Basenji

Other Names: Congo Dog, Congo Terrier, African Barkless Dog
Country of Origin: Africa
Lifespan: 12 Years
Male Height: 17 Inches
Male Weight: 24 Pounds
Female Height: 16 Inches
Female Weight: 22 Pounds
American Kennel Club Classification : Hound GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : HoundsKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : Hound
Basenji Characteristics
The Basenji or the "Bush Thing" is an ancient breed originating from the Congo in Africa. This dog has many characteristics which make it unique in the dog world, most interestingly the Basenji does not bark but prefers to make howling and whining noises. He is a meticulously clean animal, and will groom himself from head to toe. The Basenji has a wrinkled forehead, giving it a constant inquisitive look. Most breeds of dog have two breeding cycles per year, the Basenji is like the wolf and only has one breeding cycle per year.
This dog of all breeds is the one most like a cat. Clever, inquisitive, independent and reserved with a disposition that is both gentle and friendly. House training is quite easy due to their "clean" nature, though other training requires more patience. Their desire to chase is still quite strong, therefore daily exercise is a must and preferably off-leash in a fenced area.
Basenji History
The Basenji is one of the oldest breed of dogs, with similar dogs being depicted on Egyptian Pharaoh's tombs dating back to 3600 BC. He was first discovered in Sudan and Zaire being used by pygmy hunters to flush game into nets strung out on trees. The first dog appeared in Europe at a London Dog Show in 1895. Early attempts to bring the dog to England were unsuccessful as they succumbed to distemper, and it wasn't until the 1930's that they were successfully brought over.

Australian Terrier

Country of Origin: Australia

Lifespan: 14 Years
Male Height: 10-11 Inches
Male Weight: 12-14 Pounds
Female Height: 10-11 Inches
Female Weight: 12-14 Pounds
American Kennel Club Classification : Terrier GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : TerriersKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : Terrier

Australian Shepherd

Other Names: Aussie
Country of Origin: USA
Lifespan: 12-13 Years
Male Height: 20-23 Inches
Male Weight: 50-65 Pounds
Female Height: 18-21 Inches
Female Weight: 40-55 Pounds American Kennel Club Classification : Herding GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : Herding DogsKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : Pastoral (Herding)Australian Shepherd Characteristics
As is consistent with his heritage, the Australian Shepherd is a dog with strong herding and sheep guarding instincts. He may try to herd young children by nipping them, but they generally get along well with children. They may be somewhat wary of strangers until they are comfortable with them, by they are always devoted to their owners. This dog has incredible stamina, thus daily walks are necessary. Their coat requires more than average care as he will pick up burrs, foxtails, and other materials on his romps in the wild.
Australian Shepherd History
Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia, it is thought that he originated in Spain. Around 1875, Basque sheep herders were migrating to the US and they brought their sheepdogs with them. The Americans named their dogs Australian Shepherd dogs because Australia was the immediate home of the Basque shepherds, though they originated from Europe.
Canadian and Mexican Kennel Clubs recognized the breed in 1976. They were admitted to the AKC in the Miscellaneous class in 1991, and were given full status in 1993. Upon recognition, it became an immediate success. The breed was popularized by a dog-trick act that performed in rodeos, and featured an Australian Shepherd. Many of these dogs were owned by Jay Sisler, and her dogs can still be found in the pedigree of many of today's dogs.
In 1957 the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was formed and became the largest registry in America. Many of the members of ASCA felt that AKC recognition was not a good thing for the breed, so proponents were forced to form their own organization, and they called it the United States Australian Shepherd Association. The AKC popularity ranking does not do justice to the actual popularity of this breed because many breeders are not registered with the AKC.