Top Dogs

It's like the Academy Awards of the dog world.

The 127th annual Westminster Dog Show is the biggest showcase for dozens of breeds, from small to large, be they beautiful, ugly or unusual.

Resident veterinarian Debbye Turner brought some of the more unique and interesting breeds to The Saturday Early Show.

They are:

• Chinese Crested: Chinese Cresteds are loyal, affectionate and alert dogs. Turner says they make entertaining companions. The distinct varieties are each born in the same litter. They are either "Hairless" with hair only on the head, tail and feet or the "Powderpuff," completely covered with hair. The breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining. They can grow from 11 to 13 inches.

  The Chinese Crested is a breed that generally does well with people with allergies. They possess a single layer of coat and therefore usually produce less dander than double-coated breeds.

  Turner says it is important to use lotion to keep the hairless variety's skin from becoming dry. Suntan lotion should also be used to protect the skin when outdoors.

• Puli: These dogs has been part of the lives of Hungarian shepherds for more than 1,000 years. This breed is compact. They are well-balanced dogs of medium size, and they are vigorous, alert and active.

  They are also sensibly suspicious, and therefore are excellent watchdog.

  The Puli's coat is dense and either wavy or curly. If allowed to develop, the coat will form natural cords. If you let your Puli's coat develop cords, the dog does not require brushing, but it must still be groomed.

  The males are 17 inches measured from the withers to the ground and the females are 16 inches from the withers to the ground. An inch over or under these measurements is acceptable in the American Kennel Club.

• Bedlington Terrier: The Bedlington Terrier was first known as the Rothburg Terrier in the Hannys Hills of England. The terrier is strong, lithe, graceful and built for speed. They love to play.

  The preferred Bedlington Terrier dog measures 16-1/2 inches at the withers, the females measure at 15-1/2 inches.

• Borzoi: The Borzoi originated in 17th-century Russia, when Arabian greyhounds were crossed with a thick-coated, Russian breed. The Borzoi was originally bred for the coursing of wild game on open terrain, relying on sight rather than scent.

  The Borzoi's coat is known to shed. They are large quiet dogs that seldom bark. Mature males should be at least 28 inches at the withers and mature females should be at least 26 inches at the withers.

• Otterhound: This is the least-registered dog in the American Kennel Club, and it is close to being endangered. The Otterhound were developed in England to hunt otters.

  The Otterhound is covered with a shaggy coat that is relatively easy to care for. They get along with other animals and are good-natured with children. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of room for exercise and exploration.

  Males are approximately 27 inches at the withers, and weigh approximately 115 pounds. The females are approximately 24 inches at the withers, and weigh approximately 80 pounds.

• Toller: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was approved for American Kennel Club recently. The dog is a cross of other breeds, possibly spaniel and setter-type dogs, retriever-type dogs and farm collie.

  The dogs are medium sized but they are powerful, compact and balanced. The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and must have a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness, and a soft dense undercoat. The coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight. The Toller is also alert and quick, with a keen desire to work and please.

  The male Toller height should be 18 to 21 inches. The ideal is 19 inches. The females should be 17 to 20 inches. The ideal is 18 inches.