Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
As with many breeds, the Affenpinscher has no definitive history until around the 19th century in Germany. Here it is well documented that they were used as both companions and common working dogs....
Afghan Hound
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Its true origins shrouded in mystery, the Afghan Hound was developed many centuries before dog breeding records were kept, and possibly even before the invention of writing. There are many myths a...
Africanis
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Africanis is the original dog of Africa, a unique type shaped through the process of natural selection, not by human intervention or standardized breeding practices. The strong survived to...
Aidi
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Like many ancient breeds of dog, the true history of the Aidi is shrouded in some mystery. Many believe that it was the Phoenicians; an ancient civilization centered in the coastal regions of m...
Airedale Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Prior to the Airedale, the sporting men of Yorkshire used both the Rough Coated English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter Hound for hunting fox, badger, weasel, otter, water rat, and other sm...
Akbash Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Akbash dog is considered to be an ancient breed that is believed to have originated in the area known as the Fertile Crescent; a region in Western Asia that now includes the countries of Tu...
Akita
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Akita Inu
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Archaeological evidence in the form of dog prints found in pit houses from the Jomon period (8000 to 300 B.C) suggest that dogs were raised as pets inside homes as early as 3,000 years ago in w...
Alangu Mastiff
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The origin of the Alangu Mastiff can be traced back to parts of Rajasthan, the Bhawalpur area of Punjab, and the desert area of Kutch. Although this breed is rare it is most commonly found in t...
Alano Espanol
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The name Alano Espanol as it is known today has become synonymous in many ways with the name Spanish Bulldog (Perro de Toro) and in most cases the terms are used interchangeably to refer to the...
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Documented history and early American photographs provide sound evidence that a species of Bulldog resembling the Alapaha has existed in America for over two hundred years; mainly in small pock...
Alaskan Husky
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The history of the Alaskan Husky starts with the numerous native village dogs of North America present in the region well prior to the arrival of the Europeans and Russians. During the Pre-Colu...
Alaskan Klee Kai
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
It was during the mid 1970’s, on a trip to Oklahoma with her husband to visit her in-laws that Mrs. Spurlin first came across the dog that would become her inspiration for the breed curre...
Alaskan Malamute
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Alaskan Malamute or “Mal” is a large, wolf-like ancient breed of domestic dog believed to be the oldest breed on the North American continent and probably the breed longest asso...
Alaunt
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
It is commonly thought that the Alaunt's primary ancestors are working dogs such as the Armenian Gampr Dog, the Sarmation Mastiff from the Caucasus and the Alabai from Central Asia. Shorthaired...
Alopekis
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Alopekis is believed to have gotten its name from the Greek “alopecis” which means small and fox like; a definition that would adequately encompass the majority of feral, semi-feral or tamed st...
Alpine Dachsbracke
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Known as Alpenlandische Dachsbracke in its native country of Austria, the Alpine Dachsbracke was specifically bred to assist hunters by tracking wounded deer, boar, hare and fox. At the time of...
American Akita
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Please see the Akita “Main Page” for the complete history of the breed.
The story of the American Akita (Great Japanese Dog –obsolete) truly begins with the famous auth...
American Alsatian
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The History of the American Alsatian is almost entirely due to the work of Lois Denny. As a child in 1969, after being followed home by a German Shepherd mix, she fell in love with the br...
American Bulldog
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Varies From One Dog To The Next | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Because the American Bulldog and its ancestors developed in a time before written records were kept of dog breeding, there is much mystery surrounding its early ancestry. What is clear is...
American Bully
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Varies From One Dog To The Next | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Until the 1990’s, the American Bully did not exist at all. Its ancestors, however, have been very well known in the United States for almost two hundred years. For many centur...
American Cocker Spaniel
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Both the English and American Cocker Spaniel had identical histories up until around the 1930’s, at which time American breeders of the English type began to institute significant changes...
American English Coonhound
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | ||
It has been said that the history of the American English Coonhound is the history of all coonhounds. While this is something of an exaggeration, the ancestry of this breed is very simila...
American Eskimo Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The American Eskimo was developed from members of the Spitz type family of dogs, which in turn had been developed from early Nordic breeds only a few steps removed from the wolf. Around 4000 B.C. i...
American Foxhound
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
For most of history, the preferred quarry of the English nobility was deer. Foxes on the other hand were considered vermin, and hunting them less than noble, as such fox hunting was typically rese...
American Hairless Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The History of the American Hairless Terrier was identical to that of the Rat Terrier until the 1970’s. Terriers were first developed in the British Isles at least several hundred y...
American Mastiff
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The American Mastiff as a unique breed was first developed between 20 and 25 years ago in Piketon, Ohio. However, it can trace its lineage back many centuries through both of the breeds used in...
American Pit Bull Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
This breed is so closely related to the other types that comprise the Bully breed group, please see the history section of the article about Bully breeds for more information about the creation...
American Staffordshire Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
This breed is so closely related to the other types that comprise the Bully breed group, please see the history section of the article about Bully breeds for more information about the creation Am...
American Water Spaniel
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
References to Spaniel type dogs have historically been documented in early European records, and their early ancestors may have migrated into the European continent with nomadic hunter gatherers as...
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
As early as 6000 years ago, a landrace of large sized, heavily boned domesticated dogs were living among humans. The earliest duties of these canines were as hunting companions to man; however, as...
Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The History of the Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie is mostly uncertain, as this breed was developed in an era before written records were kept of dog breeding. What is clear is that this...
Antebellum Bulldog
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the Antebellum Bulldog was only recently developed, it is a recreation of a much older breed. The history of the Antebellum Bulldog can trace back to that of the Old English Bull...
Appenzeller Sennenhund
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Very little is known for sure about the history of the Appenzeller Sennenhund as it was developed before written records were kept of dog breeding and was primarily kept in remote mountain vall...
Ariegeois
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Because the breed was developed so recently, most of the history of the Ariegeois is known reasonably well. The Ariegeois is a member of the French scent hound family, a very large group...
Armant
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
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Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
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LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Armant was developed almost exclusively as a working dog in rural areas. Combined with the fact that the breed was probably developed before accurate records were kept of most dog bre...
Armenian Gampr
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Evidence of this breed’s ancestors can be traced back to at least 7,000 and possibly as far as 15,000 B.C. Ancient petroglyphs (carvings or engravings on rocks), especially prevalent in the Geghama...
Artois Hound
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Artois Hounds were developed in the 1400s to hunt foxes, hares, deer, and wild boar. In the hunt, Artois Hounds are used in small packs of six to eight dogs. This athletic breed is able to trav...
Australian Bulldog
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the modern Australian Bulldog was only developed in the early 1990’s, the breed can trace its history to the Old English Bulldog, a breed with a very long history in England....
Australian Cattle Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The history of the Australian Cattle Dog begins in 1802, when George Hall and his family immigrated to Australia from their home in the north of England. The family moved to the recently colonized Ne...
Australian Kelpie
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Australian Kelpie was first recognized as a distinct breed beginning in the 1870’s, but its ancestors go back much further in time. There is much debate over the true origin of the Kelpie, but...
Australian Shepherd
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
There are few breeds with as disputed a history as the Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd was largely developed in a time before written records were kept of dog breeding. Additionally,...
Australian Silky Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
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Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
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LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Silky Terrier shares its history with the Australian Terrier until the second half of the 1800’s. At that time, Australia was becoming more prosperous and more urbanized. Residents of the sev...
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The origin of the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a mystery, and a hotly debated one. The breed was developed in extremely rural areas and was bred exclusively as a working dog. These fac...
Australian Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
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Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
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LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Australian Terrier is one of the oldest native Australian breeds. Much of the development of the Australian Terrier was not recorded and has been lost to history. However, a great deal can be...
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Very little is known for sure about the history of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound. The breed enters the written record in the mid-19th Century meaning that it has been in existence sinc...
Austrian Pinscher
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Although not pure bred until the 20th Century, the Austrian Pinscher is a very old breed that can trace its origins back many centuries. Paintings from the 1700’s show dogs that are...
Azawakh
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Azawakh was developed by nomadic tribes living in one of the most challenging places on Earth. By necessity, these people traveled lightly, and consequently left behind few archaeological reco...
Bakharwal Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Since man began documenting his world through writing, painting, and sculpture; canine companions have been included in these written and visual records of the ancient world. The primitiv...
Barbet
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
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Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
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LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The history of the Barbet is lengthy and impressive; an ancient European Water Dog, the breed was developed in France, and referenced for centuries in European historical documentation. A...
Basenji
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Basingi's agility, compact strength, speed, and silence, made them valued hunting dogs for the tribes who used them for pointing, retrieving, tracking wounded quarry, and driving game into...
Basset Artesien Normand
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
During the Middle Ages, hunting with hounds became tremendously popular among the nobility of Europe. This sport became one of the most important, if not the most important, form of recreation enj...
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The French Revolution (1789–1799) was very damaging to the population of most French hunting breeds, leading to the eventual extinction of many. However, the short-legged Basset Bleu de Gascogne w...
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, hunting with hounds became a popular sport among the European nobility. Eventually, the hunt became a very important and stylized ritual, as well as bei...
Basset Griffon Vendeen
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Hunting with hounds became a popular pastime among the European nobility during the Middle Ages. The sport was important not only for entertainment, but also for the political and social...
Basset Hound
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | ||
The history of the Basset Hound prior to the late 1800’s when Basset Artesian Normands were introduced into England is somewhat obscure. The earliest known description of a dog as b...
Beagle
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The true origin of the Beagle, like that of many ancient breeds has been forever lost to time. Shrouded in mystery, there is no shortage of theories to explain the birth of the breed. Some plac...
Bearded Collie
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
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Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
A native of Scotland, the Bearded Collie is considered to be one of the oldest of Scottish breeds, dating back to at least the 1600’s. Collie is the Scottish word for sheepdog, and there are sever...
Beauceron
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BREED BASICS | |
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Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
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Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In the early 1800s, large flocks of sheep were common in France; two Beaucerons could tend two-hundred to three-hundred head of sheep. A versatile and superior working dog, Beaucerons could both gu...
Bedlington Terrier
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The earliest documented account of a Terrier type dog resembling the Bedlington comes from 1702 when a Hungarian nobleman, Z. Molar, visiting Rothbury (where a large gypsy population resided in Rot...
Belgian Shepherd Dog
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Records coming out of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, dating over 3000 years ago, indicate that dogs were kept to tend livestock even at this early time in pre-history. Pastoral themed vases fou...
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Please see the main Belgian Shepherd Dog page for information on the history of the breed.
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)
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BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Belgian Lakenois is considered by many to be both the oldest and rarest of the Belgian Shepherd Dog varieties. Its roots are believed to trace back to the 1700’s where the Laekenois was used fo...
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia, the Malinois can be found working in the fields of personal protection,...
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Please see the main Belgian Shepherd Dog page for information on the history of the breed.
Bergamasco Shepherd
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required Rarely
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Bergamasco is a very ancient breed, and almost nothing is known for certain of its origins, as it was developed long before written records were kept of dog breeding and was primarily kept by r...
Bernese Mountain Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Brushing Once a Week or Less
|
LifeSpan: 6 to 8 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
It is difficult to decipher the true origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog as this is an old breed that was developed in a time well before written records of dog breeding were kept. Adding further c...
Billy
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The King’s White Dog, the Chien Blanc du Roy was the ancestor to the Billy and the breeds that make up its early lineage. The King’s White Dogs were used as pack hunters by th...
Bisben
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Almost nothing is known for sure about the history of the Bisben. All that is clear is that it was developed in the Himalaya Mountains, probably within Indian national borders, and that i...
Black and Tan Coonhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
When European settlers first arrived in the America’s they brought their trusted canine companions with them. Settlers from different nations brought breeds popular in their home countries. For e...
Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less Rarely
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound can trace its ancestry back to several other breeds of pack hunting scenthounds. During the Middle Ages, hunting with packs of dogs became one of the p...
Black Russian Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
In the early part of the 20th century, following the Russian Revolution, the future of many purebred native dogs in Russia was bleak. Many Russian breeds had been slaughtered during the revolt, an...
Blackmouth Cur
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
In truth, no one really knows where or how the Black Mouth Cur was developed. All that is known for sure is that these dogs were developed in the Southern United States as general purpose...
Bleu de Gascognes
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Varies According to Type | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Of the many breeds of French hunting hound, either surviving or extinct, few are as revered as the Bleu de Gascogne. One of the oldest purebred dogs in the world, the Bleu de Gascogne has...
Bloodhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Bloodhounds were one of the first dogs to be carefully bred according to a standard. Bloodhounds are probably one of the oldest breeds of dogs to originate in Europe. The origin of...
Blue Paul Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Almost nothing is known with certainty about the Blue Paul Terrier. The dog’s origins and eventual fate are shrouded in mystery. Legend holds that around 1770, the Scottish-born American sailor,...
Bluetick Coonhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
When European settlers arrived in America, they brought their dogs along with them. Europeans had been exhibiting sophisticated dog breeding for many centuries, and had developed many recognizable...
Boerboel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Boerboel was first developed in a time when few records were kept of dog breeding, and was primarily developed by working farmers in remote areas. As a result, much of its ancestry is shrouded...
Bohemian Shepherd
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | ||
Almost nothing is known for sure about the history of the Bohemian Shepherd because the breed was developed many centuries prior to the keeping of written records of dog breeding and in any cas...
Border Collie
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Prior to the late 1800’s the history of the Border Collie is a mystery. It was during this time that the various modern Collie breeds began to diverge from the landraces and random bred dogs that...
Border Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Border Terrier is a small rough coated breed originally developed as a fox and vermin hunter in and around the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland. This region, which included what is no...
Borzoi
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Borzoi has always been closely associated with the Russian nobility. These dogs hunted wolves and other game alongside their masters for many centuries. Although it is generally agreed that t...
Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The history of the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound is shrouded in mystery, and very little is known with certainly about this dog’s ancestry. All that is known for sure is that the bree...
Boston Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Boston Terrier is a relatively modern creation whose early breeders kept very close records and as a result of their diligent records keeping considerably more is known about the ancestry of th...
Bouvier des Flandres
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: Everyday Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The history of the Bouvier des Flandres is among the most disputed of all dogs. There are dozens of different theories as to its origin, and there is very little evidence to support them....
Boxer
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although the Boxer is a relatively modern creation, not having been standardized into the modern breed until the last years of the 19th Century, the breed’s ancestors are several hundred, and perha...
Boykin Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The official state dog of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel boasts that status of being the only dog originally bred for South Carolina hunters by South Carolinians. His exact line...
Braque de l'Ariege
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Energy Level: Medium Energy | ||
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Braque de l’Ariege was first developed in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The breed was almost exclusively developed in the Pyrenees Mountains and foothills of Southern...
Braque du Bourbonnais
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Braque du Bourbonnais is one of the oldest of all pointing breeds. This dog was developed no later than 1598, when descriptions of the breed begin to appear in French hunting and cult...
Braque du Puy
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Very little is known for sure about the origins of the Braque du Puy, and most of what is claimed is little more than rumor and suspicion. What is clear is that the dog originated in Fran...
Braque Francais
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Very little is known for sure about the origin of the Braque Francais, as it was developed prior to a time when written records were kept of dog breeding. All that is known for sure is th...
Braque Francais (Gascogne)
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Braque Francais (Pyrenees)
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Braque Saint-Germain
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Braque Saint-Germain was first developed in the early 1800’s, although its ancestors can be traced back many centuries. The Braque Saint-Germain is the result of crossing the En...
Brazilian Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although the Brazilian Terrier was entirely developed within Brazil, most of its ancestors came from Europe. The breed’s first ancestors may have arrived with the earliest Portugues...
Briard
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The breed was not called “Briard” until around 1809. Prior to that time they were known as “Chien d’Aubry”, Chien d’Montargis”, and, most commonly as “Chien Berger de Brie” or “Chien de Brie”. Bria...
Briquet Griffon Vendeen
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen, or Medium Griffon Vendeen, is the direct descendant of the Grand Griffon Vendeen. The large Grand Griffon Vendeen was used to hunt large game such as wolves and boar. ...
Brittany Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Brittany was developed in a very rural and remote region of France prior to the start of this century, and almost no verifiable information about its development has survived. This means that...
Brussels Griffon
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Brussels Griffon is a native of Belgium, and is named for Brussels, the capital of that nation. This breed has been gradually developed over several centuries with ancestors extending back sev...
Bucovina Shepherd Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Bucovina Shepherd Dog was developed before written records were commonly kept of dog breeding, and has bred by mostly illiterate farmers in one of Europe’s most remote regions. ...
Bull and Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The history of the Bull and Terrier is somewhat obscure, but the dog can trace its roots in Britain for thousands of years on both the Terrier and Bulldog side. Almost nothing is known for sure ab...
Bull Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The story of how the Bull Terrier came into existence begins in the middle ages, with the sport of baiting. This is a blood sport in which a game dog is pitted against a confined animal in order t...
Bull Terrier (Miniature)
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Descended from dogs known to be fierce gladiators in the fighting arena, the Miniature Bull Terrier has a long and dignified past. Although the breed has a much more gentle temperament now than it...
Bulldog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Varies From One Dog To The Next | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 6 to 8 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The history of few breeds is as disputed as that of the Bulldog. The Bulldog was created in an era where records of dog breeding did not exist, and was primarily kept by men who were very likely t...
Bullenbeisser
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Not much is known for sure about the early history of the Bullenbeisser, but the breed had a very long history in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire, a conglomeration of thousands of different poli...
Bullmastiff
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Bullmastiff is a relatively young breed, although its primary ancestors are quite old. The Bullmastiff is the result of crosses between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. These...
Bully Breeds
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The history of the bully breeds began in 1835. In that year, the British Parliament passed the Cruelty to Animals Act. This act banned two of the most popular sports in England, Bear Baiting and...
Bully Kutta
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Please visit the Alangu Mastiff page for more history about this breed.
Like the Alangu Mastiff the Bully Kutta breed is also known as the Pakistani Mastiff, Indian Mastiff and Sindhi Ma...
Cairn Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The ancestors of the Cairn Terrier roamed Scotland for centuries; these “Earth Dogs”, as the word Terrier translates, were valued for their gameness (their fearlessness and toughness in fighting),...
Canaan Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The history of the Canaan Dog can be traced back as early as 2200 B.C. at which point it disappears from history just to reappear again in the mid 1930's, this time called the Pariah Dog. ...
Cane Corso
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although the breed’s ancestry is very ancient, the Cane Corso as we know it today did not start to take shape until the 1970’s and 1980’s. Originally used to described a type of dog rather than a...
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Known informally as Cardigans, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, as the name implies, begin their history with the Corgis proper. Though thought to be Cousins, the Cardigan and the Pembroke are actually t...
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In 1926, the American Roswell Eldridge became interested in restoring the original variety of English Toy Spaniel. He created a prize at the Cruft’s Dog Show of that year. He planned to award 25...
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The most widely accepted version of the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers history is that two Newfoundland dogs, a male and a female, originally destined for importation into England, were rescued alon...
Chien Gris
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Very little is known for sure about the Chien Gris. It was developed in an era long before written records were kept of dog breeding, and almost all of the few records which existed were...
Chihuahua
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: XX-Small Under 4 lb X-Small 4-8 lb
|
Energy Level: Varies According to Type | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Most of the Chihuahua’s history has been lost in time, as this breed was developed in an era before written records of dog breeding were kept, and quite possibly prior to the advent of writing in P...
Chinese Crested Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Very little is known about the ancestry of the Chinese Crested Dog. The breed having been created long before organized records of dog breeding was kept. Additionally, Chinese breeders have tradit...
Chinook
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | ||
Developed during the 20th Century, more of the Chinook’s history is definitely known than is the case with most breeds, though a series of disasters and breeder actions has somewhat obscured it. T...
Chow Chow
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Low Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Although historical and archaeological records of the Chow Chow date back nearly 2,000 years, almost nothing is known for certain about the origins of the Chow Chow other than the fact that the bre...
Cirneco dell'Etna
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a very ancient breed, first appearing hundreds, and most likely thousands, of years ago. It was developed in an era long before written records were kept of dog breeding a...
Clumber Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
One of the more colorful, and romantic tales of the origin of the Clumber Spaniel is of a clandestine escape across the English Channel. This theory being that the Clumber Spaniel b...
Cocker Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Modern Cocker Spaniel descends from the Spaniel breed; with the word spaniel basically meaning “Spaniard” or “dog of Spain”. The name Spaniel gives homage to t...
Cordoba Fighting Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The history of the Cordoba Fighting Dog began during Argentina’s colonial period. When the Spanish were subjugating the many Native American peoples found throughout Latin America, where they made...
Croatian Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Written records of the Croatian Sheepdog date back as early as 1374. Dr. Stjepan Romic, a professor and veterinarian, discovered these early documents stored in the archives of the Djakova Dioc...
Cumberland Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
One reason for the Cumberland Sheepdogs possible absorption into the Border Collie may relate to its region of prominence. Throughout the early and mid part of the 19th century the Cumberland S...
Curly Coated Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Credited as being an English native, one theory is that the Curly Coated Retriever was originally developed from the sixteenth-century English Water Spaniel and from the Retrieving Setter. Othe...
Dachshund
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Dachshund is a unique product of superb engineering and is recognized as the only AKC breed that hunts both above and below ground. It also comes in more classifications, varieties and colo...
Dalmatian
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | Trainability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | |
Much has been speculated about the history of this breed, but in truth almost nothing is known for certain. What is known is that they are not the first of their kind as spotted dogs have been foun...
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The early history of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and most other terriers, remains a mystery, as these dogs existed long before written records of dog breeding were kept, and they have long been...
Danish Swedish Farmdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Widespread throughout Sweden and Denmark when small family farms were the norm, the Danish Swedish Farmdog served as a watch dogs, herder, fox hunter, ratter, companion, and even entertainer. D...
Deutscher Jagdterrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Pride, perfection, and purity—these notions were integral to Germany’s obsession with nationalism at that time in history. Combined with a fascination for genetic engineering and Ad...
Doberman Pinscher
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although the Doberman Pinscher is a relatively new breed, there is still a significant amount of mystery surrounding its origin. However, it is certain that this breed was created in the final dec...
Dogo Argentino
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Dogo Argentino was the result of a carefully planned and executed breeding program conducted by Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother Agustin. Because the pair kept excellent records and thei...
Dogue de Bordeaux
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Energy Level: Medium Energy | ||
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 6 to 8 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Although only standardized into its modern form in the early part of the 20th Century, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest of all French breeds. This breed was developed in an era long befo...
East Siberian Laika
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the exact origins of Spitz type dogs are unknown, it is believed that all dogs of this type present today originated in arctic regions. Genetic testing of Spitz type dogs has found tha...
English Cocker Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The first Cocker Spaniel shown in a dog show was in 1859 in Birmingham, England. However, in England, The Cocker Spaniel was still considered a “functional breed” not recognized as a specific bree...
English Foxhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Energy Level: High Energy | ||
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Dogs resembling modern hound breeds have long been present in what is now England. For example, there is some evidence to suggest that the origins of the Beagle go back to Pre-Roman Celti...
English Mastiff
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 6 to 8 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | ||
The Mastiff is perhaps the oldest British dog breed, and the one for which the greatest amount of historical evidence exists. This breed has been present in England for many centuries, and perhaps...
English Setter
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The English Setter is a very old breed, and was created in an era before organized records were kept of dog breeding. As a result, much of this breed’s history has been lost in time, and much of w...
English Springer Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although this breed has continued to develop over time, and modern dogs are substantially different than older ones, The English Springer Spaniel is a very old breed. Most dog experts agree that t...
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Small 4-8 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
English Water Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The English Water Spaniel was one of the oldest of all Spaniel breeds. The Spaniels are a group of gundogs characterized by long, feathered coats, small to medium size, and a keen nose....
English White Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Although the English White Terrier did not exist as a distinct breed until the 19th Century, its ancestors can trace their roots in England back many centuries, and possibly millennia. According t...
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Epagneul Bleu de Picardie did not develop as a unique breed until the early years of the 20th Century, but can trace its origins back many centuries farther than that. Epagneul is one...
Field Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Field Spaniel is thought to have been bred, early on with other Spaniel types such as the Irish Water Spaniel, the Norfolk Spaniel, and the English Springer Spaniel. Originally, the Field S...
Finnish Spitz
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Spitz type dog breeds are some of the oldest domesticated dogs in the world. Archaeological evidence in the form of skeletal remains, suggests that there were early ancestors of the Spitz type in...
Flat-Coated Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Flat-Coated Retriever is believed to have been developed during the early part of the 19th century in response to the increasing popularity of wildfowling and waterfowling. Sports that gain...
French Bulldog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The first of what would become the French Bulldog originated in 19th century England. Lace makers (used to make tablecloths and doilies and in both men's and women's clothing) in Nottingham decide...
German Shepherd Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
As early man began to dominate the landscape through technological advances, coupled with the advent of agriculture, he would cease his nomadic hunter gatherer wanderings. This change in the cu...
German Wirehaired Pointer
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a recently developed breed, whose origins only go back to the latter half of the 19th Century. Despite the breeds relatively short history, much of ancestry is deb...
Giant Schnauzer
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
It is most likely that the Bear Schnauzer (the alleged ancestor of the Giant Schnauzer) was a cross between the Old German Shepherd Dog (Altdeutsche Schäferhunde) and the Standard Schnauzer. Whate...
Glen of Imaal Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s story begins in the 16th century with Queen Elizabeth I, the queen regnant of England and Ireland, who in the 1570’s sought a way to maintain order in tu...
Golden Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Golden Retrievers have become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States today; ranking 5th on the AKC’s list of “Most popular dogs in the U.S. for 2010”. D...
Gordon Setter
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Everyday | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Gordon Setter is named for the Fourth Duke of Gordon, who was a great admirer of the breed and operated a major kennel out of his castle. Although their method of hunting is substantially diff...
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Since this breed is considered to be a member of a group of simimliar dogs that developed on around the same time, for more information about this breeds history please refer to history...
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Unlike the vast majority of French hounds, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne has developed a following outside of its native country. The breed has long had a small but dedicated following in th...
Grand Griffon Vendeen
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | ||
The Grand Griffon Vendeen has been highly influential in the development of other dog breeds. The breed is the direct ancestor of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen and both Basset Griffon Vende...
Great Dane
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Great Dane was developed many centuries before written records were kept of dog breeding. As a result, virtually nothing is known for sure about its ancestry. Many have attempte...
Great Pyrenees
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Many dog fanciers assume that all large European livestock guardians are Mastiffs, also known as Mollossers. As a result, for many years the Great Pyrenees was assumed to have been brought to the...
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very old breed, whose exact origins are unknown. What we do know is that the breed was definitely created in Switzerland many centuries ago, and that it is clos...
Greyhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
So what is the exact origin of the Greyhound? No one is really sure, although this breed is most commonly referenced as being of Egyptian decent dating back to 2200 B.C through Egyp...
Griffon Vendeen
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Griffon Vendeen is a type of French hunting hound distinguished by its wiry coat. There are two varieties of the Griffon Vendeen, which are usually considered separate breeds, the Gra...
Gull Dong
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The two breeds that were crossed to create the Gull Dong are also the ones with which they are most often confused, the Gull Terr (aka Pakistani Bull Terrier) and the Bully Kutta, known also as Ind...
Harrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
There are few breeds of dogs which have a history that is as unknown and disputed as that of the Harrier. Much of what is said is pure speculation with almost no basis in fact. Part of the confus...
Havanese
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Havanese is of relatively recent origin, but its immediate ancestor, the Blanquito de la Habana, was quite old. While little of the history of the history of the Havanese is known precisely, m...
Hawaiian Poi Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The Hawaiian Poi Dog arrived first arrived in the Hawaiian Islands with the first Polynesian settlers, who first arrived on Hawaii’s shores sometime between 300 and 800 A.D. The Hawaiian Poi Dog w...
Hokkaido Dog
| BREED BASICS | ||
| Energy Level: Low Energy | ||
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Ibizan Hound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Much of what is now said about the history of the Ibizan Hound is almost completely devoid of historical or archaeological evidence. What is known for sure is that the breed developed on the Balea...
Icelandic Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
History shows that the Icelandic Sheepdog is descended from one of the most ancient and earliest of domesticated dog breeds. Although very little documentation exists from the time when Iceland fi...
Irish Red and White Setter
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In ancient times, historical information was not always recorded and therefore, a true and complete historical account of the creation and development of the Irish Red and White Setter is non-e...
Irish Setter
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Irish Setter is one of four breeds of Setter, along with the Gordon Setter of Scotland, the English Setter of England, and the Irish Red and White Setter. The Irish Setter is a relatively old...
Irish Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Long before they entered dog show competition, Irish Terriers could be found spread far and wide throughout all of Ireland; this included Northern Ireland where many families or villages kept their...
Irish Water Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
What is known for sure is that the Irish Water Spaniel is of very ancient ancestry. Roman ruins show evidence of a similar dog, and the lineage of the breed may include the Portuguese Wat...
Irish Wolfhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: Everyday Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 6 to 8 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Depending on who you believe, the Irish Wolfhound’s history may go back thousands of years or less than 200. All dog experts agree that the Irish have possessed a massive sight hound breed for unt...
Italian Greyhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
While it is true that much is said of the history of the Italian Greyhound, the truth is little of it can be backed up with fact. What is known is that the Italian Greyhound is likely one of the o...
Jack Russell Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
For detailed information regarding the ancient history and origin of the Jack Russell Terrier please see the History section of the Parson Russell Terrier for more information.
The Jack...
Japanese Chin
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Japanese Chin was first introduced to the West as a result of Japan. While the breed was developed and refined in that nation, its original ancestors were native to China. For many centuries,...
Karelian Bear Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Karelian Bear Dog is said to have originated with the Vikings alongside several other varieties of Spitz-type dogs for use as a hunting dog in Karelian region of Northern Europe; an area curren...
Karelo-Finnish Laika
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the exact origin of Spitz type dogs are unknown, it is believed that all dogs of this type present today originated in arctic regions. Genetic testing of Spitz type dogs has found that dog...
Keeshond
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Keeshond breed is descended from comparable ancient strains of dogs that produced many other modern Spitz breeds including the Samoyed, the Husky breeds, the Chow Chow, the Finnish Spitz, the P...
Kerry Blue Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Kerry Blue, like most Terrier breeds, was first used by the poor—the dog of farmers and peasants—who could not afford to keep several different dog breeds, each for a specified purpose. Nor cou...
King Charles Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The name Spaniel comes from the French term, “Chiens des l’Espagnol,” which translates to, “dogs of the Spaniard.” Because of their name, it is commonly assumed that Spaniels originated in either...
Komondor
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Written records of the Komondor have only been found from the last few centuries, with the earliest dating back to 1544. However, there is an almost universal belief that the breed is sig...
Kuri
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The Kuri was a descendant of the ancient Polynesian dogs, much like the Maori were descendants of the ancient Polynesian peoples. The history of the breed began with the domestication of...
Kuvasz
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Much of the history of the Kuvasz has been lost in time. This breed is so ancient that it certainly predates the keeping of dog breeding records, and may even predate the invention of writing. Th...
Labrador Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
It is believed that direct ancestor to the Labrador Retriever, the St. John's Water Dog was developed alongside the fishing industry starting as early as the 1500’s. However, since accura...
Lakeland Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Terrier breeds have a long and noble history, complete with legends of gallantry and conquest. These dogs were brave little warriors with reputations for being fearless and supreme hunters. B...
Lhasa Apso
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Low Energy | |
|
Grooming: Everyday Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Probably one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, the Lhasa Apso was created in a time before written records were kept of dog breeding and quite possibly before the advent of writing; as such al...
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Many claims are made about the history of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, but the truth is that essentially nothing is known for sure about the true origins of this breed. This dog w...
Lowchen
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Lowchen fanciers claim the breed definitively existed as early as 1434, noting the appearance of what appears to be a Lowchen in the painting “The Arnolfini Marriage” by Jan van Eyc...
Maltese
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: XX-Small Under 4 lb X-Small 4-8 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Maltese is one of the oldest known dog breeds, and possibly the oldest surviving European breed. The Maltese was not only created long before organized records of dog breeding were ke...
Manchester Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Terriers have a long history in the British Isles, from where these dogs undoubtedly originated. The word Terrier comes from the French and Latin terre and terrarius, both meaning earth or ground....
Medium Poodle
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
For more information please visit the "Poodle" main page.
Mexican Hairless Dog ( Xoloitzcuintli )
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 15 to 18 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Hairlessness occurs in almost every species of mammal and is considered one of the most common spontaneous gene mutations. Only one Xolo, out of any given litter of four to five puppies, is bor...
Miniature Australian Shepherd
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | Trainability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | |
The history of the Miniature Australian Shepherd began in the late 1960’s. During those years, a horse fancier in Norco, California named Doris Cordova began to notice that a number of Australian...
Miniature Dachshund Long-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Everyday | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Numerous theories exist as to the origin of the Longhaired Dachshund variety, each slightly different than the next with no definitive evidence as to which one is actually correct. What we do k...
Miniature Dachshund Smooth-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Varies According to Type | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The predominant theory regarding the origin of the Miniature, Dwarf and Rabbit Dachshunds is that Standard Smooth Dachshunds were bred with toy terriers or pinschers to reduce their size. In G...
Miniature Dachshund Wire-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The exact origin of the Wirehaired Dachshund can not be precisely traced, although the most commonly excepted theory regarding the development of the Wirehaired Dachshund is that Smooth Dachsh...
Miniature Pinscher
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Energy Level: High Energy | ||
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 15 to 18 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | ||
The Miniature Pinscher is certainly an old breed, and has been a resident of Germany for at least 200 years. Because this breed was created before organized records of dog breeding were kept, much...
Miniature Poodle
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
For more in depth history please visit the "Poodle" main page.
Although it is not directly known what the Standard Poodle was bred with in order to reach the compact size of the Miniature Poodl...
Miniature Schnauzer
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Miniature Schnauzer was initially created by taking the smallest examples of the Standard Schnauzer and then crossing these dogs with similar breeds of a smaller size. Exactly what breeds we...
Molossus
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The History of the Molossus begins with the Molossi tribe of Epirus. Epirus was an ancient region located in parts of modern day Greece, Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro. The region was inhabit...
Moscow Water Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: N/A | |
| LifeSpan: N/A | ||
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Following the chaos and destruction of the Russian Revolution of 1917, which included a civil war between the "Red" (Bolshevik), and "White" (anti-Bolshevik) factions, the d...
Mudhol Hound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Accompanying early traders, mercenaries, and invaders, the Mudhol Hounds ancestors came from central and western Asia, arriving in India via the mountainous Khybur Pass. A key trade and militar...
Murray River Curly Coated Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | ||
What we do know is that the development of this Murray River Curley Coated Retriever, like many others was fueled by a need. The need at the time was for a reliable retrieving breed with plenty...
Neapolitan Mastiff
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a member of a group of dogs commonly known as Molossers or Mastiff-type dogs. This group contains a large number of breeds from many countries, and is one of the most anc...
Newfoundland Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: Everyday | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
As controversial as they are varied; over the years several popular theories have arisen to explain the appearance of the large black dog on the island of Newfoundland. The first and probably l...
Norfolk Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The Norfolk Spaniel is considered one of the breeds that is most similar to the very first Spaniel to reside in the British Isles. The Spaniels are a group of gun dogs known for their sma...
North Country Beagle
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Very little is known for sure about the North Country Beagle. The breed was almost never the topic of writing, usually appearing in written records only to distinguish it from the Souther...
Norwegian Buhund
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Norwegian Buhund is one of the oldest Nordic breeds and a Spitz-type sheepherding dog, notable for its prick ears and tail that curl across its back. Nordic Spitz-type breeds are thought to...
Norwegian Elkhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Believed by many to be one of the oldest dog breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound has been present in Scandinavia since the earliest known records of the area as a fearless and loyal hunter of big and da...
Norwich Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The name terrier is from the Latin word terra meaning earth. These dogs did the dirty work, pulling their prey out from underground when necessary. In The Sportsman’s Repository by John S...
Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Trainability: Very Easy To Train | ||
Like many other retriever breeds the early history and development of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was never documented which does leave a lot to speculation and like many breeds whos...
Old English Bulldog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Perhaps no dog breed has as disputed a history as the Old English Bulldog. Although a great deal is said about its ancestry, much of the information is conflicting, and there is almost no solid evide...
Old English Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
In previous centuries there were few, if any, records kept of dog breeds; especially those breeds that were not kept by the nobility for hunting or companionship; therefore little solid evidence fo...
Old German Shepherd Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In Germany prior to the 1890’s, any dog used for the purpose of herding and protecting sheep was known as a “German Shepherd Dog”. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, shepherding was a relati...
Otterhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Most try to date the Otterhound (as a breed) back to the time of King John (of Magna Carta fame), the King of England from 1199-1216 and who is reported to have hunted with a packs of these dog...
Paisley Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The Paisley Terrier was developed from the Skye Terrier in the 19th Century, but its history in the British Isles can be traced back much farther. According to the Oxford English Dictiona...
Papillon
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Papillon is a very old breed, and is in fact one of the oldest known European breeds. It is generally believed that the Papillon is between 700 and 800 years old, this assertion being based up...
Parson Russell Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Jack Russell Terrier was a type rather than a breed for the vast majority of the dog’s history. These dogs were initially created by the Reverend John Russell to assist him in hunting foxes. ...
Pekingese
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | ||
The Pekingese was created many centuries before organized records were kept of dog breeding, so most of the early history of the breed has been lost in time. However, much can be assumed and inter...
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Pembroke Welsh Corgis, as the name implies, begin their history with the Corgis proper. Though thought to be Cousins, the Cardigan and the Pembroke are actually two distinct lines, with Pembrokes d...
Peruvian Inca Orchid
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Everyday
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Virtually nothing is known with certainty about the origins of the Peruvian Inca Orchid. This breed was developed over a thousand years ago by a people who, despite their many impressive cultural...
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Everyday | LifeSpan: 15 to 18 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
For the majority of its existence the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was considered to be one in the same with the Grand Basset Griffon, and both breeds were generically referred to as theBasset...
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Like many large French Hounds, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne’s numbers suffered as a result of the French Revolution and both World Wars. However, the breed has always been highly valu...
Phalene
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Pharaoh Hound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
While there are many that claim to know the true origin of this ancient breed, the truth is that the Pharaoh Hound was created centuries before dog breeding records were kept and quite possibly eve...
Plott Hound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Plott Hound, although possessing an old and noble lineage, has a well documented history of its specific genesis and development. The story of the Plott Hound begins in Germany, with five Hano...
Pointer
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Pointer is a very old breed, and it was created in a time before written records were kept of dog breeding. As a result, most of its origins have been lost to time, and this breed’s true hi...
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Thought to have descended from one or more of the Tibetan dog breeds, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog may have been developed from either the intentional or unintentional breeding of dogs such as t...
Pomeranian
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
A member of the ancient Spitz type, the Pomeranian was created in an era well before records were kept of dog breeding and quite possibly before the invention writing. As a result, much of its anc...
Poodle
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Contrary to the common belief that the Standard Poodle originated from France, it actually originated from Germany around the 17th century. The German word for Poodle is “Pudel...
Portuguese Podengo
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Portuguese Podengo was developed long before written records of dog breeding were kept, meaning that very little of this breed’s ancestry is known with certainty. This situation is exacerbated...
Portuguese Water Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
A very ancient breed, the Portuguese Water Dog has definitely existed for many centuries, and is quite possibly thousands of years old. The first written record of the breed dates from 1297, when...
Pug
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Pug’s history is something of a mystery. These dogs have long been associated with the nobility of both the Netherlands and England, but most agree that these dogs were originally native to Ch...
Puli
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Much of the history of the Puli has been shrouded in mystery. The breed originated in a time before written records of dog breeding and development were kept. The breed’s uniq...
Pumi
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Pumi is an ancient breed developed in a time before written records were kept of dog breeding, so very little is known for sure about its ancestry. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that...
Pyrenean Shepherd
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | ||
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Much of the history of the Pyrenean Shepherd has been lost to the ages. What is known is that the Pyrenean Shepherd developed long before any records of dog breeding were kept. This breed may i...
Rabbit Dachshund
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Rabbit Dachshund Long-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Everyday | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Numerous theories exist as to the origin of the Longhaired Dachshund variety, each slightly different than the next with no definitive evidence as to which one is actually correct. What...
Rabbit Dachshund Smooth-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The predominant theory regarding the origin of the Miniature, Dwarf and Rabbit Dachshunds is that Standard Smooth Dachshunds were bred with toy terriers or pinschers to reduce their size....
Rabbit Dachshund Wire-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The exact origin of the Wirehaired Dachshund can not be precisely traced, although the most commonly excepted theory regarding the development of the Wirehaired Dachshund is that Smooth Dachsh...
Rafeiro do Alentejo
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
In prehistoric times, a mighty race of canines was used by the ancients in many capacities. These impressively large and fierce dogs were known as Molossers, named for the Molossian peopl...
Rastreador Brasileiro
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
Although the Rastreador Brasileiro was developed as a unique breed, it can trace its ancestry back to the earliest European settlement of Brazil. Discovered and claimed for his kingdom by the Port...
Rat Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Developed as a working farm dog, in often remote areas, early Rat Terrier breeders cared very little for pedigrees or paperwork and placed the emphasis on working ability. As a result, much of the...
Redbone Coonhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Throughout the Middle Ages, hunting with hounds was a popular sport among the nobility. It was important for forming social and political relationships, as well as for enjoyment and recreation. A...
Rhodesian Ridgeback
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although the Rhodesian Ridgeback was named for the country of Rhodesia, most of the breeds actual development occurred in South Africa. The breed’s history begins with the Khoi Khoi and San people...
Rottweiler
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Rottweiler is one of oldest surviving herding breeds, with an ancestry that likely extends back to ancient Rome. This breed was created in an era when few were literate and next to no records...
Rough Collie
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although there is a lot of speculation, virtually nothing is known for sure about the history of the Collie prior to the late 1800’s. Collie-type dogs originated in an era when almost nothing was...
Russo-European Laika
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the exact origins of Spitz type dogs are unknown, it is believed that all dogs of this type present today originated in arctic regions. Genetic testing of Spitz type dogs has found that...
Saluki
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Saluki is reputed to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest breed of dog found anywhere in the world. There is, however, a great deal of dispute surrounding the origin of the breed, as it cert...
Samoyed
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Due to their remote location of origin and primitive features, the Samoyed is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of dog; a theory that has recently seemingly been confirmed by modern genetic te...
Sapsali
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | ||
Early documentation of the Sapsali places the breed in existence as early as Korea’s Three Kingdom period, circa 37 BC to 668 AD. Tombs from this period contain murals displaying th...
Schillerstovare
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
During the late 1800s, Dr. Adolf Patrick Hamilton, the founder of the SKC, and Per Schiller were both trying to develop a better Stovare type dog and worked cooperatively. Dr. Hamilton used the...
Schipperke
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The smallest of the Belgian shepherds, the Schipperke resembles a shorter than average haired black Pomeranian and is commonly mistaken for a miniature Spitz. While it is true that the breed does...
Schnauzer
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Varies According to Type | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | ||
The generic term Schnauzer, when used in reference to a breed may refer to any one of three known types: the Miniature Schnauzer, the Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer; all of which were...
Scottish Deerhound
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Large 55-90 lb XX-Large 90-120 lb+
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
On display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Roman pottery from the 1st century A.D., found in Argyll in western Scotland, shows deer hunts with large, rough coated hounds that r...
Scottish Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Scottish Terrier was not standardized until the end of the 19th Century, but this breed is generally regarded as being considerably older. Terriers are some of Scotland’s oldest...
Sealyham Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Energy Level: Medium Energy | ||
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
As a young man Edwardes served with the Royal Welch (archaic spelling, not Welsh) Fusiliers 23rd Regiment, which brought him to Gibralter where he first hunted with Calpe Foxhounds. The memory of t...
Shar Pei
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The Shar-Pei was created in a time when few records were kept of dog breeding and in rural areas where literacy was extremely rare. As a result, very little is known for sure about the origins of...
Shetland Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The first of what would become Shetland Sheepdogs were Spitz-type dogs, most similar to the modern day Icelandic sheepdog. It is likely that the original stock comprised Scandinavian herding do...
Shiba Inu
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Shiba Inu was first developed thousands of years ago, long before written records were kept of dog breeding. As a result, almost nothing is known with certainty about this dog’s history, other...
Shih Tzu
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
As is the case with most Asian companion dog breeds, the history of the Shih Tzu has been lost in time. The Shih Tzu is certainly a very old breed, but is also almost certainly not nearly as ancie...
Siberian Husky
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
One of the oldest domesticated breeds of dog, the Siberian Husky traces its earliest ancestry to the harsh tundra of Siberia. Its dense coating and keen intelligence allowed the species to survive...
Skye Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, unique breed of terrier; created long before dog breeding records were kept, and in an area where written records of any kind were rare bef...
Sloughi
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | ||
Almost nothing is known for sure about the history of the Sloughi, as this breed was first developed long before written records were kept of dog breeding, possibly even predating the introduction...
Smooth Collie
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Although the exact history of the breed is somewhat of a mystery, it is certain that it shares the majority of it with the Rough Collie. As such, for detailed information regarding the...
Smooth Fox Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Smooth Fox Terriers originated in the 1700s, when they began to be more specifically developed by sportsmen for fox hunting. At that juncture in British history, hunting for sport had gained widesp...
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
Very little is known with certainty about the early history of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, other than this dog was developed hundreds of years ago, in a time when next to nothing was recorded...
Southern Hound
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The Southern Hound was a very old breed that was developed centuries before written records were kept of dog breeding. As a result, almost nothing is known for sure about its ancestry....
Spinone Italiano
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Large 55-90 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Spinone Italiano is one of the oldest breeds of gundog, and possibly even predates the use of guns in hunting by over 1000 years. This breed was created long before written records were kept o...
St. Bernard
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Low Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 8 to 10 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The St. Bernard is an old breed, and most of its early history has been lost to time. However, most of its history from the 1700’s on is fairly well-documented, and much can be inferred about its...
St. John's Water Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | ||
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In determining how the Saint John’s Water dog came to be, we are forced to make our assumptions by examining the relevant known history of the region as no historical documentation of its...
Stabyhoun
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Stabyhoun’s ancestors are most likely Spaniels, brought to the Netherlands during the Spanish Occupation (1567-1648), who were probably crossed with the local Frisian pointing dogs. T...
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
This breed is so closely related to the other types that comprise the Bully breed group, please see the history section of the article about Bully breeds for more information about the creation St...
Standard Dachshund
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Standard Dachshund Long-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Everyday | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Numerous theories exist as to the origin of the Longhaired Dachshund variety, each slightly different than the next with no definitive evidence as to which one is actually correct. What we do k...
Standard Dachshund Smooth-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Standard Dachshund Wire-haired
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The exact origin of the Wirehaired Dachshund can not be precisely traced, although the most commonly excepted theory regarding the development of the Wirehaired Dachshund is that Smooth Dachsh...
Standard Schnauzer
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although few Americans realize this today, the Standard Schnauzer and the German Pinscher were once considered two varieties of the same breed. When the original standards were written for these d...
Sussex Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
A type of Land Spaniel, the Sussex variety was originally bred in 1795, by Augustus Elliot Fuller, the owner of Rosehill Park Estate, in Sussex County, England. He is given credit for the...
Swedish Vallhund
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi looks like a stockier version of the Swedish Vallhund; albeit with even shorter legs and a longer body. The similarity is such that two breeds could be related, having pos...
Tahltan Bear Dog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
A canine version of Mighty Mouse, the Tahltan Bear Dog dog possesses tremendous power and bravery in a small package. Named for the Talhtan Indian tribes of northwestern Bristish Columbia, thes...
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became America’s 26th President. Roosevelt, better known as Teddy was an avid hunter. He was often accompanied on his hunting trips by a small pack...
Tibetan Mastiff
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: XX-Large 90-120 lb+ | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
There has been, historically, a differentiation in types for the Tibetan Mastiff. Although sprung from the same litters, these two types of Tibetan Mastiffs differ only in size and build. The typ...
Tibetan Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
One theory to explain the breed’s prehistory has been provided by Professor Ludvic von Schulmuth, a noted cynologist, who began studying the history of Tibetan dog breeds in the early part of the 2...
Tibetan Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
A truly ancient breed with a much debated ancestry the exact history and lineage of the Tibetan Terrier is unknown; however the breed is believed to have evolved over time from the North Kunlun Mou...
Toy Bulldog
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: N/A | |
| Grooming: N/A | LifeSpan: N/A | |
| Protective Ability: N/A | Trainability: N/A | |
The history of the Toy Bulldog began with that of the Old English Bulldog, an older variety of the English Bulldog that is now widely (albeit not universally) regarded to be extinct. There is perh...
Toy Fox Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: X-Small 4-8 lb Small 8-15 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | ||
Developed in the early decades of the twentieth century Toy Fox Terrier, breeders debated about the right size for the dog, some wanting it to remain a toy, while others wanted the dog a bit larger...
Toy Manchester Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
For more information on the origin of this breed, please see the History section of the Manchester Terrier article.
Toy Poodle
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: X-Small 4-8 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
For more in depth information please visit the "Poodle" main page.
Utonagan
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The history of the Utonagan is fairly short in nature, dating back to 1987 when five rescue dogs of unknown origin were imported into the United Kingdom from America and bred. These five dogs are r...
Vizsla (Shorthaired)
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
||
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | ||
The Vizsla is one of the oldest European dog breeds in existence today, and is well-over 1000 years old. This breed comes from a time when little to nothing was written about dog breeding, so we d...
Vizsla (Wirehaired)
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
In order to create a Vizsla capable of working in cold climates and retrieving birds from icy water Vasas Jozsef, owner of the Csaba Vizsla Kennel in northern Hungary decided to implement a breedi...
Volpino Italiano
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 15 to 18 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Weimaraner
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The Weimaraner was molded into its present form during the 1800’s, in and around the city of Weimar. Although Weimar was the capital of an independent state at the time, it is currently part of Ge...
Weimaraner (Longhair)
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the Longhaired Weimaraner has not yet aquired the recognition of all major American canine organizations, it is recognized by most kennel clubs as the second variety of Weimaraner....
Welsh Sheepdog
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Rarely | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
Manuscripts relating to Welsh Law and dating back over 800 years make mention of herding dogs "The herd-dog guards the stock and goes before them in the morning and comes home behind them at night"...
Welsh Springer Spaniel
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Medium 15-35 lb Large 35-55 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Previously called the Welsh Starter, this breed was used to spring game for hunters. Prior the invention and common use of the gun, the Welsh Springer Spaniel would spring ground fowl toward a net...
Welsh Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
The most commonly held belief is that the Welsh Terrier is the oldest native breed of dog in Britain according to the research of Julian Calder and Alastair Bruce for their book, 'The Oldest - in c...
West Highland White Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
|
Grooming: A Couple Times a Week Professional Grooming May Be Required
|
LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Difficult to Train | |
The West Highland White Terrier is one of the youngest Terrier breeds, and more of its ancestry is known than most other members of the family. The Terriers are a group of breeds and landraces ori...
West Siberian Laika
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Large 35-55 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Very Protective | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
Although the exact origins of Spitz type dogs are unknown, it is believed that all dogs of this type present today originated in arctic regions. Genetic testing of Spitz type dogs has found that do...
Whippet
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Medium 15-35 lb | Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The Whippet’s history begins with that of the larger Greyhound from which it descended. A native of England, the Greyhound is an ancient breed, and was already well-established in England by 1014...
Wire Fox Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Small 8-15 lb Medium 15-35 lb
|
Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Good Watchdog | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
British author Gilpin wrote of a Hampshire squire in the 1600s who kept hounds, Spaniels, and Terriers that were clearly part of a country gentleman's sporting group in that century. Paintings...
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
|
BREED BASICS | |
|
Size: Large 35-55 lb X-Large 55-90 lb
|
Energy Level: High Energy | |
| Grooming: A Couple Times a Week | LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Very Easy To Train | |
The name Griffon is a relatively generic term used to describe a number of European breeds which share a wiry coat. While most Griffons are hunting breeds, a few have been developed as companion a...
Yorkshire Terrier
|
BREED BASICS | |
| Size: Small 8-15 lb | Energy Level: Medium Energy | |
| Grooming: Professional Grooming May Be Required | LifeSpan: 12 to 15 Years | |
| Protective Ability: Fairly Laid Back | Trainability: Moderate Effort Required | |
In beginning to delve into the true history and the breeds that went into the development of the Yorkshire Terrier, we (in modern times) have the advantage of being able to quote from various e...