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.

Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house, including with children.

Briard

Centuries old and beloved by the French since the Middle Ages, the Briard is busy, active dog that loves to protect his flock and he is loyal to a fault.

Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is well-suited it is for a number of households and family types. This is a versatile breed that brings a lot of joy to a family.

Schillerstovare

A Swedish breed, the Schillerstovare were developed to exhibit a lively temperament, strong scenting ability, and versatility in the field.

Giant Schnoodle

The Giant Schnoodle is a hybrid of a Standard Poodle and a Giant Schnauzer. He's a wonderfully loyal and fun family dog who loves to cuddle.

Cortese

Cortese Basics Petite, adorable, and happy-go-lucky, the Cortese will charm your pants off in an instant. This designer dog breed comes from crossing the cut…

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The easygoing Anatolian Shepherd Dog loves kids and will spend hours playing with them. It needs a large home with lots of space, and loves to be outside.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerfully built dog. Its legs are well-boned and muscular. Its back is broad and powerful, and head large.

American English Coonhound

A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Loud-voiced and hard-working, this dog is one of six official Coonhound breeds.

German Pinscher

The German Pinscher comes from a long line of German breeds and it was used in the development of the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler.

Samoyed

The Samoyed has all the qualities you'd expect in this type of dog. It is alert, strong, happy, trusting, loyal, hardworking, gentle, and playful.

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.

Jack-A-Poo

The Jack-A-Poo is a mix of Toy or Miniature Poodle and Jack Russell Terrier. They are a great family pet due to their affectionate, lively nature.

Shih-Poo

The Shih-Poo is a fun-loving and energetic little fellow. Although he doesn't need loads of exercise, he is spunky when he wants to play.

Eng-A-Poo

The Eng-A-Poo is a cross between a purebred English Toy Spaniel and Poodle. They are loyal and loving dogs that are playful and a pleasure to be around.

Engatzu Spaniel

Engatzu Spaniel is a hybrid breed, with two purebred parents: English Toy Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Read on to find out more about these rare designer dogs!

Kimola

The Kimola is arguably one of the most family-friendly dogs around. They are naturally happy dogs who is easy to train and eager to please.

Chinese Shar-Pei

The chances are if you're looking for a Chinese Shar-Pei, you're going to have more difficulty than making the decision of choosing the right breed for you.

Doxiemo

The Doxiemo was was created by crossing the fluffy American Eskimo Dog with the charming Dachshund. Read on to learn more about this adorable designer dog!

Bo Shih

The perky little Bo Shih brings together the feisty spirit of the Shih Tzu and the often-stubborn personality of the Boston Terrier.

Yorktese

The Yorktese is a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. This dog is popular because it is affectionate, friendly, loyal, and clever.

Pugalier

The friendly Pugalier brings together the bold little Pug and the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for a affectionate, playful companion dog.

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.

Cairnoodle

The Cairnoodle is a cross between a purebred Cairn Terrier and Poodle. This breed is easy to train, as it is willing to please, and loves to amuse people.

Affenpoo

The Affenpoo is a cross between a purebred Affenpinscher and Poodle. They are social dogs that do not like being alone for long periods of time.

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.

Dachshund

You may know it as the "Weiner Dog," but its actual breed name is Dachshund. There are 3 types of Dachshunds: long-haired, wired-haired and short-haired.

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.

Lurcher

Technically, the Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed. These dogs are intelligent and hardy, ideal for hunting purposes.

American Leopard Hound

The American Leopard Hound is an old breed of dog originating from Northern America. It's used as a tree dog and an all-purpose hunting dog in America.

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.

Weimaraner

But what is it about the greyish, monochromatic Weimaraner that attracts so many people as pet owners? Is it just a matter of the personality?

Pug Tzu

The small in stature Pug Tzu has a great big personality thanks to the mix of the confident Shih Tzu and the animated Pug.

Scotchi

Great as lap and companion dogs, the Scotchi has balanced character traits: there’s a lot of fun and goofiness to go around, but they are gentle and affectionate as well.

Shichon

The Shichon gives you the small size of the Shih Tzu and the friendly disposition of the Bichon Frise. You can have the best of both in one lovable pup!

American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier often gets a bad rap for being an aggressive breed. In reality, this dog is a friendly, gentle-hearted breed you've met.

Golden Shepherd

The devoted Golden Shepherd brings the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the loyalty of the German Shepherd Dog together for a great family pet.

Bridoodle

The loyal, playful and sweet-natured Bridoodle brings together the fun-loving Poodle and the independent Briard for a wonderful family dog.

Karst Shepherd Dog

The Karst Shepherd Dog is a working dog that can adapt to family life, but requires a great deal of training and socialization to do so.

Beaglier

The Beaglier is a mix of Beagle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These adorable pooches crave human attention and will be stuck to your side.

French Chow

A relativelty rare designer dog breed, the French Chow is a mix between a French Bulldog and a Chow Chow that inherits the best traits of both parents.

Podenco Canario

The word "Podenco" is Spanish for hound, so the name Podenco Canario means Canarian Hound. This breed is great for hunting and as a family pet.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a prime example of a dog that can be a good challenge for those who want to develop dog leadership skills.

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.

Shiba Inu

Courageous, friendly and responsive to training, the Shiba Inu can be a happy companion that enjoys a variety of terrain and can handle plenty of exercise.

Frenchton

The Froston is a cross between a purebred Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. These dogs are playful, but they are also calm and laid-back.

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.

Kai Ken

If you picture a small dog with a dark coat, pointed ears and a fluffy tail, you have the image of a Kai Ken. They are considered a fairly rare breed.

Ariegeois

It is easy to tell just by looking at the Ariegeois that he is of the classic French hound type. A breed developed to hunt, he responds well to training.

ChiChon

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

Cotonese

Cotonese was developed by crossing two small dogs of similar traits, the lovely Maltese and the sweet Coton de Tulear. Find all about this desinger dog!

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.

Saint Berdoodle

A designer dog breed, the Saint Berdoodle does well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was bred for he Czechoslovak Special Forces as an attack dog but has come to be used for search and rescue.

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.

Sheltie Tzu

The playful little Sheltie Tzu is a feisty combination of the super alert Shetland Sheepdog and the often headstrong Shih Tzu.

Terripoo

The hybrid Terripoo brings the smarts of the Miniature Poodle together with the mischievous nature of the Australian Terrier.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Also known as the Icelandic Spitz or Icelandic Dog, the adorable Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native canine breed.

Chat Terrier

Energetic, playful, fun, and affectionate, these smart little dogs are the crossbreed offspring of a Chihuahua and a Rat Terrier.

Chipit Dog

The Chipit dog is a mix of sassy Chihuahua and brawny American Pit Bull terrier. Chipits lively nature and sturdy physique make them ideal for families.