English Setter
Generally easy-going, the English Setter is prone to obedience and loyalty. This dog was originally bred for hunting, like many others its pedigree.
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.
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.
Borzoi
Popular due to its beauty and temperament, the Borzoi fits into a variety of different households. Quiet and calm, the Borzoi is reserved with strangers.
Tenterfield Terrier
The Tenterfield Terrier was developed in Australia and it is just as popular for its ability to hunt small prey as for its aptitude as a family companion.
Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel (Fieldie) is affectionate, loving and playful. His gentleness, patience and energy level make him a reliable playmate for kids of all ages
Goberian
The Goberian is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky. These dogs are smart, and they can learn quickly.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant breed of dog that is a bundle of energy and craves being close to his family. A relatively easy dog to train.
Silky Tzu
The sweet-natured little Silky Tzu is a playful combination of the often feisty, headstrong Shih Tzu and the lively, super-alert Silky Terrier.
Cairn Terrier
Eager to please and surprisingly sensitive, the Cairn Terrier makes an excellent house pet as its great with children and enjoy playing with other dogs.
West Highland White Terrier
Easily recognizable with its white mane and dark eyes, the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) will amaze you with its joyful and devoted personality.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog is durable, loving companion. It is considered a "happy" breed that is able to make the best of new or unusual situations.
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.
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.
Pomapoo
With the affectionate nature of a Pomeranian and the intelligence of a Poodle, the Pomapoo is known for its affectionate nature and big personality.
Frengle
The Frengle is a cross between a purebred Beagle and French Bulldog. They are known for being affectionate, smart, playful, alert, and social.
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan may look like a wolf, but this breed is all dog. This pooch was selectively bred by dog breeders in order to create this type of appearance
Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound
Known for his wiry coat and hunting ability, the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a scent hound that was developed in Croatia.
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.
Basschshund
The Basschshund is known for its playful nature, which makes for an entertaining dog who will always try to bring a smile to your face.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a noble, friendly dog that can make not only versatile athletes, but comfortable companions on a daily basis.
Peek-A-Pom
The sweet Peek-A-Pom is also known as Peekapom and Pominese. This designer toy dog breed was developed by crossing the Pekingese and Pomeranian.
Puggle
Lively and full of the spunk, the Puggle is a fun-loving little clown. He'll run around and play like he was a puppy, even after he is well grownup!
West Highland Doxie
The adorable West Highland Doxie has two purebred parents; the Dachshund and the West Highland White Terrier. Read on to find out about this designer dog!
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
One glance at the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is all it takes to know that this breed was developed for herding and guarding livestock.
Segugio Italiano
The Segugio Italiano, an intelligent and trainable pooch, is an Italian scenthound and one of the most popular breeds in its homeland.
Poochin
The Poochin is a cross between a purebred Japanese Chin and Poodle. Poochins are loyal and obedient little dogs that make wonderful family pets.
Bedlington Terrier
If you saw this dog, you may do a double take. Was that a lamb or a dog? The Bedlington Terrier is most certainly a dog, even if it's unusual looking.
Kishu
The Kishu is a Japanese dog breed developed thousands of years ago. These dogs are very loyal to family and tend to get along best with one person.
Korean Jindo
The Korean Jindo is known for being fiercely loyal to its owners and for its gentle nature. This is a fiercely loyal breed that bonds closely with family.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
Like many sled dog breeds, the Canadian Eskimo Dog has a powerful build and a thick coat. This is a highly active dog, so he needs more than a daily walk.
Eurasier
The Eurasier is a fairly new breed, having only originated in Germany as recently as 1960. It is an intelligent, highly trainable and calm breed.
Boston Yorkie
The parents of Boston Yorkie are two purebred dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Boston Terrier. Read on to find out all about these rare designer breed!
Newfoundland
Boasting a love of water, children and people in general, the Newfoundland dog is one of the cuddliest things to come out of Canada, eh.
Japanese Chin
Like the Pug, another Asian-originated breed, the Japanese Chin has a history that predates many of the breeds we'd consider to be classic today.
American Pugabull
The bold American Pugabull brings together the friendly nature of the Pug and the protective characteristics of the American Bulldog.
Golden Dox
The spirited Golden Dox brings together the feisty little Dachshund and the friendly Golden Retriever for a playful family dog.
Greek Harehound
Developed in Southern Greece, the Greek Harehound is a skilled and fearless hunter with boundless energy and excellent stamina.
Jackaranian
Jackaranian designer dog is a mix of Pomeranian and Jack Russell Terrier. You might also know these dogs as Jack-A-Ranian, Pom Jack, Pom-a-Jack or Jack Pom.
East Siberian Laika
The East Siberian Laika is a Russian-type dog that retains many of the traits it inherited from its wild ancestor, the wolf.
Belgian Sheepdog
Elegant, sporting a lovely basic black coat, the Belgian Sheepdog is graceful and versatile. He is happiest when he has specific duties to perform.
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound has a personality that is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great friend.
Snorkie
The Snorkie (Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier) is an intelligent little dog that thrives on human interaction and is a devoted family pet.
Puli
Bred for herding, the Puli is also a good watchdog but quite safe around his human family. He is energetic and fun-loving, perfect for an active family.
Hygenhund
The Hygenhund is a medium-sized breed with the typical hound appearance - he's lithe, muscular, and active, making him a wonderful hunting dog.
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.
Tibetan Spaniel
He may be small, but don't be fooled - the alert Tibetan Spaniel will stand on guard and let you know if a stranger is getting too close to your home.
Ori-Pei
The Ori-Pei is a laid-back pooch who can be quite the trickster with their favorite humans. Also known as the Pugpei, Sharpug or Pug-a-Pei.
French Bullhuahua
A French Bullhuahua is a mix between two purebred dogs: a French Bulldog and a Chihuahua. These are sassy, energetic small dogs that do great in apartments.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Loyal and athletic, the German Shorthaired Pointer is best when it's active. That's because the breed were bred for hunting.
Mauxie
The gorgeous Mauxie leaves no one indifferent. This popular designer dog breed was created by crossing the short-legged Dachshund with the fluffy Maltese.
Picardy Spaniel
The Picardy Spaniel is actually one of the oldest continental spaniel breeds. They are talented gun dogs but also make for friendly and docile family pets.
Shar Tzu
The easy-going Shar Tzu brings together the quiet, willful Chinese Shar-Pei and the fun, spunky Shih Tzu for a great companion dog.
German Sheppweiler
The loving German Sheppweiler brings the smarts of the German Shepherd Dog together with the calm, confident nature of the Rottweiler.
Great Golden Dane
If you want a gentle giant with a soul of a puppy, choose Great Golden Dane. These designer dogs are mixes between Golden Retriever and the Great Dane.
Old Danish Pointer
Also known as the Old Danish Pointing Dog, the Old Danish Pointer is a medium-sized pointing breed developed in Denmark for hunting.
Portuguese Water Dog
A hard working dog that is wonderful to own, the Portuguese Water Dog is the perfect companion for many families. Read on to find out if it's a good fit.
Norbottenspets
The Norbottenspets is a spitz-type dog that is considered a rare breed. It is often ranked among the top dog breeds for getting along with children.
Slovenský Kopov
Also known as the Slovakian hound, the Slovenský Kopov is a medium-sized hunting dog breed known for his scenting ability.
Braque D’Auvergne
The Braque dAuvergne is a pointing breed and a versatile gundog that also makes a great family pet. This working breed needs plenty of daily exercise.
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.