1) Origin
The history and origin of Segugio Italiano is lost in the past. It is believed that it is an ancient dog breed and there are ancient Roman statues portraying hunting dogs similar to Segugio Italiano. One theory claims, that the Segugio Italiano might be a descendant of Pharaoh Hounds of the Middle East, but it is impossible to verify this theory. For centuries, this dog breed was used as a skilled hunting and tracking dog. The Segugio Italiano was finally officially recognized in 1920s when the first breed standard was written.

​2) Two breeds
There are two, almost identical dogs, known as Segugio Italiano. They have the same personality, size, body type and purpose, but they differ in one main thing, and that is the coat type. The two breeds are known as Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte and as Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso. A genetic comparison found that these two breeds are almost indistinguishable and they are very close to other italian breeds as well, such as Segugio Maremmano.

3) Coat types
So what are the actual coat types of the two Segugio Italiano breeds. The first one is short coated type, with straight and dense coat. The second one is wire haired. This type has longer hair, up to 5 cm long (2 in) and the coat is smoother on the head, tail and legs. Two coat colors are officially recognized and those are any shade of fawn-coloured, varying from deep fox-red to very pale; and black-and-tan. They might have few white markings on the head or chest.

4) Hunting
The Segugio Italiano always had one main purpose, which he serves even today and that is of course hunting. Segugio Italiano main weapons on the hunt are its extremely good sense of smell and never ending stamina, they could really hunt all day long without tiring. These dogs are adaptable hunters and they hunt alone, but also in large packs. Their main quarry are hares, but they can be used to hunt larger prey as well, such as wild boar. The Segugio Italiano is known for its loud baying which he is using when pursuing the game.

5) Companions
Of course, the Segugio Italiano is not only a hunter, but also loving family pet. It is known for its kind and gentle character and they create strong bond with the family. Most of these dogs adore children and they will love to play with them, but it is always a must to supervise any actions between any dog breed and young child. If considering Segugio Italiano as a pet, you should be prepared for kind of independent and stubborn dog. They are intelligent and they will learn all the commands easily, but because of their independent mind, they dont always want to obey them. And of course, they are not the best for families with other household pets, as Segugio Italiano is natural born hunter with strong prey drive.

6) Exercise
As you can probably imagine from a dog that can hunt all day long, these dogs require quite a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They will love daily long walks, jogs, hikes, vigorous playtime or fun traning sessions, anything that will occupy their mind and body. Without enough exercise, these dogs might develop unwanted behaviour such as excessive barking or destruction.

7) Size
This is very athletic dog breed with squared shaped body and with average height between 48-58 cm, which is 19-23 inch and weight is usually between 18-28 kg, which is 40-62 lbs. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males.

8) Appearance
The Segugio Italiano has longish and oval head with large and almond shaped dark colored eyes with soft expression, large, triangular and hanging ears and thin tail that is set high and it is typically hanging at rest and it is raised above when the dog is at work or at any kind of action.

9) Maintenance
It is relatively easy to keep the coat of Segugio Italiano in good condition. As you already know, these dogs can have two coat types, the short and rough haired coat types. Both coats should be brushed regularly, lets say few times a week, to keep them clean and healthy. They do not need much bathing, only when it is really really necessary. You should take extra care about their long hanging ears and properly clean them and dry them so they do not develop any infections. And just like with any other dog breed, you should regularly check their eyes, nails and teeth as well and keep them in good condition.

10) Health
The Segugio Italiano is usually very hardy and healthy dog breed with average lifespan around 13 years. There are no known health issues, which would be very common in this breed and they should typically not suffer from any serious genetic health issues. As i already mentioned, they might have problems with ear infections, ocassionally bloating or some joint problems, but as i said, this is usually very healthy dog breed.

Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the famous Pug and the lovable Brussels Griffon. These two dogs are both small and cute companions with pushed-in muzzles and large expressive eyes. However, there are some important differences as well, and in this video, I will show you all of them!

First of all, let's mention that there are three types of Brussels Griffon: the Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, and Petit Brabancon. The Griffon Belge and Griffon Bruxellois have longer, wiry coats, so you can easily distinguish them from the Pug. On the other hand, the Petit Brabancon has a smooth coat and looks much more similar to the Pug.

If you're curious about the striking similarities in appearance between these two breeds, it's important to note that they are related. The Pug is an ancient Chinese dog breed that dates back thousands of years and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. The Brussels Griffon, on the other hand, is a much younger breed with a history tracing back to 19th-century Belgium. They were developed from a rough-coated dog known as the Smousje and were later crossbred with the Pug and King Charles Spaniel. So, while the Pug is not the main ancestor of the Brussels Griffon, these two breeds are related.

At first glance, you can see the similarities between the two breeds. Both are small and have short, flat snouts. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice many differences in their appearance. The first difference is size. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now. The Pug is slightly taller but much heavier than the Brussels Griffon. Most of the time, this difference is visible, as the Brussels Griffon appears more athletic and lean, while the Pug looks more compact and robust.

Both dogs have pushed-in noses and large eyes, but the Pug is known to have more wrinkles on its muzzle and face. Pugs also have slightly larger eyes compared to Brussels Griffons.

Another major appearance difference is the tail. The tail of the Brussels Griffon is often docked. When undocked, it is carried upwards with the tip towards the back without reaching it or being curled. On the other hand, the Pug's tail should be tightly curled over the hip, and a double curl is highly desirable.

As I mentioned earlier, there are different coat types for the Brussels Griffon. Some have wiry coats, which are easily distinguishable from the Pug. However, the Petit Brabancon type has a short coat similar to the Pug. This type of coat is harsh, flat, and gleaming. The Pug's coat is smooth, short, and glossy. The coat type is quite similar for both breeds.

Despite the similar coat types, these two breeds come in different colors. Pugs can be silver, apricot, fawn, or black, with fawn being the predominant and most common color. The Petit Brabancon comes in red, black, or black and tan colors. They can have a few white hairs on the chest, and both breeds should have a black mask.

Now let's talk about temperament. Both dogs have big personalities, but they are not the same. The Brussels Griffon is much more watchful and alert; they are very inquisitive and interested in their surroundings. The Pug is a more social dog and is typically friendlier to strangers. They just enjoy being around people.

However, both dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They are like shadows and want to be everywhere with you. Both can be good companions for kids and can be socialized to live with other dogs or pets in the household.

The Brussels Griffon is slightly more energetic and active, always ready for any kind of outdoor adventure. However, even Pugs need daily exercise to stay in good shape, but they are not as demanding in terms of exercise as the Brussels Griffon.

Both can be prone to health issues related to their large eyes and short snouts, but these problems are more prevalent in Pugs. Both breeds can suffer from breathing difficulties, heat stroke, various eye conditions, or cleft palate. In addition to that, Pugs can have problems with skin infections caused by their wrinkly skin, and many Pugs are prone to obesity. The average lifespan of the Brussels Griffon is around 13 or 14 years, while the average lifespan of Pugs is around 12 years.

1) Ancient dog
The Bankhar should not be called as a dog breed, but as a landrace. That means, that it evolved naturally over the time by adapting to its natural and cultural enviromnent. It is not a wild animal, it is still domesticated dog, but it can be said, that the Bankhar was not evolved by a man, but that it rather evolved next to a man. They co-evolved with humans for their specific utilization in specific environmental conditions. And it is undoubtedly extremely old and ancient dog, thousands of years old.

​2) Livestock guardian
Believed to be one of the oldest of all the livestock guardian dogs, the Bankhar may be considered the progenitor of all the livestock guardian dogs we have today. For thousands of years, nomadic Mongolian herders have relied on the Bankhar to protect their livestock from dangerous predators such as wolves and eagles. Bankhars live, sleep, and breathe alongside the livestock, willing to sacrifice their lives to ensure their safety. Most of the time, their mere presence is enough to deter intruders. They use their deep voice and scent marking to ward off potential predators. As livestock guardians, they are invaluable to Mongolian herders.

3) Special connection
The bond between the Bankhar and its owner is truly remarkable, often described as a strong and special connection. In Mongolia, Bankhar dogs are believed to possess a spirit similar to that of humans. There is a belief that Bankhar dogs can reincarnate as humans in their next life, and vice versa, which is considered a great honor. When a Bankhar passes away, its remains are traditionally placed on top of a mountain, bringing them closer to the gods. Bankhar dogs hold a special place among Mongolian nomadic families

4) Companion
While the Bankhar is a working dog, it is also a loving and loyal companion. They are never aggressive towards people and are docile and trustworthy with their own families. Similar to other livestock guardian dogs, the Bankhar is an independent thinker, making training a bit challenging. However, they can learn basic obedience commands fairly easily. Bankhars can be affectionate partners for children, but it's important to never leave any dog breed alone with young children unsupervised. With proper socialization from an early age, Bankhars can coexist with other dogs and pets. Socialization plays a key role in raising a strong and protective dog like the Bankhar.

5) Legend
According to a Buryat legend, the Bankhar dog's origin is associated with a giant who descended from a mountain accompanied by an enormous dog. It is believed that all Bankhar dogs are descendants of this giant dog.

6) Rarity
Bankhar dogs have accompanied Mongolian nomadic tribes for thousands of years, and due to the relative isolation of Mongolia, they have not been extensively crossed with foreign breeds. In the past, Bankhars were widespread in Mongolia. However, during the communist era in Mongolia between the 1920s and 1990s, the nomadic lifestyle was discouraged, causing many people to abandon their traditional lifestyle and their dogs. Consequently, most Bankhar dogs were released or exterminated.Also, some foreign breeds were introduced to Mongolia and the remaining Bankhar dogs were often time crossed with other breeds, such as the Tibetan Mastiff. There are only few remaining pure Bankhar dogs and this breed is extremely rare and it is almost impossible to find it outside Mongolia. But their numbers are slowly increasing and the future of Bankhar does not look the worst.

7) Size
The Bankhar is strong, big and powerful, but it should not be overly masive. It should not be as huge as for example Tibetan Mastiff and the Bankhar should rather be more athletic, which is far better for their nomadic lifestyle and livestock guardian work. The average height is typically between 26-33 inch, which is 66-83 cm and weight between 80-125 lbs, which is 36-56 kg. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males.

8) Coat and color
The Bankhar has a long and dense double coat that adapts to the weather. In colder regions of Mongolia, the coat is extremely thick, while in warmer regions, it is lighter. The Bankhar was not bred for a standardized appearance, so it can come in various colors. However, the most prevalent coloration is a combination of black and mahogany, often accompanied by mahogany spots above the eyes and a white patch on the chest. This coloring is also known as the "Mongolian Four Eye Dog."

9) Maintenance
The Bankhar is very independent dog and it does not need much care from people. Even with limited maintenance, the coat of Bankhar will stay in decent condition. But of course, regular brushing will help to remove all the dead and loose hair, to redistribute natural oils all over the coat and it will keep the coat in best possible condition. No other grooming is required. Just like with all dogs, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed.

10) Health
The Bankhar is for such a big dog surprisingly healthy. It is most likely due to the fact, that they have very high genetic diversity and probably because they evolved naturally, basically by surviving of the fitest. Weak and unhealthy Bankhar dogs would have it very hard to survive in Mongolia. That said, the average lifespan of Bankhar is around 15 years, which is just excellent for big dogs. And they do not suffer much from any serious health issues, even the joint issues such as hip dysplasia are extremely rare.

1) Ancient dog
The Alopekis is an ancient Greek dog, dating back thousands of years. References to Alopekis-like dogs can be found in works by Xenophon and Aristotle, hundreds of years before Christ. These dogs have existed in Greece since the Neolithic era, and remarkably, they have changed very little over time. The Alopekis dogs of today still closely resemble their ancestors from the past.

​2) Landrace
Rather than being classified as a dog breed, the Alopekis is considered a landrace. This means that it evolved naturally over time, adapting to its natural and cultural environment. Although domesticated -it is not a wild dog- it is not a breed that was deliberately created by humans. Instead, it co-evolved with humans to serve specific purposes in specific environmental conditions

3) Almost extinct
Despite its ancient origins, the Alopekis is relatively unknown among the general population in Greece. The population of Alopekis dogs has experienced a significant decline in the last century, pushing them to the brink of extinction. Factors such as mass sterilization of dogs and crossbreeding with other local breeds have worsened the situation. However, there are still some purebred Alopekis in Greece, particularly in the northern regions, mainly Serres. Recent efforts have been made to identify surviving populations and preserve the breed. Let's hope these efforts will be successful!

4) Name
The Alopekis has a distinct fox-like appearance and even their name Alopekis can be translated as fox-like or as a small fox. It was named by ancient Greeks, as they thought that the Alopekis is a dog and fox hybrid.

5) Versatile workers
While the Alopekis is not commonly used for hard work in modern times, it was highly valued in the past for its versatility and tireless work ethic. They excelled as reliable watchdogs, had natural hunting instincts for ratting, and could even assist with flock attendance. The Alopekis is an intelligent, hardworking, and adaptable dog capable of learning various tasks.

6) Companion
The Alopekis is adaptable, faithful and loving companion, perfectly adapted to the Greek climate. Known for its intelligence and eagerness to please, it is easily trainable. This breed is not hyperactive, but they are quite lively and they are always ready for outdoor adventures. Alopekis dogs are alert, outgoing, and naturally obedient. They thrive on attention and genuinely love their families. They possess courage and curiosity, yet can also adapt to a calmer lifestyle. Alopekis dogs can live harmoniously with other dogs and make great playmates for children. However, it's important to supervise interactions between any dog breed and young children.

7) Size
The Alopekis is a small-sized dog, measuring between 9-13 inches (23-33 cm) in height, with an ideal weight range of 8-18 lbs (4-8 kg). There are no extreme size differences between males and females.

8) Coat and color
The Alopekis can have short and smooth, semi-long and thick or semi-long and wiry coat. The wire-haired type is extremely rare though. All coat types are quite dense. The Alopekis come in variety of colors. The typical colors include white, cream, fawn, golden, brown or black and combinations of these colors.

9) Maintenance
The Alopekis does shed some fur throughout the year but does not require extensive grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Like all dogs, it's important to regularly check their eyes, ears, nails, and teeth, and attend to them as needed. The Alopekis is known to be extremely clean dog.

10) Health
The Alopekis is known for its longevity and excellent health. They are generally not prone to serious health issues and can live well into their late teens, with an average lifespan of around 15 years. Overall, the Alopekis is a very healthy and robust dog breed.

For over 50 years, dogs have been competing in the World's Ugliest Dog contest in California. In this video, I will showcase each winner from 1999 to the present day.
There are different opinions about this contest. Some say, that it is about making fun of ugly dogs and that it is decadent fun for bullies.

The other, including the event organizers and i too am more inclined to this opinion, says that it is all about celebrating the imperfections of dogs, demonstrating that even an ugly dog can be a perfect companion.

Many of these dogs are acutally adopted and as you probably know, cute puppies are often the first to find homes when they are at shelter. However, a cute face doesn't necessarily equate to a better dog, and this contest serves as a prime example. So this show can also encourage adoption of uglier dogs in the shelters.

Sadly, many of these dogs suffer from serious health issues and many of them were born with health defects and conditions, which makes them look differently, and lets say uglier, than your typical puppy. And these defects can make these dogs less beautiful in some peoples eyes, but the truly ugly ones are those who would abandon or harm these dogs solely based on their appearance. Unfortunately, this is often the primary reason why many of these dogs end up in shelters.

Furthermore, the deformities and health issues exhibited by some of these dogs are frequently caused by inbreeding and unscrupulous backyard breeders who prioritize profits over the well-being of the animals. Inbreeding can result in problems such as missing eyes, mismatched ears, abnormally curved backs, disproportionate body types, or dental issues. Thus, this contest not only promotes adoption and celebrates imperfections but also encourages people to consider purchasing dogs from reputable breeders, where the likelihood of obtaining a healthy puppy is significantly higher. Of course, it is not guaranteed, even a certified breeder can produce an unhealthy dog, but the chances of happening are much slimmer.

So in conclusion, in my opinion, this contest has the potential to promote the acceptance of imperfections, encourage adoptions, and help individuals make informed decisions when acquiring a new dog.

History and origin
Although both breeds share "Australian" in their name and are herding dogs, they are not related. The Australian Shepherd is not actually an Australian dog. It was bred in the United States around the 1840s to herd sheep. The name "Australian" may have been given because their ancestors, including Basque Shepherds, were brought to the USA from Australia along with Merino sheep.
On the other hand, the Australian Cattle dog is truly Australian dog breed. It was developed as the best possible dog for driving the semi-wild cattle over long distances and as a dog that would handle the harsh Australian climate and conditions without problems.
The Australian Cattle dog was developed from Dingoes and from various herding and drover dogs that were imported to Australia since the 18th century, but that were not perfect for doing such a hard job in such climate. The first person who started developing the Australian Cattle dog was Thomas Hall, who crossed the Dingo with herding dogs such as Collie, Kelpie, possibly with Bull Terrier. Unfortunately, no one really knows the exact ancestry of this dog, but they are definitely not related to Australian Shepherd.

​Appearance
Now lets talk about the appearance and , it is clear that these two breeds have distinct appearances. It is very easy to distinguish these two breeds apart. The biggest differences are ears and coat.
The ears of Australian Shepherd are floppy, while the Heeler ears are pointed. And the Australian Shepherd has longer and fluffier coat, compared to the shorter and coarser coat of the Cattle dog.
The Australian Shepherd comes in blue merle, red merle, red and black, while the Australian Cattle dog comes in blue and red color, both either mottled or speckled.
The Australian Shepherd also has longer muzzle, it is not as robust as Australian Cattle dog and it can have naturally docked tail, compared to the typically long and very bushy tail of the Heeler.
And what about the size? You can see the numbers of average height and weight on the screen right now and as you can see the Australian Cattle dog is on average slightly smaller than the Australian Shepherd, but the difference is not extremely big.

Temperament
The temperament of both dogs is not as different as their appearance. Both are hardworking, lively, loyal, playful, and generally gentle dogs. However, the Australian Shepherd is considered a softer dog and tends to be more companionable, whereas the Australian Cattle Dog is more alert and less affectionate.
Of course, that does not mean that the Cattle dog is not good affectionate companion, it still shows affection to its owners and create a loyal bond with them, but not to a degree as the Australian Shepherd, who requires much more attention from people. The Australian Shepherd is also, lets say, more jelaous than the Heeler.
While both breeds may be wary of strangers, the Australian Shepherd is generally more accepting of unfamiliar individuals, while the Cattle Dog takes more time to warm up to strangers. It is important to note that neither breed should display aggression without reason.
The Australian Cattle dog typically has stronger herding and guarding instinct than the Australian Shepherd. I would not recommend neither of these dogs to complete novices, but the Australian Shepherd is kind of easier to handle than the Australian Cattle dog.
Both dogs can live with other dogs or kids in the household, however you should always supervise interaction between any dog breed and a young children.

Exercise needs
Both the Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog are extremely active breeds that require substantial daily physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. A minimum of one hour of intensive exercise a day is recommended for both breeds, but more is always better. It's important to consider the dog's age and health, as young and senior dogs may require adjustments to their exercise routines.
Both dogs are always ready for outdoor walks, hikes, jogs, vigorous playtime or fun training sessions. Both are also capable of doing very good in various dog sports, such as agility or herding trials. There is not much difference in the exercise needs, as both have similar high energy character.

Health and grooming
While both breeds may be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia or various eye problems, they generally tend to be very healthy and have an average lifespan of around 15 years. These dogs often remain active even in their older years.
And what about the maintenance? Well, both dogs have doublecoats that shed some deal of fur all year long. Both dogs will benefit from regular brushing which will remove all the dead and loose hair and minimize the shedding. The longer coat of Australian Shepherds sheds slightly more than the shorter coat of Cattle dog, which means that the Australian Shepherds will require slightly more brushing. Other than that, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.