Fun-loving and sometimes mischievous, the Affenpinscher is an ancient toy breed from central Europe. With the face and impish nature of a monkey, this peppy breed is extremely loyal and affectionate toward his family, though fearless toward aggressors. Ideal for apartments, his exercise requirements can be satisfied with indoor play, but he also enjoys daily walks. The Affenpinscher’s wiry, hypoallergenic coat should be brushed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.

DID YOU KNOW? Affenpinscher means "Monkey Terrier" in German. In Central Europe where he originated, the Affenpinscher was called “little devil with a moustache.”

ALSO KNOWN AS: African Terrier

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A dignified, aloof breed often considered an aristocrat, the Afghan Hound has a happy temperament and makes an excellent family companion. Little is known about the Afghan Hound’s history before the 19th century when he was discovered in Afghanistan. A large breed, the Afghan Hound requires regular exercise, and his long, silky coat needs regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? In April 2005 in Korea, an Afghan Hound called “Snuppy” became the world’s first successful dog clone.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Kuchi Hound, T?z?, Balkh Hound Baluchi Hound, Barutzy Hound, Shalgar Hound, Kabul Hound, Galanday Hound, Or sometimes incorrectly African Hound.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The largest of the terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier originated in the Valley of Aire in England, where factory workers bred him to be a good hunter, a strong, intelligent guard dog and a companion. The Airedale Terrier is a sturdy breed with a hard, wiry coat that became known as a “jack of all trades” doing police work, rodent control and hunting game. Airedales need grooming several times a year plus weekly brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? Among famous Airedale Terrier owners are Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

One of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute was first bred in Alaska to carry large loads over long distances. A majestic, dignified breed, the Malamute is highly intelligent and learns quickly, but he also can be strong-willed. Loyal, devoted and highly athletic, he is an affectionate family companion that enjoys outdoor activities. The Malamute needs daily exercise, and his thick, coarse coat requires daily brushing and occasional baths.

DID YOU KNOW? The Alaskan Malamute was named after a native Innuit tribe called the Mahlemuts, who settled in Alaska.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originated in rural Turkey about 6,000 years ago to guard livestock and serve as a companion to shepherds. Large, powerful and possessive, this breed adores his family but can be suspicious of strangers. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has two coat varieties, Short and Rough, both which require little grooming. The breed does best with moderate exercise.

DID YOU KNOW? This breed is slow to mature, reaching adulthood at about 4 years of age.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Karaba? (Blackhead), Anatolian Blackhead (Anadolulu Karaba?), Kangal

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Agile, strong and courageous, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed in the 1800s in Australia. An intelligent and determined high-energy working dog, the Australian Cattle Dog is happiest in large, open spaces with an engaging job to do. This loyal and protective breed bonds closely with his family, but his owners must establish themselves as the pack leaders. The breed’s smooth, short coat requires occasional bathing and brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The Australian Cattle Dog has helped the beef industry of Australia thrive by enabling farmers to maintain huge herds. Australian Cattle Dogs are born completely white.

ALSO KNOWN AS: ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd developed in the Pyrenees Mountains. This intelligent, active and good-natured breed is a skilled livestock herder and all-purpose farm and ranch dog. Aussies can be reserved with strangers but are true people dogs that want to be near their family. The breed requires daily vigorous exercise and a sense of purpose. The Aussie’s thick, weather-resistant coat requires weekly brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The Australian Shepherd derived his name from his association with the Basque Shepherd Dogs that came to the U.S. from Australia in the 1800s. As Australian Shepherds age, their colouring darkens and becomes more “pure”.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Aussie, Little Blue Dog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

This toy dog's glamorous, long coat is parted along the back and comes in blue and tan, grey-blue and tan, silver and tan, or silver-blue and tan. For full details see the breed standard. When fully grown, he stands at around 23cm and weighs approximately 8-10lb. He looks refined but not delicate.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Australian Terrier is a spirited, alert and self-assured dog bred in Australia to control vermin population and guard livestock. Friendly and affectionate with a strong sense of devotion, the Australian Terrier is an excellent family dog. This small, sturdy breed can live comfortably in the city, country or suburbs. His waterproof coat sheds little and is easy to maintain.

DID YOU KNOW? The Australian Terrier was the first breed to be recognised and shown in dog shows in Australia.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

An elegant, lightly built hunting dog from Africa, the Basenji is known as the “Barkless Dog” due to his making a noise that sounds like a yodel when excited. His distinctive features are a wrinkled forehead and tightly curled tail. Though aloof around strangers, the Basenji is an affectionate, alert and intelligent breed full of activity and play. The Basenji’s short, odor-free coat requires minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? One of the oldest dog breeds, it is believed that Basenjis were given as gifts to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt.

ALSO KNOWN AS: African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Congo Dog, Zandle Dog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Basset Bleu is a noble-looking hound, with the typical basset long body and short legs. Powerful and athletic – he is not a heavy, cumbersome dog. Medium-sized, he stands 30-38cm tall when fully grown and weighs approximately 16-20lb. The most striking feature is the coat colour – black on a white background, covered with black mottling to produce the blue appearance. Typical hound markings, in tan, are also a feature (see the breed standard for details).

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Extra training required
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

This medium-sized, rough-coated dog is a typical basset shape, though not as low to the ground as the Basset Hound, standing at 32-38cm when fully grown. He weighs about 16-18kg as an adult. The coat comes in fawn, gold-wheaten or red-wheaten. Some may have a little white on the chest.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog