Columbia Encyclopedia

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Brittany spaniel

(Encyclopedia)Brittany spaniel, breed of medium-sized sporting dog whose origins may be traced back hundreds of years to France and Spain. It stands about 19 in. (48.3 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 30...

pit bull

(Encyclopedia)pit bull, dog having a smooth coat, a stocky build, and a blocky head, originally bred for fighting from bulldog and terrier breeds. Pit bulls were used in bull- and bearbaiting for centuries and as g...

Oban

(Encyclopedia)Oban ōˈbən [key], town (1991 pop. 8,000), Argyll and Bute, W Scotland, on the Firth of Lorn. A port and seaside resort, its circular bay makes a fine yacht basin. Highland Games are held there each...

Gordon setter

(Encyclopedia)Gordon setter, breed of large sporting dog developed over centuries in Scotland and brought to prominence there by the fourth duke of Gordon in the early 1800s. It stands from 23 to 27 in. (58.4–68....

Australian terrier

(Encyclopedia)Australian terrier, breed of small, hardy terrier perfected in Australia c.1885. It stands about 10 in. (25.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 12 to 14 lb (5.5–6.4 kg). Its weather-resistant...

papillon

(Encyclopedia)papillon păpˈəlŏnˌ [key], breed of toy dog whose origins are obscure but whose widespread existence in Europe is attested to as early as the 17th cent. It stands from 8 to 11 in. (20.3–27.9 cm)...

Vizsla

(Encyclopedia)Vizsla vĭzhˈlə [key], breed of large sporting dog introduced into Europe by the Magyar invasion of the 10th cent. and perfected in Hungary over hundreds of years; also called Hungarian pointer. It ...

Shih Tzu

(Encyclopedia)Shih Tzu shē dzo͞o [key], breed of active, alert toy dog originating in Tibet centuries ago. It stands from 8 to 11 in. (20.3–27.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 9 to 18 lb (4.1–8.2 kg...

pug

(Encyclopedia)pug, breed of sturdy, compact toy dog that became popular in England during the 19th cent. It stands about 11 in. (27.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 14 to 18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg). Its short, ...

schipperke

(Encyclopedia)schipperke skĭpˈərkē [key], a breed of small nonsporting dog developed in Belgium several hundred years ago. It stands about 13 in. (33 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 14 to 18 lb (6.4–...