Hokkaido
The Hokkaido is a native Japanese breed similar in appearance to the Shiba Inu and the Akita. This dog is very intelligent and trainable.
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.
Native American Indian Dog
The Native American Indian Dog is an attractive breed with a wild appearance very similar to their ancestors. These dogs can grow to be fairly large.
Grand Griffon Vendeen
The Grand Griffon Vendeen is known for its friendly and outgoing nature as well as its superb hunting skills. It does have a bit of an independent streak.
Miki Dog
Developed in the 1980s, the Miki Dog is still considered to be fairly new. This breed is a cross between a Japanese Chin, a Maltese, and a Papillon.
Westphalian Dachsbracke
The Westphalian Dachsbracke comes from a long line of hunting dogs. This short-legged German breed is alert, active, and energetic.
Rat Terrier
A small dog with a big heart and large amount of energy, the Rat Terrier is a loyal, active and playful breed that fits into a variety of households.
Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is a hard-working sled dog that also does well in a family environment. This Spitz-type breed has a thick double coat for cold weather.
Texas Heeler
An excellent watch and herding dog, the Texas Heeler is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing an Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd Dog.
Corgidor
The Corgidor is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Corgi. Corgidors make great family pets because they are loving and happy companions.
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.
Brittany
Favored by hunters as a popular breed at field trails, the Brittany is quick, curious, independent, and easy to train. Great pets for families and retirees.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The agile Curly-Coated Retriever (or Curly) is a multiple-purpose dog that is happy running in the fields, retrieving in the water or lounging on the couch.
Shih Apso
A designer dog, the loving Shih Apso brings together the feisty Shih Tzu and the aloof little Lhasa Apso for a fun companion dog.
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
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.
Pomillon
The friendly little Pomillon blends the super social nature of the Papillon with the exuberance of the Pomeranian. A gentle, eager-to-please pooch.
Maltese
Admirable, gentle, playful, energetic, bold, and feisty, the Maltese loves to run, play and even stand up to bigger dogs.
Doodleman Pinscher
The good-natured Doodleman Pinscher brings together the devoted Doberman Pinscher and the playful Poodle for a loving and protective family addition.
Shar-Poo
The fun-loving Shar-Poo brings together the smarts of the Poodle with the devoted nature of the Chinese Shar-Pei for a great family dog.
American Foxhound
An active breed, the American Foxhound loves the outdoors and is up for lots of exercise.This dog needs plenty of space to run around.
Grande Bleu De Gascogne
The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a strong and dependable hunting breed. This breed is a pack hound that generally responds well to training.
Goldmaraner
The loyal Goldmaraner is a playful combination of the often aloof Weimaraner and the always sweet-natured Golden Retriever.
Russian Harlequin Hound
The Russian Harlequin Hound has excellent hunting skills and also makes a pleasant family pet. This scenthound as a friendly and good-natured breed.
Bullador
The Bullador blends the gentle personality of the Labrador Retriever with the sweet-natured stamina of the Bulldog to produce a playful, loving family dog.
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.
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.
Scottish Deerhound
Heralded as the "Royal Dog of Scotland", the Scottish Deerhound is elegant, graceful and regal. He is a true gentleman and is a calm and polite dog.
Utonagan
The Utonagan breed was specifically developed to look like a wolf. Despite their wild appearance, Utonagan dogs make wonderful companions and family pets.
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
Doxie Chon
The Doxie Chon is an intelligent and lively designer dog, developed by crossing the fluffy Bichon Frise and the short-legged Dachshund.
French Pomerbull
Small, sweet, and sassy, the French Pomberbull really takes the prize as being one of the most adorable hybrid breeds around.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a distinctive breed, thanks to the poof ball on the top of his head. The Dandie is ideal for both urban and country living.
Silkese
The Silkese was developed by crossbreeding two toy dog breeds, the Maltese and a Silky Terrier. This designer dog is ideally suited to seniors and singles.
Shepadoodle
The Shepadoodle is a hybrid of two intelligent breeds - the German Shepherd and Standard Poodle - making him bright, easily trainable, and eager to please.
Labernard
The Labernard is a hybrid of the easy-going Labrador retriever and the Saint Bernard. This dog is friendly, has an intelligent personality and is alert.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is driven and has a strong work ethic. Although the Catahoula Leopard Dog loves his family, he can be a dominant and willful dog.
Schapendoes
The Schapendoes has a friendly temperament but it is known for its herding abilities as well as its talent for dog sports. Loves to learn and play.
Beago
The playful little Beago brings together the ultra-easy going nature of the Beagle and the keen-to-please personality of the Golden Retriever.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
A happy and loving companion, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also an all-purpose hunting dog, so he needs lots of activity.
Bo Dach
The Bo Dach is a new designer dog, developed by crossing the Dachshund with a Boston Terrier. This breed is ideal for apartment dwellers and seniors.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Although not aggressive by nature, the Neapolitan Mastiff has the look that will scare off any intruder. This breed is truly a gentle giant and gentleman.
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.
Alaskan Malamute
Considered to be excellent family pets, the Alaskan Malamute is intelligent and clever and will do anything to ensure that its owners are pleased with them.
Chimation
The Chimation brings the sassy personality of the Chihuahua together with the energy of the Dalmatian. This dog thrives on human companionship.
Schillerstovare
A Swedish breed, the Schillerstovare were developed to exhibit a lively temperament, strong scenting ability, and versatility in the field.
Cocker-Pei
The Cocker-Pei is a cross between a purebred Shar-Pei and Cocker Spaniel. They are known for being highly social dogs with friendly personalities.
Chi-Chi
The Chi-Chi brings the sassy Chihuahua personality together with the distinctive looking Chinese Crested. A bold little dog with a playful personality.
Swedish Elkhound
The Swedish Elkhound is also known as the Jämthund and the Moosehound. It is an intelligent breed and one that is eager to please.
Malchi
Feisty, small, and cute, the Malchi will win you over with their friendly and fun personality. This dog breed is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Maltese.
Chipoo
A mix of Poodle and Chihuahua, the Chipoo is an energetic, friendly pup, who makes a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment.
Brug
The bold little Brug brings together the fun-loving Pug and the headstrong Brussels Griffon for a great family dog who is devoted to his pet parent.
Alusky
The Alusky is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. These dogs are charming, loyal, loving, outgoing, and playful.
Otterhound
Gentle natured and amiable, the Otterhound is a delightful breed of dog that practically any dog lover can easily fall in love with. A hardworking breed.
Siberpoo
The Siberpoo - also known as the Poosky, Huskydoodle, or Huskypoo - is a designer breed created by mixing a Siberian Husky with a Poodle.
Japanese Spitz
Imagine a small white dog with a thick white coat and a fluffy tail - that is the image of a Japanese Spitz. These little dogs are the ideal companion pet.
Zuchon
No, that's not a teddy bear - it's a Zuchon! A designer dog breed, the Zuchon is a mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. A wonderful addition to your family!
Norwegian Buhund
Boasting Viking heritage, the Norwegian Buhund is brave, loyal and fearless. These protective instincts make him a trusted watchdog and companion.
Irish Wolfhound
Known as the tallest of dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant. This breed is easy going, soft natured, calm, sensitive, sweet, and patient.
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.
Alaskan Klee Klai
The Alaskan Klee Klai has the looks and temperament of an Alaskan Husky but is smaller. The breed comes in 3 different sizes - toy, miniature and standard.