WORLD'S OLDEST DOG

Bella, a Labrador cross, was bought by David Richardson from the RSPCA, 26 years ago when she was three years old.

She had lived with Mr Richardson, 76, and his partner Daisy, 81, since 1982 in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.

But she was put down on Saturday following a heart attack while on holiday with the couple.
Until Bella the record for the oldest dog was held by Butch, a 28-year-old from America who died in 2003, according to the Guinness World Records. Officially, the oldest ever dog was Bluey, a sheepdog from Australia, who lived to 29.

Although Mr Richardson, from Clay Cross, has no official documentation to prove Bella's age, he insists she was 29.

"We had just come up to Mablethorpe – we always go to the same place on holiday because we can take the dogs," said Mr Richardson.

"We had barely been here for an hour when Bella started panting and yelping and collapsed in front of the sofa.

"We took Bella to the vet but she was so ill she had to be put to sleep. It was very upsetting. We will miss her a lot.

"Lots of people came to see us and to wish Bella goodbye. Our friends and neighbours were very fond of her,

The RSPCA does not hold records stretching back to when Mr Richardson bought Bella and the Guinness World Records says Bella could not have been included because their was no documentation.

Source : Telegraph

> Azawakh

Azawakh Breed Introduction

The Azawakh breed is built for speed and its bony looks attest to it. It is bred to adapt to the rugged climate of the Sahara and the sub-Sahara.

The Azawakh's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Azawakh dog breed is known as an attentive breed . It was developed to both guard and hunt. Azawakhs' responses to strangers can vary from being reserved to openly hostile. However Azawakh dogs tend to be affectionate and gentle to those they accept. Azawakhs therefore make good family pets.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Azawakh's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Azawakh breed as determined by the Azawakh Club of America's link to the Federation Cynologique Internationale's published breed standard.

• Size: males 25 1/2 - 29 inches, females 23 3/4 - 27 1/2 inches
• Color: light sable to dark fawn, white stockings
• Eyes: large, almond-shaped, dark, amber
• Ears: set high, fine, drooping, triangle shape with rounded tip
• Muzzle: half of head's length
• Nose: open nostrils, black, brown
• Tail: set low, long, thin, lean, tapered, white brush on tip

The Azawakh's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia
Country/Region of Origin: Mali
Original purpose: guarding, hunting
Name: also known as Tuareg Sloughi
Historical notes: Azawakh dogs were bred by the Tuareg nomads of the Sahara to guard property and hunt animals such as gazelles and hares. They can reach a speed of 40 miles per hour.

> Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier Dog Breed Introduction

Australian Terrier dogs aren't simply adorable the way most terriers are. They're also a bit rough-and-tumble, too. Not only do Australian Terriers tend to act more self-confidently than most small dogs. Their coarse outer coats attest to their heritage as hard-working outdoor dogs.
The Australian Terrier dog breed is a true child of Australia, unlike some other dog breeds with the word "Australian" in their name. The Australian Terrier breed is in fact the first breed developed in Australia to be formally shown in competition.
Here are the characteristics of the Australian Terrier breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Australian Terrier’s Behavior

Recommended for: companion dog.
Australian Terriers tend to have a lot of energy, but not so much that the average person can't keep up. With their heritage of hunting small animals, terriers can be aggressive. In the nineteenth century, Australian Terrier dogs were often put to work as guard dogs. Still, they also tend to be affectionate to their families and can be friendly with new people and animals, too.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Australian Terrier’s Physical Characteristics

• Size: height: 10-11 inches; the dog's head stands up quite a bit above this height.
• Coat: a rough and straight outer coat conceals a short, soft undercoat.
• Color: Blue and tan, solid sandy and solid red.
• Eyes: Small, dark brown to black
• Ears: Small and pointed straight up.
• Skull: Slightly longer than wide.
• Muzzle: According to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, "strong and powerful with slight fill under the eyes." To the average observer, the muzzle looks like a typical terrier dog's muzzle.
• Nose: Black.
• Tail: high-set and standing up straight at a 90-degree angle from the dog's body.

The Australian Terrier’s Origins and History

Below are some basic facts on the history of Australian Terriers as a breed, according to Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Australia
Original purpose: Australian Terriers were put to work hunting rodents and snakes, as watchdogs, and sometimes herding sheep.
Historical notes: The Australian Terrier was the first native Australian dog breed to be shown in competition. The breed was also the first Australian breed recognized overseas. The Australian Terrier breed's direct immediate ancestors were a number of British terrier breeds, some of which no longer exist.

> Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Introduction

The Australian Shepherd Dog breed may only pretend to be from Australia--the breed was actually developed in the USA. But that doesn't mean you can't trust an Australian Shepherd. The breed is known for the strong work ethic of its members. Australian Shepherd Dogs not only enjoy being active. They generally have plenty of energy and staying power to keep going strong all day.
Never one to let a responsibility slide, Australian Shepherd Dogs have strong instincts to herd and protect. In fact, they may even try to herd friends, family, and any other humans or animals that come their way. If you bring one of these animals into your family, make sure you have plenty of dog toys and outdoor space for your new friend to work out her herding instinctive drives.
Here are the characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Australian Shepherd’s Behavior

Recommended for: house pet; given the temperament of this breed, an apartment setting is usually not the most suitable (according to Wikipedia)
The Australian Shepherd dog breed is known for the kind of no-nonsense attitude that tries to avoid a fight. Still, you might have a bit of a struggle if you have an outdoor party and the dog's herding instincts kick in. These dogs love to herd. Being a dog of endless energy, an Australian Shepherd will definitely appreciate having some outdoor space. According to Wikipedia, Australian Shepherd Dogs excel at many sports, especially herding, dog agility, frisbee, and flyball. In fact, if these dogs don't have the challenging activities they crave, they may turn on the furniture around them.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Australian Shepherd Dog Breed’s Physical Characteristics

• Size: Male: 20-23 inches; Female: 18-21 inches.
• Coat: medium-length, all-weather, medium-textured, straight to wavy fur.
• Color: Blue merle, black, red merle, or red; all colors may come with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points.
• Eyes: brown, blue, amber.
• Ears: triangular, proportionately sized.
• Skull: proportionately sized.
• Muzzle: as long as or slightly shorter than the back skull.
• Nose: From the American Kennel Club's breed standard: "Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the nose. Red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose."
• Tail: low hanging over the body.

Australian Shepherd Dog’s Origins and History

Here are some basic facts on the history of the Australian Shepherd Dog breed's history, according to Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: United States
Original purpose: herding dog
Name: There is no indication of why the dog is called "Australian." However, the breed is a shepherd dog breed. Shepherd dog breeds have historically been used to herd sheep and often even developed by (human) shepherds themselves.
Historical notes: Australian Shepherd Dog breed is as Australian as apple pie and the Bloomin' Onion. The breed was actually developed in the United States in the nineteenth century, specifically in the pasturelands of the Old West. Various other shepherd dog breeds were interbred to create a breed that would thrive in the dry climate of Old West ranch lands. The breed's roots, like the roots of many other shepherd dog breeds, extend back thousands of years to continental Europe. The Australian Shepherd Dogs' ancestors probably ultimately originated in the Basque country.

> Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Breed Introduction

The Australian Cattle Dog breed is the hard worker of the dog world. Australian Cattle Dogs are always ready and able to get the job done, whatever the job may be. Dogs in this breed have the benefit of their physical strength and agility. They also have the benefit of intelligence, vigilance, courage, and reliability.
Here are the characteristics of the Australian Cattle Dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Australian Cattle Dog’s Behavior

Recommended for: herding dog, pet
Dogs of the Australian Cattle Dog breed are not just hard workers. They're also often the guardian angels of their families, loyal and protective. Always looking out for the chance to stare danger in the face, these dogs are generally good companions for people who live active lifestyles.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Australian Cattle Dog’s Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: 18-20 inches; female: 17-19 inches.
• Coat: a short, dense undercoat just beneath a smooth overcoat.
• Color: blue, red speckle.
• Eyes: medium-sized and oval-shaped.
• Ears: proportionately sized, slightly pointed.
• Skull: broad, with a slight curve between the ears.
• Muzzle: medium-long and deep.
• Nose: black.
• Tail: hanging low against the body.

Australian Cattle Dog’s Origins and History

Here are the basics of the history of the Australian Cattle Dog breed, according to Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Australia
Original purpose: a herding dog bred in Australia for managing cattle, hence the breed's name.
Historical notes: The Australian Cattle Dog breed is also known as the Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, and Red Heeler.

> Argentine Dogo

Argentine Dogo Breed Introduction

You don't want to tango with any Argentine Dogos: these dogs are tough!  The Argentine Dogo breed (also called the Dogo Argentino) is a mixture of many breeds that were selected for their particular traits. What resulted was a large dog that can take on any predator when hunting.

The Argentine Dogo's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, Dogo Argentino Club of America
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Argentine Dogo dog breed is a relatively young breed.They are tough and brave, possessing great stamina. They are meant to be the most docile of hunting dogs yet they are reputed to possess an aggressive temperament, one of the traits that was sought for by its breeders. They are dangerous when irritable and are thus not suited to be with children. This has led to the banning of Argentine Dogos in some countries.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Argentine Dogo's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Argentine Dogo breed as determined by the Dogo Argentino Club of America's published breed standard.

• Size: 23 1/2 - 27 1/2 inches
• Color: white
• Eyes: brown, set well apart
• Ears: massive, convex front to back
• Muzzle: concave upwards
• Nose: black, full nostrils
• Tail: long, thick, carried low

The Argentine Dogo's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia
Country/Region of Origin: Argentina
Original purpose: hunting
Name: also known as Argentinian Mastiff, Dogo Argentino
Historical notes: Argentine Dogo dogs were first bred in the 1920's by Antonio Nores Martinez from the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dogs, which is believed to be descended from the Spanish Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Old English Bulldog, and Boxer breeds. The Cordoba Fighting Dog (CDF) was then crossed the Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, and Dogue de Bordeaux as well as the ancestors of the CDF. The process continued until the desired traits were achieved, traits that could make the new breed capable of not only watching over home and herd but also take on wild boar, jaguars, and other big games. They are also versatile dogs and serve many functions such as being scent and sight dogs.

> Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Appenzeller Sennenhunde Breed Introduction

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde breed, also called the Appenzeller Mountain Dog breed, is known for its industriousness.  Appenzeller Sennenhundes are generally versatile and enjoy work.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, and the Dog Breed Info Site
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Appenzeller Sennenhunde dog breed is an old one and rare. Appenzeller Sennenhundes tend to be tough, brave, intelligent, and lively. They get along well with other animals. They are reserved when it comes to strangers but they welcome people they know. If raised properly they are good with children. Though they are close to the family, they tend to bond to one person. They learn quickly because they do not have a lazy bone in their body. They like to do something. If not working, they will actively watch over their territory and will not hesitate to bark. Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not take well to indoor environments or to confinement in kennels. The breed belongs to a farm or a rural environment, not an urban one.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde breed.  Source: "Der Hund" website, a Swiss site.

• Size: males 20 - 22 3/4 inches, females 18 3/4 - 22 inches
• Coat: doublecoat, firm, close fitting
• Color: black or havana brown with symmetrical tan and white markings
• Eyes: small, almond-shaped, not portruding, bit oblique towards nose
• Ears: set high, hanging down, triangle shape, rounded tips
• Muzzle: strong lower jaw, tapering evenly
• Nose: black for black dogs, brown for brown dogs
• Tail: set high, mid-length, thickly coated

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia, Dog Breed Info Site, and the Hund website (a Swiss website)
Country/Region of Origin: Switzerland
Original purpose: herding, guard dog, draft dog, general farm work
Name: Derived from the Appenzell region of Switzerland which is its original breeding territory. also known as Appenzeller, Appenzell Cattle Dog
Historical notes: Appenzeller Sennenhunde dogs are one of the ancient breeds of Switzerland. There are two theories as regards their origins. The first claims that they are a native breed dating back to the bronze age. The second holds that they are descended from the Molossus and were brought to the Alps by the ancient Romans. Of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds, it is the rarest. Its work ranges from herding cattle to pulling milk carts.