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.

Alusky

The Alusky is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. These dogs are charming, loyal, loving, outgoing, and playful.

Schnorgi

Sweet, friendly, and playful, the Schnorgi will bring a lot of joy to your life. This hybrid is a mix of Welsh Corgi and Miniature Schnauzer and will display a combination of traits of the parental breeds.

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.

Serbian Tricolour Hound

A medium-sized scent hound, the Serbian Tricolour Hound was bred as a running hound. A loving and loyal breed, these dogs are popular in the home.

Pomanauze

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

Miniature Bulldog

Miniature Bulldog usually refers to a hybrid mix of a purebred Bulldog with a purebred Pug, but can also be a purebred Bulldogs bred down for size.

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.

Chion

The Chion is a designer/hybrid dog, and is the product of two small but highly intelligent and self-assured little breeds; the Chihuahua and the Papillon.

Weshi

As a designer dog, the Weshi is a mix of two purebred parents- the Shih Tzu and the West Highland White Terrier. Find out more about these fluffy goofs!

Frengle

The Frengle is a cross between a purebred Beagle and French Bulldog. They are known for being affectionate, smart, playful, alert, and social.

Boxador

The Boxador is a cross between a purebred Boxer and Labrador Retriever. A good choice if you are looking for a guard dog who will also make a family pet.

Shepherd Pit

The Shepherd Pit is a unique crossbreed –a German Shepherd Pitbull mix that combines two really different breeds. It is a match you’d never think was possible, but the Shepherd Pit is clear proof that some unexpected combos really work!

Irish Troodle

The Irish Troodle brings together the playful Irish Terrier and the energetic Poodle for an affectionate pooch who gets along well with kids.

Deutsche Bracke

The Deutsche Bracke is a scenthound that is known for its exceptional obedience. It's an ancient hound-type dog known for its narrow head and long ears.

Schnoodle

Making its way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog. A well-rounded family pet.

American Water Spaniel

Energetic and sensitive, the American Water Spaniel is a good fit for numerous lifestyles. A water retriever, this dog can be a hunter's best friend.

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.

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.

Morkie

Tiny and adorable, the Morkie is an affectionate crossbreed who loves people and pets. He attaches to his family, which can be a problem when left alone.

Malamoodle

The Malamoodle combines the intelligent poodle and the pack-oriented nature of the Alaskan Malamute. The Malamoodle is a friendly, loving family dog.

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.

Tzu Basset

The easy-going Tzu Basset brings together the friendly Basset Hound and the headstrong Shih Tzu for a great family pet and companion.

Armenian Gampr

The Armenian Gampr is a big dog with a unique name - it is also unique in that it is a landrace breed. This gentle giant is inherently gentle with children.

Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is truly a family dog as he will dedicate himself to loving and protecting his family for life. As loyal and better friend would be hard to find.

Cimarron Uruguayo

With a name like Cimarron Uruguayo, you shouldn't be surprised to learn that these dogs hail from Uruguay. These dogs are large and muscular with a short brindle 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.

Labradane

The Labradane is a hybrid mix of the Labrador Retriever and Great Dane. His loving, social nature means he gets along well with kids and other dogs.

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

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.

Schweenie

The eager-to-please Schweenie is a fun combination of the feisty little Shih Tzu and the clever, often headstrong Dachshund.

Giant Spitz

The Giant Spitz lives up to its name with his classic, spitz-like characteristics and his large size. These dogs were traditionally used for guarding.

Eskland

The Eskland is a cross between an American Eskimo and Shetland Sheepdog. They are energetic pooches who always look like they have a smile on their face.

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.

Volpino Italiano

Upon first glance, you might think the Volpino Italiano is some kind of cross between a Pomeranian and an American Eskimo Dog.

Pineranian

The friendly, intelligent, and sweet Pineranian combines the best traits of its parental breeds, the fierce Miniature Pinscher and the cute Pomeranian.

Daniff

The Daniff is a cross between a purebred Great Dane and Mastiff. This breed is known for its caring, gentle, and protective nature.

Irish Doodle

The Irish Doodle is a super cute, friendly, and light-hearted medium-sized crossbreed. This designer dog is a mix of Irish Setter and Poodle.

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.

Banter Bulldogge

The Banter Bulldogge is a cross between a purebred Boxer and a Bulldog. They will get along well with kids, and they will remain loyal.

Labrottie

The Labrottie is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler. These dogs are known for their affectionate and devoted personality.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff truly is a gentle giant. A wonderful watch and guard dog, the Tibetan Mastiff loves his people, making him a fantastic family dog.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Bred in France to be a hunting canine, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is now popular as a kid-friendly, pet-friendly dog breed.

Croatian Sheepdog

Though the Croatian Sheepdog was bred for herding, these dogs are also extremely healthy and can be trained for a variety of dog sports.

Golden Sammy

It's hard not to be enamored with the fluffy Golden Sammy, the Golden Retriever and Samoyed mix with a big heart and perfect personality.

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.

Doxie Cairn

If you like little dogs with a lot of spunk, you'll love the Doxie Cairn! This designer dog was developed by crossing a Dachshund with the Cairn Terrier.

Ratese

The adorable Ratese will charm your pants off. This recent designer dog breed was developed by crossing the Maltese with a Rat Terrier.

Cava Tzu

The super-friendly little Cava Tzu brings together the sweet-natured Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the headstrong little Shih Tzu.

German Longhaired Pointer

The German Longhaired Pointer or GLP is a large-breed dog developed in Germany as a multipurpose gundog. These dogs are closely related to other pointers.

Yorkillon

The combination of the delicate Papillon and the spunky Yorkshire Terrier results in this unique designer dog. The Yorkillon is sweet, cute, and friendly.

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.

Chin-wa

What a cutie! The clever Chin-wa brings the sassy personality of the Chihuahua together with the friendly nature of the Japanese Chin.

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.

Pointer

The Pointer is a affectionate, active and intelligent family friendly dog with a strong built and high energy levels that loves to hunt.

Fourche Terrier

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

Miniature Goldendoodle

The Miniature Goldendoodle is an exciting and relatively new designer dog breed that combines the best traits of two popular breeds: the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle.

Labmaraner

The Labmaraner is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner. This dog is known for his loving and loyal personality.

Chesa-Poo

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

Griffon Nivernais

The Griffon Nivernais is just as talented in tracking down small game as he is coursing larger game. This breed was developed as a scenthound in France.

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.