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.

Hovawart

The Hovawart is a stoic member of the German canine elite. Originating from the Black Forest in Germany, the Hovawart's name means "a guardian of estates."

Double Doodle

The Double Doodle is a hybrid of three great breeds; the ever-popular Labrador retriever, Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle.

Cockalier

The Cockalier is a cross between a purebred Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These adorable dogs are eager to please and social.

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.

Tosa

A rare dog, the Tosa is the largest of all Japanese breeds. The Tosa was originally bred for fighting, but now is used as a family protector and companion.

American Mastiff

The American Mastiff is a calm and steady breed you're sure to love. A cross between the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff.

French Bulldog

This stocky and adorable little fellow always looks like it's in a good mood. A wonderful friend, the French Bulldog has a sweet and funny personality.

Bouvier Des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres Basics Always an adventurer, the Bouvier des Flandres has rugged good looks and is generally ready and raring to do almost anything. His…

Dameranian

The lovely Dameranian will charm you from the get-go! They are a good choice for seniors and families with older children, as well as apartment dwellers.

Dashalier

The Dashalier is a sweet, friendly breed. This designer dog was developed by crossing the popular Dachshund or Doxie with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Lancashire Heeler

The Lancashire Heeler a skilled drover and an excellent companion pet, as well as a wonderful herding dog, though considered a rare breed.

Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz was developed for hunting rather than sled-dogging. Like most Spitz-type breeds, the Finnish Spitz is generally healthy and hardy.

Beagle

The Beagle's unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature.For many people, a Beagle is a perfect addition to the home.

Polish Greyhound

The Polish Greyhound is a member of the sighthound group; it's easy to see from his long legs and lithe body. Also known as Polish Sighthound.

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.

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.

Thai Ridgeback

Few people in the U.S. have heard of the Thai Ridgeback, let alone seen one. It is a favored companion of those needing a loyal companion and watchdog.

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.

Peke-A-Tese

The spunky little Peke-A-Tese brings the spirited nature of the Pekingese together with the fun personality of the Maltese.

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.

Formosan Mountain Dog

More commonly known as the Taiwan Dog, the Formosan Mountain Dog is a small landrace indigenous to Taiwan and needs an experienced owner.

Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is athletic, agile and has an undying work ethic. He is brave and protective of his family, making him a great watchdog and companion.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest, but in no way least significant, member of the family of four Swiss mountain dogs or Sennenhunds.

Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian breed of livestock guarding dog. This fluffy white dog is known to be a friendly and even-tempered breed.

Airedale Terrier

Of all the terriers, there may be none that so embody what we imagine this type of dog to be than an Airedale Terrier. They are known as quick learners.

Pont-Audemer Spaniel

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is an excellent hunting breed. This is a hardy and hard-working breed which makes him an excellent working dog.

Havashu

The spirited Havashu brings together the people-loving personality of the Havanese and the feisty nature of the Shih Tzu.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is as famous a breed as any and is popular enough to be the pet in a number of families' homes all across America.

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).

Briquet Griffon Vendeen

The griffon breed type is known for its coarse, wiry coat and its hunting abilities - this is particularly true for the Briquet Griffon Vendeen.

Brussels Griffon

Ideal for apartment dwellers, the Brussels Griffon is spunky, playful, yet stubborn and mischievous. This dog is also good with other pets and children.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog was developed as a mountain herding breed which means that it has a independent nature and a strong will.

Labollie

The Labollie is a hybrid mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Collie. An ideal family pet learns quickly and loves to be included in all family activities.

Bernese Hound

Also known as the Berner Laufhund, the Bernese Hound was developed in Switzerland for both its scenting ability and its use in the sport of shoots.

Norfolk Terrier

A small dog with a big personality, the Norfolk Terrier is out to charm anyone who crosses his path. Playful, affectionate, bold, inquisitive and friendly.

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.

Pootalian

The Pootalian is a cross between a purebred Poodle and Italian Greyhound. They are known for their intelligence, alertness, and loyal personality.

Griffonshire

Sassy, smart, and sweet, the Griffonshire is a popular designer dog breed. Find out more about this cute Yorkshire Terrier and Brussels Griffon mix!

Goldmaraner

The loyal Goldmaraner is a playful combination of the often aloof Weimaraner and the always sweet-natured Golden Retriever.

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.

Cao De Castro Laboreiro

A large and impressive livestock herding breed, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro is fairly rare outside his home country of Portugal.

Pomanauze

The charming Pomanauze or Schnauzeranian was created by crossing the spirited Pomeranian with friendly and fun Miniature Schnauzer.

Havashire

The Havashire, or Yorkenese Terrier, as it is also known, is a mixed breed dog. His parents are a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Havanese.

Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse are intelligent, as well as friendly by nature and loyal to their families. A unique breed that makes an excellent family pet.

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originally made a name for itself as a Swiss rescue dog. A friendly, unassuming breed that is loved by all who cross its path.

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.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

A great Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be just what you've been looking for in a dog. American heritage and breeding keeps this breed simple and domestic.

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.

Large Münsterländer

Not only is the Large Mnsterlnder beautiful to look at with his spotted coat, but he is a talented gun dog and gentle with children as well.

Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd is a cross between a purebred German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute. These dogs are protective, loyal, and loving.

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

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.

Doxie Chon

The Doxie Chon is an intelligent and lively designer dog, developed by crossing the fluffy Bichon Frise and the short-legged Dachshund.

Miniature Australian Shepherd

If you are looking for a small, compact and smart dog with the strong work ethic of a much larger breed, consider the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Broholmer

Also known as a Danish Mastiff, the Broholmer is a large dog from Denmark. Despite its size and powerful build, this breed is a calm and good-tempered dog.

Doxiepoo

In general, the Doxiepoo is a well-mannered dog who has no problem being their master's sole source of affection and attention.

Malti Pin

The Malti Pin was developed by crossing the affectionate Maltese and the feisty Miniature Pinscher. This toy dog is ideal pet for seniors and singles.

Fourche Terrier

The Fourche Terrier is a cross between a purebred West Highland White Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. A lively, smart, and friendly dog.

Yorkie-Poo

Active and energetic, the Yorkie-Poo is truly a clown in disguise. He will cheer up the saddest person and light up the room with his funny, little antics

ChiChon

The adorable ChiChon brings together the spirited Chihuahua and the playful Bichon Frise. A great dog for first-time dog owners.