Malinois Profile

The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois was developed in Malines, Belgium in the Middle Ages as a herding and working dog. Its direct ancestors were thought to be local shepherd dogs. The breed is sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd rather than as a separate  breed unto itself.

In the United States, the breed is recognized under the name Belgian Malinois. Imported Belgian Malinois usually originate from Belgium, France or Switzerland. Adolphe Reul, a Professor in the Belgian School of Veterinary Sciences, was instrumental in the establishment of the official breed standard.

The Malinois was imported into the United States during two specific time periods. The first time was in 1911 and the second was between the years 1963 and 1965. During the second period, the population of the Malinois grew significantly. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 under the name Belgian Malinois.

Dobermann Profile

 The Doberman Pinscher was developed in nineteenth-century Germany by Frederick Louis Doberman, who was a tax collector as well as being the local dog catcher and he wanted a strong breed that would help him with his work. He had easy access to numerous breeds of dogs - many of which do not exist today - and the breed he developed became known as the Doberman Pinscher. The breed combines the color, shape and strength of the Rottweiler and Great Dane, the agility and determination of the German Pinscher, the speed of the Greyhound, the tenacity of various Terriers and the sleek coat and figure of the Manchester Terrier.

It is said that Schnauzers, German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers and Weimaraners were also added to the mix. The breed came to the United States in the early twentieth century, and The Doberman Pincher Club of America was founded in the early 1900's. While the Doberman has the tendency to have a reputation as a guard dog, the breed is also widely used for guide work and therapy. The first Doberman Pinschers were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908.

Westie Profile 

The West Highland White Terrier originated from Scotland and was used for hunting fox, vermin and otter. The exact history of the breed is widely debated. Some believe that a request from King James I for a "little white earth dog" prompted an effort to produce a breed with a white coat. Others think that the death of Colonel Malcolm Poltalloch's dog started the effort. When Colonel Poltalloch's dark-coated terrier died, he swore from that point on only to own white dogs.

In more recent times, the West Highland White Terrier was known as the Roseneath Terrier due to the Duke of Argyll's interest in the breed. The breed was finally recognized under the name Roseneath Terrier by the American Kennel Club in 1908, only to have its name changed the following year to the West Highland White Terrier.

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