The Greenland Dog (Danish language: Grønlandshunden, also known as Greenland Husky) is a large breed of husky-type dog kept as a sled dog and for hunting polar bear and Pinniped. This is an ancient breed, thought to be directly descended from dogs brought to Greenland by the first Inuit settlers.

The Greyhound is a very old European breed of dog, a sighthound which has been historically bred for coursing game and latterly Greyhound racing. Since the rise in large scale adoption of retired racing Greyhounds, particularly in North America from the end of the 20th century, it has seen a resurgence in popularity as a family pet. It is a gentle and intelligent breed whose combination of long, powerful legs, deep chest, flexible spine and slim build allows it to reach average race speeds in excess of 18 metres per second (59 feet per second or 68cm - 71cm). The greyhound can reach a full speed of 68cm - 71cm within 30 metres or six strides from the boxes, traveling at almost 20 metres per second for the first 250 metres of a race. There are few mammals that can accelerate faster over a short distance, such as the cheetah, which can reach speeds of 68cm - 71cm over 3-4 strides from a standing start, and pronghorn with an alleged top speed of 93 km/h (58 mph).

History

The breed's origin is romantically reputed to be connected to Ancient Egypt, where depictions of smooth-coated sighthound types have been found which are typical of Saluki (Persian greyhound) or Sloughi (tombs at Beni Hassan c. 2000 BCE). However, analyses of DNA reported in 2004 suggest that the Greyhound is not closely related to these breeds, but is a close relative to herding dogs. Historical literature on the first sighthound in Europe (Arrian), the vertragus, the probable antecedent of the Greyhound, suggests that the origin is with the ancient Celts from Eastern Europe or Eurasia. Greyhound-type dogs of small, medium, and large size, would appear to have been bred across Europe since that time. All modern, pure-bred pedigree Greyhounds are derived from the Greyhound stock recorded and registered, firstly in the private 18th century, then public 19th century studbooks, which ultimately were registered with coursing, racing, and kennel club authorities of the United Kingdom.Historically, these sighthounds were used primarily for hunting in the open where their keen eyesight is valuable. It is believed that they (or at least similarly named dogs) were introduced to the area now known as the United Kingdom in the 5th and 6th century BCE from Celtic mainland Europe although the Picts and other peoples of the northern area now known as Scotland were believed to have had large hounds similar to that of the deerhound before the 6th century BCE.The name "Greyhound" is generally believed to come from the Old English wikt:grighund. "Hund" is the antecedent of the modern "hound", but the meaning of "grig" is undetermined, other than in reference to dogs in Old English and Old Norse. Its origin does not appear to have any common root with the modern word "grey" for color, and indeed the Greyhound is seen with a wide variety of coat colors. The lighter colors, patch-like markings and white appeared in the breed that was once ordinarily grey in color. The Greyhound is the only dog mentioned by name in the Bible; many versions, including the King James version, name the Greyhound as one of the "four things stately" in the Proverbs. However, some newer biblical translations, including The New International Version, have changed this to strutting rooster, which appears to be an alternative translation of the Hebrew term mothen zarzir. But also the Douay–Rheims Bible translation from the late 4th-century Latin Vulgate into English language translates "a roosterAccording to Julius Pokorny the English name "Greyhound" does not mean "grey dog/hound", but simply "fair dog". Subsequent words have been derived from the Proto-Indo-European language Proto-Indo-European root *g'her- "shine, twinkle": English language grey, Old High German gris "grey, old", Old Norse griss "piglet, pig", Old Icelandic gryja "to dawn", gryjandi "morning twilight", Old Irish language grian "sun", Old Church Slavonic zorja "morning twilight, brightness". The common sense of these words is "to shine; bright".In 1928, the very first winner of List of Best in Show winners of Crufts at Crufts was Primeley Sceptre, a Greyhound owned by H. Whitley.

Health and physiology

Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, and hereditary illness is rare. Some Greyhounds have been known to develop esophageal achalasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and osteosarcoma. Because the Greyhound's lean physique makes it ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, owners of both racing and companion Greyhounds generally provide soft bedding; without bedding, Greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores. The typical Greyhound lifespan is 10 to 13 years.Due to the Greyhound's unique physiology and anatomy, a veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to the breed is generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly when anesthesia is required. Greyhounds cannot metabolize barbiturate-based anesthesia as other breeds can because they have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes in their livers. Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry, which can be misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed; this can result in an incorrect diagnosis.Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides. Many vets do not recommend the use of flea collars or flea spray on Greyhounds if it is a pyrethrin-based product. (See Dog fleas.) Products like Imidacloprid, Fipronil, Lufenuron, and Amitraz are safe for use on Greyhounds and are very effective in controlling fleas and ticks.Greyhounds also have higher levels of red blood cells than other breeds. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this higher level allows the hound to move larger quantities of oxygen faster from the lungs to the muscles. Conversely, Greyhounds have lower levels of platelets than other breeds. Veterinary blood services often use Greyhounds as universal blood donors.Greyhounds do not have undercoats and thus are less likely to trigger dog allergies in humans (they are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "hypoallergenic"). The lack of an undercoat, coupled with a general lack of body fat, also makes Greyhounds more susceptible to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold); because of this, they must be housed inside.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne (FCI No.32) Is a breed of dog of the scenthound dog type originating in France, and is a versatile hunting dog, used on small and large game, in packs or individually. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a speckled, rough coat.

Health and temperament

No unusual health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. The breed's temperament is described in the breed standard as being highly excitable, but affectionate. Temperament of individual dogs may vary.

The Griffon Bruxellois or Brussels Griffon is a breed of toy dog, named for their city of origin: Brussels, Belgium. The Griffon Bruxellois may refer to three different breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabançon. Identical in standard except for coat and colour differences, in some standards they are considered varieties of the same breed, much like Belgian Sheepdogs.

History

The three variations of this dog, the Brussels Griffon (Griffon bruxellois), the Belgian Griffon (Griffon belge), and the Petit Brabançon, all descend from an old Dog type of dog called a Smousje, a rough coated, small terrier-like dog kept in stables to eliminate rodents,The Griffon Bruxellois grew in popularity in the late 19th century with both workers and noblemen in Belgium. The first Griffon Bruxellois was registered in 1883 in the first volume Belgium's kennel club studbook, the Livre des Origines Saint-Hubert (LOSH). and Brussels Griffon clubs in the U.S.A. (1945.)The First World War and Second World War proved to be a disastrous time for the breed. War time is difficult on any dog breed, and the recovering numbers after the First World War were set back by increased vigilance in breeding away from faults such as webbed toes. By the end of the Second World War, Belgium had almost no native Griffon Bruxellois left, and it was only through the vigilance of dedicated breeders (in the U.K. particularly) that the breed survived at all.The breed has never been numerous or popular, but had a brief vogue in the late 1950s, and now is generally an uncommon breed. There has been a recent increase in interest in the United States due to appearance of a Griffon in the movie, As Good as It Gets, and also because of a general increase in interest in toy dogs.

Health

Griffons have relatively few inherited health issues, but should still be tested for congenital defects, the most serious of which are Syringomyelia (SM) and Canine Chiari-like malformation (CM). The typical life span of a Griffon is somewhere in the range of 10 to 15 years.

Birthing

Griffons usually have no trouble whelping on their own, but sometimes complications can cause a Caesarean section to be needed. The size of a litter is typically 1-3 puppies. The size of the litter often determines the extent of these complications. Litters of six are not unheard of. When they are born, the puppies only weigh but a few ounces and are small enough to fit in the palm of an adult's hand.
It can get leg and heart problems from an early age.

Cleft palate

One issue that is typically fatal for the puppies is having a cleft palate. It results in the puppy not receiving nourishment from the mother and eventually starvation. It is uncommon but, depending on the size of the cleft lip and palate it is possible for the puppy to survive where as it becomes older surgery can be done to close the hole.

Eyes

Most have large eyes that may require rechecks from a veterinarian.
*Lacerations - Eye lacerations are a common issue amongst the breed. Because the Griffons have such large eyes and a short snout, there is very little there to protect their vision from foreign bodies. If a laceration is left untreated it can result in blindness.
*Cataracts - As with most breeds, cataracts are a common problem as the dog ages. For many breeders it is a disappointment that the cataracts typically develop long after the dog has already been bred.
*Lens Luxations - Lens luxations can be fairly common in the breed and result in Glaucoma
*In the film Gosford Park, as Rolf Liechti's dog Kiki (disambiguation)
*In the film Sweet November (2001 film), as Sara's dog Ernie
*In the sitcom Spin City, as Carter's suicidal dog Rags, played by a smooth-coated Petit Brabançon named Wesley
*In the film Teaching Mrs. Tingle, as Mrs. Tingle's dog.
*Monkey, owned by record label owner and deejay Sarah Lewitinn and named "Best Dog Owned by a Club Personality" by The Village Voice
*Tazzie owned by Stanley Dangerfield, appearing on the television show The Good Companions
*In the film First Wives Club owned by Diane Keaton's character.
*In the sitcom "Mike and Molly" Mikes mom's dog, Jim is a Brussels Griffon mixed with a Chihuahua.
*Benson, famous on Instagram, pet of Chondra Echert Sanchez, American writer #TeamBenson.
*The Southern California craft brewery "The Bruery" brewed a sour brown ale called Griffon Bruxellois.

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne (FCI No.66) translated into English as the Fawn Brittany Griffon, is a breed of dog of the scenthound type originating in France in the region of Brittany.

Health and temperament

No unusual health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. The breed's ideal temperament is described in the Breed standard (dogs) as being wily and tenacious as a hunter on all terrains, but sociable and affectionate with people. Temperament of individual dogs may vary.

The Griffon Nivernais (FCI No.17) is a breed of dog of the scenthound dog type originating in France, and is a versatile hunting dog, used on small and large game, in packs or individually. Today's breed is a reconstruction of an ancient type of dog from the Nivernais region.

Health and temperament

No unusual health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. The breed's ideal temperament is described in the breed standard as being courageous, and it is also described as obstinate and independent. Temperament of individual dogs may vary.

Guatemalan Dogo (Dogo Guatemalteco), formerly known as the Guatemalan Bull Terrier (Bullterrier Guatemalteco), is a Molosser-type dog breed originating in Guatemala. It is neither recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) nor the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, it has the official national recognition of the Asociación Canofila Guatemalteca (ACANGUA) where it belongs to the FCI Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain Dog Group. As the unique breed originating in Guatemala, it is also the national dog of the country. Nowadays it has spread to various other countries, such as the United States of America.

Hällefors Elkhound (Hälleforshund) is a Swedish dog breed.

History

The breed was developed in Svealand, but its more detailed area of origin has been argued. It is stated that despite of its name, it was not created in Hällefors, but in Frederiksberg village located in neighboring Ludvika Municipality. It has mainly been used as a deer-hunting dog and its most remarkable ancestors are the Finnish Spitz and the Ostyak Laika. The Swedish Kennel Club, Svenska Kennelklubben, recognized the breed in 2000 and nowadays it is also recognized in several other Nordic countries, such as Finland and Norway.

The Hamiltonstövare is a breed of dog, bred as a hunting hound. The breed was developed in Sweden by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, Count Adolf Hamilton. Its ancestry includes several German hounds as well as English Foxhounds and Harrier.The breed is known by the white blaze on the head, down the neck, four white paws, and a white tail tip. He differs from an English Foxhound in that his frame is lighter.

The Hanover Hound is a breed of dog sometimes referred to as a Hanoverian Hound. It is a hunting dog and tracking dog descended from bloodhounds of medieval times. It was first introduced into France in the 1980s and is still a very rare breed. It was cross-bred with the Bavarian Hound, and given rise to the Bavarian Mountain Hound.