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.

Belgian Laekenois

Bred to herd and protect, the Belgian Laekenois still has these instincts. This dog is not a suitable choice for families with young children or other pets.

Lhasapoo

Small and cuddly, the Lhasapoo makes a wonderful companion for singles, couples, seniors and families alike. This designer dog breed is gentle in nature.

Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog bears a striking resemblance to the Bulldog, but it has clearly been influenced by other breeds like the Bullmastiff and the Boxer.

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.

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.

Ratese

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

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!

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.

Fourche Terrier

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

Bracco Italiano

Also known as the Italian Pointer, the Bracco Italiano is an athletic gun dog. With their strong muscles and long ears, these dogs are the pride of Italy.

Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund is an interesting breed. One of the coolest things about this dog is that it has six toes - not dew claws - on each foot.

Shiffon

The Shiffon is a cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and Brussels Griffon. They have a rambunctious, curious, playful, and cheerful personality.

Borador

Playful and energetic, the Borador makes an excellent family dog. Described as naturally happy, they are incredibly sweet and are great with children.

Shikoku

The Shikoku has a wild look about him, having a wolf-like coloration complete with pointed ears and a tapered snout. This breed hails from Japan.

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.

Italian Greyhuahua

The Italian Greyhuahua blends the spunky Chihuahua with the Italian Greyhound for a fun family dog. They are curious, playful yet timid family dogs.

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.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog

The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog has a noble appearance and he is generally very even-tempered. Used for hunting small and large prey.

Beagi

The Beagi is the delightful result of breeding a Beagle with a Corgi. In addition to good looks, these dogs have a wonderful personality.

Vizsla

Gentle, sensitive, and affectionate, Vizslas are a wonderful breed for a family. Silky and muscular, the average-sized Vizsla is a rare breed.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an ancient, no-nonsense hunting hound from Portugal. They are multi-sensory hounds that use both their sight and scent.

Papi-Poo

The Papi-Poo is a cross between a purebred Papillon and Poodle.This little dogs is devoted, loving, smart, and even a little mischievous.

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.

Schipper-Poo

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

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.

Mountain Mastiff

The Mountain Mastiff is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Mastiff. It's a popular breed because they are sensitive, docile, and kind.

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.

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.

Sheltidoodle

The Sheltidoodle is a cross between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and Poodle. They are also inclined to listen and to obey, and they are highly intelligent.

Bernese Mountain Dog

When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there's a good chance you've met a the Bernese Mountain Dog.

American Hairless Terrier

Although a new breed, the American Hairless Terrier has gathered quite a fan club in its few decades of existence. It is an intelligent working breed.

Chinook

The Chinook has an even temperament and is gentle and loving. Because they are mellow and patient, they are great with children as well as disabled people.

How Long Can You Leave a Labradoodle Alone?

If you’re considering adding a Labradoodle to your family, it’s essential to understand how long they can comfortably be left alone – and how to meet their needs while you’re away.

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.

Cattle Doodle

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

Golden Chow Box

The Golden Chow Box brings together the playful, animated Boxer gentle, sweet-natured Golden Retriever and the loyal, protective Chow.

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.

Stichelhaar

With his brown coloring, his wiry coat, and facial furnishings, the German Stichelhaar is similar in appearance to other pointers.

Portuguese Pointer

An asset to the bird hunter, the Portuguese Pointer is considered to be one of the ultimate gundogs. He is a loyal watchdog who is reliable with children.

Aki-Poo

The Aki-Poo brings together the eager-to-please the Poodle and the protective the Akita. A protective dog that is known to be playful and affectionate.

Aidi

The Aidi is an African breed that was developed in Morocco. Though developed for livestock guardianship, the modern Aidi is now kept for companionship.

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!

Doodleman Pinscher

The good-natured Doodleman Pinscher brings together the devoted Doberman Pinscher and the playful Poodle for a loving and protective family addition.

Akita

A regal and elegant dog, the Akita is a pleasure to look at, thanks in part to a tail that sweeps over the top of its back into a gentle curl.

Norbottenspets

The Norbottenspets is a spitz-type dog that is considered a rare breed. It is often ranked among the top dog breeds for getting along with children.

Bossi-Poo

The Bossi-Poo is a fun, well-behaved family dog that brings together the personalities of the Poodle and the Boston Terrier.

Hungarian Agar

The Hungarian Agar is more commonly known as the Magyar Agar or the Hungarian Greyhound. This breed forms close ties with family.

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.

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.

Mastidoodle

The sweet-natured Mastidoodle brings together the loyal Poodle and the gentle Mastiff for an easygoing family dog that loves kids.

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.

Bardino Majorero

The Bardino Majorero was traditionally used as a cattle dog and livestock guardian. This means he can sometimes be aloof or even aggressive around strangers

Transylvanian Hound

The Transylvanian Hound is an old Hungarian breed known not only for his hunting skills but for his friendly personality and success as a family pet.

Irish Terrier

Versatility should be the middle name of the Irish Terrier. This breed is full of energy and courage. He doesn't realize that he is a medium-sized dog.

Greyhound

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Greyhound is used for racing, lure coursing, and open field coursing, as well as its success as a household companion.

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog is durable, loving companion. It is considered a "happy" breed that is able to make the best of new or unusual situations.

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.

Daisy Dog

The Daisy Dog brings the fun character traits of the Poodle, the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu together in one compact and hypoallergenic dog!

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.

Australian Cattle Dog

Let's take a closer look at this unique-looking breed and find out more about what makes the Australian Cattle Dog such a special type of dog.