Bobtail - Old English Sheepdog

The Golden RetrieverHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Golden Retriever was bred in Great Britain as a reliable retriever (especially for hunting with a shotgun, also from the water) - hence its love of water, its "soft mouth" and its close co-operation with humans.AppearanceBody shape: medium to large, strong and harmoniously built; symmetrical, ‘robust’ with a friendly expression. Coat: medium length, with feathering (especially on legs, tail and chest) and a dense undercoat – making it weather-resistant, but also requiring more grooming.Nature/characterTypical characteristics are: friendly, trusting, intelligent, docile and with a natural willingness to work ("will to please"). Many Golden Retrievers need a lot of activity (head + body) - otherwise they look for "jobs" for themselves (e.g. stealing, carrying, digging).GroomingCoat care: regular brushing (much more frequently when changing coat), as undercoat and feathering tend to become matted. Ears & paws: Check ears (drooping ears + bathing = risk of inflammation), check paws/"feathers" after walks in the forest.HealthWith Golden Retrievers, particular attention should be paid to serious breeding (health examinations, transparency, suitable matings). Frequently discussed issues in the breed include hips/elbows, eyes, ears and a certain tendency to be overweight (especially with too many snacks + too little exercise). (General note; specific risks depend heavily on line/breeding/keeping).EducationUsually easy to train because they are co-operative and people-oriented. Important: early impulse control, "don't eat anything from the floor", calm behaviour when left alone, leash training. Positive, clear rules + meaningful tasks are ideal: Retrieving, dummy work, mantrailing, obedience, rescue dog work - suits the breed very well.What are the special features of this breed?Retriever gene: Many like to carry things around, love search and retrieve tasks. People-orientated: Closeness and co-operation are often more important than "being alone in the garden". Water-loving + fur: Many like to bathe - drying their fur/checking their ears is part of this. "Friendly to everything": Can be great, but is rather unsuitable depending on the goal (guard dog).Suitable for first-time dog owners?Often yes - but only if you have the time and desire for training and exercise. Although a Golden is usually co-operative, it is not a sure-fire winner: young dogs can be wild, boisterous and very "food-motivated". If you consistently train them in a friendly manner and keep them busy every day, you will usually get a very pleasant companion.Family dog or not?Very often an excellent family dog because it is generally friendly, patient and social. Important for families: Children & dog must be supervised (resting areas, rules, no constant behaviour of the dog). A Golden that is kept busy is usually relaxed - one that is underchallenged can become annoying.

St. Bernard shorthair or longhair profileHistory of the St. BernardThe St. Bernard goes back to the dogs at the hospice on the Great St. Bernard (Alpine Pass). The standard describes that large dogs were kept there from the 17th century onwards, which served as court and guard dogs, among other things, and later became famous for their use in the Alpine region.AppearanceBody shape: You get a very large, powerful and harmoniously built dog with plenty of substance and a deep chest. The type should appear agile and resilient despite its mass. Coat: Depending on the variety, the coat is stocky or long-haired, always dense and protective. Regular brushing helps to remove undercoat and dirt.Nature and characterThe standard describes the St. Bernard as a friendly, calm and alert companion, guard and farmyard dog. Many dogs are people-oriented and calm, but need clear rules to keep their size and strength under control in everyday life.GroomingYou should brush the coat regularly, and much more frequently when the coat is changing. Ears, claws and teeth should also be groomed. Practical in everyday life: St. Bernards often drool, so cloths and short routines after eating are useful.HealthAs a giant, joint and bone stress are among the most important issues, as is the risk of stomach torsion in large, deep-chested dogs. Controlled growth as a young dog, a lean weight and good food and rest management around mealtimes are sensible. Education They do best with calm consistency and early socialization. Leash manners, stop signals and calmness suitable for everyday use are particularly important because an adult St. Bernard is physically enormously strong.What special features does this breed haveThe St. Bernard is a "gentle giant" with an imposing appearance, a lot of physical strength and often great composure. It is particularly well suited to people who like a calm, massive companion and have the space, time and management skills for a very large dog.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather limited: If you train in a structured way, remain consistent and use help from a dog school or trainer early on, it can work. Without clear guidance, size and strength quickly become an everyday problem.Family dog or not?Often yes, if you are looking for a calm, child-friendly type and guide interactions with children (size, tossing, boundaries). It is important to have enough space, a regulated daily routine and preventive health care.

The MalteseHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Maltese is a very old small breed of companion dog from the central Mediterranean region. According to the FCI, its name does not necessarily mean that it originates from the island of Malta. Historically, its ancestors were kept in harbour towns and coastal regions of the Mediterranean, where they also fought mice and rats in camps and on ships. Later, the Maltese was valued above all as an elegant companion dog. AppearanceBody shape: The Maltese is a small, elegant dog with a slightly elongated body. Despite its delicate appearance, it appears lively, well-proportioned and proud in its bearing. Its expression is alert and friendly.Coat: The coat is the breed’s most striking feature. It is very long, smooth, flowing and silky. A pure white coat is typical, giving the Maltese its elegant appearance.Nature/characterThe Maltese is considered to be affectionate, friendly, lively and very people-orientated. It is usually attentive, playful and closely orientated towards its caregivers. Despite its small size, it often has a surprisingly self-confident demeanour and wants to be taken seriously. GroomingGrooming is time-consuming and requires regularity. The long coat should be brushed and combed frequently to prevent matting. Eyes, ears, paws, claws and teeth should also be checked regularly. Good dental care is particularly important for small long-haired dogs. HealthThe Maltese is generally regarded as a rather robust and often long-lived small breed. Nevertheless, care should be taken to ensure responsible breeding. As with other small dogs, dental problems, patella problems, eye problems or skin issues can play a role, depending on the line. Regular veterinary checks, good weight management and a reputable breeding base are important. EducationTraining is often successful because the Maltese is smart, attentive and people-orientated. It needs friendly, clear and consistent leadership. Despite its small size, it should not be coddled, because even a small dog needs rules and guidance. With early socialisation and loving consistency, the Maltese usually develops into a pleasant everyday companion. What are the special features of this breed?What is special about this breed is the combination of its noble appearance, very close relationship with people and small size. The Maltese is no mere lap dog, but often an attentive, cheerful and present companion. In addition, its long, white coat makes it instantly recognisable, but also requires a lot of grooming.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Yes, the Maltese is often well suited to first-time dog owners. They are usually friendly, eager to learn and closely attached to their humans. However, you should not underestimate the amount of care required, the necessary consistency in training and the sensitivity of a small dog. Family dog or not?Yes, the Maltese can be a good family dog. He is affectionate, friendly and likes to live close to his humans. It is particularly well suited to families or households that treat a small dog with respect and have time to care for and bond with it. Care should be taken with very small children due to its small size.

The LeonbergerHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Leonberger originates from Germany and was selectively bred in the 19th century in the town of Leonberg near Stuttgart. Heinrich Essig, who wanted to create a very large dog reminiscent of the town's heraldic animal, the lion, is considered the founder of the breed. Today, the Leonberger is known as a family, companion and guard dog and is firmly established internationally.AppearanceBody shape: The Leonberger is a very large, strong, muscular and yet elegant dog. Its build is harmonious, the rump slightly longer than the height at the withers, and males in particular appear powerful and strong. Despite his mass, he should never appear clumsy, but calm, confident and agile.Coat: The coat is long, dense and weatherproof. It lies close to the body or is slightly wavy and often forms a particularly pronounced mane in males. The good undercoat, the feathering on the front and hind legs and the bushy tail are also typical. The colour ranges from lion yellow to reddish-brown or sand-coloured, always with the black mask typical of the breed.Nature/characterThe Leonberger is considered to be self-confident, calm, friendly and family orientated. According to the FCI, it should be neither shy nor aggressive and is characterised by its confident composure, medium temperament, good learning ability and friendliness towards children. Many Leonbergers are alert and watchful without being nervous or unnecessarily sharp.GroomingCoat care should not be underestimated. The long, dense coat should be brushed thoroughly on a regular basis to prevent matting, especially behind the ears, on the legs and when shedding. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. Due to its size, the Leonberger also needs sufficient space, suitable lying areas and grooming suitable for everyday use right from the start.HealthThe Leonberger is generally regarded as a resilient but demanding breed due to its size. As with many very large dogs, attention should be paid to responsible breeding, controlled growth, a suitable body weight and exercise that is easy on the joints when the dog is young. Depending on the lineage, joint problems, heart issues and other health issues typical of large breeds can play a role. EducationTraining should be calm, clear and consistent. The Leonberger is usually eager to learn, obedient and people-oriented, but needs reliable leadership and early socialisation due to its size and strength. Harsh methods are unsuitable. Particularly important are good everyday rules, leash training and a confident, friendly demeanour in various situations.What are the special features of this breed?What is special about this breed is the combination of imposing size, calm nature and closeness to the family. The Leonberger often comes across as a gentle giant and at the same time is described as child-friendly, confident and suitable for everyday use. Added to this are its impressive lion-like appearance, the water-loving nature of many representatives and its strong presence, which should not be underestimated in everyday life, both physically and organisationally.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditional. The Leonberger's character is often friendly and good-natured, which makes him generally approachable. However, due to its enormous size, strength, the amount of care required and the responsibility involved in training and keeping it, it is not the easiest choice for beginners. However, a very well-informed and consistent first-time dog owner can get on well with this breed with the right support.Family dog or not?Yes, the Leonberger is basically a very good family dog. The FCI standard expressly describes it as a pleasant family dog with a pronounced child friendliness. It is particularly well suited to families with sufficient space, time and understanding for a very large, long-haired and people-orientated dog.

Profile Australian Cattle DogHistory of the Australian Cattle DogThe Australian Cattle Dog was developed in Australia specifically for hard work with cattle: What was needed was an enduring, strong dog that could also control and drive difficult cattle. The standard describes the development from crosses of working collies with the Dingo, later with other influences.AppearanceBody shape: It is a strong, compact, symmetrically built working dog. He appears very muscular, agile and enduring without being clumsy.Coat: The coat is short to medium length, dense and weatherproof, with a distinct undercoat.Temperament and characterThe standard describes him as very intelligent, alert, courageous and reliable. At the same time, he is naturally suspicious of strangers and has a strong protective instinct.GroomingThe coat is generally easy to care for, but should be brushed more frequently when changing coat to remove undercoat. Overall, it needs much more attention than "hair care".HealthTypical issues mentioned are hip dysplasia and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and a genetic tendency to deafness.EducationHe is very capable of learning, but he needs clear rules, early socialization and meaningful tasks. Without guidance, he may try to "do" moving things (this includes nipping at heels), which must be properly trained early on, especially with children.What special features does this breed haveHe is a real working dog in family format: extremely persistent, clever, often very closely bonded to his caregiver and happiest when he is challenged physically and mentally on a daily basis.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Only to a limited extent. If you are really sporty, take training seriously and offer consistent activity, it can work. It is usually too demanding for "relaxed beginners" who are looking for an uncomplicated companion.Family dog or not?It can be a good family dog, but often more for active families with clear rules. Many descriptions emphasize that he can "herd" children and other animals if not trained early, and that he can be reserved towards strangers.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Its history The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originates from Switzerland and is one of the old farm and working dogs of the Alpine region. It was formerly used as a guard dog, draught dog and herding dog. For a long time, the breed was considered to have almost disappeared until it was specifically promoted again at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it is mainly kept as a family, guard and companion dog. Appearance Body shape: Strong, large, muscular and harmoniously built. The body is slightly longer than high, with a broad chest, strong back and powerful limbs. Despite its mass, it does not appear clumsy, but expressive and resilient. Coat: The coat is dense, weatherproof and easy to care for. Typical is the tricolored pattern with black base color, rust-red markings on the cheeks, above the eyes, on the chest and legs as well as white markings on the head, chest, paws and tip of the tail. Temperament/character The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered to be self-confident, calm, attentive and people-oriented. He is very loyal to his family and usually shows a balanced, friendly nature. He is often alert and reserved towards strangers, without unnecessary aggression. He has a mind of his own, but is reliable and loyal when well bonded. Grooming Grooming is generally uncomplicated. Regular brushing is usually sufficient, but more frequent brushing is recommended during the shedding season. Ears, claws and teeth should be checked and groomed. Because of its size, care should also be taken to ensure that it has a suitable weight and is exercised in a way that is easy on the joints. Health Like many large dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can also be prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Gastric torsion is also an important issue, which is why feeding and exercise should be well coordinated. Reputable breeding, controlled growth at a young age and a healthy body weight are particularly important. Training Training should be calm, clear and consistent. Harsh methods are unsuitable, as the breed can react sensitively to unfair treatment. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog learns well, but needs a close bond, patience and confident leadership. Early socialization is important so that it reacts calmly and confidently to environmental stimuli. What are the special features of this breed? This breed has a lot of strength, size and alertness. A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not a dog to be kept on the side. It needs plenty of space, a close family bond and people who can lead it reliably. Its mixture of calmness and protective instinct is also typical. Many representatives of the breed mature rather late and appear youthful for a long time. Due to their size, they can be very physically present in everyday life, which should not be underestimated. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditionally. For motivated and well-informed first-time dog owners, the breed may be possible, but it is not the easiest choice. Their size, strength, independence and protectiveness require good, consistent training and a great sense of responsibility. If you have little dog experience, you should prepare yourself intensively and ideally work with a dog school or trainer. Family dog or not? Yes, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a good family dog. He is affectionate, loyal and usually very close to his caregivers. They can be friendly and patient with children. Because of its size and strength, however, it should always be handled under supervision. It is particularly suitable for families who have enough space, time and understanding for a large, hard-working and alert dog.

The PekingeseHistory of the PekingeseThe Pekingese originates from China and is one of the ancient Asian social dogs. Long before our era, there were depictions of small dogs that resembled today's Pekingese. In China, the breed was closely associated with the imperial court and later became known in Europe. Great Britain had a strong influence on its further development and is listed as a patron country by the FCIAppearanceBody shape: The Pekingese is small, compact and surprisingly heavy for its size. Typical features are the broad, rather flat head, the short muzzle, the large dark eyes and the overall lion-like expression. Despite its small size, it should appear dignified, robust and not dainty. Coat: The coat is moderately long, straight and very abundant without completely covering the body. The mane around the neck and shoulders and the feathering on the ears, legs, tail and toes are particularly striking. The variety of permissible colors makes the breed visually quite versatile. Nature/characterThe Pekingese is considered courageous, self-confident, dignified and often quite independent. It is usually closely attached to its caregivers, but is often more reserved than impetuous towards strangers. Its large presence in a small space is typical. He often appears more serious and independent than many other small companion dogs. This character assessment is a professional derivation from the breed type, standard and breed description.GroomingGrooming is time-consuming and requires regularity. The long coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly to prevent matting. Eyes, skin folds, ears, claws and teeth should also be checked regularly. Careful grooming is particularly important in the facial area. This practical grooming assessment is a professional deduction from the coat type and build. HealthHealth is particularly important for the Pekingese. The short head shape can be associated with breathing problems, sensitivity to heat and other stresses relevant to everyday life. The eyes, skin folds and spine also deserve attention. This is why very responsible breeding with a view to functionality and resilience is particularly important. TrainingThe Pekingese needs friendly, clear and consistent leadership. He is intelligent, but often also headstrong and not simply pleasing. Therefore, despite its small size, it should be taken seriously and given reliable rules. With early socialization and calm consistency, it usually develops into a pleasant companion dog. What are the special features of this breed?What is special about this breed is the combination of its lion-like appearance, old imperial court history and very self-confident demeanor. The Pekinese is not a typical submissive small dog, but often a dignified, courageous and independent companion. It is this mixture of small size and big personality that makes them special. Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditionally. A calm and well-informed first-time dog owner can get on well with a Pekingese. However, the breed is not completely uncomplicated because it is independent, requires a lot of care and can be more demanding in terms of health than many other small dogs.Family dog or not?Conditionally yes. The Pekingese can be a good family dog if you respect its independence and treat it with consideration. They are often particularly well suited to quiet households. It usually feels less at home in very turbulent families or with boisterous behavior.

The Scottish TerrierHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Scottish Terrier originates from Great Britain and is one of the old terrier breeds of Scotland. The current breed type developed in the 19th century and the Scottish Terrier Club was founded in 1882, shortly after the first standards for the breed were established. Originally, the small, slow-running terrier was bred for construction work.AppearanceBody shape: The Scottish Terrier is sturdy, compact and low-set. Despite its short legs, it appears very agile, alert and surprisingly powerful for its size. Typical features include a long head in proportion to its body size, a solid build and an overall robust appearance. Coat: The coat is dense, wiry and weather-resistant. It protects the dog well and, together with the beard, bushy eyebrows and distinctive silhouette, is one of the breed’s most striking features. The recognised colours are black, brindle and wheaten. Nature/characterThe Scottish Terrier is considered to be loyal, dignified, independent, reserved and at the same time courageous and very intelligent. He is usually loyal and affectionate towards his family, but tends to be reserved towards strangers. His large personality in a small space is typical. The standard describes him as bold, but never aggressive. GroomingGrooming is more time-consuming than you might expect for a small dog. The wiry coat should be brushed regularly and usually also trimmed to maintain the typical coat structure. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. HealthThe Scottish Terrier is generally regarded as a robust breed, but care should be taken to ensure responsible breeding. As with many terrier breeds, certain hereditary diseases can play a role depending on the line. Regular veterinary checks, good weight management and a reputable breeding base are important. EducationTraining should be friendly, clear and consistent. The Scottish Terrier is intelligent, but often independent and not simply eager to please. They therefore need early socialisation, reliable rules and calm leadership. Harsh methods do not suit this self-confident breed with its strong character. What are the special features of this breed?What is special about this breed is the mixture of small size and big personality. The Scottish Terrier often appears serious, dignified and independent, but is closely attached to his family. It also has a very typical appearance with a beard, bushy brows and striking silhouette. It is precisely this combination of strength of character and distinctiveness that makes him so special.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditional. A calm, consistent and well-informed first-time dog owner can get on well with a Scottish Terrier. However, the breed is not completely uncomplicated because it can be independent, self-confident and sometimes a little stubborn when it comes to training. Family dog or not?Yes, in principle the Scottish Terrier can be a good family dog. They are particularly well suited to households that respect their independence and give them clear rules. He usually lives closely with his family, but is not an overly affectionate or constantly pleasing dog. In a suitable, calm environment, he is often a loyal and charming companion.

The Great Munsterlander History of the Scottish Terrier According to the FCI, the historical development of the Grosser Münsterländer can be traced back to the white-coloured bird and pickling dog of the Middle Ages, via the rummaging and guard dog to the pointing dog of the 19th century. After the German Longhair Club excluded the black colour from breeding in 1909, the targeted pure breeding of the black and white longhair type began in 1919, from which the Grosse Münsterländer emerged. Scheduled breeding began in 1922. Appearance Body shape: The Großer Münsterländer is strong, muscular and yet sleekly built. It appears intelligent and noble, with a clean outline and well-balanced proportions. Body length and height at the withers should be as equal as possible. Coat: The coat is long, dense and close-fitting. It is significantly longer and densely feathered, particularly on the forelegs and hind legs, the tail and the ears. On the head, the hair is short and close-fitting. Nature/character The most important characteristics include docility, docility and reliable hunting ability, especially after the shot. The character is lively, but not nervous. The VDH also describes him as lovable, eager to work and a pleasant family member if sufficiently exercised. Grooming The long coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep it clean. The feathering on the legs, tail and ears in particular should be groomed. As the breed likes to work in fields, woods and water, it is also important to check paws, ears and coat after outings. Overall, the breed is considered easy to care for if the coat is groomed consistently. Health The Grosser Münsterländer is generally regarded as a robust and hardy breed. Nevertheless, breeding organisations pay attention to genetic health, in particular HD and ED. Ears should also be checked regularly, as long-haired dogs with drooping ears are more likely to suffer from inflammation. Education Training should be consistent, fair and meaningful. The Grosser Münsterländer is intelligent, willing to learn and eager to work, but needs tasks that suit his abilities. Because he is a strong hunting dog, pure exercise is usually not enough; he also needs mental exercise and clear leadership. What are the special features of this breed? Its versatility as a hunting dog is special. According to the standard, it should be usable for work in the field, in the forest and in the water before and after the shot. Added to this are his close bond with humans, his great willingness to work and his love of water. He is therefore not a pure companion dog, but a dog with a clear task and working dog disposition. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Rather only to a limited extent. Although he is docile and docile, he is also a real hunting dog with a lot of energy, willingness to work and a need for meaningful exercise. It is more suitable for beginners if they are very active, well prepared and can really keep the dog busy. Family dog or not? Yes, basically yes, but not for every family. With sufficient exercise, he can be a friendly, patient and pleasant family dog. However, without suitable activity, his strong working and hunting instincts can quickly become a problem. He is therefore best suited to active families who do a lot with him and do not underchallenge him.

West Highland White Terrier -  WestieHistoryThe West Highland White Terrier originates from Scotland or the western Highlands of Great Britain. It was bred as a small, robust hunting terrier for hunting burrows and predatory animals. The present name and recognised pure breeding developed at the beginning of the 20th century.AppearanceThe Westie is small, compact, strongly built and, despite its manageable size, appears very self-confident. Typical are the erect small ears, dark eyes, the straight back line and the dense white coat. Body shape: Compact, strong, with a deep chest, straight back and well-muscled hindquarters. Coat: Weather-resistant, hard, straight white coat with dense, soft undercoat.Nature/CharacterThe West Highland White Terrier is considered active, courageous, alert and self-confident. The FCI describes him as a small, lively, robust dog with clear self-esteem and alert expression. In everyday life, he is often perceived as friendly, affectionate and spirited, but remains a real terrier with a character of his own.GroomingThe coat requires regular grooming to keep it clean, loose and functional. Brushing alone is often not enough; with Westies, regular trimming of the harsh top coat is common to maintain the coat structure. There is also ear, claw and dental care. The white coat shows dirt more quickly than dark coats.HealthThe FCI standard does not specify a complete list of diseases, but requires functionally and clinically healthy breeding animals. In practice, reputable breeding, good skin and coat care and general precaution for small terriers are important. For a popular breed, you should pay attention to responsible breeding and veterinary supervision.Training The Westie is intelligent and able to learn, but not a blindly obedient dog. He needs friendly consistency, clear rules and early socialisation. Due to his terrier heritage, hunting instinct, stubbornness and rapid reactivity may play a role. Activity, varied walks and small mental tasks are good for him.What are the special characteristics of this breed?The combination of small format and big terrier character, the striking white, harsh coat and his robust, alert manner are remarkable. The Westie is often much more independent, courageous and pithy than his cute appearance would suggest. He is adaptable, but not just a decorative lapdog.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Yes, in certain cases. For committed beginners, a Westie can be quite suitable because he is handy, suitable for everyday life and people-oriented. However, you should like typical terrier behaviour and be prepared for consistent training. Anyone looking for a very easily controlled, always compliant dog may be surprised by a Westie. Family dog or not?Yes, mostly. The West Highland White Terrier can be a cheerful, affectionate and lively family dog if he is raised fairly and kept sufficiently occupied. Because of his robust nature and adaptability he often fits well into active households. It is important that children treat the dog with respect and that the dog is not underestimated just because of his cute appearance.

The Jack Russell Terrier History The Jack Russell Terrier goes back to the breeding work of the English reverend John Russell in the early 19th century. The aim was to create a small, hard-working terrier that could keep up with foxhounds and go to the den. These lines later developed into two similar but differently built types: the larger Parson Russell Terrier and the smaller, longer Jack Russell Terrier. The FCI lists Great Britain as the country of origin and Australia as the developing country of the breed. Appearance Body shape: The Jack Russell Terrier is a strong, active and rectangularly built working terrier. It should be agile, persistent and compact without appearing clumsy. Its good substance, lively charisma and functional build for working above and below ground are typical. Coat: The coat is weatherproof and can be smooth, rough or spiky. Typical is the predominantly white base colour with black or tan markings. The coat is functional and should protect the dog well at work. Nature/Character The Jack Russell Terrier is considered to be clever, smart, lively and very self-confident. He is alert, courageous and often surprisingly fearless for his size. At the same time, he is described as friendly and calm. His temperament, his eagerness to work and his typical terrier independence are typical. Grooming The grooming requirements are usually manageable. Smooth-haired dogs are particularly easy to care for, while rough-haired and spiky-haired varieties require a little more attention and often regular trimming. Ears, claws, teeth and paws should also be checked. Health The Jack Russell Terrier is generally regarded as a robust and hardy breed. Nevertheless, as with any breed, attention should be paid to responsible breeding, a healthy body weight and regular veterinary checks. Depending on the line, joint, eye or skin problems can occur. Training Training should be clear, fair and consistent. The Jack Russell Terrier is very intelligent and learns quickly, but also tests boundaries and has a strong mind of its own. Early socialisation, impulse control and appropriate exercise are particularly important. Harsh methods are unsuitable because they often create counter-pressure. What are the special features of this breed? What makes this breed special is its enormous energy in a small space. The Jack Russell Terrier is not a cosy small dog, but a real working terrier with a lot of temperament, courage and passion for hunting. He is often very resourceful, fast, persistent and mentally alert. It is this mixture of size, self-confidence and activity that makes him so distinctive. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditional. A committed and well-informed first-time dog owner can get on well with a Jack Russell Terrier if they have enough time, consistency and enjoy being active. However, the breed is not easy because it is temperamental, independent and quickly underchallenged. Family dog or not? Yes, the Jack Russell Terrier can basically be a good family dog. They are friendly, lively and often bond closely with their humans. However, they are best suited to active families who set clear rules and keep them physically and mentally busy. Without sufficient activity, he can quickly become exhausting in everyday life.

The Appenzell Mountain DogHistory of the Appenzell Mountain DogOriginally a Swiss farm, herding and herding dog (also a guard dog) from the Appenzell region; bred primarily for utility.AppearanceBody shape: medium-sized, strong and well-proportioned, very agile; tail set high and curled over the back (typical).Coat: short, dense double coat; striking, clearly defined tricolor markings.Temperament/characterLively, spirited, self-confident and fearless; watchful and often rather suspicious of strangers (with pleasure in reporting/barking possible).GroomingRather moderate: regular brushing (at least weekly, more often when changing coat) is usually sufficient because the coat is short and dense.HealthThe breed standard focuses on function and robustness; however, as with many medium-sized, active breeds, orthopaedic issues can occur (e.g. hip/elbow) and eye problems are sometimes mentioned. Health checks during breeding (HD/ED, eyes if necessary) and appropriate growing up (not too fast/too heavy) make sense.EducationIntelligent and eager to work, but not a "sofa dog": training works best with clear rules, meaningful activity and early socialization, so that alertness does not turn into constant alertness.What special features does this breed have?Working mode: needs daily exercise + mental work (e.g. nose work, trick training, agility, driving ball). Alert and signaling behavior: can be a plus, but must be controlled (calm signal, visitor training). Not ideal for "just a walk": happiest with active people with a task/structure.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditionally. If you are sporty, have a desire for training/structure and really keep him busy, it can work well. If you are looking for an "uncomplicated companion", it will often fail due to energy, alertness and demands.Family dog or not?Yes - in active families. The VDH describes him as a great family dog if you spend a lot of time with him; at the same time, he is alert and rather reserved towards strangers. It usually works well with children if rules and respectful behavior are in place (and there is enough exercise).