A very large dog of a breed originally kept to rescue travelers by the monks of the hospice on the great St. Bernard pass in the Alps. Its history as a protector and loyal companion is long and legendary. A beautiful, sturdy dog that is smart, attentive and devoted to those he loves. These dogs are naturals at obedience and happiest when serving those he loves.

Other Names	-	St. Bernhardshund, Alpine Mastiff.
Native	-	Switzerland.
Height	-	26-30 inches.
Weight	-	100 pounds by 9 months.
Colour	-	Red and white, white and red, red and brown-yellow; brindle patches with white markings.
Coat	-	Smooth-haired coat, dense, short and tough.
Temperament	-	Affectionate, loving, even-tempered, pleasant, loyal, dedicated.
Life Span	-	Years.

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Boxer

A medium sized dog of a breed with a smooth brown coat and pug like face. The Boxer is considered a 'people's dog' adapting well to other dogs and children. They are never aggressive, but rather even-tempered and make a good guard dog.

Native	-	Germany.
Height	-	21-25 inches.
Weight	-	25 to 30 kg.
Colour	-	Fawn or brindle with or without white points.
Coat	-	Short, smooth.
Temperament	-	Affectionate, playful, lively, loyal, alert.
Life Span	-	9-10 years.

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Doberman Pinscher

A large dog of a German breed with a smooth coat. This dog is a great companion or guard dog. Doberman Pinschers make admirable obedience and show dogs or wonderful family pets They are also an excellent breed for a jogger to own. Named after 19th century German dog- breeder L. Dobermann.

Other Names	-	Dobermann.
Native	-	Germany.
Height	-	25.5- 27.5 inches.
Weight	-	29.5 - 39.3 kg.
Colour	-	Solid black, red, blue, or fawn with rich tan markings.
Coat	-	Short, dense and hard.
Temperament	-	A keen, loyal, watchful, determined, alert, friendly and obedient family pet.
Life Span	-	12-15years.

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Rottweiler

A large powerful dog of a tall black and tan breed. Rottweilers are a devoted and loyal dog breed but playing around small children should be supervised. Rottweilers will defend their family and property to the end. Name from Rottwiel, a town in SW Germany.

Native	-	Germany.
Height	-	22 - 27 inches.
Weight	-	40.2 - 49.1 kg.
Colour	-	Black with deep tan or mahogany markings.
Coat	-	Medium length, dense and flat-lying.
Temperament	-	Very territorial, headstrong and stubborn.
Life Span	-	9-11 years..

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Alaskan Malamute

They are the oldest of the Arctic dogs. Alaskan Malamutes are family oriented and love to be with people. They make a wonderful companion and they do well with children.

Other Names	-	Mal.
Native	-	Alaska.
Height	-	23-25 inches.
Weight	-	32-43 kg.
Colour	-	Color is light gray and white, black and white, or all white.
Coat	-	Thick coats with a course outercoat and a dense undercoat.
Temperament	-	Friendly, good with children and strangers, self-assured and strong-willed, stubborn.
Life Span	-	10-12 years.

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Mastiff

A dog of a large strong breed with drooping ears and pendulous lips. Mastiff is one of the heaviest of all dog breeds. Affectionate and intelligent, the Mastiff makes an excellent family pet.

Other Names	-	English Mastiff.
Native	-	Great Britain.
Height	-	27.5 - 30 inches.
Weight	-	64-78 kg.
Colour	-	Apricot, fawn, brindle with black around the eyes and extending up between them, over the muzzle, ears and nose.
Coat	-	Outer coat short and straight; undercoat dense and close lying.
Temperament	-	Loyal, alert.
Life Span	-	5 - 10 years.

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Great Dane

A dog of a very large and short haired breed. They are the tallest of dog breeds with their great size and well-formed muscled body. Known as the friendly giant. The Great Dane makes a great family dog with their gentle, loyal and affectionate nature and patience with children.

Other Names	-	Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiff.
Native	-	Germany.
Height	-	30 - 32 inches.
Weight	-	45.5 - 54.5 kg.
Colour	-	Brindle, fawn, blue, black or harlequin.
Coat	-	Short, dense, sleek.
Temperament	-	Alert, lively.
Life Span	-	7 - 10 Years.

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Akita

Faithful and affectionate, the Akita loves human companionship.

Other Names	-	Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, Great Japanese Dog, Hokkaido Ken.
Native	-	Japan.
Height	-	24 - 28 inches.
Weight	-	35 - 40 kg.
Colour	-	Any colors including white, brindle and pinto, with or without a mask.
Coat	-	Outer coat coarse, straight and stand-off. Soft, dense undercoat.
Temperament	-	Active, independent, dignified, bold.
Life Span	-	About 12 years.