The Chinese Crested is believed to originate from Africa where it was used by the Aztecs as a bed warmer. When sailors on Chinese trade ships discovered these little dogs they found them to be great ratters onboard their ships.

Presenting the ultimate in beauty and grace, the Afghan Hound is truly a king among dogs. A true aristocrat, the stylish Afghan is an elegant, strong, dignified dog combining great speed and power. Named after its home area, the Afghan was originally bred for hunting or chasing down game. Also equipped with a unique long coat for protection in the extreme climates of the Afghani region.  It wasn't until the late 19th century that the Afghan was introduced into the western world.

Keen of expression and with a swash-buckling attitude, the Airedale Terrier is the largest of the many terrier breeds and is often referred to as the "King of Terriers." They are probably the most versatile of all terriers, having been bred to hunt, retrieve over land and water, as well as being used as a ratter, herder, police dog, guide dog for the blind, plus messenger dog and sentry during the First World War.

Originating from Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd are members of the Mastiff family. Unlike other herding breeds, their nomadic owners used them more for guarding and protection and they were made to live outdoors in the extremes of temperatures.

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred in the mid 1800's as a working dog that could easily adapt to the often inhospitable Australian environment. Everything about the breed today - temperament, coat, physical structure - reflects this original purpose.

It was in the last century when Australian sheep farmers were in need of a special type of working dog that could work the sheeps on the outback properties and under hot climate conditions that the Australian Kelpie came into existence. Various breeds of sheep dogs from Europe and the UK had proven too heavily coated to cope and adapt to the severe Australian climate.

Historically, there has been much debate about the origins of the Australian Shepherd. However it is now well accepted that the Aussie is more of an American than an Australian as the name suggests. It appears likely that many breeds played a part in the make-up of the Australian Shepherd, among them Border Collies imported from Australia around the turn of the last century. Today The Aussie continues to work on American ranches as well as being trained to work with physically challenged people, in search and rescue work and as sniffer dogs.

The popular Beagle is a small, pack oriented hunting hound. Although their natural instinct is to hunt, they are highly adaptable and adjust happily to a suburban backyard, as long they have regular exercise to keep fit. As well as a change of scenery, scent and company - either human or another dog.

The Bearded Collie, or "Beardie" as he is popularly known, is one of Britain's oldest breeds. They came to prominence in Peebleshire, in Scotland, where they were highly prized for sheep-herding and cattle-droving abilities. It is said that the breed was singlehandedly saved from extinction by Kennel Owner, Mrs Willison when she obtained a breeding pair in 1944.   A lean, active dog whose job required a hardy constitution, intelligence, initiative, strength, stamina and speed, it remains to this day a very natural and unspoiled breed. 

Over 2,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Bernese Mountain Dogs were brought to Switzerland by the invading Roman soldiers. Although still to be found on farms of central Switzerland, by the end of last century the breed had degenerated to such an extent as to be unrecognisable.

The Bernese Mountain Dogs were mainly used as a drover's dog and a watchdog in the farmyards in the Canton of Berne. Sufficient dogs of correct type remained for a rehabilitation program to be undertaken by fanciers and by 1907 a breed club was formed, and the breed found favour with many Swiss as a housepet and companion.