breeds distinguished as the "clown of the dog world", the Irish water spaniel truly looks it, with his curly top-knot and fun-loving expression. The thick, tapered rat-tail is truly unique to this breed.

From the AKC Standard: "Expression is largely dependent on the distinctive characteristic called 'spectacles'-a combination of markings and shadings in the orbital area which must include a delicate, dark line slanting from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear coupled with expressive eyebrows. Markings (or shadings) on face and head must present a pleasing appearance, imparting to the dog an alert and intelligent expression. Very Serious Fault: Absence of dark lines which form the 'spectacles.'"

Keeshond. Another interesting point of this breed is that the fluffy hair on the legs is referred to as "trousers."

From the AKC Standard: "Both in front and profile view the head bears a general resemblance to a well-blunted lean wedge, being smooth and clean in outline and nicely balanced in proportion."

Collie (Smooth and Rough). One of the collie's best known features is undoubtedly his long, wedge shaped face.

From the AKC Standard: Hair Color: "The 'single' dapple pattern is expressed as lighter-colored areas contrasting with the darker base color, which may be any acceptable color. Neither the light nor the dark color should predominate."

Dachshund (all varieties). This unusual coloring sometimes looks similar to the "merle" look in other dogs. It is interesting to note the many colors that dachshunds can be. If you're interested, put "dapple" and "dachshund" into a search engine, and find a site that shows pictures of the different colored dachshunds.

From the AKC Standard: "It is of the utmost importance that the *** show fire and animation. There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the *** which is characteristic, and which, coupled with the headlong dash, blind to all consequences, with which he rushes at his adversary, has earned for the breed the proud epithet of 'Daredevil.' He is of good temper, most affectionate, and absolutely loyal to mankind. Tender and forebearing with those he loves, this rugged, stout-hearted terrier will guard his master, his mistress and children with utter contempt for danger or hurt."

Irish Terrier. This fiery red breed's appearance matches his reputation.

From the AKC Standard: "The dog must present a generally gay, lively and active appearance; bone and strength in a small compass are essentials; but this must not be taken to mean that a *** should be cloddy, or in any way coarse--speed and endurance must be looked to as well as power, and the symmetry of the Foxhound taken as a model. The ***, like the Hound, must on no account be leggy, nor must he be too short in the leg. He should stand like a cleverly made hunter, covering a lot of ground, yet with a short back."

Smooth Fox Terrier. The standard for the wire fox terrier basically says the same thing, although not in the same words.

From the AKC Standard: "The *** should not bark but is not mute. The wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift, effortless gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are typical of the breed."

Basenji. The basenji is known for his "yodel."

From the AKC Standard: "The style and carriage are peculiar, his gait being a loose-jointed, shuffling, sidewise motion, giving the characteristic 'roll.' The action must, however, be unrestrained, free and vigorous."

Bulldog. Certainly the gait is not the only unusual aspect of this breed.

From the AKC Standard: "Dewclaws: Double dew claw on the rear leg; dewclaws placed on the inside, forming 'thumbs' well separated one from the other ideally; close to the foot to create a larger weight-bearing surface."

Beauceron. The Beauceron is currently (June 2004) in the AKC Miscellaneous class, but his unique characteristics will undoubtedly bring him to prominence.

From the AKC Standard: "Many *** have a slightly sad or worried expression when they are not working. The moment the slightest indication is given that retrieving is required, they set themselves for springy action with an expression of intense concentration and excitement. The heavily feathered tail is held high in constant motion while working."

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The "springy action" and "heavily feathered tail is held high in constant motion" are essential to the purpose of the breed. They were bred to lure ducks closer to the hunters, much like foxes sometimes will do.

From the AKC Standard: "The distinct varieties are born in the same litter. The Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair."

Chinese Crested. The only "hairless" breed recognized by the AKC, the Chinese Crested actually has hair on its head, tail and legs, giving it the appearance of a pony when it runs. The Powderpuff isn't as well known, but it is equally important to the breed.

From the AKC Standard: "Coat (a) Quality--(1) Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. (2) Corded: hanging in tight even cords of varying length; longer on mane or body coat, head, and ears; shorter on puffs, bracelets, and pompons."

Poodle (all three sizes). Most people don't realize that the poodles coat will cord like a komondor or puli. Although pulik can be shown with a brushed coat, it certainly cannot be made into pompons or bracelets!

From the AKC Standard: "The *** is first and fundamentally a working dog, a trail and tree hound, capable of withstanding the rigors of winter, the heat of summer, and the difficult terrain over which he is called upon to work. Used principally for trailing and treeing raccoon, the *** runs his game entirely by scent. The characteristics and courage of the *** also make him proficient on the hunt for deer, bear, mountain lion and other big game. Judges are asked by the club sponsoring the breed to place great emphasis upon these facts when evaluating the merits of the dog. The general impression is that of power, agility and alertness. He immediately impresses one with his ability to cover the ground with powerful rhythmic strides."

Black and Tan Coonhound. The black and tan coonhound is the only coonhound breed currently recognized by the AKC, although the redbone coonhound and the Plott hound (called only "Plott" by the AKC) are currently in the miscellaneous class. Perhaps in the future these great American dogs will become better known.

From the AKC Standard: "Highly mobile, the ear can point forward, sideways, or be folded backward, according to mood. On alert, the lowest point of the base is at level of the eye. On frontal examination, the height of the ear is approximately 2½ times that of the widest point of the base."

Ibizan Hound. An unusual breed in many ways, the Ibizan hound's ears are his most noticeable feature.

From the AKC Standard: "The tail is curled as tightly as possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection."

Pug. This breed is an ancient breed, going back as far as 400 B.C. Its origins are mostly obscure, although it has been a favorite dog of many cultures and peoples through the ages.

From the AKC Standard: "Head: Expression - bright, inquisitive, alert, and intelligent. The distinctive Oriental expression is characterized by the large broad head, large wide-set eyes, short broad muzzle, ear feathering, and the evenly patterned facial markings."

Japanese Chin. The skull of the Japanese Chin is very unique to this breed.

From the AKC Standard: "Mouth and Tongue: Edges of the lips black, tissues of the mouth mostly black, gums preferably black. A solid black mouth is ideal. The top surface and edges of the tongue a solid blue-black, the darker the better."

Chow Chow & Chow. The Chinese Shar-Pei can also have this distinctive blue tongue.

From the AKC Standard: "The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes."

Saluki. Salukis are an ancient breed, considered to be a royal dog in Egypt.

From the AKC Standard: "The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the 'hippopotamus' muzzle shape and the high set tail impart to the *** a unique look peculiar to him alone."

Chinese Shar-Pei & Chinese Sharpei & Chinese Shar Pei&Shar Pei&Shar-Pei&sharpei. Although once considered the rarest breed in the world, so unique is the Chinese Shar-Pei's appearance, nearly anyone could identify it today.

From the AKC Standard: "Head: A well rounded 'apple dome' skull. . ."

Chihuahua. The apple shaped head is characteristic of the Chihuahua. There is both a long-hair and short-hair coat variety.