Dog Breeds

There are so many different dog breeds – which one do you choose? Do you go with perennial favorites such as the Labrador Retriever, Beagle, Boxer or Poodle? Or do you want to stand out at the dog park with an exotic breed such as the Xoloitzcuintli, Schipperke, Great Pyrenees or Tibetan Mastiff. Perhaps a lap dog is more your style – then you’d better check out the Shih Tzu, Affenpinscher, Maltese and Pug. If you like to keep moving, then you’ll need a dog that keeps up with your fast lifestyle – the Husky, Australian Cattle Dog, Collie and English Springer Spaniel are just a few examples of dog breeds that can’t get enough exercise!

PetGuide.com has researched hundreds of dog breeds, breaking down the pros and cons of each breed so you have all the information you need to make the right decision. How much does the dog shed, is it good with children, can it live comfortably in an apartment? Find out more and discover the perfect dog breed for your lifestyle.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is fun-loving and mischievous. He is a formidable hunter, pointer, swimmer and retriever as well as an awesome family companion.

Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is an intelligent and mischievous dog that will be dedicated to its family. An excellent companion that is happy in most homes.

Pom-Chi

The Pom-Chi is a sweet and affectionate little dog that bonds strong and fast with his family. He is loyal and has no concept that he is so tiny.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Also known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and Appenzell Cattle Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is the rarest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds.

Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Known for his keen sense of smell, strong work ethic and his agreeable temperament, the Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a hunter's dream.

Bully Basset

The Bully Basset is a cross between a purebred Basset Hound and Bulldog. They are social, loyal, and affectionate dogs that enjoy meeting new people.

Can De Palleiro

The name Can de Palleiro translates literally to "haystack dog" and this breed is extremely rare. This dog is known for his protective instincts.

Mastiff

Look up Mastiff online and you'll be greeted with a plethora of options. The Mastiff is such a varied and multifaceted division in the world of dog breeds.

Maltipom

The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian. A small, cute pooch, the Maltipom is ideal for apartments.

Belgian Laekenois

Bred to herd and protect, the Belgian Laekenois still has these instincts. This dog is not a suitable choice for families with young children or other pets.

Borador

Playful and energetic, the Borador makes an excellent family dog. Described as naturally happy, they are incredibly sweet and are great with children.

Anglo-Francais De Petite Venerie

It's easy to tell that the Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie is a French hound. Its medium size, tricolor coat, and muscular build are all familiar sights.

Doxie Pin

The Doxie Pin is a mixed breed dog whose parents are Miniature Pinscher and the Dachshund- you can expect a few of both breed's traits in this designer dog.

What Are the Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners?

If you're new to dog ownership, it helps to start with breeds known for being friendly, trainable, and relatively easy to care for. While every dog is unique, certain breeds tend to be more beginner-friendly thanks to their temperament and adaptability.

Miniature Bulldog

Miniature Bulldog usually refers to a hybrid mix of a purebred Bulldog with a purebred Pug, but can also be a purebred Bulldogs bred down for size.

Pooghan

The Pooghan brings the intelligent Poodle together with the independent Afghan Hound. A gentle, friendly dog who loves to be part of all family activities.

Kangal Dog

The Kangal Dog is a large and powerful breed, often used in Turkey to guard against predators. Despite its size, the breed is fairly calm and controlled.

Catalan Sheepdog

Descended from ancient mountain breeds, the Catalan Sheepdog is a talented herding dog that also makes a great family pet.

Chabrador

The Chabrador is a meld of the highly independent Chow Chow and the gentle Labrador retriever. They are great companion animals when properly socialized.

Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terrier is an exact version of the traditional Bull Terrier, except it is downsized. A fun-loving clown is as playful as he is tough.

Kanni

The Kanni hails from South India where he is also known as the Maiden's Beastmaster. As a sighthound, the Kanni is an intelligent and trainable breed.

Yorkie Apso

The Yorkie Apso is a rare but popular designer dog. Their mom is a purebred Lhasa Apso and their dad is a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.

Toxirn

The confident little Toxirn brings the sassy but devoted nature of the Chihuahua together with the spirited, playful personality of the Cairn Terrier.

Cogol

The outgoing Cogol brings together the sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the sensitive personality of the Cocker Spaniel for a sweet family dog

Australian Shepherd

With its trainability and eagerness to please, the Australian Shepherd is regarded for its skills in obedience and its considerable energy and drive.

Westphalian Dachsbracke

The Westphalian Dachsbracke comes from a long line of hunting dogs. This short-legged German breed is alert, active, and energetic.

Lucernese Hound

Bred to hunt a wide variety of game including hare, fox, and deer, the Lucernese Hound is happiest when he is out in the field doing his work.

Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is energetic and eager to make friends. This breed comes with 3 different types of tail: bobtail, a stub tail or a full curl tail.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

If you are looking for an intelligent dog with a unique appearance and advanced hunting skills, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle may be the right dog for you.

How Long Can You Leave a Labradoodle Alone?

If you’re considering adding a Labradoodle to your family, it’s essential to understand how long they can comfortably be left alone – and how to meet their needs while you’re away.

Bolonoodle

The Bolonoodle is a cross between a purebred Bolognese and Poodle. Full of love and energy, these dogs are a true pleasure to be around.

Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog bears a striking resemblance to the Bulldog, but it has clearly been influenced by other breeds like the Bullmastiff and the Boxer.

Horgi

The Horgi (aka Siborgi) is a mix of a Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Siberian Husky. This outgoing little hybrid dog is a great companion.

Coton De Tulear

Sweet-natured and sporting a cottony-soft coat, the Coton de Tulear is a delightful companion that will happily become your shadow.

Lhatese

The Lhatese is a cross between a purebred Lhasa Apso and Maltese. These dogs are friendly and gentle, so they will get along with everyone they meet.

Labahoula

The Labahoula is a mix of Labrador Retriever and Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. The hybrid breed is known for being gentle, playful, and great with kids.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested dog is considered one of the best companion breeds for lots of reasons - its appearance, general demeanor and ability to perform tricks.

Utonagan

The Utonagan breed was specifically developed to look like a wolf. Despite their wild appearance, Utonagan dogs make wonderful companions and family pets.

Bracco Italiano

Also known as the Italian Pointer, the Bracco Italiano is an athletic gun dog. With their strong muscles and long ears, these dogs are the pride of Italy.

Pom-Shi

Pom-Shi or a Shipom is an unsual designer dog: these canines are a cross between the fluffy Pomeranian and the independent Shiba Inu.

Rottle

The playful Rottle combines the affectionate Rottweiler with the intelligent Poodle. An even-tempered dog that is affectionate with kids and loyal.

Jatzu

The Jatzu is a Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu mix and will inherit the traits of both parents. Read on to find out more about these unique dogs!

Slovak Cuvac

Also known as the Slovensky Cuvac, the Slovak Cuvac is a large Slovakian breed known for its plush white coat and its livestock guarding abilities.

Armant

The Armant is an Egyptian sheepdog breed known for its loyalty and herding ability. Developed as a farm dog, this breed is smart and highly trainable.

Bruno Jura Hound

Though you may not have heard of him, the Bruno Jura Hound has ancient origins. Developed during the Middle Ages, this breed remains a talented hunter.

Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun is a medium-sized dog with a long black-and-white coat. This typle of dog is one of the top five rarest breeds in the world (as of 2013).

Pom-A-Pug

Pom-A-Pug or Pugaranian is the mix between a Pomeranian and a Pug. Read more to find out what they look and behave like and how to care for them.

Cockeranian

Cockeranian as a designer dog breed hasn't been around for too long, but it has already conquered many hearts of dog owners- and with good reason.

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound can be traced as far back as 3400 BC in ancient Egypt. These hounds are hunters and athletic, as well as sweet and sensitive dogs.

Yorkie-Pom

The Yorkie-Pom is a lovable designer breed that is a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a Pomeranian, making it the ultimate small-breed dog.

Dalmatian

Often associated as the kind of dogs who help firemen and police, the Dalmatian is a notoriously good workers and are known as an assertive, friendly breed.

Goldenapso

The friendly Goldenapso brings together the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the mischievous personality of the Lhasa Apso.

Croatian Sheepdog

Though the Croatian Sheepdog was bred for herding, these dogs are also extremely healthy and can be trained for a variety of dog sports.

Golden Cavalier

The affectionate Golden Cavalier brings together the friendly nature of the Golden Retriever with the loving traits of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

A compact, hardy, medium-sized dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is lively, confident, curious, playful, congenial, and gentle.

Pug

Some people think that the Pug is related to the Bulldog, and given the physical similarities between the two, it's hard to debate that.

Eskland

The Eskland is a cross between an American Eskimo and Shetland Sheepdog. They are energetic pooches who always look like they have a smile on their face.