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.

Xoloitzcuintli

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

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.

Chesa-Poo

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

Cavachon

If you can't make up your mind between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, the Cavachon may be just the dog you are looking for.

Scottish Deerhound

Heralded as the "Royal Dog of Scotland", the Scottish Deerhound is elegant, graceful and regal. He is a true gentleman and is a calm and polite dog.

Golden Pyrenees

A wonderful family dog, the Golden Pyrenees, also referred to as the Great Pytreiver, is a mix between a Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees.

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.

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.

Clumberdoodle

The Clumberdoodle is a cross between a purebred Clumber Spaniel and Poodle. They are smart and friendly, as well as social and playful.

Kerry Beagle

The Kerry Beagle was built for speed and endurance. Originating from Ireland, this breed isn't related to the Beagle we're familiar with in North America.

Otterhound

Gentle natured and amiable, the Otterhound is a delightful breed of dog that practically any dog lover can easily fall in love with. A hardworking 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.

Wire Fox Terrier

A hunting and tracking dog by nature, the Wire Fox Terrier has got agility and energy to spare. An alert, playful, independent and affectionate breed.

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.

Cattle Doodle

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

Doxiepoo

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

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.

Australian Shepherd

With its trainability and eagerness to please, the Australian Shepherd is regarded for its skills in obedience and its considerable energy and drive.

Pitsky

The Pitsky is a handsome, muscular cross between an American Pitbull Terrier and a Siberian or Alaskan Husky. They do best in high energy households.

Plott

The Plott is a brave and courageous hunter as well as a loyal family companion. He is a high-energy dog and needs an active family to keep him happy.

Bullmatian

The Bullmatian is a cross between a purebred Bulldog and Dalmatian. These dogs are friendly and charming, as well as affectionate and social.

Schweizer Laufhund

The intelligent Schweizer Laufhund is a Swedish hunting dog breed that was used in the development of numerous scent hounds.

Bo Dach

The Bo Dach is a new designer dog, developed by crossing the Dachshund with a Boston Terrier. This breed is ideal for apartment dwellers and seniors.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Also known as the Icelandic Spitz or Icelandic Dog, the adorable Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native canine breed.

Doxie Chon

The Doxie Chon is an intelligent and lively designer dog, developed by crossing the fluffy Bichon Frise and the short-legged Dachshund.

Whippet

Known as sweet and friendly, the athletic Whippet is recognized for having an expression that actually closely resembles a smile.

South Russian Ovtcharka

Though they may look cute and cuddly, the South Russian Ovtcharka is actually protective and it will stop at nothing to defend its families.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is really a fairly compact dog for its size and, given enough exercise, can actually be calm companion and wonderful family pet.

Beardoodle

The Beardoodle is a fun combination of the smart Poodle and the stubborn Bearded Collie. A great family dog who loves to play and hang out with his people.

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.

Tenterfield Terrier

The Tenterfield Terrier was developed in Australia and it is just as popular for its ability to hunt small prey as for its aptitude as a family companion.

Golden Shepherd

The devoted Golden Shepherd brings the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the loyalty of the German Shepherd Dog together for a great family pet.

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.

Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a low-maintenance and hard working dog. They have extremely strong protective instincts and are devoted to their owners.

Golden Chow Box

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

Alaskan Malamute

Considered to be excellent family pets, the Alaskan Malamute is intelligent and clever and will do anything to ensure that its owners are pleased with them.

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.

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.

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound can be traced as far back as 3400 BC in ancient Egypt. These hounds are hunters and athletic, as well as sweet and sensitive dogs.

Mastidoodle

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

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originally made a name for itself as a Swiss rescue dog. A friendly, unassuming breed that is loved by all who cross its path.

Berger Picard

The Berger Picard is considered to be France's oldest sheepdog. Like most breeds of sheepdog, they are lively, intelligent, vigilant and assertive.

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.

Havamalt

The Havamalt is a wonderful little pooch who brings together the people-loving characteristics of the Havanese and the personality of the Maltese.

Majorca Shepherd Dog

The Majorca Shepherd Dog is a Spanish breed developed for shepherding cattle and is often used as an all-purpose farm dog.

Shepadoodle

The Shepadoodle is a hybrid of two intelligent breeds - the German Shepherd and Standard Poodle - making him bright, easily trainable, and eager to please.

Chipaniel

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

French Bullhuahua

A French Bullhuahua is a mix between two purebred dogs: a French Bulldog and a Chihuahua. These are sassy, energetic small dogs that do great in apartments.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Also known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and Appenzell Cattle Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is the rarest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds.

American English Coonhound

A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Loud-voiced and hard-working, this dog is one of six official Coonhound breeds.

American Pugabull

The bold American Pugabull brings together the friendly nature of the Pug and the protective characteristics of the American Bulldog.

Highland Maltie

The Highland Maltie combines the fun-loving personality of the Maltese with the bold little West Highland White Terrier for a wonderful dog.

Toy Fox Terrier

A combination of a toy and a terrier breed, the Toy Fox Terrier can be a bit like the Napoleon of the dog world: small in stature, but full of confidence.

Cairmal

The Cairmal is a lively little dog brings the fun-loving characteristics of the Maltese together with the plucky personality of the Cairn Terrier.

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).

Toy Rat Doxie

If you want a small dog with a big personality, you'll love the feisty Toy Rat Doxie. This designer dog is a mix between a Daschund and a Rat Terrier.