Dog Breeds
Each dog breed has unique traits in behavior, size, and energy level. Browse through different breeds to find the one that best matches your lifestyle and expectations.
Affenpinscher
Loyal, inquisitive, and irresistibly funny, this almost human-like toy dog carries a fearless spirit that far exceeds his small size. Like any great comedian, the Affenpinscher’s dead-serious expression is exactly what makes his playful mischief so entertaining. The Affen’s “ape-like” face has inspired countless nicknames—“monkey dog,” “ape terrier,” and in French, diablotin moustachu (“little mustached devil”). Some even joke that he resembles a Star Wars character, debating whether he looks more like a Wookiee or an Ewok. Standing under a foot tall, these sturdy, terrier-styled dogs take on life with remarkable confidence. As one professional handler puts it: “You don’t really train this breed—you build a friendship. He’s almost like a person.” Their dense, harsh coat is often described as “tidy yet shaggy,” comes in several colors, and is paired with a light, self-assured gait. While they can be stubborn or a bit bossy, most Affens are devoted, affectionate companions who keep their families smiling—so much so that fans of the breed say they don’t own an Affen; the Affen owns them.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a tough, athletic ranch dog whose heritage tells a distinctly American story—a European-rooted breed further shaped in California after traveling through Australia. Deeply connected to rodeo traditions and cowboy culture, the Aussie has become one of the most trusted herding partners for working ranchers. Medium in size yet powerful in ability, the Australian Shepherd is admired for its piercing gaze and unwavering concentration. Its coat appears in several eye-catching varieties, including merle patterns marked by marbled shades of blue or red. Every aspect of the breed reflects strength, agility, and precision in handling livestock. Possessing a powerful and instinctive herding drive, Australian Shepherds may attempt to herd nearly anything that moves—birds, other dogs, and even children. This intense work ethic can be overwhelming for inactive households. Highly intelligent and quick-witted, Aussies are fully capable of outmaneuvering inexperienced owners. In short, this breed is not suited to everyone. However, for those seeking a tireless, trainable, and brilliant working or sporting companion, the Australian Shepherd can be an exceptional choice.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a shaggy-coated herding breed that thrives on physical activity and purposeful work. Intelligent, self-assured, and occasionally stubborn, this compact and adaptable dog is a cherished companion and reliable watchdog, especially among urban families in Poland. Often referred to by the nickname “PON,” derived from its Polish name Polski Owczarek Nizinny, the breed is not large in stature, standing no more than 20 inches at the shoulder. Despite its moderate height, the PON is muscular and sturdily built. Its rectangular body is covered from head to tail in a dense double coat—long and shaggy on top, soft and thick underneath—appearing in a variety of colors. The abundant hair on the head typically covers the eyes, which nonetheless convey the sharp, penetrating expression characteristic of vigilant herders and watchful guardians.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Intelligent, courageous, and level-headed, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a true American classic, affectionately known as “The People’s Choice.” Despite the name, this breed is built to run, capable of covering vast distances with impressive speed and efficiency. Few sights are more thrilling to a hunter than watching a Treeing Walker in full pursuit—its long, powerful legs, strong driving hindquarters, and streamlined body working in perfect harmony to move swiftly across the terrain. Yet after the hunt, resting quietly by the campfire, this same athletic hound reveals a softer side, gazing up with a gentle, soulful expression that reflects its sweet and affectionate nature. This balance of speed, beauty, and warmth of character explains why the Treeing Walker Coonhound has earned its beloved reputation as the People’s Choice.
Rat Terrier
An unmistakably American breed—whose name is often credited to Theodore Roosevelt—the Rat Terrier is a compact, resilient, smooth-coated working dog originally developed for vermin control. Available in two size varieties, Rat Terriers are cheerful, playful, and easy-to-carry companions known for their lively and upbeat personalities. Well balanced and compactly built, the Rat Terrier combines toughness with a refined, athletic appearance. The breed is divided into two sizes: Miniatures, standing between 10 and 13 inches at the shoulder, and Standards, measuring over 13 inches up to 18 inches. The smooth, glossy coat appears in a range of pied color patterns, defined by large patches of one or more colors set against a white background. With well-defined muscles and efficient movement, the Rat Terrier is built for stamina and productivity, capable of sustaining a full day of active work.
Maltese
The Maltese, often referred to as “the ancient dog of Malta,” is a tiny companion breed that has enjoyed a life of elegance and comfort for thousands of years. Renowned for its spectacular, floor-length coat, the Maltese is playful, charming, and remarkably adaptable as a toy companion. Weighing under seven pounds, Maltese dogs are affectionate little companions cloaked in a long, straight, silky white coat. Beneath this flowing mantle lies a compact body that moves with a smooth, effortless gait, creating an overall impression of grace and perfect balance. The irresistible face—highlighted by large, dark eyes and a button-like black nose—has a way of winning over even the most reserved admirers. Despite their aristocratic appearance, Maltese are hardy and adaptable pets. They make alert and fearless watchdogs in a delightfully toy-dog manner and can surprise many with their enthusiasm and ability in agility activities. Low shedding and long lived, Maltese are sociable dogs who enjoy meeting people of all ages. Though they can be a bit stubborn at times, they respond very well to positive, reward-based training.
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier is a bold, intelligent terrier built for speed, courage, and independent thinking. Agile enough to keep pace with horses and fearless enough to dig into the ground and flush a fox from its den, the PRT is a true working terrier with a sharp mind of its own. Parson Russell Terriers stand between 12 and 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh approximately 13 to 17 pounds when in peak condition. Their bright, intelligent expression, predominantly white coat, and well-balanced build give them the charming appearance of a living plush toy. However, this cuteness is deceiving—beneath it lies a tough, determined little dog developed for the traditional English sport of fox hunting. Fast, resilient, and courageous, the PRT was bred to run with the hounds and boldly confront the challenges of the field.
Belgian Laekenois
Strong, agile, and full of vitality, the Belgian Laekenois is one of Belgium’s four native herding dogs. While closely related in structure and temperament to the Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Tervuren, the Laekenois is distinguished by its unique coat color, texture, length, and its specific region of origin. Among the four Belgian herders—the Belgian Sheepdog, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois—the Laekenois is the rarest. This sturdy and resilient dog is easily recognized by its rough, tousled coat, which appears in shades of red, fawn, or grayish tones. Dark shading around the muzzle highlights the breed’s alert expression, reflected in its dark, almond-shaped eyes. Protective by nature, the Belgian Laekenois is deeply devoted to its owner and attentive in guarding home and property. While reserved and observant around strangers, it is affectionate and friendly with familiar people. The coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing, and as a true working dog, the Laekenois needs consistent daily exercise to remain balanced and content.
Bluetick Coonhound
Sleek, strikingly beautiful, and full of charm, the Bluetick Coonhound is a sweet and affectionate companion who may enjoy long naps in the shade, yet transforms into a relentless, bold, and single-minded hunter when on the trail. This breed’s intense prey drive is powerful and must be properly guided and managed. Bluetick Coonhounds are fast, compact night hunters, named for the distinctive mottled, or “ticked,” black-and-blue pattern of their glossy coat. Large males can reach up to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 80 pounds, while females are somewhat smaller. Though well muscled, Blueticks are sleek and athletic, never heavy or awkward in movement. The breed’s signature baying, bawling, and chopping bark may sound overwhelming to some, but to dedicated coon hunters it is the true music of the night. With their long, drooping ears and soulful expression, Blueticks are hard to resist. They crave affection and form deep bonds with those who give it freely. However, without sufficient activity and an outlet for their strong hunting instincts, neglected or underemployed Blueticks may develop behavioral issues, including loudly “singing” their mournful songs to the entire neighborhood.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an elegant toy companion distinguished by its silky, abundant coat and unmistakably aristocratic presence. Often described as having a distinctly feline nature, this intelligent and entertaining lapdog is graceful, meticulous, and generally quiet in demeanor. Regarded as the noble aristocrats among Japanese breeds, Japanese Chins are delicate, indoor-loving companions with a refined Eastern appearance. They feature a large head, a short muzzle, and round, dark eyes that give what enthusiasts fondly describe as a “look of astonishment.” A lavish mane around the neck and shoulders, a feathered tail carried gracefully over the back, and flowing feathering on the hind legs combine to create an exotic elegance reminiscent of cherished companions from Asia’s royal courts.
Mudi
The Mudi is an exceptionally versatile Hungarian farm dog, celebrated for its intelligence, alertness, agility, and all-around working ability. Courageous and determined, the breed is capable of handling even the most stubborn livestock. Naturally protective, the Mudi is devoted to safeguarding both property and family members without displaying unnecessary aggression. Originating in Hungary in the 19th century, the Mudi is a medium-sized herding dog believed to have developed naturally from crosses among the Puli, Pumi, and German Spitz. Although rare today, the Mudi is highly regarded as an active, intelligent, and biddable working breed. With only a few thousand individuals worldwide—most found in Hungary, followed by Finland, and smaller numbers across Europe, the United States, and Canada—the Mudi remains a hidden gem among herding dogs. Exceptionally talented, the breed excels in agility, obedience, flyball, and other canine sports. True to its working heritage, the Mudi thrives when herding cattle and sheep and has also gained recognition as a skilled search-and-rescue dog.
English Toy Spaniel
The cheerful English Toy Spaniel was originally bred as a royal companion, sharing the lives of kings and nobility. Yet, despite its aristocratic background, the breed remains a true spaniel at heart—intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please rather than merely a pampered lapdog. Compact and square in build, the English Toy Spaniel weighs no more than 14 pounds and is instantly recognizable by its short muzzle and distinctive, domed head. Its long, silky ears, large dark eyes with a soft expression, and full cheeks are defining characteristics of the breed. The luxurious coat appears in four traditional color varieties, each with its own historic name: red and white (Blenheim), black and tan (King Charles), white with black and tan markings (Prince Charles), and solid red (Ruby). Blenheim dogs often display a unique red marking on the crown known as the “Blenheim Spot.” Like many toy breeds favored by royalty, the English Toy Spaniel developed a refined and selective personality. They can be proud, independent-minded, and highly discerning when choosing companions. With those they trust, however, they are deeply affectionate at home and lively, playful, and inquisitive during moments of activity.