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.

Chesa-Poo

The Chesa-Poo brings together the playful personality of the Poodle and the gentle nature of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

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.

Moscow Watchdog

The Moscow Watchdog is the epitome of the term "gentle giant". They are descended from breeds including the Saint Bernard and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Rattle Dog

The Rattle Dog is a cute combo of the clever Poodle and the stubborn American Rat Terrier. An intelligent, loving little dog that's great with kids.

Dalmador

The Dalmador is a hybrid of the easy-going Labrador Retriever and the feisty Dalmatian. This is a friendly, trusting breed that is loyal to his family.

Chi Apso

The Chi Apso brings together the playful nature of the Lhasa Apso and the sassy Chihuahua. A sweet-natured, affectionate dog who loves being active.

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.

Mastador

A mix of Labrador Retriever and Bullmastiff, the Mastador is a great family dog with a tremendously friendly yet protective nature.

Basset Fauve De Bretagne

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a lovable small dog sporting a wiry fawn-colored coat. This breed has short legs and a compact frame.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is an intelligent breed that does best when given a job to do but, at the end of the day, they love to spend time with family.

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.

Chipaniel

Chipaniel combines the quirky and goofy nature of the tiny Chihuahua, with the charming looks and the affectionate character of the Cocker Spaniel.

Ratshi Terrier

Curious to see if the Ratshi Terrier is the dog for you? Read on to learn more about the Shih Tzu and Rat Terrier mix before deciding!

Flandoodle

The Flandoodle is a cross between a purebred Bouvier des Flandres and Poodle. They are loving, gentle, and extremely faithful and protective.

Golden Boxer

The loving Golden Boxer is a wonderful family pet that brings together the gentle Golden Retriever and the clown-like personality of the Boxer.

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.

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.

Manchester Terrier

Feisty and fearless, the Manchester Terrier is a tenacious guy that has no clue that he is a small dog. Playful and fun-loving, this dog loves to play.

American Bulldog

It may have its roots in fighting and working, but the American Bulldog is a big old softie at heart. He's a much-loved companion in many lucky households.

Pyrenean Mastiff

A fluffy dog with a calm and even temperament, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a super-sized softie. This dog originated in the Aragonese Pyrenees region of Spain.

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?

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!

Finnish Hound

The Finnish Hound is an excellent hunting breed known for their skills in tracking down fox and hare. This breed can develop a stubborn streak.

Artois Hound

The Artois Hound is a rare scent hound breed has been around for several centuries and has a reputation for being a talented hare hunter.

French Spaniel

The French Spaniel is a unique dog because it technically fills the role of a setter but is classified as a spaniel. An intelligent and active hunting breed.

Corkie

The Corkie is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier. These affectionate dogs that are also energetic, playful, and obedient.

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.

Corgen

The fun little Corgen is a mix of the gentle and sensitive Golden Retriever and Queen's dog of choice; the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Boxachi

The Boxachi combines the feisty nature of the Chihuahua and the playful personality of the Boxer. A fun-loving, medium-sized family dog.

Parson Russell Terrier

It may be similar to the Jack Russell Terrier, but the Parson Russell Terrier is a breed all its own.It was distinguished as its own breed in 2003.

Cattle Doodle

The Cattle Doodle combines the playful Poodle with the spirited Australian Cattle Dog. A loyal, protective dog who makes a great watchdog.

Bukovina Sheepdog

The Bukovina Sheepdog is known for his gentle temperament and fearless nature. These dogs are naturally calm and balanced in terms of temperament.

German Sheprador

The German Sheprador is a mix of Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. This dog's even-tempered personality makes him a great fit with families.

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.

Maltipoo

Cute and cuddly, the Maltipoo is an affectionate hybrid breed dog. He is friendly and outgoing, believing that everyone in the world is his best friend.

Kromfohrlander

A friendly and fun-loving breed, the Kromfohrlander is loyal, affectionate and can adapt to a variety of households. And, he'll sneeze to greet you!

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.

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.

Skye Terrier

With a long, flowing coat, people tend to underestimate the feistiness of the Skye Terrier. They are happy living in apartments, condos, homes or estates.

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.

Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Known in its homeland as the Cesky Fousek, the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile gundog with a thick wiry coat.

Afghan Hound

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Afghan Hound has become known as a "king of dogs" for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed.

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.

Yorkie Bichon

The Yorkie Bichon is a cross between a purebred Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier. You can expect that your pup will be a vivacious and smart little dog.

Lowchen

Many believe that the Lowchen is the perfect breed of dog. He is extremely friendly, loves everyone, is reliable with kids and boasts a playful nature.

Mini Labradoodle

The Mini Labradoodle is a mixture of Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Toy or Miniature Poodle. A loyal, obedient dog with a playful, energetic side.

Chidale

The Chidale is a mixture of Chihuahua and Airedale Terrier. He's a wonderful family dog that is perfect for taking out for a jog.

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.

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.

Shorkie

With the attitude of a giant breed dog, the Shorkie has no clue that he is a small guy. Playful and energetic, the Shorkie is great with kids and adults.

Care-Tzu

The outgoing little Care-Tzu brings together the headstrong personality of the Shih Tzu and the curious nature of the Cairn Terrier.

Cheagle

Imagine a small dog with the floppy ears and markings of a Beagle but the body of a Chihuahua and you have the Cheagle, a new companion designer dog.

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel makes a great house pet. This breed is hardy and sturdy, and you'll soon find that it's happiest when it is by your side.

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.

Clumber Spaniel

The largest of all spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel is a dog fit for a king. Much of the breed's early history centers around French and British nobility.

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.

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.

Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter can be an ideal companion even if you don't have any birds for it to sniff out - it is friendly, energetic, and respond well to training.

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.

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.