Pens & Pencils

The Airedale is the largest of the terrier breeds and is known as the “King of Terriers”. It is commonly considered to have originated in the valley of the AIRE in England. The AKC first recognized the breed in 1888. Airedales were a badger/rat...

The Pekingese is an ancient breed from China, getting its name from the capital city Peking, now called Beijing around 800 a.d. There are three legends about how this breed came to be; the first is the mating of a lion and a marmoset, the second is the...

The Boxer originated in Germany, called the “Bullenbeiser”. Designed to run down and hold large game like buffalo, boar and bear until the hunter could arrive, the breed stood on its back legs, up right, and batted at their opponent, thereby giving them...

The Boxer originated in Germany, called the “Bullenbeiser”. Designed to run down and hold large game like buffalo, boar and bear until the hunter could arrive, the breed stood on its back legs, up right, and batted at their opponent, thereby giving them...

The origin of the Keeshond is not quite clear, but it is thought that they were brought into Holland by the Vikings during the 9th century. Over the years this breed has been known by several different names including Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman,...

The Saint Bernard was named after the hospice located in the treacherous pass of the western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. It is generally believed that today’s St. Bernard was bred from previously existing dogs in the Swiss countryside. This...

The Afghan Hound is a sight hound, first recognized by the AKC in 1926. It originated in Afghanistan where it was a hunting dog for royalty, pursuing gazelle, snow leopards and hare. The ideal size ranges from 25-27 inches tall at the withers, with a...

The Afghan Hound is a sight hound, first recognized by the AKC in 1926. It originated in Afghanistan where it was a hunting dog for royalty, pursuing gazelle, snow leopards and hare. The ideal size ranges from 25-27 inches tall at the withers, with a...

The Brittany originated in the 1850’s from a cross between the English Setters and the French Spaniels. It was named after the French city it was first produced in. At that time, however, it was called the Brittany Spaniel. This breed is an excellent...

The Brittany originated in the 1850’s from a cross between the English Setters and the French Spaniels. It was named after the French city it was first produced in. At that time, however, it was called the Brittany Spaniel. This breed is an excellent...

The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany by a man named Louis Doberman of Apolda who designed the breed to be medium size for use as a guard dog and companion. Dobermans are correct with their ears and tails cropped or uncropped. This is a personal...

The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland in the 19th century. They were then imported to England and used as water hunting/fishing dogs. The breed, as we know it today developed additionally in Canada where it was crossed with Setters, Spaniels...