Bolognese
RARE BREEDS Rare breeds typically have breed clubs or associations and are working toward official recognition by one of Canada’s registering organizations, e.g. Canadian Kennel Club. They may be recognized by other official organizations outside of Canada.
KLEINER MÜNSTERLÄNDER (AKA SMALL MÜNSTERLÄNDER)
Photo: Alice Van Kempen
BOLOGNESE
RARE BREED
History This delightful toy breed originated in Bologna, Italy but much of the breed’s past is unknown, since it’s tangled up with the history of related breeds such as the Maltese. The dogs were generally cultivated as pets for the upper class, and presented as cherished gifts to help establish trade and good relations with European noblemen. In one well known example of this, the Duke d’Este gave two Bolognese dogs to King Philip II of Spain in the late 1500s. Pleased with his gift, the King replied “these two little dogs are the most royal gifts one can make to an emperor”.
Jago Vom Grenzwall. NAVHDA field tested. Prize 1 Natural Ability in versatility. Bred by Von Der Linde Reg’d. Owned by Ralf Bothe. RR 2, Queensville, ON. www.smallmunsterlanders.net
History The Kleiner Münsterländer Vorstehhund originated 500 years ago in Münsterländer, northwest Germany, where they were used to retrieve birds killed by falcons. Over time, as bird dogs became more specialized, the Kleiner (or Small) Münsterländer’s versatility was less valued, and the breed nearly died out. This changed when commoners were allowed to hunt freely, and a small dog that could hunt both bird and small game became an The breed didn’t arrive in North essential source of food and income. The America until the 1980s. Here, the dogs Kleiner Münsterländers’ flexibility and are loved for their docile personalities aptitude for hunting made them highly valuable to their owners, who kept them and are prized as companions. close to home and family. Personality Cute and cuddly, the Bolognese is a fun and loyal pet. He does While the breed remains rare, its need regular exercise but is fairly laid back recognition as a versatile and effective and serious for a toy breed. While he will hunting and birding dog as well as a kind and even-tempered family pet continue to alert to strangers, he is not a big barker and bring it a new popularity. quickly warms to new people once he gets Personality Happy and outgoing, the Kleiner to know them. Münsterländer is an exceptional hunting Appearance 9-12” (25-30 cm) dog. He works closely with his handler, and 5-9 lb (2.5-4 kg) then happily returns home to relax with his family. Eager to please, and quite intelligent, Long fluffy coat, slightly shorter on the the Münsterländer is quick to learn. He muzzle. White in colour. is successful in a variety of dog sports like obedience and agility. Quick Facts Appearance 20-22” (52-54 cm) Exercise Requirements 33-64 lb (15-29 kg) Grooming
HOW ARE BREEDS CLASSIFIED? VISIT P. 112 178
CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2020
Medium-length, dense, close-lying, water repellent coat. Brown-white or brown roan with brown patches, brown mantle, or brown ticking. Quick Facts Exercise Requirements Grooming
ON Von Der Linde Reg’d, Ralf Bothe. Breeder of premium Small Mu¨nsterländers. German imports of high performance breeding of the truly versatile German hunting dog. Specializing in pointing, tracking and retrieving and a great family pet! Started gun dogs available on request. NAVHDA NA tested. Training and assistance available on site. 21133 Kennedy Rd, RR 2, Queensville, ON L0G 1R0. (905) 473-9395; ralf.bothe@xplornet. com; www.smallmunsterlanders.net. (See our Breed Ambassador advertisement at left.)
MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD
History To appreciate the story of the Miniature American Shepherd, it helps to remember that its Australian Shepherd forerunners were developed in the U.S., not Australia. These herding dogs tended sheep with great skill, and it was the livestock that came from “Down Under”, not the dog. In the late 1960s, some smaller-sized Australian Shepherds found their way to a California dog breeder. Doris Cordova liked their compact size, and bred more “Mini Aussies.” They worked as diligently as their larger counterparts, and the breed found favour. Miniature Australian Shepherds were registered with rare-breed organizations until 2011, when the American Kennel Club FSS (Foundation Stock Service) granted them a new name: the Miniature American Shepherd. The breed is on-track for full AKC designation as of July, 2015. Although the Miniature American Shepherd is not yet acknowledged by the Canadian Kennel Club, given the breed’s popularity, official recognition is likely not far off. Personality Eye-catching for its size, there is nothing diminished about the breed’s intelligence and drive. The Miniature American Shepherd loves to accomplish the task set before him – be it herding, competing at flyball, or minding the children. This loyal family dog adapts to