Appearance
The Lupino del Gigante is a breed with well developed muscles, but which has quite athletic body, with strong back and long legs, deep chest and well sprung ribs. The average height of Luvin is between 48-62 cm, which is 19-24 inch and weight is usually between 20-30 kg, which is 44-66 lbs. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males.
This breed has a relatively small, almond shaped eyes, that are typically in brown color, but they can also have blue eyes and they can show heterochromia, which means, that each eye is in different color.
The Lupino del Gigante can be found in two coat varieties, short and long haired. Both coats are very dense. The short coat has rough texture and wooly undercoat. The long haired variety can have normal or bearded face. The breed can be in any possible color or color combination, but the most common color is the classic wolf gray or different shades of brown, reddish, copper, gray and black.
Temperament
The main utilization of Lupino del Gigante is working with livestock and they were used for this purpose for a long time, which formed their personality. To be good herders and livestock protectors, the breed must be smart, but also independent, quite lively, alert to its surroundings, loyal to the shepherd and determined to its work. And Lupino del Gigante is just like that. These dogs are also good adepts for personal protection or just as companions.
And they can make excellent companion dogs for active families who will take their dog on daily outdoor walks, hikes or jogs. The Lupino del Gigante is amazing playful and affectioante companion, that creates a very strong bond with its owners. They can live with kids in the family, but of course, you should never leave any dog breed with a very young child unsupervised. The Luvin dog can also live with other dogs in the family and they can be socialized with other household pets as well.
These dogs have rather higher energy level and it is extremely important to exercise them every single day, so they do not become bored and possibly develop some unwanted behaviour, such as destruction. Thanks to their intelligence and lively spirit, they can compete in various dog sports, such as agility. Dog sports, task oriented playtimes or fun training sessions are excellent way how to deal with the dogs physical, but also mental needs.
History
The exact origin and ancestry of Lupino del Gigante is unclear, as it is a very old and ancient dog breed. There are several theories about the breeds origin. One says, that it is a direct descendant of a primitive lupoid that lived in Secchia valley, Reggio Emilia.
A genetic study from 2018 shows, that Lupino del Gigante shares the same ancestor with other European herding dogs, such as Berger Picard, German Shepherd and other Italian herding breed, such as Bergamasco, Cane Paratore, Pastore di Oropa or Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai. This old ancestor was some kind of a common European herding dog, broadly distributed over the Europe.
For centuries, the Luvin was used to work with livestock in Italian mountains, especially in the Reggio Emilia province, but with the decline of farming, the popularity of Luvin declined a lot. With the income of foreign breeds, many remaining Lupino del Gigante dogs were crossbred with these new dogs, such as German Shepherd or Belgium Shepherd, which is a reason, why Luvin almost became extinct in the 20th century and it is extremely hard to find pure Luvin dog these days. During these days, one man, Cristian Ielli found approximately 30 pure specimen of Lupino del Gigante, which he used to recover the breed. Luckily, the breed survived and an association has been created which is looking to preserve the breed and increase its popularity and purity once again.
Health and grooming
No matter if the Luvin has short or long coat, it does shed some deal and regular brushing is always beneficial to remove loose hair and dirt from the coat. It will also remove any tangles or mats from the longer coat and keep it in best possible condition. No other grooming needs are necessary. Just like with any other breed, you should regularly check the dogs ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.
There are no scientific studies about the breeds health, but it seems, that this is rather healthy dog with no linked genetic health issues. Of course, they may suffer from some health problems, just like any other breed in the world and those may include allergies and infections, some joint problems like hip dysplasia or some eye problems, but none of those is extremely common within this breed.

Appearance
On the first sight, the Dogue Brasileiro looks like a Bull Terrier mix and it is no coincidence, because this breed was developed in the 20th century by crossing the Bull Terrier with the Boxer. And you can definitely see appearance traits of both breeds in the Dogue Brasileiro.
It is a very muscular dog with strong body and shorter legs. They are relatively massive, but they should never be too heavy or stocky. The breed has big head and jaws, medium sized floppy ears and deep snout.
The average height of Dogue Brasileiro is between 50-60 cm, which is 20-24 inch and weight is usually between 30-40 kg, which is 66-88 lbs. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males.
The coat of this breed is shiny, pretty dense and harsh. There are two coat types, short type and medium type, but the coat should never be too long. This breed can be found in almost any color or color combination, the most common are white, brown, tan, red, and black, or a combination of these colors.
Temperament
The main utilization of the Dogue Brasileiro is guarding and protection, which is why they just must have strong guarding instinct, fearless, alert and watchful temperament. They should never be agressive without a reason, but when they or their family is threatened, they should be vigorous and defend them. These dogs are typically not trustful towards complete strangers and it can take a while before they accept a stranger as a friend.
On the other hand, when these dogs are with its family, they are absolutely friendly, affectionate and gentle. The Dogue Brasileiro is known for its great devotion and loyalty to its owners. They are typically good gentle partners for kids, but of course, you should never leave any dog breed, with a very young child unsupervised. These dogs are intelligent and they get new commands fairly easily, but of course, they need experienced owner who will train them patiently and consistently.
The Dogue Brasileiro is quite active dog, who will need daily outdoor walks, hikes, fun training sessions or proper playtime to stay healthy and happy. Without enough exercise, they might develop some unwanted behaviour such as destruction.
History
This is still a new dog breed, developed at the end of 20th century by Pedro Pessoa Ribeiro Dantas, who was a Bull Terrier breeder and his neighbour who owned a Boxer. One of the offrspring of this mating was named Tigresa, who turned out to be very affectionate, obedient, strong and functional dog with excellent protection instincts. Which is why Pedro started breeding program and he developed a new breed from Bull Terriers and Boxers.
The Dogue Brasileiro club was found in 1986 and the breed was finally accepted by Brazilian kennel club in 1999.
Health and grooming
The Dogue Brasileiro is usually a pretty healthy dog breed that has no significant health issues and with average lifespan around 13 years. Of course, just like any other breed in the world, they may suffer from some health issues, such as bloating, skin and coat problems after the Bull Terrier and sadly, cancer after the Boxer heritage. But overall, none of these health issues is extremely common in this breed.
The maintenance and grooming is very simple and even without any brushing at all, these dogs will keep their coats in good condition. Of course, regular brushing is only beneficial, as it will remove any loose hair and dirt from the coat. These dogs do shed some deal of fur all year long, but it is nothing terrible. Just like with all breeds, you should also regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.

1) Origin
The Japanese Spitz is a young breed from Japan, where it was developed from different white Spitz dogs, most likely from German Spitz, and probably from White Russian Spitz, American Eskimo and some other small Spitz dogs as well. This breeding started in 1920s and the breed was developed in the 1920s and 1930s and the first breed standard was written and accepted by Japan kennel club after the Second World War.
2) Size
This is a small dog breed, but different breed standards mention sightly different sizes. For example the Japanese standard say, that they should be between 30-38 cm tall, which is 12-15 inch, but for example the New Zealand Kennel Club say, that they can have height between 25-40 cm. But the average height is always somewhere around 33 cm, plus or minus few centimeters. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males, but the difference is rather small.
3) Temperament
I said in the beginning of the video, that this is a small breed with a big personality and that is certainly true, because this is quite active, bold, high spirited, bright and alert breed that can actually make very good watchdog. Of course, because of their small size, they are not good for real protection work, but they will most likely alert you when they will hear or see something suspicious around your home. But first and foremost, this is just excellent companion dog.
4) Companions
It is because the Japanese Spitz is a cheerful and affectionate dog that just loves human companionship and attention from their owners and family. They are also quite loyal and devoted to them. These little dogs are known to be pretty intelligent and eager to please, which is why they typically do very well in training and they learn new tricks quite fast. They are also good partners for older kids, but of course, the kid should be old enough to know how to treat smaller dogs properly. Overall, these dogs make excellent companion and apartment dogs, as long as their exercise needs are met.
5) Exercise
And these dogs are definitely not coach potatoes. They might be small, but they have pretty high energy, they are lively, playful and they are almost always ready for a walk. Thanks to their small size, it is not extremely hard to fulfull their exercise needs, but they do need few daily longer walks accompanied with some playtime, toy puzzles or fun training sessions. You can also try some dog sport with the Japanese Spitz, as they can compete in for example obedience trials or agility.
6) Coat and color
One of the reasons why this breed gained quite a lot of popularity, especially in showring, is its beautiful white fluffy coat. The doublecoat consists of a short, dense undercoat that is shot through with a straight outer layer that extends out from the body. The tail is typically well feathered and carried curled up over the body. The color should always be white.
7) Maintenance
Speaking of the coat, it is important to talk about the grooming and maintenance as well. When you see the Japanese Spitz, you probably think that the grooming is quite hard, but these dogs actually have rather low grooming needs. Their fur repels most debris and dirt, and they rarely need baths, because they do not have much of the typical doggy odor. You should brush their coat regularly, to prevent matting and tangling, but no other grooming is required. Just like with any other breed in the world, you should also regularly check their ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.
8) Popularity
For some time, the Japanese Spitz lived only in the isolation on Japanese islands, but that changed in 1960s, when few of them were exported to Sweden, from where they got into England and later to most of other countries around the world. Today, the breed is recognized by all the major kennel clubs.
9) Barking
Japanese Spitzes like to bark, and they have a bark that is louder than what you might expect from their size. They have tendencies to bark when they see something suspicious, when they want your attention or when they greet someone. Most of them just like to bark and you should be prepared for it.
10) Health
The Japanese Spitz is usually very heatlhy breed with only few genetic health problems. They can suffer from patellar luxation, which is the biggest health concern with this breed, also from runny eyes, ear infections and different allergies. The typical lifespan of Japanese Spitz is around 14 or 15 years.

1) History
The Bandog has relatively long history and it is speculated that they were developed around 14th century in Middle England, where they were mostly used as property guards and protectors. The breeders tried to develop a dog with the strength of a Mastiff and agility of Terrier. The old Bandogs were not only used as guards, but also as patrol dogs, despatch dogs, hunting dogs and they were also used to locate poachers. The exact date of origin or exact ancestry of the original old Bandogs is uncertain, as there are not many historical records about them.
2) Name
The original way how these dogs were called is band dog, which means chained dog. It is because commonly, these dogs would be chained during the day, and than released at night to guard the property. After some time, band dog was merged into the breeds name we know today, the Bandog.
3) Modern Bandog
The old Bandog is extinct, but we have a similarly looking breed today. It was developed by an american veterinarian John Swinford in 1960s, who wanted to create the ultimate protection dog. Commonly it is believed, that the first Swinford Bandogs were mixes of Pitbull Terriers and English Mastiffs. Early death of mr. John Swinford made it impossible to standardize the breed, but it inspired many other breeders to continue breeding his kind of dogs and thanks to him, modern Bandog breeds are in existence. Today, you can find Bandog breeders in many countries around the world, the largest communities are in the USA, but also in Australia, Czechia and Slovakia, Germany or Brazil.
4) Protectors
The Bandog was specifically bred to be excellent guarding dog, which is why, they should be alert, courageous, confident, fearless and kind of ferocious. They should not be agressive without a reason, but when they or their family is threatened, they should be vigorous and defend them. They are not big barkers, they rather monitor their surroundings quietly and strike when its needed. Because of this naturally protective instinct, combined with strong body, Bandogs definitely need early proper socialization to become good pets, and indeed, they are capable of being excellent companions.
5) Companion dog
When the Bandog is around its family, around its pack, than it is typically relaxed, gentle and friendly dog. They are known for great loyalty and devotion to its owners and even though they have pretty intimidating appearance, they are true gentle giants. Bandogs are known to be great with kids, but of course, you should never leave any dog breed with a very young child unsupervised. Overall, this dog can create amazing loving companion, but they are definitely not dogs for novices or first time dog owners.
6) Legend
There is an old legend about Bandogs, which say, that it is a ghost like large mastiff dog with big muzzle and powerful jaws that spits out fire. This legend say, that this Bandog is guarding treasures buried under the Rock of Dunamase in King Leinsters stronghold in Ireland.
7) Size
The Bandog is a very strong and muscular, yet pretty athletic and agile dog breed with average weight between 45-70 kg, which is 100-150 lbs and height is typically between 60-65 cm, which is 23-26 inch. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males.
8) Coat and color
The Bandogs coat is short, thick and rough to touch and they can be found in several colors and color combinations. Most common colors are brindle, sandy gray, yellowish, fawn, golden fawn, black and red.
9) Maintenance
Speaking of the coat, it is important to mention the maintenance and grooming as well and luckily, it is very easy. They do shed and regular brushing is definitely beneficial to remove dead hair and dirt from the coat, but even without any grooming at all, they will keep their coats in excellent condition. Just like with any other breed in the world, you should regularly check the ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed.
10) Health
The Bandog is relatively healthy dog breed with average lifespan around 12 years, which is actually quite good for dog of this size. Of course, they may suffer from some health issues, the major concerns are definitely joint problems, hip and elbow dysplasia and also bloating and different allergies.

Appearance
On average slightly larger than a typical Rat Terrier, the Decker Hunting Terrier is a still pretty small breed. But as a working hunting dog, they must have very athletic, agile, flexible and well balanced body. The height and weight can vary quite a lot from one Decker to another but it is typically around 18 inches and 25 lbs, which is 45 cm and 12 kg. There are no extreme size differences between males and females.
According to the breed standard, Deckers have a regal appearance and carry themselves with confidence. Deckers have broad and wedge shaped head, strong muzzle, oval shaped eyes in brown or hazel color, fairly large and triangular ears that stand erect and tail is set fairly high, and is carried proudly.
The coat is short and smooth and quite dense, with shiny appearance. These dogs might be solid with or without white markings, bi-color with or without white markings, or tri-color, but the color is not that important, as these dogs are mainly bred for their hunting abilities and not for their appearance.
Personality
Speaking of the hunting skills of Decker Hunting Terrier, this is a very skilled hunter with higher prey drive and chasing instinct, determined, fearless and independent personality and great flexibility and endurance, which is all important for a good hunter.
These dogs use all their senses when they are on the hunt, and they have very good sight, which they use a lot. They do follow hot track, but they are not cold nosed dogs. These dogs just love to hunt, it is their passion. They are less yappy than Rat Terriers, on the hunt and also outside the hunt.
When they are not on the hunt, they also make very good lively and playful companions. This dog is pretty fast learner who is capable of learning all the basic obedience commands quite easily. Of course, patience and consistency is the key when training any dog. The Decker is pretty good companion for older kids and they can live with other dogs in the family as well, especially if socialized from the puppyhood. Other smaller household pets, like guinea pigs, might be problematic, due to the Deckers higher prey drive.
Decker Hunting Terriers have pretty high energy level and they definitely need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. These dogs are not coach potatoes and they are best suited for active people who love outdoors. You must take your Decker on several daily longer walks, accompanied by some playtime and some mental exercise, so the dog is not bored and does not develop any unwanted behaviour, such as destruction. You can even try some dog sport with these dogs, such as agility or some hunt related activities.
History
As i mentioned in the intro of the video, this is pretty new dog breed. And indeed, Deckers history is tracing only to 1970s to Oregon, where it was developed by Mr. Milton Decker. When he was shopping at a wholesale nursery, he randomly met several larger terrier dogs, which he liked a lot. Those dogs were owned by the owner of the wholesale and Mr. Decker was offered to choose one dog he could keep. He picked larger dog, that was calmer and quieter than the rest of the pack and named him as Henry.
Henry was probably Smooth Fox Terrier cross and he had excellent hunting skills. After some time, Milton Decker decided to breed Henry in order to preserve his hunting instincts and pleasing temperament.
Henry was bred mainly with Rat Terriers and few Basenjis were also used in the breeding process, which gives the dog additional size and prey drive.
Health and grooming
Decker Hunting Terrier has a short and easy to maintain coat, which will stay in good condition even without any grooming at all. Of course, regular brushing is only beneficial as it will remove any dirt and loose hair from the coat and keep it as clean and shiny as possible. Just like with any other breed, you should regularly check the dogs ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed. Extra attention should be paid to the ears to ensure that they are kept clean and dry in order to prevent infections.
This is usually very healthy dog breed with good lifespan around 15 years and which does not suffer much from any serious genetical health concerns. But of course, just like any other breed in the world, they may suffer from some issues, such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and some heart conditions, allergies or infections.