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.
English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a powerful, galloping hound renowned for exceptional stamina and endurance. Its long legs are straight and robust, supporting a perfectly level back and a notably deep chest. In a hound standing about 24 inches at the shoulder, the chest may measure up to 31 inches in girth, providing ample lung capacity for the demands of a long and exhausting day of hunting. Bred to work in packs and guided primarily by scent, the English Foxhound is gentle and sociable by nature, yet it is rarely kept as a household pet. Its strong, instinctive drive to pursue quarry can dominate its behavior, often outweighing other influences such as training. Ownership of this dignified breed requires an individual who embraces an active lifestyle and appreciates the social and working nature of such hounds. The English Foxhound represents the ideal long sought by dedicated dog breeders, combining beauty, balance, and practical purpose. Its straight, sturdy limbs, level topline, and deep chest create a harmonious structure built for function as much as form. A poet once observed that, aside from ancient Greek statues, few figures unite grace and strength as completely as a well-made Foxhound.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact yet powerfully constructed herding breed, widely known as the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Queensland Heeler. With ancestry linked to Australia’s native Dingo, this resilient and determined worker is celebrated for remarkable intelligence—often clever enough to challenge even experienced owners. Standing between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder, the breed is muscular, sturdy, and impressively agile. Puppies are born white, with their coats gradually developing into either blue-gray or red, both typically accented by distinctive speckled or mottled markings. Bred to manage demanding livestock tasks, the Australian Cattle Dog possesses an intense work ethic and thrives when given purpose. Their stamina, fluid movement, and boundless energy also make them exceptional companions for active lifestyles, including running and outdoor activities. Deeply loyal, highly perceptive, and constantly alert, Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be cautious around strangers. Without sufficient mental stimulation and physical exercise, they may become bored and develop unwanted behaviors. For this reason, owners are strongly encouraged to involve them in structured work, canine sports, or regular training to ensure they remain balanced, focused, and fulfilled.
Poodle (Standard)
Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, and regardless of color—black, white, or apricot—the Poodle stands as one of the true aristocrats of the dog world. Beneath its curly, low-allergen coat lies an elegant, athletic dog and a versatile companion suited for all lifestyles and seasons. Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards stand over 15 inches at the shoulder; Miniatures measure 15 inches or less; and Toys do not exceed 10 inches. Despite the size differences, all three share the same balanced build and proportions. In the show ring, Poodles are often presented in the elaborate Continental clip, while most pet owners prefer the simpler Sporting clip, which follows the clean outline of the square, well-muscled body. Set aside outdated stereotypes—Poodles are energetic, athletic, and exceptionally intelligent dogs with remarkable versatility. The Standard Poodle, with its greater size and strength, is the most all-around athlete of the group, but all Poodles are highly trainable and capable of excelling in a wide range of activities.
Belgian Tervuren
The elegant and agile Belgian Tervuren is a bright, confident, medium-sized herding dog known for its affectionate nature and strong attachment to loved ones. For this tireless and versatile breed, demanding work and mentally stimulating play are pure happiness. The Belgian Tervuren is defined by its straight, abundant coat, graceful yet muscular build, proudly carried head, and an alert, intelligent expression. An intense drive to work lies at the core of the breed’s character. Decorative coat furnishings, such as the sporty “collarette” around the neck, are more pronounced in males, who are generally larger than females. The breed’s intelligence and high energy level can present challenges for owners who do not fully understand the Tervuren’s deep need for purposeful activity. However, this should not suggest a joyless or mechanical worker. On the contrary, Belgian Tervurens take genuine pleasure in mastering new tasks, and many owners note a playful, mischievous sense of humor—especially when a Terv cleverly outsmarts its devoted human partner.
Keeshond
The friendly Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz breed with a luxuriant coat, best known for the distinctive “spectacles” that frame its fox-like face. Once a familiar sight aboard canal barges in its native Netherlands, the Keeshond became—and remains—a symbol of Dutch patriotism and companionship. Sturdy and squarely built, Keeshonden descend from the same ancient spitz lineage as breeds such as the Pomeranian and Samoyed. True to their spitz heritage, they feature a sharp, fox-like expression, pointed ears, a dense double coat, and a richly plumed tail carried proudly over the back. The breed’s most charming and unique hallmark is the set of markings around the eyes known as “spectacles,” which give the impression that the dog is wearing elegant eyewear. These markings accentuate an alert, intelligent, and engaging expression that is unmistakably Keeshond.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo, famously known as Italy’s charming “truffle dog,” is distinguished by its curly coat and richly furnished face. Beneath its plush, toy-like appearance lies a tough and capable working dog, prized for its exceptional sense of smell and its talent for locating truffles, one of the world’s most delicate and valuable culinary treasures. Endearing in every sense of the word, the Lagotto Romagnolo is covered from head to tail in dense, woolly curls, complemented by a full beard, expressive eyebrows, and prominent whiskers. Typically standing under 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing no more than 35 pounds, this breed may appear cuddly, but it possesses remarkable strength, stamina, and resilience. The distinctive curls of the Lagotto feel and behave more like human hair than traditional fur, contributing to both its unique appearance and practical working qualities.
Skye Terrier
Often described as a “heavenly breed with the heart of a lion,” the Skye Terrier is a long, low, and level dog that ranks among the most distinctive-looking breeds recognized by the AKC. This elegant yet sturdy terrier aristocrat was developed on Scotland’s remote Isle of Skye as a determined exterminator. Standing about 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder, the Skye Terrier is instantly recognizable by its long, straight, flat-lying coat and characteristic “peekaboo” hairstyle. The breed is famous for its large, feathered ears that may stand erect like bat wings, though some individuals have drop ears that lie close to the long, substantial head. Beneath the abundant coat lies a powerfully built dog with short, muscular legs and a deep chest. Viewed in profile, the Skye Terrier is notably twice as long as it is tall, combining grace with surprising substance.
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is often described by enthusiasts as a “merry” breed, a term that reflects its cheerful and lively disposition. Energetic and enthusiastic when working in the field, yet calm and gentle in the home, this compact sporting dog with a silky coat is admired for both its engaging temperament and refined appearance. The breed is solidly and compactly built, standing approximately 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Its softly shaped head features dark, expressive eyes that convey alertness and dignity, framed by long, close-fitting ears. The coat is of medium length, smooth and silky in texture, and appears in a wide range of distinctive colors and patterns. Balance is a defining characteristic of the English Cocker Spaniel, evident in its temperament, physical structure, and movement. Beneath its elegant exterior lies the spirit of a tireless and willing hunting companion, internationally recognized for its skill in flushing and retrieving gamebirds. At the same time, it is equally valued as a pleasant, well-mannered, and affectionate household companion.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the AKC retriever breeds, yet it is overflowing with intelligence, affection, and a strong desire to please. Known for its boundless enthusiasm, a Toller will happily play fetch for hours and still be ready for more. This compact gundog stands ideally between 18 and 19 inches at the shoulder. Its signature feature is a striking crimson coat, ranging from golden red to deep copper, often accented with white markings. Strong, agile, and well-balanced, the Toller is truly a medium dog in size, bone structure, and coat length. Almond-shaped eyes convey an alert and eager expression. Energetic and athletic by nature, Tollers need regular outlets for their high energy, including hunting, hiking, camping, and especially swimming—a task they excel at thanks to their webbed feet. Intelligent, affectionate, and visually striking, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever makes a wonderful companion, but only for owners with the time and energy to keep this lively and driven dog happily occupied.
Saint Bernard
Although the Saint Bernard does not rank among the most common breeds in registration numbers, this good-natured giant of the Swiss Alps remains one of the most famous and beloved dogs in the world. Renowned for its watchful nature and remarkable patience, the Saint Bernard is especially gentle and affectionate with children. Breed standards describe the Saint Bernard using terms such as “powerful,” “massively built,” and “imposing.” Males stand at a minimum of 27.5 inches at the shoulder, while females are somewhat smaller and more refined in structure. The breed’s large head, marked by a wrinkled brow, short muzzle, and deep-set dark eyes, creates an expression that is both intelligent and kind—an expression that once brought reassurance and hope to travelers stranded in the Alpine mountains.
Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is a graceful, long-legged breed whose origins reach back to the earliest days of civilization. Developed as a rabbit-hunting coursing dog on the rugged shores of Spain’s Balearic Islands, this breed is renowned for its speed, agility, and remarkable jumping ability. True athletes, Ibizans require ample space and regular exercise to fully express their natural talents. Distinctive and elegant, the Ibizan Hound features a lean, racy body and an elongated head crowned with large, upright ears—an image often associated with ancient Egyptian art. Standing between 22.5 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder, the breed appears in solid red or white, as well as red-and-white coat patterns. Rosy-colored skin on the nose, eye rims, and lips, paired with amber or caramel-colored eyes, harmonizes beautifully with the coat. The Ibizan Hound’s movement and presence are marked by a quiet, refined grace often described as deer-like.
Otterhound
Big, exuberant, and affectionate, the Otterhound was developed in medieval England for the now-obsolete sport of otter hunting. Today a rare breed, the Otterhound is distinguished by its dense, shaggy coat, webbed feet, exceptional scenting ability, and deep love of water. These large, energetic hounds were perfectly engineered for their original task. From the top of their rough, waterproof coat to the bottom of their broad, webbed feet, Otterhounds are built to be powerful swimmers. A wide chest and strong shoulders provide the endurance needed to swim for hours without fatigue. Their large, dark nose is extraordinarily sensitive, capable of following an otter’s scent trail even underwater and across great distances. Combined with their size and strength, this allowed Otterhounds to confront agile, sharp-toothed otters weighing up to 20 pounds.