Since I love educating people about my special interests, particularly about specific dog breeds and why they are still important and necessary, here are my "rare breeds of the day!"
Clumber Spaniel
Here is my description:
Clumber Spaniels are amusing but dignified, and are the largest and heaviest of the Spaniel types.
They are sweet, easygoing, affectionate, trainable, and have a sense of humor!
They were developed in Nottinghamshire, England, and have been a favorite of British noblemen as well as game bird hunters.
They were popular subjects for artwork in the 1800s, and were among the first breeds recognized by both the British Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club.
Often referred to as the "aristocrat of Spaniels."
Official breed standard from the American Kennel Club:
"The Clumber Spaniel is a gentle, loyal and affectionate dog. He possesses an intrinsic desire to please. An intelligent and independent thinker, he displays determination and a strong sense of purpose while at work. A dog of dignity, the Clumber Spaniel may sometimes seem aloof with people unknown to him, but in time he will display his playful and loving nature. The Clumber Spaniel should never be hostile or aggressive; neither is acceptable and should not be condoned."
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Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is among my personal favorite breeds, since they were one of the first breeds I competed with as a professional handler!
Swedish Vallhunds have been depicted in Viking legends, and are an intelligent and active cattle herding breed. They are cheerful and love life!
They are a distant relative of the Welsh Corgi, and have a similar build, since they originated for the same purpose (droving cattle, and being long and low to the ground so they wouldn't get stepped on!)
The breed's exact history is unknown, but they are thought to be a cross between Viking dogs and Welsh Corgis (side note, Corgis are thought to be some of the most ancient dog breeds!)
Excerpt from the official AKC breed standard:
"The breed is watchful, energetic, fearless, alert, intelligent, friendly, eager to
please, active, and steady, making a good herding and companion dog. Sound temperament,
neither vicious or shy."
Clumber Spaniel
Here is my description:
Clumber Spaniels are amusing but dignified, and are the largest and heaviest of the Spaniel types.
They are sweet, easygoing, affectionate, trainable, and have a sense of humor!
They were developed in Nottinghamshire, England, and have been a favorite of British noblemen as well as game bird hunters.
They were popular subjects for artwork in the 1800s, and were among the first breeds recognized by both the British Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club.
Often referred to as the "aristocrat of Spaniels."
Official breed standard from the American Kennel Club:
"The Clumber Spaniel is a gentle, loyal and affectionate dog. He possesses an intrinsic desire to please. An intelligent and independent thinker, he displays determination and a strong sense of purpose while at work. A dog of dignity, the Clumber Spaniel may sometimes seem aloof with people unknown to him, but in time he will display his playful and loving nature. The Clumber Spaniel should never be hostile or aggressive; neither is acceptable and should not be condoned."
---
Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is among my personal favorite breeds, since they were one of the first breeds I competed with as a professional handler!
Swedish Vallhunds have been depicted in Viking legends, and are an intelligent and active cattle herding breed. They are cheerful and love life!
They are a distant relative of the Welsh Corgi, and have a similar build, since they originated for the same purpose (droving cattle, and being long and low to the ground so they wouldn't get stepped on!)
The breed's exact history is unknown, but they are thought to be a cross between Viking dogs and Welsh Corgis (side note, Corgis are thought to be some of the most ancient dog breeds!)
Excerpt from the official AKC breed standard:
"The breed is watchful, energetic, fearless, alert, intelligent, friendly, eager to
please, active, and steady, making a good herding and companion dog. Sound temperament,
neither vicious or shy."
Just like polydactyl cats. They need the extra toes for climbing rocks and difficult terrain.
