The Afghan Hound is a tall and long-haired dog from Afghanistan. It is believed to be one of the oldest types of dogs still in existence, but wasn’t discovered by the western world until the 19th century. Some dogs were brought to Europe in the early 1900s, but none remained after the first World War. The breed today stems back to a group of dogs brought to Scot-land from Pakistan in 1920. The first dogs to reach the USA came over in 1926.Afghan Hounds are known for being highly individual, aloof, and dignified. That is, unless they’re playing. They love to have fun and often show a clownish side when it’s time to play. These dogs make wonderful family members, but they need a lot of exercise and they are very fast. They are also able to run for a long time, so you’re not likely to jog an Afghan tired.When it comes to grooming, the long coat needs regular brushing and care.Most Afghan Hounds weigh between 44 and 59 pounds and need a Large PlexiDor dog door.

 Groenendael

 

 

The Groenendael - or Belgian Sheepdog - is a working dog from Belgium. This breed is elegant, strong, intelligent, and easy to train.The breed stems back to the 1800s and were originally used as herders, watchdogs, and companions. Their smarts and versatil-ity soon made them popular outside the country of origin, and early on the Groenendaels served as police dogs in Paris and New York City, and they were famous for catching smugglers for Belgian customs.Many other breeds declined during the world wars, but the Groenendael’s usefulness allowed them to thrive. During WWI they carried messages, served as ambulance dogs, and even pulled machine guns. During WWII they guarded military instal-lations and watched for intruders.In today’s world, not many need a herding dog, but the Groenendael still excels. Many work in search and rescue, as guide dogs, and as therapy dogs. They also do very well in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and tracking.This is a high energy breed that likes to have a lot to do. They need exercise, but are able to relax in a home environment, and they’re known as devoted and gentle companions that do well with children.A Groenendal typically needs a large PlexiDor pet door.

 Belgian Sheepherding Dogs

 There are four types of Belgian Sheepherding dogs: the Groenendael, the Malinois, the Tervuren, and the Lakenois. They are similar in body and temperament, but differ in coat and region of origin.

The Malinois is alert and filled with energy. Many mistake this breed for a German Shepherd, especially since the Malinois is often used by police and military, but it is a completely different breed. A Malinois is intelligent, confident, and loves to work. Besides being great working dogs, they are popular in obedience trials, herding, sledding, and tracking

The Tervuren is an elegant and devoted dog that often excels in obedience and agility competitions. It is an outstanding herder that also does a great job as therapy dog or guide dog.

The Laekenois is clever, alert, and can be quite protective of both family and property. They were developed to guard and tend to flocks. As all working dogs they require ample exercise and are happiest with a job to do.   

 Schipperke

 The Schipperke is a small dog with foxlike features that originally worked as companion, watchdog, and vermin hunter. It often worked on boats - the word “schip” means boat - and the breed is nicknamed “Little Captain”. The Schipperke resembles a nordic breed, but it really stems from a black sheepdog called the Lauvenaar, which was bred down in size.This is an active little dog known for being enthusiastic and joyful. They’re small dogs built for hard work and love to be included in whatever the family does.

 Bloodhound

 The Bloodhound is an old breed, and depending on who you ask it might come from France, Belgium, England, or Scotland. We don’t know exactly how old the breed is, but it is mentioned in writings from the third century AD as a dog unrivaled for scenting power and determination. The ancestors to the Bloodhound are believed to stem from the Mediterranean countries, and came to western Europe from Constantinople. At the time there were two strains; black or white. The black dogs were known as the Chien de Saint-Hubert and were bred by monks at the Saint-Hubert Monestary in Belgium. The white dogs became known as Southern Hounds. The breed reached its modern form in England.Bloodhounds are tireless workers for law enforcement, and they are so good at tracking a scent their work has been accepted in courts of law. They can detect a scent trail left several days ago, and the average bloodhound has around four billion olfactory receptor cells. The average human has around five million. These dogs are affectionate but often shy and sensitive. They enjoy company, both from other dogs and humans, and they’re known for being easygoing. They require regular brushing, and all the wrinkles must be kept clean.A Bloodhound can weigh up to 110 pounds, and will require a large or extra large PlexiDor dog door depending on the individual.

 Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is an agile and even-tempered herding dog created by farmers and cattle merchants that needed help with their work.The breed originated in Flanders - a region that encompasses the northwestern part of Belgium and adjacent parts of the Nether-lands and France. Today Flanders refers to the Dutch speaking northern portion of Belgium, but as far as dog breeds go the Bouvier could just as well be considered a Dutch dog.Early individuals didn’t look much alike, and sizes and colors varied. They had enough in common to be called Bouviers, but it took a while before the breed reached a con-form look, and the different types got funny nicknames, like Vuilbaard which means “Dirty Beard.”Bouviers were very popular up until World War I, but the war devastated the areas where the dogs were bred and most of the dogs were abandoned as their families died or fled. Only a few families managed to stay and keep their dogs until the war was over.These dogs are known for being steady, resolute, and fearless. They make great family members and guardians that also excel at herding, obedience, agility, and tracking. While the dogs are fairly calm indoors, this is a large working breed and they need lots of exercise and something to do.

 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

 Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed of dog not only in its originating country of Canada, but also in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is also the most popular choice for assistance dogs in a number of coun-tries. Many work as guide dogs for the blind, or as police dogs.The breed originated in Newfoundland, where they were used to work with fishermen; the dogs helped pull in nets and caught fish that escaped from fishing lines. Since then, the dogs have been crossed with Setters, Spaniels, and other retrievers, and the breed has become an ideal family dog.Labradors typically love to swim and frolic in water, and they have webbed paws. Many are athletic and energetic, and love playing catch-and-retrieve games. They are normally cheerful, get along well with children, and like other pets.There are three colors of Labradors: yellow, black, or chocolate, and they normally weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. If you want a dog door for your Labrador, a PlexiDor large is a perfect match

The Newfoundland is a Canadian dog breed known for their giant size, calm disposition, loyalty, and strength. The breed was created to work side by side with fishermen, and these gentle giants excel at water rescue. They are strong enough to navigate powerful tides and swim through rough ocean waves, and they can swim long distances while also being large enough to bring drowning people ashore.Through history, these dogs have performed many tasks. Besides working with fishermen they’ve hauled wood and powered black-smith bellows.Newfoundlands are loyal and make wonderful family dogs. They are sweet, loving, easy to train, and generally good with children. However, their mere size can create problems if they’re not trained. The largest known Newfoundland weighed 260 pounds and mea-sured over 6 feet from nose to tail.This is a breed that requires daily exercise to stay healthy. They also need regular brushing.

Quite a few dog breeds stem from China, and the breeds from this area have often been created for other reasons than European or American dogs. Many Chinese breeds are small, and while some were hunters, others were companions for royalty.Chinese dog breeds include the Shar Pei, Chinese Crested, Chow Chow, Japanese Chin, Chinese Chongqing Dog, Pekingese, Pug, Xiasi Dog, and the Kunming Wolfdog 

 Shar-Pei

 The Shar-Pei is a wrinkly dog with triangular ears and a blue-black tongue. There are only two breeds in the world with blue tongues: the Shar-Pei and the Chow-Chow. Both these breeds stem from China.The origins of the Shar-Pei are unknown, but there are images on pottery in China from the Han Dynasty (206 BC) with strong resem-blances to the breed. The breed was originally kept as diverse farm dogs in the countryside, used for hunting, herding, and guarding. The dogs were bred for intelligence and strength. The unusual skin and coat stems back to this time too; the loose skin and prickly coat helped the dogs fend off wild animals.The Shar-Pei is known for being calm, independent, and loyal. These dogs are devoted to their family, but can be reserved amongst strangers.Puppies have many wrinkles, but the dogs “grow into” their skin as they mature, and adults generally only have wrinkles on the face, a few on their shoulders, and some at the base of the tail. The wrinkles need some extra care, make sure to keep the skin clean and dry.An average Shar-Pei weighs up to 64 pounds and requires a Large PlexiDor dog door.

 Chow Chow

The Chow Chow comes from Asia and has been traced back to China’s Han dynasty, over 2,000 years ago, and it is considered one of the oldest recognizable breeds. It is also believed to be the model for the “Foo dogs” - the traditional stone statues that guard Buddhist temples.Many recognize the Chow Chow because of its blue tongue - a trait it only shares with the Shar-Pei. No other dog breeds have blue tongues. This is a sturdy dog with a dense double coat. Chow Chows are generally serious, dignified, and intelligent. While devoted to family members, they are often uninterested in strangers.These dogs are adaptable and do well in all sorts of living arrangements. They don’t need extensive exercise, and with regular walks they can do very well living in apartments. They are also a healthy breed, but they do require regular grooming. Many Chow Chow owners spend a couple of hours each week brushing their dog.Depending on gender, a typical Chow Chow weighs somewhere between 45 and 70 pounds, and requires a large PlexiDor dog door

 Pug

The Pug is one of the oldest dog breeds, and has flourished since at least 400 BC. The earliest mentions of the breed come from China, where this sturdy and cheerful little dog was a pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.This is a lot of dog in a small package. Pugs are even-tempered, loving, charming, and often filled with mischief. They are curious and love to explore, but don’t need excessive amounts of exercise. A Pug can thrive almost anywhere - as long as they’re close to the family. For a Pug, the family is the sole reason for living.Pugs are generally happy. They’re happy living in the country or in the city, amongst children or with the elderly, amongst other pets or as an only dog. The average Pug doesn’t care where he or she lives, as long as there is love.The short coat doesn’t need a lot of grooming, but they shed a little. The wrinkles on the forehead and face must be kept clean and dry. Like all breeds with short snouts, the Pug overheats quickly and can be prone to heatstrokes.A Pug generally weighs between 14 and a18 pounds and needs a medium PlexiDor dog door.

 The Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. Its true origins are veiled in mists of time, and these dogs have been credited with many nationalities and names. The spotted dog we know today has gotten its name from Dalmatia - a historical region of Croatia close to the Adriatic sea - but dogs of this type have appeared all over Europe, Asia, and Africa. Many believe that the breed originated in India, and there are dogs looking like Dalmatians on Egyptian tombs and in ancient ruins as old as 5,000 years. Dalmatians have had many purposes through history. Some have been used for hunting, some as dogs of war or border guardians, and others worked as shepherds. Many dogs can do these things, but Dalmatians have a unique trait: no other breed share their talent for running with horses. Most Dalmatians will fall in behind a horse and cart, or trot beside the shoulder of a horse even if they’ve never seen one before. This probably created the breed’s original association with firemen; it was natural for the dogs to follow horse-drawn fire engines.These dogs are energetic and require daily exercise and train-ing. They learn quickly and have excellent memories, and excel at obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Their endurance also makes them great search-and-rescue dogs. If you’re con-sidering a Dalmatian, remember their past as coach dogs; they require a lot of exercise and something to occupy them.Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their first spots appear around three weeks after birth. After a month they have most of their spots, but new ones can appear throughout life.

 Havanese

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, and its ancestors arrived to the island from Tenerife in the early 16th cen-tury. At the time Cuban trade was highly restricted by the Spanish, and Tenerife was one of the few open ports. The breed has an interesting history even today; every dog that lives outside of Cuba stems from 11 dogs that fled with their owners at the time of revolution.This is a small and sturdy breed. Their coat looks warm, but it has developed to insulate and protect the dogs from tropical sun. They require regular grooming, but do not shed.Havanese are friendly and become very attached to their families. They are known for being affectionate, intelligent, playful, and easy to train. This is a quiet breed too; many Havanese never bark, and they get along well with dogs, cats, and other pets.A Havanese generally weighs between seven and thirteen pounds, and does wellwith a medium PlexiDor dog door

 Broholmer

The Broholmer is also called Danish Mastiff. This is a very large Danish dog breed with a loud and impressive bark.The breed originally comes from a cross between English Mastiffs and various German dogs, and the name stems from Sehested of Broholm who was an 18th century game keeper. The Broholmer was nearly extinct after the second world war, but isolated individuals were found and Danish enthusiasts saved the breed.Broholmer dogs are known for having good self confidence and being calm, friendly, and good tempered. These dogs have an average life span of 7-12 years. Females weigh between 90 to 130 pounds and males 110 to 150 pounds, and they require an extra large PlexiDor dog door

 Basenji

 The Basenji is an elegant hunting dog with roots in Africa, and can be traced back to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. They are also known as “the barkless” dog. Instead of barking, they yodel when excited.Basenjis are independent, and known for thinking and making decisions on their own. While extremely intel-ligent, they can be difficult to train, because they need to see the point in whatever they’re asked to do. An average Basenji is alert, curious, and energetic. They are also athletic and love to climb.This breed has some habits unusual for dogs. They don’t like wet weather, they clean themselves all over like a cat, and they don’t get the “doggy smell.”The Basenji tends to become emotionally attached to one person. They accept other family members and are generally loving and patient with children, but there’s one person that is “theirs.”An average Basenji weighs around 24 lbs, and a Medi-um PlexiDor dog door is the perfect size.

 Pharaoh Hound

The Egyptian Pharaoh Hound was traditionally used as a companion for hunters from Malta. Some scientists say there is no DNA evidence for the breed being related to Egyptian dogs, others claim the breed is related to ancient Egyptian dogs with a lineage back to 3,000 BC.Pharaoh Hounds are graceful, powerful, and fast. They make pleasant companions who can be peaceful indoors yet loves to play given an opportunity. This breed has a unique ability - they blush when excited. The nose and ears get a rosy hue.Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy and need little grooming. As their coat is short and thin they need to live indoors with soft bedding and warmth.

The Saluki looks graceful and fragile, but don’t be fooled by appearances - this is a marathon runner with great strength and endurance. They run at the speed of Greyhounds and can keep the pace over distance.This is the royal dog of Egypt, and the Saluki is believed to be the oldest breed of domesticated dog. They are independent, gentle, and loyal, but they work alone. No one can keep up with a Saluki! They are so fast they’ve been used to hunt Gazelles - the fastest of Antelopes. They even have padded feet to minimize the impact of excessive running.Their hunting instinct is deeply rooted, and the dogs will give chase if something runs. When it comes to groom-ing, they require weekly brushing and an occasional bath 

 Karelian Bear

The Karelian Bear is a tenacious hunter with fearless nature and quick reflexes. They have an instinct for moving and handling bears safely, and are sometimes used for non lethal bear control. The breed is also called Karelsk Björnhund, or its Finnish name Kerjalankarhukoira. In its homeland, the Karelian Bear is primarily used as a hunting dog, but it is also a good breed for search and rescue, and many excel in obedience trials. This is a dog breed that prefers to be outside, and they need plenty of space to move. They are intelligent and independent, which also means they get bored easily and need mental stimulation as well as physical.The average Karelian Bear loves people and children to the point where they’re prone to separation anxiety. They are social and want to be with their family to the point where they can be anxious if left alone.The breed isn’t common in the USA, but the Washington department of fish and wildlife employs a few, utilizing their instinctive abilities for handling bears in a safe manner.