BACKGROUND The Hungarian Vizsla is the national dog of Hungary. Its early origins are hard to trace, but its history began in the 9th century when the warring Magyar tribes migrated from the Steppes of Asia and eventually settled in what is known today as Hungary. For centuries the Vizsla was owned by the sporting nobility of Hungary and, before firearms were introduced in the 1700s, was used to scent and s ...

BACKGROUND This little dog was originally the rodent catcher of the stables in Brussels and rode on the hansom cabs as the drivers' friend. Various breeds are mentioned as having been used to produce the Griffon of today. AVERAGE LIFESPAN Griffons can live up to 16 years of age. BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT The Griffon Bruxellois is a small dog with definite terrier instincts, and an ...

BACKGROUND Originally bred as a hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the world's most popular dogs. This active breed was first developed during the 17th century by crossing the Spanish Pointer and the Bloodhound. The result was a loyal, active dog capable of sniffing out game throughout the wilds of Europe. The dog was first registered by the German Kennel Club in 1872 and its popularity c ...

BACKGROUND This is the fastest dog on Earth, and also one of the world’s oldest breeds. The Greyhound dates back 4000 years and features prominently in the hieroglyphics of the ancient pyramids. The mummified remains of many Greyhounds have been found alongside their former masters in various tombs throughout Egypt. The Greyhound is considered a sight hound, that is, a hunting dog that relies on its sight t ...

BACKGROUND The name Gordon Setter was given to the breed due to its close links with the fourth Duke of Gordon and his ancestral home in Scotland at Gordon Castle. The Duke had a strong kennel of working dogs in the early 1800s and he was known to favour the beautifully marked Black and Tan Setters. Black and fallow dogs were mentioned in early writings from the 17th Century and although others were bred al ...

BACKGROUND The smart looking German Wirehaired Pointer is closely related to the shorthaired variety. It originated in Germany in the 19th century and was bred for their usefulness in retrieving fallen game from the water. The Wirehaired is also known as the Drahthaar. The breed standards for the German Pointers were first drawn up in 1879 and there has since been an emphasis on improving the breeds. AVERAG ...

BACKGROUND The origin of the Finnish Spitz dates back over hundreds of years and was first used for game hunting throughout its native Finland. The first breed standard was established in 1892 and is now commonly seen throughout Finland and Sweden. The Spitz is such an essential part of the Finnish culture it was named the National Dog of Finland in 1979. AVERAGE LIFESPAN The Finnish Spitz likes to keep its ...

BACKGROUND This dog is famous in England for its use in fox hunting packs. It is believed this well known breed was developed from the Saint Hubert Hound (looks similar to a bloodhound) and arrived in the UK during the Norman invasion. The St Hubert Hound was first developed in the Ardennes Abbey in Switzerland. AVERAGE LIFESPAN The average lifespan of a Foxhound is 12 years but, with good care and nutritio ...

BACKGROUND The Flat Coated Retriever was developed in the late 18th Century. Due to the advancement and efficiency of shotguns, hunters found they had a need for an efficient retrieving dog to retrieve their game. To develop a dog to meet their requirements they experimented with the crossing of different breeds. Sheepdogs were used for their trainability, Spaniels for hunting skills, Water dogs for retriev ...

BACKGROUND The Field Spaniel breed evolved about 150 years ago, and was developed in the English countryside. The Field is a very old breed, first known as the Black Spaniel or Land Spaniel, but is now predominantly liver (brown) in colour, arising from crossing the Sussex Spaniel and after World War II with the English Springer Spaniel. A NSW breeder re-introduced the Field Spaniel into Australia in 1989. ...