 |
 |
American Staffordshire Terrier: The American Staffordshire Terrier originated from breedings of the old English bulldog and one or more game English terriers. The qualities of strength, courage, loyalty, trustworthiness and companionship have made this an enduring breed, part and parcel of American history and legend. More >> |
|
 |
|
Saint Bernard: The breed that has been credited with saving more than 2,500 travelers lost in the snow was named for the Hospice du Grand St. Bernard in Switzerland, where the monks have bred these large dogs since the 17th century. More >> |
|
 |
|
Saluki: This slender, elegant sighthound was used to course fox, hare and gazelle. Muslims considered it to be a sacred gift from Allah. One of the world's oldest breeds, Salukis were never sold but presented as gifts or tribute, and that's probably how they reached continental Europe. More >> |
|
 |
|
Samoyed: The breed "with Christmas in its face" is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the purebreds. A member of the spitz family of dogs, the Sam was discovered by fur traders in a remote area of Siberia north of the Arctic circle. More >> |
|
 |
|
Sarplaninac (Sharplaninatz): The Sarplaninac (Sharplaninatz) Yugoslav Sheepdog is probably the oldest breed in the Balkans, where it was used to guard the livestock and homes of people who lived on the slopes on Mount Shara, where the breed got its name. More >> |
|
 |
|
Schapendoes: Agile and light-footed, the Schapendoes is a mobile and speedy shepherd dog that gallops, rather than trots, and uses its long tail as a rudder when jumping. In fact, this intelligent, easily trained breed would be a marvel in agility events, or any other canine competition you prefer. More >> |
|
 |
|
Schipperke: The little boatman, as this breed is nicknamed, is bright, active and curious, all qualities that made it an ideal barge dog, ratter and carriage dog. More >> |
|
 |
|
Scottish Deerhound: If you're looking for a quiet, dignified hound that will be loving, loyal and courageous, you can't do better than to consider the Scottish Deerhound, a shaggy-coated Greyhound type. More >> |
|
 |
|
Scottish Terrier: Nicknamed the Diehard, the Scottie has a fiery, "tails up" attitude that makes it an alert, determined friend. A working terrier of Scotland's highlands, this breed was once a member of a variety of terrier types collectively called the Scotch Terriers. More >> |
|
 |
|
Sealyham Terrier: A one-man creation, the Sealyham is named for the Welsh estate of Captain John Edwardes, who developed the tough white terriers to go after badger, otter and fox. The dogs became well known for their working ability, and in 1908 a breed club was formed and a standard drawn up. More >> |
|
 |
|
Shetland Sheepdog: This breed used to be called the "Toonie," a name taken from tun, the Norwegian word for "farm." It was a farm dog whose workplace was the unfriendly terrain of the Shetland Islands that lie off the northeast coast of Scotland. More >> |
|
 |
|
Shiba Inu: This lively and energetic dog, the smallest of Japan's native breeds, was once used for hunting small game in its homeland. A diminutive spitz breed, the Shiba is a dog of quicksilver agility and legendary cunning. More >> |
|
 |
|
Shih Tzu: Lively and lovely, the Shih Tzu (pronounced shidzoo) enjoys a good walk and a good talk with its people. Bred as a companion for at least 2,000 years, this little "lion dog" is happy and outgoing, with a friendly, trusting attitude beneath the slightly arrogant appearance. More >> |
|
 |
|
Shiloh Shepherd (Plush): The first impression you should get from a good specimen of the Shiloh Shepherd is that of a large, strong, muscled shepherd. The dog should appear alert and noble. The Shiloh Shepherd displays courage and self-confidence, always willing to serve as a companion and protector. More >> |
|
 |
|
Shiloh Shepherd (Smooth): The first impression you should get from a good specimen of the Shiloh Shepherd is that of a large, strong, muscled shepherd. The dog should appear alert and noble. The Shiloh Shepherd displays courage and self-confidence, always willing to serve as a companion and protector. More >> |
|
 |
|
Siberian Husky: Believed to have descended from the Chukchi sled dogs of the Siberian Arctic, which had bred true for 3,000 years, these quick dogs were used to haul sleds and herd reindeer. They were able to travel great distances and work for long periods on little food. More >> |
|
 |
|
Silky Terrier: Although it's a toy breed, this little dog has the alert, inquisitive nature typical of terrier breeds. Another creation of the inventive Australians, the Silky Terrier was developed from a cross between Australian and the Yorkshire Terriers. More >> |
|
 |
|
Skye Terrier: Peeking out from behind its hair are the Skye's lively, intelligent eyes, the windows to a canine soul that is fearless, good-tempered and loyal. Long, lean and lanky are words used to describe this Scottish native, which was once called the Terrier of the Western Islands. More >> |
|
 |
|
Sloughi: The Sloughi is a noble and proud member of the sighthound family. This dog's skill at hunting is as noted as its wonderful temperament. The nomadic tribes of the Ethiopian, Nubian and Egyptian deserts are the Sloughi's first known companions. More >> |
|
 |
|
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: A dog-of-all-work that has been known in Ireland for more than 200 years, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is thought to share the same ancestry as the Kerry Blue Terrier. More >> |
|
 |
|
South African Boerboel: Bred in Africa since the 17th century, the South African Boerboel is a fearless protector of home and family. A blend of European mastiff-type dogs and large African native dogs, the result is an imposing, self-assured, loyal dog with strong guarding and watchdog instincts. More >> |
|
 |
|
Spanish Water Dog: The hard-working Spanish Water Dog is an old and rare member of the Spanish Barbet, or water dog family. Despite its name, in past centuries this breed served mostly as a herder for Spanish shepherds. More >> |
|
 |
|
Spinone Italiano: Believe it or not, the Spinone is a dog, not an ice cream flavor. As its name implies, it's a native of Italy. The breed is somewhat rare in the U.S., but has many devoted followers. More >> |
|
 |
|
Stabyhoun: Long ago in the early 1800s, the people of the province of Friesland in the Netherlands used a versatile, intelligent sporting dog at home and in the field. More >> |
|
 |
|
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: With the tenacity of the Old English Bulldog and the fire of the terrier, the original Bull and Terrier was bred in Britain as a pit fighter, a job at which the dogs excelled for more than 175 years. More >> |
|
 |
|
Standard Schnauzer: The word schnauzer is German for "whiskered snout," which this breed surely has. This is the oldest and the original member of the Schnauzer family from which the other two sizes, the Giant and the Miniature, were developed. More >> |
|
 |
|
Sussex Spaniel: The Sussex is a spaniel with an attitude. It's solid, strong and bullheaded, with a somber and serious expression, but underneath lies a cheerful dog with a great sense of humor, at least as it regards other dogs and people. More >> |
|
 |
|
Swedish Vallhund: This small, hardy spitz breed may date to the Vikings and be a precursor to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Intelligent, energetic and trainable, it's a fine cattle herder and watchdog with a sound, sweet temperament. More >> |
|