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.

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.

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.

Braque Du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais, also known as the French Pointer, is a medium-sized dog with a smooth, short coat and a brown and white spotted coloration.

Sarplaninac

Sporting a fluffy coat, the Sarplaninac is a livestock-guarding breed that was developed in the mountainous regions of Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bugg

So what do you get when you cross a Pug and a Boston Terrier? A bundle of cuteness is what! The Bugg designer dog breed has seen a swift rise in popularity.

Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun is a medium-sized dog with a long black-and-white coat. This typle of dog is one of the top five rarest breeds in the world (as of 2013).

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.

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.

Mini Golden Retriever

The Mini Golden Retriever incorporates the Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. A great family dog that is friendly and loveable.

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.

Scottish Terrier

Like many breeds, you'll find that the Scottish Terrier's relatively peaceful personality makes for a perfect pet. The breed is playful and energetic.

Pomillon

The friendly little Pomillon blends the super social nature of the Papillon with the exuberance of the Pomeranian. A gentle, eager-to-please pooch.

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.

Yorkshire Terrier

Originating in England as rat and small vermin hunters, the cuddly Yorkshire Terrier has become a go-to lap dog. A feisty breed, the Yorkie loves attention.

Labradinger

The eager-to-please Labradinger is a cheerful blend of two working breed dogs; the friendly Labrador Retriever and the energetic English Springer Spaniel.

Labrahuahua

The Labrahuahua shares the gentle Labrador Retriever nature and the spunky Chihuahua attitude. A friendly dog who loves to find a cozy place to snooze.

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.

German Spaniel

Also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund, the German Spaniel is a hunting breed known for its thick, wavy coat and its friendly temperament.

Taigan Dog

The Taigan Dog is a type of sighthound that can achieve speeds up to 60 km/h. It is an intelligent, gentle and even-tempered breed.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is small and spirited, though not as excitable as other terrier breeds. Often described by owners as a big dog on short legs.

Belgian Malinois

You might confuse the Belgian Malinois with a German Shepherd. There are some differences between the two you'll want to be aware of.

Schillerstovare

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

Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terrier is an exact version of the traditional Bull Terrier, except it is downsized. A fun-loving clown is as playful as he is tough.

Griffonshire

Sassy, smart, and sweet, the Griffonshire is a popular designer dog breed. Find out more about this cute Yorkshire Terrier and Brussels Griffon mix!

Daug

The Daug was developed by crossing the short-legged Dachshund with the wrinkly-faced Pug. Needless to say, the Daug is one cute and charming pooch!

Pom-Coton

The loving, kind nature of these small dogs, as well as their ease of trainability, can be considered the reason why Pom-Coton dogs are so popular.

Belgian Shepherd

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

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.

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.

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.

Flat-Coated Retriever

A wonderful family companion, the Flat-Coated Retriever (known as Flatties) is cheerful, optimistic and good-humored - a true Retriever in every sense.

Russian Harlequin Hound

The Russian Harlequin Hound has excellent hunting skills and also makes a pleasant family pet. This scenthound as a friendly and good-natured breed.

Tamaskan

The Tamaskan may look like a wolf, but this breed is all dog. This pooch was selectively bred by dog breeders in order to create this type of appearance

Cavapom

A mix of Pomeranian and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the cute and affectionate Cavapom is makes a wonderful family pet or a companion for singles.

Yorkie Apso

The Yorkie Apso is a rare but popular designer dog. Their mom is a purebred Lhasa Apso and their dad is a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.

Golden Pei

Learn more about the Golden Pei, a rare designer dog breed developed by crossing the affectionate Golden Retriever and devoted Chinese Shar-Pei.

Puggat

The Puggat has the energy of the Rat Terrier and the clownish side of the Pug. they make wonderful companions because of their easygoing personalities.

Dach Griffon

The spunky, cheerful, and bubbly Dach Griffon is a new designer dog, developed by crossing the Dachshund with Brussels Griffon.

Bluetick Coonhound

A friendly hunting dog, the Bluetick Coonhound loves to chase and corner its prey into trees, letting its owner know of its capture with a distinctive howl.

Chipaniel

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

Skypoo

The affectionate Skypoo brings together the intelligence of the fun-loving Miniature Poodle and the energy of the Skye Terrier for a wonderful family dog.

Northern Inuit Dog

The Northern Inuit Dog is wolf-like in appearance and has recently become popular for portraying the Dire Wolf in the HBO 'Game of Thrones' series.

Estrela Mountain Dog

The Estrela Mountain Dog (also known as Cao da Serra de Estrela) is originally from Portugal, and has been used to guard homesteads and herds for centuries.

Sloughi

The sleek Sloughi makes for a handsome and energetic family companion. This dog is happiest when he has a large, fenced backyard in which to run and play.

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.

Westphalian Dachsbracke

The Westphalian Dachsbracke comes from a long line of hunting dogs. This short-legged German breed is alert, active, and energetic.

Golden Retriever

When it comes to the perfect family dog, it's hard to go wrong with a Golden Retriever. This dog is obedient, intelligent, eager to please and frisky.

Candoodle

The loyal and loving Candoodle brings together the intelligence of the Poodle and the protective nature of the Canaan dog.

Corgidor

The Corgidor is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and Corgi. Corgidors make great family pets because they are loving and happy companions.

Papitese

The Papitese combines the friendly Papillon with the bold little Maltese. He is known to train fairly easily because of his keen-to-please personality.

Dutch Shepherd

You may be better acquainted with its cousins, the German and Belgian Shepherds, but the Dutch Shepherd is an all-around amazing dog for an active family.

Brittany

Favored by hunters as a popular breed at field trails, the Brittany is quick, curious, independent, and easy to train. Great pets for families and retirees.