Dog Breeds From A to Z

Agile, strong and courageous, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed in the 1800s in Australia. An intelligent and determined high-energy working dog, the Australian Cattle Dog is happiest in large, open spaces with an engaging job to do.  Learn More >

Prized for his intelligence, herding instinct and working ability, the Border Collie is a hard-working dog that also makes an affectionate pet for active families. Although he is a bit of a workaholic, he loves to settle down and cuddle when the work is done. Learn More >

The Corgi is whip-smart, so their owners should be, too. They’re loyal and obedient, easily trained and can adapt to many living situations. Corgis are especially fond of kids and are agreeable with other pets. Learn More >

Independent, brave, funny and a little stubborn. The Dachshunds are lively little characters nicknamed “wiener dogs” for their distinct long bodies. They have a loud bark, but don’t let it fool you. They love their people and are good with other dogs. Make sure you have patience because their stubbornness can make them challenging to train. Learn More >

Elegant, graceful and gentle. English Setters are known for being affectionate and friendly, especially to their family members. They are also an athletic sporting breed that likes to stay active. It’s hard to miss their flowing, feathery coat and the smooth way they almost glide as they move. Learn More > 

Affectionate, cheery and even-tempered. French Bulldogs know how to brighten up a room and make you smile. They love family time and don’t require a whole lot of exercise. You can see this breed coming from a mile away because of their large bat ears. French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies” are one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds.  Learn More >

Hailed as the world’s leading military, police and guard dog, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog known for his loyalty and high intelligence.  Learn More >

Hailed from Havana, Cuba, the Havanese is a sturdy toy breed with a cheerful and affectionate disposition. Although some toy dog breeds can be territorial and aggressive, the Havanese is happy, outgoing and friendly to humans and other animals alike. He’s intelligent, easy to train and eager to please.  Learn More >

A true Nordic spitz, the Icelandic Sheepdog is distinguished by his prick ears and curled tail. This hardy, agile breed was developed to herd livestock in the mountainous regions of Iceland. Highly intelligent and clever, this sheepdog is an enthusiastic and playful companion that can be quite vocal. The breed sheds his undercoat twice a year and requires moderate grooming.  Learn More >

Bred to go to ground to hunt vermin, the Jack Russell Terrier is an adorable, eager and delightful companion dog who is also a tireless worker. He is curious, playful, jovial, and his compact body is a never-ending source of energy, which makes him a good match for active families. Learn More >

A native of County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier is an intelligent working and utility terrier bred for hunting, retrieving and herding. Playful, loving and energetic, the Kerry loves being part of the family. This breed requires daily exercise and firm, patient training. As hunters, Kerries may not accept cats or small pets. The breed’s coat is hypoallergenic but needs regular brushing and trimming. 
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Labrador Retrievers are everything you’d expect of man’s best friend. They’re friendly and outgoing, devoted to their families, eager to please and easygoing, yet energetic. As an athletic breed, Labs love to swim and retrieve. They also make great search-and-rescue dogs, service dogs and drug and bomb detection dogs.

Alert, quick and spirited, the Miniature Pinscher is native to Germany where he was developed several centuries ago to rid barnyards of pests. A loyal watchdog, the Miniature Pinscher courageously challenges intruders with his bold, insistent bark. A good family companion well-suited for apartment life, the breed is intelligent but may be stubborn. Daily walks and playing fulfill the Miniature Pinscher’s exercise needs. His short coat only needs occasional brushing and bathing.

Spirited, friendly and fearless. The fun-loving Norwich Terrier is an eager worker and enjoys exercise. Norwich are among the smallest working terriers, and they have very distinct features that include prick ears, a wiry coat and a stocky body.

Intelligent, Gentle and Fun-loving. Hailing from Western England, the Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful companion that is very loving and likes to play. The breed is extremely even-tempered and possesses a fair amount of patience. Old English Sheepdogs typify the "Shaggy Dog" in that they are famous for their prolific coat and their crazy hair covering over their eyes.

Elegant, Affectionate and Adaptable. Poodles are not only regal and beautiful, but they are also versatile athletes that excel at water activities. Originating in Germany, the Poodle has remarkable intelligence and an eagerness to stay active. The Poodle comes in three size varieties and features a curly, low-shedding coat.

Loyal, Loving and Confident. Rottweilers love to have a job to do whether it is playing with their favorite people or protecting the ones they love. Their great strength can be intimidating, but it doesn’t define them as they are much more comfortable acting like a small dogs and jumping up on your lap every chance they get. Descending from Mastiffs, Rottweilers are an active breed that love to work.

Loyal, Affectionate and Intelligent. Shelties are very devoted to their people, and they have an eagerness to please.  They are also terrific watchdogs that won’t hesitate to bark.  Shelties excel at so many activities including agility, obedience, rally and of course herding as they are part of the herding group.

Brave, courteous and vocal. Treeing Walker Coonhounds follow the scent no matter where it goes. They were originally bred to track raccoons and chase them up into trees. This tri-colored breed is very versatile known for exceling in the field when hunting and then settling down as a companion in the home. They have a muscular stature and strong hindlegs allowing them to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Treeing walkers are also very vocal dogs that you can hear before you see.

Curious, energetic and highly-intelligent. Vizslas are the best example of a “tale of two dogs”. While they are loving and sensitive around the home, they can easily turn on the intensity when hunting or participating in any sport or activity. Vizslas form a very tight bond with their owners and seek companionship. They have striking features from their golden coat to their silky ears as well as their powerful, muscular build.

Gentle, calm and FAST! Whippets have a sleek body structure meant for speed. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 35mph. But more often than not, you are likely to find them quietly curled up on a sofa enjoying a relaxing evening at home. sofa Whippets are highly adaptable and are just as happy running a fenced yard as they are snuggling with their loved ones. Their natural athleticism is on full display if you give them something to chase.

Calm, faithful and unique! Hailing from Mexico, Xolos come in 3 different sizes and two different varieties of hairless and coated. They were originally bred to ward off evil spirits but also enjoy the role of family companion. From their short, strong body to their “wrinkled” forehead, these Xolo features, especially among the hairless variety, are worthy of a second glance. The biggest challenge of owning a Xolo is just figuring out how to pronounce its name.

Brave, determined and energetic! Yorkies are perfect little watchdogs with big, fearless personalities. Besides their tenacious temperament, the Yorkie is also known for its magnificient flowing coat that comes in color combinations such as blue and tan and blue and gold. Two big pluses for Yorkies include their adaptability and their hypoallergenic coat. This small, compact breed is a great protective companion that is eager to please, when its not being stubborn.