The Cornerstone December Issue | Page 25

ANIMALS DON’T BE BASIC December 2016 Five Dog Breeds You Probably Haven’t Heard Of BY ELLIE CANDELARIA Weight: Female: 110-170 pounds, Male: 200-220 pounds Lifespan: 10 years Colors: Black, Wolf-Sable, Yellow, Red, Fawn, Brindle Rhodesian Ridgeback The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in South Africa. It was originally bred to hunt lions and is often referred to as the “African Lion Dog.” The breed is known for its hunting abilities and it's fur that grows backwards along its spine. Catahoula Cur Height: Females: 24–26 inches, Male: 25–27 inches Weight: Female: 64–75 pounds, Male: 79–90 pounds Lifespan: 10- 12 years Colors: Light Wheaten, Red Wheaten, Wheaten According to Vetstreet, the Catahoula leopard dog is the official canine of Louisiana. The breed was originally bred to catch and drive wild hogs and cattle to the market. The breed is typically a great family dog. Though they spend most of their time protecting their family from strangers, they will always make time to show affection. Coton De Tulear Height: Females: 20-24 inches, Male: 22-23 inches Weight: Female: 35-82 pounds, Male: 35-82 pounds Lifespan: 10-14 years Colors: Black, Red Merle, Yellow, Red, Brindle, Black merle According to the American Kennel Club, The Coton de Tulear, also known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar," is a small white dog that originated in Madagascar. The breed is typically friendly toward people and prefers to live indoors. Height: Females: 9-10 inches, Male: 10-11 inches Weight: Female: 8-13 pounds, Male: 9-15 pounds Lifespan: 14-16 years Colors: White Curly Coated Retriever According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is recognized by most canine historians as one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Similar to the Labrador Retriever, the curly coated retriever will work until all of the work is done. Spanish Mastiff According to 101 Dog Breeds, the Spanish Mastiff originated in Spain, hence the name Spanish Mastiff. The breed is typically calm and gentle and is usually tolerant towards children and strangers. They are not suitable for urban life because of their loud voice, as they might annoy their neighbors. Height: Females: 23-25 inches, Male: 25-27 inches Weight: Female: 50-70 pounds, Male: 70-90 pounds Lifespan: 9-14 years Colors: Black, Liver Height: Females: 28-35 inches, Male: 30-35 inches !25