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.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a toy dog that was bred to be good company and comfortable on your lap. These dogs were dogs were a favorite of Chinese imperial nobility.

Weimapeake

The Weimapeake is a cross between a purebred Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Weimaraner. They make fantastic family pets and prefer being around people.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a loyal, fun dog that makes an excellent city dog but will work well even if you've got plenty of space for them.

Wetterhoun

The energetic Wetterhoun is a hunting and retrieving breed that loves the water. The name of this gun dog breed comes from the Dutch term for "water dog".

Landseer Newfoundland

The Landseer Newfoundland is a black and white color variant of the Newfoundland breed. He is a sweet and gentle dog that makes an excellent family pet.

Cirneco Dell’Etna

The Cirneco dellEtna is a small, slender dog, an ancient breed native to the island of Sicily valued for its intelligence and natural hunting ability.

Jatese

The Jatese, or the Maltichin, brings together two companion breeds into one cute package- the Maltese and the Japanese Chin.

Pumi

A multi-functional dog, the Pumi is often used as a sheepdog, guard and hunting dog. He fits in to a family setting and makes a wonderful companion.

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.

Golden Mountain Dog

The Golden Mountain Dog is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog. A loving, affectionate breed.

Gollie

Gollie pups bring together the best of both worlds: the sweet, playful disposition of Golden Retriever with the Collie's intelligence and obedient nature.

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.

Bearded Collie

Cheerful and happy-go-lucky, the Bearded Collie is affectionate and playful. A wonderful playmate for children, this dog loves to be near its family.

Golden Sheltie

The rare Golden Sheltie is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Shetland Sheepdog. These designer dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and energetic.

Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog is one of the oldest known breeds in existence today. They belong to the Spitz family and have the appearance of most primitive dog breeds.

Bolonoodle

The Bolonoodle is a cross between a purebred Bolognese and Poodle. Full of love and energy, these dogs are a true pleasure to be around.

Irish Wolfoodle

A gentle giant that loves kids, the Irish Wolfoodle brings the friendly nature of the Irish Wolfhound together with the playful Standard Poodle.

Labrottie

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

Snorkie

The Snorkie (Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier) is an intelligent little dog that thrives on human interaction and is a devoted family pet.

Boerboel

A strong and impressive dog, the Boerboel is protective and loyal to his family. The Boerboel can be an awesome guard dog as well as a loving companion.

Blue Picardy Spaniel

The Blue Picardy Spaniel has the long legs of a setter and the responsiveness of a spaniel, making it the ultimate hunting companion.

Bassetoodle

The Bassetoodle is a cross between a purebred Basset Hound and Poodle. Intelligent and willing to please, this dog makes a great family pet.

Clumber Lab

The Clumber Lab is a hybrid of Labrador Retriever and Clumber Spaniel. This dog loves to be active, is highly obedient, and keen-to-please.

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-queen-tlee") or Xolo, turns heads with his unusual looks and earns fans with his attentive personality.

Kangal Dog

The Kangal Dog is a large and powerful breed, often used in Turkey to guard against predators. Despite its size, the breed is fairly calm and controlled.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a great go-to family pet, but because of its small size and its need for companionship, he'll need to be an inside dog.

Chihuahua

Sporting a large head, expressive eyes and a friendly disposition, the Chihuahua fits into many types of households. This breed makes an excellent watch dog

Schipper-Poo

The mischievous little Schipper-Poo is a playful combination of the loving, intelligent Poodle and the loyal, energetic Schipperke.

Cockeranian

Cockeranian as a designer dog breed hasn't been around for too long, but it has already conquered many hearts of dog owners- and with good reason.

Carkie

The Carkie is a designer dog breed developed by crossing a Cairn Terrier with a Yorkshire Terrier. This mix has a lot of spunk, spirit and a huge heart.

Havanese

The Havanese is a lapdog, performer, and companion. Friendly, loving and happy, the Havanese loves to play with its owners and other animals.

Jack Tzu

A small, spunky pooch with a heart of gold- Jack Tzu is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Jack Russell Terrier. Read on to find out more about these cute dogs!

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.

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.

Ewokian

The Ewokian is a designer dog breed developed by crossing two toy dogs, the Havanese and the Pomeranian. Their teddy-bear look charms everybody!

Hortaya Borzaya

The Hortaya Borzaya has a familiar look similar to that of a Greyhound. With long legs and lithe body, these dogs are built for speed.

Dorkie

As a designer dog, the Dorkie has two purebred parents: Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier. Read on to find out what this unusual mix behaves and looks like!

Alusky

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

Drever

The Drever is a talented hunting dog known for his keen nose and strong work ethic. Even though this dog is known for hunting, he's amenable to family life.

Golden Dox

The spirited Golden Dox brings together the feisty little Dachshund and the friendly Golden Retriever for a playful family dog.

Belgian Shepherd

Also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, the Belgian Shepherd is a beautiful, long-coated breed that comes in a variety of colors.

Great Dane

The Great Dane could be considered one of the noblest breeds and its general loyalty and friendliness also contribute to making these Danes great.

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.

Airedoodle

A mix of Standard Poodle and Airedale Terrier, the Airedoodle is relatively new to North America. This active and beautiful pooch is a great family dog.

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.

American Eskimo Dog

Compactly built and well balanced, you'll find the American Eskimo Dog to be alert and friendly. Tt comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard.

Schipperke

Well-suited for closed environments, the Schipperke is energetic and playful. The Schipperke is versatile and can make a great addition to your household.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chien Français Blanc Et Noir

The Chien Franais Blanc et Noir has a very familiar look. He is a black-and-white hound that originated in France and is used for hunting in packs.

Keeshond

The Keeshond is a simply wonderful companion for many types of people. He is a fun-loving, sweet fellow that makes a great addition to many households.

Doxiepoo

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Poochin

The Poochin is a cross between a purebred Japanese Chin and Poodle. Poochins are loyal and obedient little dogs that make wonderful family pets.

Miniature Shar-Pei

The Miniature Shar-Pei shares their history with the traditional Chinese Shar-Pei but they have been selectively bred down in size.