At first look, I can be mistaken for a typical cute mutt, but I am quite possibly the missing link to ancient times.  I am Bruschi and I am a survivor which is the basic characteristic of the Carolina Dog. 

We are known by several different names such as the American Dingo, the Native American Dog, and the Dixie Dingo, but we are recognized as the Carolina Dog with the American Rare Breed Association.  We are a newly discovered dog, which has possible ties to ancient “pariah” dogs.  We are considered a landrace, which means we have developed naturally to survive in our environment.  Landrace animals are more diverse among each other.  Formal breeds are specifically bred to conform to a certain standard and we breed to ensure survival within our particular environment.  A landrace is a distinct type of animal, not necessarily a breed.  We may not always have the same physical look, but our behaviors to the environment around us are all the same and separate us from formal breeds. 

I am Endesha, a Rhodesian Ridgeback.  I am a 5 month old puppy, just getting to know the world.  I am already 40 pounds and will grow up to be between 75-80 pounds. 

My ancestors were known as lion hunters, so when I grow up, I will be brave.   Right now the whole big world is so new to me, I would probably not be described as brave, but one day I will be!  My ancestors come from South Africa, descended from a native half wild hunting dog and the dogs early European settlers brought with them.  The Dutch and German settlers brought Danes, Greyhounds, Mastiffs and Bloodhounds among others.  From these dogs, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed as a vital part of life in the African Bush. 

These settlers were not only farmers, but hunters as well and required a low maintenance dog that could adapt to the different jobs at hand.  The early Rhodesian Ridgebacks had many responsibilities on their shoulders.  We had multiple jobs to do on the Boer farms and in the African Bush, and were prized because good hunting dogs were scarce.  In the African Bush, we had to be brave enough to face any number of native wild animals and help the hunters provide for their families.  We had the courage to hold lions at bay for the hunters to make their kill and we would also hunt wild pigs, and could kill baboons that would wander onto the farms and endanger the farmer’s crop and family.  Baboons can get very mean when provoked and we were depended on for protection.  We would also be used to pull down a wounded buck or flush out smaller animals such as partridge on the farms.  We were guard dogs for the family, and a loyal and devoted companion to the hunters when we accompanied them in the bush. 

My life as a Bichon Frise began back in 1996 as a puppy in Florida.  I have been luckier than most dogs, as I have travelled many places with my mom.  Most dogs I know hardly ever leave their own yard, except to go visit the vet.  I have lived in Massachusetts, Florida and Idaho and have seen beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and deserts.  My picture shows me at Jump Creek Falls in Idaho, my paws are all muddy from hiking through the river.  My travelling blood is inherited from my ancestors, who were known as worldly travelers in the Mediterranean region.  We are compact and have an easy going disposition, which allowed us to easily become a favorite of the sailors going on adventures.  Even though we are descended from the Water Spaniel and Poodle (famous water retrievers), we did not do any jobs that were necessary on board the ships.   Because we were not vital to life on the ships, we were used as items of trade by the sailors throughout the region and made our homes in places like Greece, Italy, Lebanon, France and Spain.  In Europe in the 1800’s we were even popular as dogs that performed tricks in travelling circuses, carnivals and fairs.

I’m Murphy- the Tibetan Terrier, not a very popular breed seen around here, but we were considered the “Holy Dog of Tibet.”  We were treasured companions to the monks in the Himalayans and were kept purebred for over 2000 years.  Recent DNA testing shows that we are one of 14 ancient dog breeds.  We were given as gifts to show appreciation or as payment for services performed.  We were thought to bring luck and good fortune to our owners.  We were never sold, as that was equivalent to selling a family’s good luck, and who would want to do that?  When a visitor came to the monastery in the Lost Valley which was virtually cut off from civilization, we were given as a gift to the visitor upon their return to safeguard them on the treacherous trek back to the outside world.

You may get me confused with the very popular Labrador Retriever, but when you see us side by side you can easily tell the differences. I am the outlaw Jesse James, a black Flat Coated Retriever.

The biggest difference between us and the Lab is our coats. I have a soft wavy, feathering coat that is versatile in all different field and water hunting environments.  This coat protects me on the hunt in both the heavy thicket and in cold water.  We have a single coat, where the Labs have an undercoat to insulate in the water, where they do most of their work.  We are lighter, racier and with our feathering we are more elegant looking. 

I am Luke –– a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. My fancy name implies I am high maintenance, but I am just the opposite.  I was bred specifically to be a companion pet, so I aim to please, to be your loyal and faithfully devoted companion. 

I am pretty laid back so I don’t get easily excited and as long as I am with you I am as happy as can be; tail wagging just looking for treats- my main goal in life!  How low maintenance is that?  But wait there is more.

I have fine hair so I don’t get matted and I like to have my ears brushed about once a week.  The most exercise I need is to roll around in the grass, a short walk or I’ll run with my sister Mira (for treats of course).  I was very easily trained to be a good boy with house training and polite manners. 

It may surprise some people that my breed is the second most popular in the world for registrations and has been #3 in AKC registrations in 2005, 2009 & 2010, but if you have known one of us, you know why we are so popular.  We are lively and compact and love to be pampered, but are also extremely loyal and devoted.  

Designer Breeds are quickly becoming some of America’s favorite dogs.  These dogs are bred to accompany humans with the best of all worlds.  This is not so unlike how many pure breeds started out, by combining traits, looks and characteristics desired by man to adapt to the ideal perfect dog.  Of course every man has their own interpretation of the perfect dog –– resulting in over 450 purebred dogs worldwide. 

My name is Ginger. I stand out in a crowd because of my graceful elegant looks.  My rust color accentuates my sleek, muscular stature.  I may be pretty to look at, but as with most breeds, all of my features have a specific purpose.  I am a Viszla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer.