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A native of Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd is a big, muscular dog that specializes as a sheep guardian. With a solid build, a large head and a thick neck, these dogs stand as tall as 30 inches and can weigh up to 150 pounds.

The Anatolian is a powerful breed, capable of taking on most predators. However, the body is lean rather than bulky, with the thick coat making them look heavier than they actually are. The tail is long and when the dog is alert it curls up over the back. The coat is usually fawn, and the dog sports a black “face mask”.

This is a breed with a long history. They are originally from the Sivas-Kangal region of Turkey, where they are still revered and considered to be the Turkish national dog and a great treasure. They have been sheep guardians in their native land for hundreds of years, and have also been put to work as hunting dogs, and dogs of war.

Rugged and strong, they can live outdoors in any temperature and are capable of fighting off wolves and even bears that try to attack the flock.

The Anatolian’s temperament is inextricably linked to the work it does. Their character and breeding leads them to be highly protective of those they are responsible for, and they include their human family in that circle.

As long as you understand the dog’s temperament, this could be a good pet for you. This is not however a breed suited to the novice dog owner. They are known to be quite assertive and require someone who can provide dominant leadership. On the plus side, they are very good with kids, accepting of other pets, and as already mentioned, excellent guard dogs.

Unfortunately, their protective instincts make them bark a lot, especially at night, when they are most alert. This behavior can be corrected by training and socialization.

A good source of names for your Anatolian is puppy names hq. With thousands of puppy names including a huge list of cool dog names, you’re bound to find something you like.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a healthy dog with an average lifespan of over 12 years. This is exceptionally long for a dog of this size. However, the breed is not without its health problems and may suffer from hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eyelid entropion.

You should also be aware that these dogs have a slower immune system than most other breeds, and are therefore sensitive to anaesthesia.

The Anatolian is quite an easy dog to maintain. They do shed heavily twice annually, and you’ll have to brush the coat every day during this period.

It goes without saying that this is not a dog to be kept in an apartment. The Anatolian needs a large secure garden and will also have to taken for long daily walks.

The Akbash is a large sheep guardian dog that originated in western Turkey. Standing up to 34 inches at the withers and weighing as much as 140 pounds, these athletically built guards fall somewhere between a mastiff and a sighthound. That is to say, they possess the sleek athleticism of the latter, combined with the inherent power of the former, making them formidable guard dogs.

The Akbash coat is smooth, short to medium in length and is always white, although there may be light biscuit coloration on the ears. The coat has a distinctive mane around the neck, to protect the dog from predators.

This is an ancient breed, though to have been around for at least 3000 years, and possibly longer than that. Archaeological records even suggest that dogs very much like the Akbash may have been used by ancient Turkish peoples as far back as 8000 BC.

Like the Kuvasz, the Kommondor and other giant livestock guardians from around the world, the Akbash is quite capable of carrying out its duties without human supervision. The are strongly protective with the natural intelligence and independence needed for this job.

The breed does not currently have AKC accreditation, although it is recognized by the United Kennel Club.

These are, of course, excellent guard dogs. They are brave, loyal and intelligent and are devoted to their human family, with a particular love of children. They have a very sweet temperament and provided they’ve been properly trained and socialized, make excellent companions.

Training an Akbash can be a challenge because, although intelligent, they will not carry out a command simply because you say so. They are independent thinkers, and like to make their own decisions. Sensitive handling, positive training and firm leadership will get the most out of this dog, and it is therefore better suited to an experienced dog owner.

If you’re looking for a name for your Akbash, I’d recommend Puppy Names HQ, a site with an extensive database of male dog names and female dog names to choose from.

The Akbash coat is quite easy to maintain, although they do shed quite a bit, so regular brushing will be required. The coat has no “doggy odor”, so bathing is neither required, nor recommended.

This is a very healthy breed with no notable health concerns. Like many large breeds they are prone to hip dysplasia, but otherwise they are basically sound. Median lifespan is 10 years, similar to other breeds of this size.

Quite obviously a dog this large, and this active, is not suited to living in an apartment. At the very least you’ll need a large garden, but the Akbash will be happiest in the country, and would prefer to have a job to do.

The Affenpinscher is a small dog of German origin, that has been around since the 16th century. These little dogs have a rough coat that can be gray, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, or red in color. They have a ‘monkey-like’ expression and the name, Affenpinscher, actually means “monkey dog”. These dogs can stand up to 11 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 9 pounds.

The Affen, as it is affectionately called, was originally a farm dog, bred to control rodents in barns, granaries and stables. With its speed, agility and terrier-like character, the breed was particularly good at this job.

Affenpinschers are seemingly oblivious to their small size and are brave enough to stand their ground against all-comers. But they are also affectionate and playful, making them excellent pets for older children. They are not, however, suited to young kids as they will not hesitate to bite if they are handled too roughly.

These are intelligent dogs but can at times be strong willed and stubborn. Like most terrier breeds, they also have a tendency towards dominance and therefore need a firm hand and consistent pack leadership. The Affenpincher will generally get along fine with dogs and cats that it has been socialized with, but is not to be trusted around pet rodents or rabbits.

Training an Affenpinscher can be a real trial, with house training particularly difficult. They are intelligent dogs, but given their famous stubborn streak, they’ll sometimes simply refuse to co-operate. When this happens you’d be better off walking away. Shouting and getting angry will do no good, and may even make things worse.

If any of this is discouraging you from getting an Affenpinscher, it shouldn’t. These dogs make wonderful pets and have bags of character. They are affectionate and bond closely with their immediate family.

These traits provide useful clues to picking puppy names for your Affenpinscher. Pick something that really suits the dog’s personality. If you need help, you can find thousands of unique dog names at puppy names hq, including including a mega-list of puppy names.

The Affenpinscher is a generally healthy dog that lives 12 years on average. As with many small breeds they are susceptible to collapsed trachea. Some are also prone to hip dysplasia, slipped stifle and cataracts. These dogs may also have respiratory problems in hot weather.

Grooming is a relatively simple business involving a brush down every other day. The coat sheds minimally an requires only an occasional trim. You will however have to take care to trim hair away from the eyes.

These dogs will live quite happily in an apartment, provided their exercise needs are met. They need to be walked every day and will also appreciate both indoor and outdoor games.

The Belgian Malinois originated in the city of Malinois, Belgium, from which it takes its name. Standing at between 22 and 26 inches, and weighing 55 to 65 pounds, the breed somewhat resembles the German Shepherd, but is slightly smaller and has a lighter build.

There are actually four varieties of Belgian sheepdog, the Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Groenendael, Belgian Laekenois and, of course, the Belgian Malinois. Not all kennel clubs recognize all of these. The AKC, for example, recognizes three of the variants as separate breeds, while the UKC accepts all four as a single breed.

Although Malinois still work as sheep herders, these days you are far more likely to see them as police dogs. Their intelligence and obedience makes them adept at all kinds of police work, including bomb detection, narcotics detection, search and rescue work, and guarding.

These are smart, loyal dogs who are strongly protective and territorial in nature. They are suitable as family pets but need training, socialization and consistent leadership. They also need fairly vigorous exercise and will do best with an active family who can give them plenty of attention and companionship. A bored and under-exercised Malinois will soon develop behavioural issues like chewing, problem barking and digging.

A well socialized Malinois will do okay with children but may still try to dominate other dogs. It is therefore important to keep a close eye on situations when tempers tend to flare, such as feeding times. You will also have to watch your Malinois around small animals, including cats.

Another trait they you may find disconcerting is that the Malinois likes to nip at the ankles of anyone in close proximity, a remnant of their past as a herding dog.

It should be pretty obvious by now that a Malinois can be quite a handful, and you should give it a lot of consideration before deciding to take on such a high maintenance dog. Speaking to someone who has experience with the breed will help you to make an informed decision.

The Belgian Malinois is a robust and healthy dog breed with few major health issues. Minor concerns for the breed includes cataracts, epilepsy, thyroid disease and progressive retinal atrophy.As far as behavioral issues are concerned, aggressiveness or shyness may occur in dogs that have not been properly socialized.

Grooming a Malinois is fairly easy. A good brush down two or three times per week is all that is needed to keep the coat in good condition.

If you’ve set your heart on adopting a Malinois you need to be prepared to give the dog a lot of exercise. This breed is most definitely unsuited to apartment life, and needs space to move around in. Regardless of living arrangements though, your dog will need a long daily walk to keep him happy. Malinois bond closely with their human families and are therefore better off living indoors, and close to those they care about.

If you’re stuck for dog names, for your Belgian Malinois, I’d recommend that you check out Puppy Names HQ, an online database that has thousands of excellent dog names including a huge list of female dog names.

When people think of the Bloodhound the first image that comes to mind is packs of baying hounds tracking down an escaped convict. But the Bloodhound is so much more than just that.

These exceptional scent hounds have been used to find victims of natural disasters, lost children and stranded hikers. It may also surprise you to learn that they also make wonderful companion dogs.

Sometimes called the St. Hubert Hound, the Bloodhound is an ancient dog breed, which originated in Belgium and was brought to England by the Normans in 1066. The name of the breed derives from the fact that, even back then, great lengths that were taken to ensure that the breed strain remained clear. As a result they were referred to as “blooded” hounds.

The Bloodhound is a big, heavy dog. Males can stand as tall as 27 inches at the withers and weigh up to 110 pounds. The dog’s coat is smooth but loose fittings, with skin folds that are often seen in hounds. The ears are long, and hang down.

Another characteristic of the breed is their sad “hang dog” expression. According to the breed standard 3 color variants are allowed, black and tan, liver and tan, and red.

These gentle, affectionate hound dogs have character and personality to spare. They are extremely loyal and are known to mourn the loss of a human or canine companion.

Their gentle nature makes them excellent with children, and despite their serious demeanor they can be quite playful when the mood takes them. Bloodhounds just love attention and are sensitive souls who don’t respond well to harsh treatment.

In common with most other hounds, a Bloodhound can be a handful to train. It’s not that they lack intelligence, quite the opposite, but they are independent thinkers, and easily distracted by the goings on around them.

The Bloodhound is a dog that was simply born to track. These dogs are simply unable to resist any interesting scent they encounter and for this reason it is imperative that they dog is not able to escape from your property. You should also never walk your Bloodhound off the leash. Not unless you want to spend your time chasing after him!

If you’re considering a Bloodhound as a pet you should be aware that they can be very messy dogs. They are droolers, and will trail puddles of water through the house whenever they drink. They also rival the Bulldog as the champion canine snorer!

Grooming is quite easy, but needs to be done regularly. The dog will require a brush own a few times a week, and daily during the shedding season. You will also have to keep the ears clean and dry and wipe the skin folds with a damp cloth, as both of these areas are prone to bacterial and fungal infections.

The Bloodhound is a strong, healthy dog that typically lives 10 to 12 years. They do however suffer from a number of health problems. Like most big dogs they are at risk from hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, while elbow dysplasia, is also know to occur.

The easiest way to find good names for your Bloodhound is to visit an online dog names, resource, like puppy-names-hq.com. This site has tons of dog names, including 1000s of boy dog names to choose from.

Affectionately known as the “Chessie”, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an American breed with a fascinating history.

In 1807 a British vessel was shipwrecked off the Maryland coast, and among those rescued were two Newfoundland puppies. The ship’s captain gave the puppies as a gift to his rescuers and they were later bred to various dogs in the area, including Otterhounds, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Curly-Coated Retrievers, to eventually produce the Chesapeake Bay Retriever we know today.

A strongly built dog, the Chessie stands 24 inches at the withers, and weighs up to 80 pounds. They are outstanding swimmers, able to traverse the roughest of waterways. They have a dense double coat, oily outside, and downy underneath, which gives them excellent protection against the elements. Coat colors range from brown to red-brown.

The breed lacks the happy-go-lucky, outgoing personality of other retrievers, like Labradors or Goldens. Generally, they are loyal and protective of their immediate family, but reserved and alert around strangers.

These are confident, independent dogs who are not as keen to please their owners as, say, a Labrador would be. They are therefore not a good choice for someone who has limited experience with dogs. A Chesapeake will do better with a handler that is assertive, but even-handed.

They can do well as a family pet for an active family, but are better suited to older children, and will also have to be socialised with other pets.

Like most purebred dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not immune to inherited health problems. They suffer from hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and the haemophilia known as, Von Willebrand’s Disease.

Like many large breeds, they may suffer bloat or gastric torsion. Feeding the dog small, regular meals rather than one large meal per day can help prevent this. Chessies live on average for 10 to 12 years.

Grooming is very easy. The coat has a unique oily texture and requires only a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. Despite the distinctive doggy odor the dog gives off it should not be bathed too often, as this strips protective oils from the coat.

This is not the easiest dog to train. They are smart, but also strong-willed, which means they won’t follow an instruction just because you say so. Strong leadership is very important if you want to succeed with training, but you’ll also need to keep things positive and reward based to get results.

If your thinking of adopting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever you’ll have to be prepared for lots of activity. These are high energy dogs, requiring a great deal of exercise. A long daily walk is an absolute must, while your Chessie will appreciate any opportunity for a good swim.

Good names for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online dog names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of female dog names to pick from.

The Australian Shepherd, affectionately known as the “Aussie” is a sheep herding dog that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain. Yes, you read that correctly, the Australian Shepherd is not an Australian breed at all. These dogs were in fact brought to Australia by Basque immigrants, and when some of their descendants later moved on to America, their dogs went with them.

From then on the breed started to be called the Australian Shepherd, but prior to that, the Aussie went by a number of other names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, and Blue Heeler.

These extremely intelligent, enthusiastic, people-loving dogs make excellent pets – for the right owner. That owner needs to be an active, outdoor person who is prepared to give the dog the physical exercise it demands. An Aussie lives to work, and one that is under-exercised, and under-stimulated mentally, soon develops behavioral problems.

You should also be aware that the herding instinct is still very strong in the Aussie Shepherd, so don’t be surprised if the dog tries to herd you and your family.

The Australian Shepherd is a confident, self-assured and protective breed. They do tend to be somewhat cautious around strangers, but this should not be interpreted as timidity, they are just naturally wary.

They have a natural exuberance, but are very demanding of attention. The worst thing you can do to an Aussie is to exclude him from family activities and relegate him to the back yard. If you’re not able to give him your full attention, then this is not the dog for you.

But if you do have time to spend with your dog, you’re in for a real treat. The Aussie Shepherd is a dream to train. These dogs learn quickly and love to please. They excel at a myriad of dog sports, including fly ball, agility trials and advanced dog obedience training. Aussies are willing and capable students, and time spent training serves multiple purposes. It provides your dog with mental and physical stimulation, gives him a job and a purpose, and helps to build the bond between you.

Always use a positive form of training, like clicker training, with your dog. The pay-off will be a happy, balanced and fulfilled dog who can do some truly amazing stuff. Just think how impressed your friends and family will be.

The Australian Shepherd is a robust, healthy breed of dog. Nonetheless, there are some common health concerns with the breed including back, hip and eye problems. Epilepsy is also a concern. The average lifespan for the breed is twelve and a half years.

Finding puppy names, for your Australian Shepherd is an easy task, when you know where to look. My recommendation is puppy names hq.com, a site with an extensive database of dog names including 1000s of male dog names to choose from.