Meet the Briard

Briard

A very old working dog from France, the Briard dating back to the 8th century and has traditionally guarded the flocks against wolves. Following the French Revolution, they didn't need protection dogs as much and so their role changed to that of herder. The qualities of intelligence, loyalty which makes them outstanding family dogs. Their herding instinct can not be denied and they will herd anything, pets, small children and even their master who the Briard would butt his their massive head to push in the direction he wanted. The look of the breed is distinctive with their eyebrows and beard as well as the tail that has a distinctive hook. They are noted for having double dewclaws on the rear legs and their double coat does not let mud cling to it. Briards take very well to obedience training and thrive on encouragement rather than corrections. Verbal direction works very well and their versatility made them excel in hunting and tracking. During WWII they carried food, accompanied patrols and lead medics to the wounded on the battlefield. In the US, there is a debate over who introduced them whether it was Lafayette or Thomas Jefferson, but they were recognized by the AKC in 1922. The breed is described as "a heart wrapped in fur."

If you would like to knit the charted design of the Briard, simply go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm

Meet the Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

Though the origin of the breed is in question, it is known that many of the working Collies of Scotland came to the Shetland Isles to herd the sheep. The smaller version developed there in the rough climate that wasn't kind to man or beast. The breed was free to develop in relative isolation because of this and didn't come to notice until the twentieth century. They were officially recognized in England as a breed in 1909, though they were first listed as Shetland Collies. The name was changed in 1914 at the behest of Collie breeders. In the US, their recognition came in 1911 and the first Shetland Sheepdog specialty was in 1933. The accepted standard describing the breed states that it should resemble the Rough Collie only in miniature. Because of a nature that was eager to please, they have an ease in training that has brought them to the top in the Obedience ring. Their guarding instinct, honed by generations, makes them excellent watchdogs, protecting their family as naturally as they did their flocks from invaders of any kind. They are the perfect pet for an active family since they have a joy of running and jumping that works well in playing with children and a devoted, docile nature and high, almost human, intelligence and understanding.

If you would like to knit the charted pattern for the Shetland Sheepdog, go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm

Meet the Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

The Siberian traces its origin to the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia. They were semi-nomadic people who needed a lightweight sled dog that could carry a light load over long distances. The Americans heard about these excellent sled dogs, when they first ran in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race in 1909. However, these greatest fame for this breed came in 1925 when the people of Nome, Alaska were stricken by an epidemic of diphtheria and the medication could only get there with a relay of sled teams and this historic Serum Run was what brought the Siberian to the attention of fans across the country. In 1930 the AKC recognized the breed and during WWII, they served with excellence in the Army's Arctic Search and Rescue of the Air Transport Command. As a breed, the Siberian Husky is noted for a gentle temperament but an independent roaming nature which means that as pets they do best getting supervision when outdoors. They are very clean dogs that adapt themselves to almost any home.

If you would like to knit the Siberian Husky pattern, go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm

Meet the Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

One of the earliest and if you ask Scottish Terrier owners, the earliest of all the Highland terriers. When the dogs began to show, there was a class for Scottish Terrier, but it was often filled with Skye Terriers, Dandie Dinmonts, or Yorkies. However eventually, at the encouragement of devotees, a standard was written and accepted in 1882 and the breed was established in England. Several years later, they traveled to the US and in 1887 they were recognized by the newly formed AKC. The Scottie was chosen Best In Show most recently at this year's Westminster Kennel Club. They exhibit classic terrier temperament. They are territorial, feisty and quick but also playful, intelligent and self-assured. Though they are best known for their black coats, they also come in brindle and wheaten. They have been extremely popular in the US and probably the most famous Scottie named Fala was owned by President Franklin Roosevelt and though more recently they have been in the White House with the first President Bush. These dogs make good pets and will remain very popular.

If you would like to knit the design of the Scottish Terrier, simply go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm

Meet the Samoyed

Samoyed

This is a very ancient breed that traces its ancestry back to early man. These first habitants of the Plateau of Iran moved their tribes in search of food traveling north through Mongolia to then west where a smaller lesser tribe, the Samoyed peoples, finally settled and made their home in the arctic region between the Yenisei River and the White Sea. The dogs became a vital part of the existence as reindeer herders, sledge dogs and household companions. Unique to this breed is that in spite of the passage of time, the Samoyed has bred true to the primitive dog without any mixing of wolf or fox. Living as constant companion to the people to the point of sleeping in their tents, they have bonded with them, protecting not only the reindeer but the people, yet never showing any sign of an aggressive nature. Revered by the early explorers, including Nansen in his early exploration of the North Pole, for their amiable disposition as well as their ability as sled dogs They were best known as being used by Amundsen with his discovery of the South Pole. In England, they gained notoriety early when Queen Alexandra became a fancier and descendants of these early English imports make up much of the background of the present day breed. They still show the same characteristics as their ancestors and gained fame in the western US when during the '50's when some were used for rescue to the point of being dropped from planes with sleds and driver to carry out survivors from a plane crash. With their profuse white double coat, that sheds daily, they are not for those who hate grooming. However, they are the delight of spinners who have discovered that the undercoat, which they so generously donate, spins beautifully, takes dye to achieve any color and knits up to make a fantastically warm, feather weight scarf or mittens. A loving gentle pet who loves its people.

If you would like to knit this design of the Samoyed simply go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm. If you would like to work any of the 25 charted designs in the Crafty Samoyed Knits book, go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_books.htm.

Meet the Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog

For those of us in the United States, this breed is celebrated as First Dog, the puppy Bo who was the promised selection for the family of President Obama. These dogs were very common among the Portuguese fishermen who used them to herd the fish into the nets, to take messages from ship to ship and to retrieve anything that has fallen overboard. Their thick curling coat protected them from the frigid waters of the Atlantic. They show a calm intelligent demeanor and make an excellent pet, especially for those who need a dog with a non-allergic, non-shedding coat. At the same time he is excellent for rugged outdoor water work with its waterproof coat and webbed feet. There history is thought to trace back to the rugged Chinese/Russian steppe as herders of cattle, sheep, camels and horses perhaps dating back as far as 700B.C. Some say they were captured by the fierce Berbers and brought to North Africa and then went with them when they finally, during the 8th century, arrived in Portugal though others credit either the Goths or the Romans. None the less, the breed is a relatively new show dog in the US not being recognized to show till 1984. The breed has since become quite popular.


If you would like to knit the Portuguese Water Dog design, you can order the pattern by simply going to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm.

Meet the French Bulldog

French Bulldog

The bat-eared appearance of the French Bulldog and level skull between them which then forms a sort of domed head makes them distinctive in the dog world. Unlike the English Bulldog’s dour expression, the Frenchie has a much more alert appearance and it always ready for a good romp. Their happy disposition makes them very good pets. The breed has been recognized for a long time in the US with the first specialty taking place in the famous Waldorf Astoria hotel in NYC in 1898. Though their primary occupation is as pet or companion with a compact, heavily boned body and a short coat that requires little care; the breed is also an excellent watchdog. Their size and the fact that they are known for not barking a lot, makes them excellent for apartment living. Frenchies come in several colors including brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white and their skin should be loose enough to cause wrinkles around the shoulders.

If you'd like to knit this charted design, simply go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_knitting_patterns.htm