​Origin:
The Bernese Mountain Dog originates from the Swiss Mountains and is an ancient breed, with 18th century paintings showing dogs that appear very similar to the BMD. They are named after the area in Switzerland, the canton of Bern.
 
Purpose:
The BMD was bred as a working and companion dog for farmers. Their lines of work included pulling carts as well as driving cattle. The breed excels in herding, guarding and search and rescue work.

Coat care:
The thick double coat of the BMD requires daily brushing, with extra work needed during shedding. The breed is a seasonal shedder however during this time will drop a lot of fur. Being bred to work in the Swiss Mountain, they are very much equipped for the cold weather, with a longer outer coat and woolly warm undercoat.


Health & Temperament:
These beautiful giants are a perfect companion and family dog. The BMD is a loving and happy dog that are very intelligent and easy to train. They are confident and alert and get along well with other animals is well socialised from a young age.
Despite their size, they are a very active breed, requiring a decent daily walk. They enjoy a large outdoor space for daily access to get out and run. With the right physical and mental stimulation, they are also happy to lounge around inside, lapping up plenty of cuddles and attention and being close with their family.
Sadly, the average life span has decreased for the breed over the last 10 years, with poor breeding practices included in some of the claims for this. Currently, the average lifespan of the BMD is only 6 -8 with cancer being a very large cause of death within the breed. This is something that many BMD groups have been studying and looking into to reduce this. They are certainly a breed that requires thorough health checks of their parents breeding blood lines. 

Origin:
The Carin Terrier originates from the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye and is considered one of Scotland’s original dog breeds from back in the 1500’s. They were originally considered the same breed as the West Highland Terrier and Scottish Terrier, just simply believed to be different colours, however during the 1900’s the breeds were recognised as their own and began to be bred separately.
Their name comes from the fact they were small enough to squeeze into ‘cairns’ which are rock dens where badgers and fox live.
 
Purpose:
The brave Cairn Terrier was used to locate foxes and badgers and alert farmers to them by barking and keeping them in place. They were great hunting dogs with a braveness much greater then their size.

Coat care:
The Cairn Terrier does require a medium to high level of maintenance of their coat as it can quickly become matted and uncomfortable if left untamed. They should be brushed daily to remove knots from their shaggy top coat with gentle attention being paid to their softer undercoat. They require monthly bathing and will need the fur around their ears and eyes trimmed as needed. They are a breed that sheds little to no fur.

Health & Temperament:
Although mostly kept as companion and lap dogs these days, being bred as a working dog, the Cairn Terrier has some serious drive. They are still fantastic at tracking and agility competitions as well as brave watchdogs. Given they have a natural hunting instinct they are best supervised around smaller pets within the home and should always be well socialised from a young age to other animals, people and children. A nervous and anxious Cairn, or one who thinks they are the boss can quickly lead to serious behavioural issues, including snapping, growling and resource guarding. They have a fierce instinct to hunt vermin so can keep a mouse or rat issue under control.
They enjoy having a ‘job’ or feeling like they are ‘working’ so training them to do tricks is easily achievable. Without enough mental stimulation, they quickly can become bored and are a breed that enjoys digging. Daily exercise is a must along with firm boundaries to avoid them thinking they are in charge.
A well balanced and satisfied Cairn enjoys being part of the family with lots of cuddles and playtimes. They can enjoy socialising with other dogs and being involved with their family.
They are, in general, a very hardy little dog with no major genetic health issues. It is common among the breed to be allergic to fleas which is easily managed with flea prevention and they can gain weight easily if not following a suitable diet and exercise routine. They average a life span on 12 – 15 years. 

​Origin:
As their name gives away, the American Bulldog was created in America and is believed to have existed as early at the 17th century.
The breed become almost totally extinct until a solider by the name of John D. Johnson returned to American from World War 2. His disappointment at the dwindling numbers of the breed lead him to collect specimens from all across the rural South and begin breeding. He is recorded as breeding the most American Bulldogs out of anyone else in the world and today is credited as saving the breed as it would likely be extinct had it not been for his and his families breeding efforts.
 
Purpose:
Sadly, the American Bulldogs were used in the sport of Bull Baiting but were also used as working dogs for farmers, serving as guard and protection dogs and hunting. They have also been used for weight pulling.

Coat care:
The short, firm coat of the American Bulldog is very easy to groom and maintain. It can be brushed with a bristle style brush every so often and they should only be bathed as needed. The natural oils in their skin will help to keep their coat clean and free of odours.

Health & Temperament:
Of all the Bulldogs, the American Bulldog is the largest, with long legs and built to be fast and more agile than any other Bulldog. They are a very confident, brave and determined breed of dog who are incredibly loyal to their family. They are naturally protective and have a love for children, so are popular with families. A well socialised pup will grow into a well rounded Bulldog. They enjoy daily walks and being with their family.
The breed can be prone to hip dysplasia and can drool/slobber a lot. They can live up to 16 years and are considered a sturdy breed of dog.  
 

​According to the Guinness World Records, it is believed that the earliest and first domestication of dogs is thought to have been done by Old Stone Age humans around 15,000 years ago in east Asia. Domestication was considered by breeding aggression out of wolves. This conclusion was made based on research conducted from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in Sweden. This research suggested that due to the high genetic diversity of dogs located in east Asia, that these dogs have been domesticated the longest.  The oldest remains of a domesticated dog are believed to have been found in Germany and are over 14,000 years old.
For this reason, Dogs are considered the first domesticated animal ever as this evidence shows domestication earlier then any other animal, including horses, pigs and sheep. 

Source: Guinness World Records

Origin:
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland (now known and Newfoundland & Labrador) which can be the giveaway for how their name came about (also, the name for the Newfoundland too!) They were cross bred over the years to create the ideal hunter and retriever with other setters and spaniels to create the breed we know today, being one of the most popular breeds of dogs in both Australia and America. In the 1800’s, the breed began to be transported to England from Labrador, where the name has stuck with the breed every since.

Purpose:
The Labrador was breed and developed over the years to become an ideal companion for fisherman, catching any fish that would come loose from the lines. They would also jump into waters, sometimes freezing cold, to assist in pulling fish nets into the boats. They were also fantastic guard dogs.

Coat care:
The smooth, short, double coat of the Labrador is very easy to maintain and groom, needing a brush every other day and more often when shedding. Not over bathing them will allow their skins natural oils to repel dirt and smells and keep them shiny and clean.

Health & Temperament:
Today, the Labrador is one of the most popular choices for companion and family pets. They are well loved around the world and have made their mark as highly intelligent working dogs too, thriving in areas of police work, hunting, sniffer detection, guide and assistance dogs and many many more.
The Labrador loves to love and loves to work. When well socialised and trained from a young age they are fantastic with all other animals and children. They are highly trainable and with this intelligence comes the need for plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are prone to weight gain very easily so a good diet managed to match their exercise levels is essential.
They thrive having a job to do so competitive obedience and scent tracking can be a great way to keep them busy. They so well with rules and boundaries which is why they make such fantastic assistance dogs.
The breed is unfortunately prone to serious health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, mast cell tumours, eye disorders and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of inherited eye disorders that affect the retina, leading to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness in dogs. Research into the health of breeding parents should always be undertaken when looking to purchase a Labrador puppy.

​Origin:
The Rottweiler, or Rottie, was bred in the German town of Rottweiler and are listed as existing as far back as the 2nd century. The first Rottweiler club was listed in Germany in 1907.
They are believed to have descended from the Italian Mastiff that were brought over by the Romans when they invaded Europe.  The breed almost died out when work dried up in the mid 1800’s, however breeding improved in the 1900’s when they were used as working, guard and protect dogs. Since then, their popularity has continued to grow.
 
Purpose:
Originally used as guard dogs for livestock and money, over the years the Rottie has been used as police and working dogs, watchdogs, search and rescue, guide dogs and herding. They are one talented pooch!

Coat care:
The Rottie is an average shedder with a generally easy to maintain coat. Their short, smooth coat only requires brushing with a bristle brush every other day and only need bathing when needed, their natural oils from their skin will help to repel dirt, smell and keep their coat beautiful and shiny.

Health & Temperament:
The Rottie is a devoted, loving and loyal dog. They are powerful and protective of their pack/family. When their needs are met (mental and physical exercise) they are a calm, laid back pet who settles well into any family dynamic.
They are a dog that loves exercise, they need plenty of physical exercise daily. After this, they can become a very lazy, laid-back couch potato who will happily lay around the house. They enjoy walks, runs, jogs, swimming and fetch. Being a work dog, they like their mind to be kept busy too. Activities such as fetching and seeking, competitive obedience and tracking are a great way to keep them entertained. They are a highly intelligent breed of dog who can bore without stimulation, this can lead to destructive behaviour. If socialised well from a young age, they can live with other pets in the home.
The breed is unfortunately prone to ACL injuries and hip dysplasia. Health checks of breeding parents are essential when looking for a puppy. They can also gain weight easily so a well balance diet and plenty of exercise are essential. On average, they live for 10 – 12 years. 

Origin:
It is unknown when or where the Basenji originated, they are considered one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Drawings of the Basenji have been found in ancient depictions all over the world including Egyptian tombs. Back in 1937, when they were known as the ‘Congo Dog’, the Basenji was first introduced to England, it was from here that they were bred and exported around the world.     
 
Purpose:
The earliest recording of the working Basenji indicates they were used in Africa. Natives would use the dog when hunting in the forest as the Basenji was a great warning dog, alerting them to any approaching dangers. They would also assist in driving small game into catching nets and retrieving the game. 

Coat care:
The Basenji is the perfect dog for anyone wanting no coat maintenance and any allergy sufferers as they shed almost no hair all year round and require no grooming. They don’t even require to be bathed as they will clean themselves as a cat would.

Health & Temperament:
The Basenji is a happy, alert and curious breed of dog. When handled well from a young age and raised around other animals, children and people, they make a fantastic pet. Great for families or individuals.
Unlike other dogs, they have a different shaped larynx which prevents them from being able to bark. They can vocalise by howling or growling but it is uncommon for them to make noise.
The breed is not a fan of wet weather, so needs lots of stimulation indoors during the wet months. They have plenty of mental and physical energy to burn so daily walks are a must. The Basenji thrives best with consistent rules and good exposure to new situations.
They are prone to kidney, eye and intestinal problems which can be well managed if addressed at the first sign of symptoms. 

​Origin:
The need for excellent working dogs on farms in Australia’s harsh climate is how the Australia Cattle Dog (also known as a Heeler) was created. The name ‘Heeler’ comes from their method of herding, being to nip at the animals’ ankles/feet.
Sometime in the 1800’s, pioneer settlers created the ACD by cross breeding Dingos with Dalmatians and Kelpies, with some sources believing the Bull Terrier was used in the cross breeding as well.
The result was exactly what we needed, the perfect working farm dog. Not only could they handle the extreme weather conditions, but worked hard all day long with incredible stamina.    
 
Purpose:
The Australian Cattle Dog, even to this day, is still an excellent working dog. They are born herders and can last all day on the farm working. Aside from herding, they are great guard and protective dogs as well as thriving at agility and obedience.

Coat care:
Grooming and coat maintenance is very easy with the ACD. As they were bred for working in all climates in Australia, their coat is water resistant and repels dirt. A brush of the coat a few times a week and bathing only when needed will help their natural oils from their skin to maintain their coat health.

Health & Temperament:
The ACD is a bold, brave and energetic breed. Being a working dog, they like to be kept active, both mentally and physically. If not being kept for working, they are only suitable for an active family who has the time to include them in their activities. Without lots of daily mental and physical stimulation, they can become very destructive trying to entertain themselves. They can also be very good climbers and jumpers.
The breed is prone to hip dysplasia and PRA, an inherited eye disease that leads to blindness. ACD that are merle coloured are also prone to being deaf too. Aside from these health issues, they are in general a very hardy and healthy breed of dog. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years.