FREELANCE PUBLISHER

A COMPLETELY NEW WEB RESOURCE, FEATURING INFORMATION ON A DIVERSE RANGE OF SUBJECTS

Also known as the "Congo Dog" the Basenji is thought to originate from Zaire and the wider Central Africa region. It rarely barks but emits a howl which has been likened to that of a yodel. It was thought that the dog developed as a hunter and companion and its quietness is thought to have helped in this respect.

The average life expectancy for a Basenji is 12 years, with a weight range of between 21-25lbs and standing between 16" and 17" at the shoulder. 

Thought by some to have originated as a derivation from the Bloodhound lines, the Basset Hound was developed in France for small game hunting. However, modern fashions and breeding have seemed to conspire to make the breed totally unsuitable for any sort of work. A star of the TV series "Columbo" the modern day version of the Basset is too heavy and low slung to undertake any seriously exhaustive task.

The average life expectancy for a Basset Hound is 10 to 12 years, with a weight range of 40-60lbs and standing between 13" and 16" at the shoulder. 

Used primarily for small game hunting, the Beagle is thought to be a cross between the Harrier and other early Hound breeds and originates from around the 13th Century. They are still able to demonstrate their abilities in field trials, but are more commonly used as a companion, such is its temperament and sociability.

The average life expectancy for a Beagle is 12 to 13 years, with a weight range of 20-30lbs and standing between 13" and 16" at the shoulder. 

Thought to originate from the 15th Century, most of the present day Bearded Collie's population can trace their ancestry back to two dogs from the 1940's. The breed is a derivation of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog crossed with native herding dogs and are kept primarily as a companion dog.

The average life expectancy for a Bearded Collie is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 40-60lbs and standing between 20" and 23" at the shoulder. 

Originating in the Brie region of France in the Middle Ages, the Beauceron looks like a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the Mastiff. It was used for large game hunting and as a guard-dog, but today is more likely to be kept as a companion.

The average life expectancy for a Beauceron is 10 to 14 years, with a weight range of 60-90lbs and standing between 25" and 28" at the shoulder. 

The Bedlington Terrier originates from 18th Century Britain and is thought to be the result of breeding small fast hunting dogs like the Whippet with working terrier breeds, like the Dandie Dinmont. The Bedlington was used primarily for hunting vermin and animals, such as the Badger. Legend has it that miners used these dogs to stage underground dog-fights. Nowadays they are kept almost exclusively as companion dogs.

The average life expectancy for a Bedlington Terrier is 12 to 15 years, with a weight range of 18-24lbs and standing between 15" and 18" at the shoulder. 

Also known as the Groenendael, the Belgian Sheepdog represents one of four different breeds that exist within the country. Used originally for livestock herding, today they are more commonly used as companions and watchdogs.

The average life expectancy for a Belgian Sheepdog is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 60-70lbs and standing between 21" and 26" at the shoulder. 

A derivation of the Groenendael breed, the two breeds are inextricably linked, yet are considered to be separate. The Tervueren was bred as a livestock herding dog, but today are much more likely to be employed as guard or guide dogs. They also excel as sniffer dogs, detecting drugs being brought into the country.

The average life expectancy for a Belgian Tervueren is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 60-70lbs and standing between 22" and 26" at the shoulder. 

Named after the Bergamo region of Italy, the origins of the breed are lost in history. Bred as a livestock and guarding breed, its lack of popularity has often led to its near extinction on several occasions. Its unruly and unkempt appearance, defined by its weatherproof corded coat, is a highly distinctive feature of the breed. They are a loyal and affectionate dog mostly kept for companionship.

The average life expectancy for a Bergamasco is 11 to 14 years, with a weight range of 55-80lbs and standing between 22" and 25" at the shoulder. 

Also known as the Tenerife Dog, the Bichon Frise has existed in one form or another since the 13th Century and was introduced to the Island of Tenerife around the same time. It is almost always kept as a companion dog, but is a game and hardy breed.

The average life expectancy for a Bichon Frise is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 7-12lbs and standing between 9" and 12" at the shoulder. 

Renowned as the specialist tracker dog, the Bloodhound originates from Europe in the Middle Ages. Their purpose was to locate their quarry by following a scent and throughout their history have been used to track slaves, criminals, children and other animals. A number of today's other tracking breeds can directly trace their heritage back to the original Bloodhound lines.

The average life expectancy for a Bloodhound is 10 to 12 years, with a weight range of 80-110lbs and standing between 24" and 28" at the shoulder. 

The most popular working sheepdog in its native home of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, the breed has existed in its present form from around the 17th Century. A true working breed, which displays stamina and speed, they have a high prey drive which can often lead to problems, if they are not constantly occupied. The breed requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation, in order to prevent unacceptable behaviour occurring.

The average life expectancy for a Border Collie is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 30-50lbs and standing between 18" and 22" at the shoulder. 

The breed is thought to originate from the border area between England and Scotland from around the early 18th Century. Its main purpose was as a ratting dog and to flush foxes from their lair. Because of its lack of popularity amongst the "show-ring set" the breed has remained reasonably true to its original form and standard. 

The average life expectancy for a Border Terrier is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 1-15lbs and standing between 10" and 12" at the shoulder. 

The Russian word "Borzoi" is a rather generic term and refers to any sort of "Sight" Hound and could in theory encompass Hounds from several different regions of their home country. However, the advent of "showing" and selective breeding has tended to standardise the Borzoi breed we have today. A true "Sight" Hound they would have been used to hunt, hold and guard against Wolves. Nowadays they are very much a companion and show breed.

The average life expectancy for a Borzoi is 10 to 12 years, with a weight range of 70-100lbs and standing between 27" and 30" at the shoulder. 

A native dog of the United States, this is another bulldog breed that has suffered as a result of show ring faddiness. Originally it was thought to have been twice the size of modern specimens, having been derived from Bulldog, Bull Terrier and Boxer bloodlines. Today the breed displays little of the combativeness of their early forebears and are kept purely as companions and show dogs.

The average life expectancy for a Boston Terrier is 11 to 13 years, with a weight range of 12-25lbs and standing between 15" and 18" at the shoulder. 

Rescued from extinction through the intervention of the Belgian Kennel Club, the breed originates from areas of France and Belgium. Used as a cattle herding dog and as a draught animal, the Bouvier was used by the French Army during the first World War. Today, the breed is kept as a companion and as a guard dog. 

The average life expectancy for a Bouvier Des Flandres is 10 to 12 years, with a weight range of 60-90lbs and standing between 23" and 28" at the shoulder. 

Originating from the late 19th Century the Boxer is derived from the earlier German Bullenbeisser bloodlines which were used for boar and deer hunting in Germany and Holland. Today, they are primarily kept as companions and guard dogs

The average life expectancy for a Boxer is 11 to 13 years, with a weight range of 50-70lbs and standing between 20" and 25" at the shoulder. 

Originating in the Brie region of France around the Middle Ages, the Briard was used for livestock herding and guarding. Today these inherent traits make them an ideal companion and watchdog. Their thick, goat-like coat allows them to cope with the worst outdoor weather conditions.

The average life expectancy for a Briard is 11 to 14 years, with a weight range of 65-80lbs and standing between 22" and 28" at the shoulder. 

Originating in France from around the beginning of the 18th Century and some believe it to be a pointer, rather than a spaniel. The breed came close to extinction in the early 20th Century, but thanks to one or two dedicated breeders and its growing popularity in Canada and the United States as a retriever and companion has continued to thrive.

The average life expectancy for a Brittany Spaniel is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 25-35lbs and standing between 18" and 22" at the shoulder. 

The prototype for the English Bull Terrier is credited to James Hinks, crossing working Bulldog stock and the now extinct English White Terrier. His aim was to produce a Show quality dog that retained its combative abilities which Hinks himself admired. Known by some as the White Cavalier, the modern day Bull Terrier is regarded as a non-provocative breed, but is well able to defend itself or its master if called upon to do so.  

The average life expectancy for a Bull Terrier is 11 to 13 years, with a weight range of 45-65lbs and standing between 20" and 23" at the shoulder. 

The modern Bullmastiff originates from the beginning of the 19th Century and was a mixture of the earlier English Mastiff crossed with other Bulldog breeds. Bred primarily as a guard and protector, their size and power made them an ideal deterrent against robbers and poachers.

The average life expectancy for a Bullmastiff is 10 to 12 years, with a weight range of 90-140lbs and standing between 24" and 28" at the shoulder.