Tag: Dog Breeds
Graceful and regal, the elegant Borzoi looks more suited to laying on the credenza of a Roaring 20s Hollywood mansion than coursing wolves across the Russian steppe, but that is just what he was born to do. At one time, wolf hunting was the favorite sport of the Russian rulers, …
The upbeat Border Terrier is beloved among breed enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Shepherds of the past needed a dog that could defend their flocks against the wily fox. They needed a dog with legs long enough to give chase, but an animal small enough to dig into the fox’s …
Developed along the Scottish borders (hence the name), the Border Collie is easily one of the most recognizable working dogs on the planet. With their intense gaze and athletic body, these affectionate dogs are most happy using their plentiful energy working in some way, whether it be herding sheep or …
Intimidating in appearance, the astute Boerboel was developed in South Africa as a guardian for the homestead. Translated to English, the name means “farmer’s dog”, which correctly defines its use by Dutch and German settlers who began migrating to Africa in the 1600s. Used to protect the home and farm …
Relentless in the pursuit of game, yet sweet and affectionate in the arms of his family, the Bluetick Coonhound is a delightful combination of working hound and devoted pet. This loyal hunter is an American native, some say tracing back to George Washington’s stag hounds. Although originally bred to track …
Norfolk Terriers, otherwise known as Norfolks, live up to the Terrier name. They are feisty and confident little things that are immensely loyal and are always up for adventure. Despite their small size, they are quite sturdy and act as if they were a much larger breed. In the early …
This sweet, patient, devoted, and downright adorable breed has been turning heads since the 1800s. In fact, it was a Newfoundland named Seaman that helped Lewis and Clark during their 8,000-mile journey across the American continent. Today, Seaman is depicted in 10 different Lewis and Clark monuments across the country …
Sweet and loyal to family members yet wary of strangers, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a huge, astounding breed built for guarding. The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the “Mastino”, has intimidated intruders since ancient Rome. In fact, Mastinos may have been around since 700 B.C., as depicted in several ancient …
An overall friendly, smart, and obedient breed, the Miniature Schnauzer ranks highly as one of America’s most popular dog breeds. A member of the Terrier group, the Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, and his adorable personality makes him the ideal family dog. This breed originated …
A member of the Toy dog group, the Miniature Pinscher, or “Min Pin” is known as the “King of Toys” due to his proud and fearless temperament. Many breed historians accept the idea that Miniature Pinschers are a mix of the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound breeds (or possibly the German …
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an all-purpose hound dog originated in Africa. Considered a “Renaissance Hound,” the Rhodesian Ridgeback is whip-smart and adaptable, leading to them being ranked 41st of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was created in Southern Africa in the late 1800s to guard …
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately referred to as a Toller, is the smallest of all the retrievers. Intelligent, affectionate, and possessing boundless energy, the Toller is ranked 83rd out of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, sometimes called the “Decoy Dog,” …
Often referred to as the Peter Pan of the sporting group of breeds, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a youthful, energetic gundog who is most at home when retrieving game on land or in water. The American Kennel Club ranks the Flat-Coated Retriever 91st out of 193 total breeds. Once Britain’s …
The Curly-Haired Retriever is one of the oldest breeds of retriever today. They are known to be whip-smart, confident, and protective. The Curly-Haired Retriever is the 162nd ranked breed of 193 by the American Kennel Club. Don’t let their lack of popularity fool you, though; this is a versatile, playful …
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerful retrieving dog developed in Maryland. They are a great sporting breed, but they make for an excellent family dog as well. Said to be the descendants of two Newfoundlands named Sailor and Canton, found in a shipwreck in the area in 1807, today …
The Wire Fox Terrier is an independent and athletic hunting dog known for their playful personality. Wire Fox Terriers are a nearly identical breed to Smooth Fox Terriers, distinguished only by differences in their coat. The Wire Fox Terrier ranks 101 out of 193 in the AKC’s Breed Popularity ranking. …
The Great Dane is a friendly giant, imposing yet elegant and sure to turn heads. The breed originated in Germany, and it is unknown why they are associated with Denmark. Historically, Great Danes hunted wild boar and other large game alongside German noblemen. Today, they are large and affectionate family …
The Glen of Imaal terrier is a gentle terrier breed, scruffy yet lovable and energetic. The breed originates in Ireland and is named after the remote and mountainous Glen of Imaal. Historically, the breed worked alongside the farmers of the region to hunt badgers, perform odd jobs around the farm …
The powerful Giant Schnauzer is one of three Schnauzer breeds, together with the Standard and Miniature Schnauzers. The Giant Schnauzer ranks 78 out of 193 in the AKC’s Breed Popularity ranking. The Giant Schnauzer was bred in the Bavarian Alps of Germany from the Standard Schnauzer in the mid-1800s. They …
The German Pinscher is a bold and courageous breed best known as fearless watchdogs. They are one of the oldest German dog breeds and the ancestor of other pinschers including the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher. Their name is derived from the Germanic form of the French word pincer, …
The Old English Sheepdog (OES) is a big, agile dog who enjoys exploring. The name Old English Sheepdog is something of a misnomer. As a breed of the late 1700s, the OES is not particularly old by canine standards. By blood, they aren’t fully English; possible OES component breeds include …
The Norwich Terrier is among the seemingly endless variety of terriers bred to control Britain’s rodent population. In addition to being ratters, Norwich were used in packs on fox hunts, and so were bred to be more sociable than the usual independent-minded terrier. The breed’s American history began in 1914, …
For centuries Lundehunds were bred on Vaeroy, a remote and rocky island off the Norwegian coast. Puffins nest in crevices in the island’s cliff walls. Islanders depended on pickled puffin meat to sustain them through long Arctic winters, and the strong, flexible Lundehund was the only way to reach them. …
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust spitz type known for his lush silver-gray coat and dignified but friendly demeanor. The durable Elkhound is among Europe’s oldest dogs. The name Elkhound acknowledges the breed’s age-old quarry, the giant elk, or moose. Elkhounds specialized in following the scent trail of these magnificent …
The densely coated Norwegian Buhund, a Nordic spitz-type closely associated with the Vikings, is a medium-sized cold-weather worker adept at herding and guarding. As family dogs, Buhunds are smart, affectionate, and steadfastly devoted. There’s truth to the romantic tales of Buhunds who sailed with Nordic invaders, the Vikings, some 1,200 …
Known for their cute, smiling faces and agreeable nature, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most popular, recognizable dogs in the world today. Bred initially for herding, the Corgi’s popularity has soared in recent years, landing it at spot 13 out of the 193 breeds ranked by the …
One of the most instantly recognizable dog breeds, the Pekingese is an elegant, regal toy-sized dog. In fact, the breed was originally founded as a companion to the imperial family of China. Indeed, the name Pekingese is derived from Peking: the former name for the capital of china. The American …
Often mistaken for the Jack Russell Terrier, the Parson Russell Terrier is actually its own, distinct breed, and has been recognized as such since 2003. First developed in Southern England in the 1800s, the Parson Russell was bred to help foxhounds hunt down foxes. As such, they are smart, independent …
Tiny in size but large in personality, the Papillon is a fun, friendly breed of toy dog. Known for their signature large ears, the Papillon (French for “butterfly”) is the 54th ranked breed of 193 according to the American Kennel Club. If you want a dog that has the brains, …
The Otterhound can best be described as a big, shaggy, affectionate clown. They are friendly, laid-back and have a great sense of humor. Ranked 182nd out of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club, the Otterhound is among the rarest breeds in the world (rarer than even the giant panda), …
In the 1830s, the Bull Terrier was introduced as an offshoot of the English Terrier and Bulldog. It didn’t take long before someone had the idea to shrink the full-sized Bull Terrier into a miniaturized version ideal for tracking down and exterminating rats. Alert, fun-loving, deceptively strong, and incredibly energetic, …
Bred in the 1960s from a selective group of small Australian Shepherds, the Miniature American Shepherd is essentially a scaled-down Aussie. Though smaller than the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd offers much of the same intelligence, skill, and loving companionship as its larger progenitors. These little herding dogs have …
The Mastiff, or Old English Mastiff, as it is sometimes referred to, is one of the quintessential gentle giant breeds. Revered as a hardened warrior in historic battles, the Mastiff has also served faithfully alongside people as a guard dog and hunter. History even mentions Julius Caesar’s infatuation with this …
A hybrid-like British dog combining the best of the terrier and the hound, the Manchester Terrier is a very interesting and unique dog that comes in both standard and toy sizes. Originally conceived by joining the Black and Tan Terrier with a Whippet, the Manchester Terrier is part coursing hound …
The breed dedicated to the little island south of Italy is adored as a pampered pet across the world, and stakes its claim to the 37th most popular American Kennel Club breed. For thousands of years, people have doted over the tiny Maltese, including the Greeks of the 4th and …
The Bouvier des Flandres is a truly impressive dog. Large, powerful and dark, they are remarkable for their thick dark coats and heavy bearded heads. Founded in Flanders in the middle ages, the Bouvier was bred to herd and guard cattle. In fact, the name Bouvier des Flandres means “the …
The Boston terrier, also known as the American gentleman, is a frisky, kind little dog from the nonworking group. The story goes that the breed can trace their lineage back to a single dog, Judge, born in the late 1860s in Liverpool, England. In 1870, judge was brought to Boston …
It can be difficult to be everything to everyone, but the Boxer dog is able to do this successfully! Bold affectionate friendly and athletic, the Boxer’s a great pet for nearly any family. Modern boxers can be traced back to Germany in the late 1800s. The Boxer’s roots however run …
The Briard is a large French herding breed. Many call this breed “a heart wrapped in fur,” but don’t take the fluffy faces lightly. Briards are dedicated and formidable herding and guard dogs. Dating back to the early Middle Ages, 3 yards were developed as cattle herders and guardians, as …
The Brittany is among the most classic of the hunting dogs. Lithe and graceful with boundless energy and intelligence to match, they are excellent hunting dogs. The Brittany is an antique French breed, with roots in western France in the late Middle Ages. Developed over time to be a versatile, …
The Smooth Fox Terrier is an energetic, curious dog with a spirited nature and a knack for mischief. Despite the stature of this breed, they’re not for the owner who desires a calm lapdog. As the name suggests, the Fox Terrier was developed for foxhunting. When the fox went underground, …
Energetic, amiable, and clever, the Finnish Spitz is a multitalented hunting breed which has made the transition into companion dog. Also known as the “Finkie,” this dog is the national dog of Finland. These dogs were originally bred for hunting birds; as “bark pointers,” they would track a bird into …
Athletic, good-natured, and clever, the Finnish Lapphund is a herding breed once used to hunt reindeer. Over the years, hunting turned to shepherding, and the “Lappie” developed the smarts and agility to keep up with the job. Today, the Finnish Lapphund is well known for its friendly and gregarious demeanor, …
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is not a well-known breed, coming in at a popularity number of 157 of 193. This spunky, active breed has a larger-than-life personality. Fiercely protective, extremely intelligent, and astonishingly active, the Entlebucher can be an overwhelming kind of dog for the owner who isn’t a proper …
Also known as the King Charles Spaniel or the “Charlie,” the English Toy Spaniel is a lovable, gentle dog developed for companionship. Ranked at number 135 of 193 in AKC’s popularity list, this dog isn’t well known among the toy breeds. Though popularized in Europe through King Charles II’s enjoyment …
Smart, playful, and exceedingly fluffy, the American Eskimo Dog (often called “The Dog Beautiful”) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the perfect family companion dog. It is ranked just 122nd out of 193 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, but don’t let the statistics fool you; …
Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, are cheerful little dogs. These bright and sociable companions are becoming especially popular with American city dwellers. During its approximately 300 years in Cuba, the breed was refined, perhaps with Poodle crosses, into today’s Havanese. The most significant event in the breed’s …
Harriers are a medium sized friendly, outgoing and people-oriented as well as swift and prey-driven. Outgoing and friendly, the Harrier is much larger than the Beagle but smaller than another close relative, the English Foxhound. Among the AKC’s rarest breeds, there are probably more theories about Harrier origins than there …
The Greyhound is gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered with an independent spirit. They are sighthounds and one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Sighthounds are hunting dogs that pursue running game by sight rather than by scent. For thousands of years these graceful hounds with their inverted S-shape has been an …
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, extremely strong worker famous for a dense coat of black, red, and white markings. Swissies descend from war dogs brought over the Alps by Julius Caesar’s troops. The Swiss used these mastiff-types when breeding their Alpine mountain dogs. Of these, Swissies are …
Pyrs were bred centuries ago to work with shepherds and herding dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains, the natural border between France and Spain. The Pyr’s job was to watch the flock and deter predators, whether wolves, bears, or livestock thieves. Their innate patience came in handy when sitting atop a …
The Kuvasz (plural, Kuvaszok) is a profoundly loyal breed with origins in ancient Turkey and Tibet. Part of the Working group of dogs, Kuvaszok were brought to Hungary in the middle ages as majestic guardians of livestock and companions of kings. Kuvaszok are extremely patient- they had to keep a …
The Komondor (Komondorok, plural), also known as the Mop Dog or Hungarian Sheepdog, has for centuries been known as the king of Hungarian livestock guardians. Part of the Working group of dogs, this strong, powerful animal has been declared one of Hungary’s national treasures that should be protected at all …
The Kerry Blue Terrier, otherwise known as the Kerry, owes its name to its Irish origins. During the struggle for Irish independence, the Irish patriots actually used the Kerry Blue Terrier as their people-oriented mascot. A part of the Terrier group, this hard-working farm dog was known for its versatility …
The Keeshond (Keeshonden, plural), sometimes called “The Barge Dog”, is a Spitz breed that is a member of the Non-Sporting group, famous for the “spectacles” on his pointed face. Bred to be a hardy and agile guard and companion on Dutch barges, the unpretentious “people’s dog” became a symbol of …
The Japanese Chin, otherwise known as the Japanese Spaniel, is a tiny, cat-like companion dog in both appearance and temperament. The breed’s beginnings have been long debated, but most people agree that the Japanese Chin originated in China and was eventually brought over to Japan as a gift to the …
Pitbull, the American Pitbull Terrier, was a result of a crossbreed between a bulldog and a terrier. The aim was to produce dogs that have strength of bulldogs and feistiness of terriers combined. This aim was achieved as pitbulls are strong, powerful and aggressive dogs. They were bred in 19th …
A mere fraction of the size of a full-blown Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound makes up for its small frame with a big heart and a distinctive personality. The Italian Greyhound is a rare breed in the sense that its sole purpose was to be a companion suited for affection and …
Towering above other dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound proudly lays claim to the title of the American Kennel Club’s tallest dog breed. The Irish Wolfhound’s long history is filled with fascinating stories of this breed’s grandeur and tremendous size. For well over 1500 years, the Irish Wolfhound has been documented …
The Irish Terrier is a regal dog with a striking red coat and a long history as a purposeful working companion. Admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1885, the Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds. Famed in its home country, the Irish Terrier is not hugely …
The only native dog of the small island country of Iceland, the Icelandic Sheepdog is anything but common. Accompanying Vikings on their trek to Iceland, this beautiful, hardy breed is beloved by its home country, and has even been featured on national postage stamps. Though only recently admitted to the …
Almost as old as history itself, the Ibizan Hound has been around for over 5,400 years. Inducted into the American Kennel Club in 1978, the Ibizan Hound is rather rare, ranking 152nd of a total 193 American Kennel Club breeds. Ibizan Hounds were prized as the skilled hunting companions of …
Sometimes termed Sicilian Greyhounds, the Cirneco dell’Etna breed is known for its roots in Sicily almost 3,000 years ago. However, it is thought that the Cirneco dell’Etna actually did not originate first in Sicily, but rather in Egypt or Libya. In fact, “cirneco” literally means “dog of Cyrene”, otherwise known …
One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, the Chow Chow has been recorded in Chinese history in the form of drawings and statues for more than 2000 years. The distinct, broad head, giant fur, smushed face, and one-of-a-kind black tongue of the Chow Chow make its appearance unmistakable. …
Originally bred in New Hampshire, the Chinook was used as a strong freighting dog and sled racer as part of the Working dog group and was eventually brought to Alaska at the height of the gold rush. The Chinook is named after the Native American word meaning “warm wind”. Once …
At one time the rarest dog breed in the world, The Chinese Shar-Pei has made a popularity comeback in recent years. The breed originated during China’s Han Dynasty as a peasant’s dog- a useful animal to hunt, herd, and guard livestock. Communist China nearly drove the breed to extinction with …
Despite its name, the Chinese Crested breed probably originated in Africa, not China. However, in was likely brought to China and then bred to be smaller for use as a rodent hunter on Chinese ships. Later on, the breed was brought to South America. The “crested” portion of the name …
The Bedlington Terrier has the oldest non-broken pedigree of all the purebred terriers, dating back to 1782 in England. Despite their historic lineage and delicate appearance, these dogs were actually work dogs that were used in coalmines and to kill rats, badgers, and other vermin. While these dogs had many …
The Basenji dog may be the world’s oldest dog breed with evidence of their existence in 300BC and earlier. The breed has been depicted through ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Mesopotamian art, and paleontologists believe the dogs were given as gifts for Egyptian pharaohs as they were transported along the Nile …
The Beauceron is a breed that is well known in France as being one of the best and largest sheepdogs that can herd sheep and cattle without frightening them. Also used to guard homes and families, this breed’s protection instinct and ability to follow commands proved to be useful during …
Basset Hounds are often recognized for their gentle, lazy disposition and their big brown eyes and long ears, but these dogs have a lesser-known history as hunting dogs. In 7th century France, hounds were being bred in different strains to produce hunting dogs for various purposes. One of the strains …
Excitable, reliable, and bright, the Bearded Collie is a lovable breed that radiates an upbeat attitude. While the origins of this breed are not known for certain, we know the breed has been around since at least the 1500s. Bearded Collies are best known for their herding ability, with their …
Sharing a striking resemblance to the Yorkshire Terrier, from which it descends in part, the Australian Terrier is a unique and surprisingly tough little dog. Though its unpopular ranking of 140 in a pool of 193 American Kennel Club dogs doesn’t do it justice, these dogs are quite special, and …
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, actually owes its lineage to Europe and the United States. Today, the Australian Shepherd is the 17th most popular dog in the United States among the American Kennel Club’s 193 recognized breeds. Strikingly beautiful and with seemingly endless quantities of energy, Australian …
The Australian Cattle Dog ranks 55th of 193 American Kennel Club dog breeds. One of the most intelligent and energetic breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is a relative of the dingo, the wild dog native to Australia. The Australian Cattle Dog has played a …
The Anatolian Shepherd, sometimes referred to as a Kangal, is a unique dog that simply can’t be missed. Large and wild-looking, the Anatolian Shepherd is the 90th most popular dog of 193 American Kennel Club registered breeds. Anatolian Shepherds have one of the longest and most interesting histories of any …
Muscular and full of courage, the American Staffordshire Terrier, colloquially known as the AmStaff, is a wonderful and loyal companion. Originally bred as a fighting and baiting dog in 18th and 19th century Great Britain, the American Staffordshire Terrier has evolved into a loving and social breed, adored by dog …
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing “purse dogs” stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times. Chihuahua-like dogs decorate the artifacts of lost civilizations around …
The Cesky Terrier, national dog of the Czech Republic, is a clever and adventurous playmate for kids and an eager walking buddy. The originator of the Cesky was a Czech breeder and geneticist Frantisek Horak. After nearly 30 years of research and breeding Scottish Terriers with Sealyham Terriers the Cesky …
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels combine the gentle attentiveness of a toy breed with the athleticism of a sporting spaniel. Originating from the Renaissance time, they are named after King Charles II. The name Cavalier is a nod to the monarchist party that supported the beheading of Charles I during the …
Cardigans are powerful workers of surprising speed and grace. Cardigan Welsh Corgis were named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire, Wales, and is the oldest of all British breeds. The Cardigan’s original work was to go before his master’s cattle herd and clear the way by chasing off potential predators …
The Cane Corso is a smart, trainable, assertive and confident breed. The Corso’s lineage begins in ancient Roman times, and the breed’s name roughly translates from Latin as “bodyguard dog.” When the Western Empire ended, Italy’s soldiers and the small population of surviving Corsi were out of work forcing them …
The Coton de Tulear is a charming companion dog best known for its natural long, white coat. The breed derives its name from the port of Tulear in Madagascar, where it originated, and the French word “coton”, meaning cotton. Today, the Coton de Tulear is ranked number 81 out of …
Few herding dog breeds are more recognizable than the loveable Collie, popularized by the canine movie character, Lassie. Friendly and easy to train, the Collie makes a wonderful companion for individuals and families alike. This breed originates from Scotland and Wales, and is sometimes referred to more specifically as the …
The Bloodhound is one of the largest scent hounds and has been sniffing out deer, wild boar, and people since the Middle Ages. Most likely descended from hounds kept at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in Belgium, the breed is famed for its keen sense of smell and ability to discern …
The Black Russian Terrier, created in the USSR in the late 1940s, is also known as the Chornyi Terrier (chornyi is Russian for black). Despite the name, this breed is not a true terrier; Black Russian Terriers are most likely a combination of more than seventeen breeds including the Airedale, …
The Black and Tan Coonhound was created in the United States, more specifically the mountainous regions of the Ozarks and Smokies, by crossing Bloodhounds and Foxhounds. The original coonhound, Black and Tans were bred to hunt raccoons and opossums but have also been utilized in the pursuance of mountain lions, …
Bichon Frise is a type of Bichon, a group of related dog breeds characterized by large, dark eyes, short snouts, tails curled over the back, and hair that does not readily shed. All Bichons were bred as small, gentle companion animals and are thought to have originated somewhere in the …
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four large dog breeds originating from the Swiss Alps. This breed hails from the canton of Bern, an agricultural area vital to Switzerland’s dairy production. Bernese Mountain Dogs worked as farm dogs: accompanying alpine herders and dairymen, herding and protecting cattle, and even …
Originally from Germany, the Affenpinscher name comes from the word Affe, which, in German, means monkey- an ode to the tiny, monkey-like face of the Affenpinscher, which is also sometimes referred to as the Zwergaffenpinscher, meaning dwarf pinscher. In France, the Affenpinscher is known as the Diabletin Moustache, which literally …
The Berger Picard is a leggy herding dog with a strong, sturdy build and wiry, distinguished looking features. From Picardy, France the Berger Picard is believed to be the oldest pasture dog developed by French shepherds. The Picard nearly went extinct during the two world wars because Picardy was the …
Bergamascos are highly intelligent, loving, and trainable. They are a shepherding breed with an origin back thousands of years from Persia (in the area that is now Iran). These hardy shepherding dogs worked with their nomadic masters, tending and herding flocks of sheep in the harsh mountain climates from Persia …
The Belgian Tervuren is a herding dog from Tervuren, Belgium and is traced to the late 19th century. The Tervuren is a strong mix of beauty and grace with intelligence and work ethic. The Terv isn’t just a herding dog anymore. It is used as a guide for the blind …
The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly trainable herder whose history can be traced back to the late 19th century. Although initially a shepherd or sheepdog, the Belgian Sheepdog was a versatile animal. They performed many jobs through the first decade of the Twentieth Century for police forces throughout Belgium, Paris, …
The Belgian Malinois is a herding dog that commonly work as police dogs. They were first bred around the city of Malines in the northwestern region of Belgium. In America, the Malinois has been registered as a separate breed since 1959. He resembles the German Shepherd Dog but his head is …
Strong boned, independent, and protective, the Akita comes from the northern mountain region of Japan known as the Akita Prefecture. Akitas are a mixture of Chow Chows, Japanese Kai and Tosa dogs and were bred to hunt bears. Once known as a bred only for the wealthy, Akitas are now …
The American English Coonhound, also known as the English Coonhound or the Redtick Coonhound, is a classic American dog breed with deep roots in our history. These delightful dogs were developed in the American South and on the frontiers in the early nineteenth century. With lineage tying them back to …
Regal, glamorous, a symbol of elegance-the Afghan Hound has a long-standing reputation as a unique and independent breed. As their name implies, these graceful dogs originated in the harsh climate of the Middle East, among the Afghani mountains. They were originally bred as hunters, earning their keep with help from …
The Airedale Terrier is the largest breed of terrier, earning it the nickname “King of the Terriers.” This medium black-and-tan dog breed was originally created in the valley of the River Aire, located in Yorkshire, England, to catch otters and rats. The breed garnered worldwide recognition during World War I, …
The Alaskan Malamute is a strong, heavy-duty breed classified with working group dogs. They are intelligent and quick to learn, watchful and alert, and bred to haul sleds and other gear through the snow. Alaskan Malamutes were named after an Inuit tribe based in the northern part of Alaska called …
This newly accredited terrier is the first hairless breed to originate from the United States. Known for its intelligence, the American Hairless Terrier is friendly, playful, and is popular amongst allergy sufferers due to its hairless coat. The American Hairless Terrier first originated from Louisiana in 1972 when a single …
One of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, the short-legged, long-bodied Dachshund was first documented in the 16th century. Today, the dachshund is ranked number 12 of 193 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Also known as the Teckel, Dackel, and Badger Dog, the Dachshund hails …
Able-bodied, hard-working, loyal, astute, and kind the Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved canine companions in the United States. A member of the Sporting Group, this breed holds the third-ranking position of the 193 breeds that are registered with the American Kennel Club. The strikingly beautiful Golden Retriever …
Devoted, affectionate, self-assured, and protective, the Rottweiler is a member of the Working Group. This large breed dog has been given a negative stigma, as many people associate their tough, muscular appearance with viciousness; however, nothing could be further from the truth. The Rottweiler dates back to the Roman Empire. …
The Yorkshire Terrier is often considered a “froufrou” dog, but it is anything but. This member of the Toy Group is actually quite playful, strong-willed, and friendly. Of the 193 breeds registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), it ranks 9th, making the Yorkshire Terrier one of the most popular …
Extremely intelligent, proud, and active, the Poodle is often regarded as a delicate dog, but it’s anything but. They love to play and show off, and are more apt to bound through dirt and splash through puddles than they are to be prim and proper. The Poodle is the national …
Friendly, loyal, hard-working, and energetic, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most beloved dog breeds; in fact, out of 193 breeds, this member of the working dog group is ranked #1 by the American Kennel Club. While their moniker leads one to believe that they hail from Labrador, Canada, …
Courageous, kind, hard-working, quick-witted, and obedient, the German Shepherd is a hailed as one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Of the 193 dog breeds registered with the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd is ranked #2. Originated in Germany, the German Shepherd was standardized by Captain …
If you are looking for a small sized dog that is easily adaptable, funny, smart, and affectionate, the French Bulldog may be a good choice for you. Of the 193 breeds that are registered with the American Kennel Club, the “Frenchie” ranks #6, making it one of the most popular …
Friendly, cheerful, charismatic, and loyal, the Beagle makes a wonderful companion dog, as it was bred to hunt rabbit and deer in packs and likes to be surrounded by others. Due to their sweet nature and their attractive looks, the Beagle is one of the most popular canines and the …
Fun-loving, amiable, clever, and eager to please, the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a member of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Sporting Group. Originally bred for hunting, today, this breed serves as a lovable human companion. Of the 193 breeds that are registered with the AKC, the GSP ranks #11. …
Courageous, kind, lovable, and easy going, the Bulldog makes a delightful canine companion. This breed ranks fourth of the 193 breeds that are registered with the American Kennel Club, and it’s easy to see why. They’re friendly nature and adaptability make this member of the Non-Sporting Group a good fit …
