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.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, long cherished by royalty and commoners alike, is often regarded as the ideal companion dog. Its luxurious coat, cheerful fox-like expression, and lively personality have secured the Pom’s place among the most popular toy breeds in the world. Despite weighing no more than seven pounds, the Pomeranian carries itself with the confidence and presence of a much larger dog. The breed’s abundant double coat, featuring a full ruff over the chest and shoulders, appears in nearly two dozen colors and a variety of patterns, though orange and red are the most commonly seen. Intelligent and alert, Pomeranians are quick learners who make excellent watchdogs and spirited family pets—best suited to homes with children old enough to understand that a toy dog is not a toy. Active yet adaptable, Poms get sufficient exercise through indoor play and short walks, making them well suited to both city and suburban living. While they readily learn tricks and games, their greatest joy lies in offering laughter, affection, and devoted companionship to their special person.
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.
Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a dignified, calm, and good-natured hunting companion once favored by royalty. As the largest of the AKC flushing spaniels, the Clumber combines strength with a relaxed, gentlemanly demeanor. For owners who don’t mind a bit of shedding and drool, this amiable breed offers loyal companionship and a delightfully laid-back presence in the home. Clumber Spaniels are powerfully built bird dogs with heavy bone, a long and low body, and a large, imposing head. They typically stand between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder, with females weighing around 55 pounds and larger males reaching up to 85 pounds. Though designed to push steadily through dense cover, their movement is smooth, effortless, and surprisingly graceful. The dense, weather-resistant coat is predominantly white, accented with subtle lemon or orange markings. At home, Clumbers are gentle, affectionate, and easygoing, but in the field they can be determined and persistent when following a scent. Intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to training. While somewhat reserved with strangers, Clumbers are friendly dogs that bark only with purpose, making them poor watchdogs but excellent companions. They enjoy swimming, retrieving, and are sturdy, patient playmates for children.
Italian Greyhound
A true Greyhound in miniature, the Italian Greyhound is an elegant toy companion known for its alertness, playfulness, and deep affection for its people. Though often seen as a decorative lapdog, at heart this breed remains a swift coursing hound with a strong instinct to chase. Italian Greyhounds are slender and refined, embodying the same grace and elegance as their larger Greyhound relatives. Ideally standing between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder, they display the smooth, flowing lines typical of all sighthounds, highlighted by long, delicate legs with fine bone structure. This breed uniquely blends the attentiveness of a lapdog with the complexity and dignity of an ancient aristocratic hound. Bred for centuries as devoted companions and playful entertainers, Italian Greyhounds thrive on close contact and refuse to be overlooked. They strongly prefer the warmth of a lap or bed to the solitude of the floor. Despite their affectionate nature, they are true sighthounds and will instinctively sprint after fast-moving prey. With their short coat and low body fat, Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold and require extra care in cooler weather.
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.
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.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are lively, cheerful little earthdogs originally bred to boldly hunt foxes and other small prey among the rocky landscapes of Scotland. Curious and alert by nature, Cairns enjoy environments where they can explore, dig, and stay mentally engaged. What enthusiasts call “Cairnishness” refers to the breed’s distinctive traits, including a short, broad head and a compact, low-set body that conveys strength without heaviness. Typically standing around 10 inches tall and measuring about 15 inches in length, the Cairn Terrier is small but sturdy. Its double coat consists of a harsh, wiry outer layer and a soft, insulating undercoat. A Cairn Terrier presents as a shaggy, bright-eyed dog with head, ears, and tail held confidently upright. Intelligent and spirited, the breed has been described as the “best little pal in the world.” Cairns are small enough to enjoy quiet moments curled up with their family, yet tough enough for energetic outdoor play. They thrive on close family interaction and are ideal for owners who appreciate classic terrier traits such as courage, independence, and unwavering loyalty.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel, the tallest of the AKC-recognized spaniels, is instantly distinguished by its tightly curled coat and unique tapered “rat tail.” Renowned as one of the finest swimmers in the canine world, this alert and curious breed is courageous and hardworking in the field, while remaining playful and affectionate at home. Standing between 21 and 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing approximately 55 to 65 pounds, the Irish Water Spaniel sits at the crossroads between medium and large-sized dogs. Its defining features include a dense, liver-colored, water-resistant coat of crisp curls, the characteristic tapering tail, and a finely sculpted head topped with a crown of loose, flowing curls. In motion, the Irish Water Spaniel displays a smooth, ground-covering gait that allows it to work efficiently and tirelessly throughout long days in the field.
Pointer
The Pointer represents the ultimate balance of canine power and elegance. The breed’s name perfectly describes its purpose: Pointers locate and point game birds, a role they have performed with excellence for centuries. Energetic and athletic, the Pointer is an outstanding companion for runners and active owners. Regarded as true aristocrats of the sporting world, Pointers carry themselves with pride and display exceptional speed and agility. Their short, sleek coat appears in a variety of solid colors or striking patterns—though enthusiasts like to say that there is no such thing as a bad-colored Pointer. Males can reach up to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 75 pounds, while smaller females may stand around 23 inches and weigh as little as 45 pounds.
Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a streamlined, athletic working dog celebrated for its stamina and relentless work ethic. Agile and highly energetic, this breed is known for maintaining focus and performance over extended periods, tackling demanding tasks with drive and enthusiasm. Its sharp intelligence and constant alertness make it exceptionally responsive and quick to adapt. Bred specifically for herding, the Kelpie demonstrates unwavering loyalty and deep dedication to its responsibilities. It possesses a natural instinct and refined skill for managing sheep, whether across wide open pastures or within confined handling yards. Although descended from collie-type dogs brought from Scotland, the Australian Kelpie was selectively developed in Australia to withstand intense heat and harsh, dry environments, making it uniquely suited to the country’s vast and challenging terrain.
Berger Picard
The Berger Picard is a tall, lean herding dog with strong bone and a rugged, durable build. For centuries, Picards worked as independent, self-directed problem-solvers, which explains their confident and sometimes stubborn nature. Early socialization and positive, consistent training are essential to channel their intelligence and independence in a constructive way. A Berger Picard is unmistakable at a glance, thanks to its erect ears standing 4 to 5 inches high, its wavy fawn or brindle coat, and its strong tail that tapers into a distinctive J-shaped hook. Males can reach heights of up to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females may be as small as 21 inches. Dark, shining eyes and a rectangular head adorned with shaggy eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache give the breed the unmistakable look of a wise, worldly Frenchman. The Berger Picard is an ideal companion for active and athletic owners. Its tough constitution, agility, and seemingly endless energy make it an enthusiastic partner in sports, games, and outdoor activities of all kinds. Regular exercise is essential, as long periods of inactivity or neglect can lead these sensitive and highly intelligent dogs toward frustration and destructive behavior.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Often called the “Peter Pan” of the Sporting Group, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a relatively modern gundog celebrated for its youthful spirit and joyful personality. Cheerful, confident, and eager to please, a well-bred Flat-Coat approaches every task with enthusiasm—whether retrieving a duck in the field or winning a ribbon in the show ring. The breed’s signature flat-lying coat appears in rich black or liver shades, accented by graceful feathering on the legs and tail. One of the most distinctive features of the Flat-Coated Retriever is its long head, unique among retriever breeds, which gives it an intelligent and kind expression. Comparable in height to the Labrador Retriever, the Flat-Coat differs in silhouette, presenting a slimmer and more refined appearance. Renowned as some of the happiest dogs in the canine world, Flat-Coated Retrievers are famous for their ever-wagging tails. They are slow to mature, and many owners affectionately note that they never truly grow up, retaining a playful, mischievous puppy-like nature well into old age. This exuberance can be endlessly charming—or occasionally trying—depending on one’s patience for such antics. As a highly energetic breed, the Flat-Coated Retriever requires ample outdoor exercise and activity to remain happy and well-balanced.