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.
Tibetan Spaniel
Lively, inquisitive, and alert, the Tibetan Spaniel was developed centuries ago to serve as a sentinel on the walls of Tibetan monasteries. Distinguished by a smooth, silky coat and a characteristic “lion’s mane” around the neck, this small breed forms a close, devoted bond with its human companions. With its blunt muzzle, large expressive eyes, flowing neck ruff, and a plumed tail carried gracefully over the back, the Tibetan Spaniel displays a distinctly Tibetan appearance. Despite its name, it is not a spaniel in the Western sense, such as Cocker or Cavalier Spaniels. Instead, the breed reflects ancient Asian canine traditions shared with breeds like the Pekingese, Pug, and Lhasa Apso. Standing about 10 inches at the shoulder, Tibetan Spaniels move with speed and purpose and appear in a wide variety of coat colors and combinations.
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, satin-coated terrier with a delightful sense of humor and a personality that perfectly blends toy-dog charm with true terrier grit. Originally developed as an efficient barnyard ratter, this breed has evolved into a captivating companion whose confidence and charisma far exceed its size. Compact yet well balanced, the Toy Fox Terrier combines the affection of a lapdog with the determination and boldness of a terrier. Its sleek, close-fitting coat highlights a refined but sturdy frame, while large, upright ears and dark, sparkling eyes reflect sharp intelligence and endless curiosity. Standing under a foot tall, this agile little entertainer delivers outsized spirit, energy, and presence, earning its reputation as a breed that is genuinely both a toy and a terrier.
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.
Brittany
Sportsmen on both sides of the Atlantic prize the Brittany for its agility, energy, and versatility as a stylish gundog. Lively and affectionate at home yet tireless in the field, Brittanys require ample daily exercise, ideally shared with their favorite people. Smaller than setters but longer-legged than spaniels, Brittanys stand around 20 inches at the shoulder. Their striking coats feature bold patterns in combinations of white with vivid orange or rich liver. Strong and rugged without being heavy, they move with speed and smooth efficiency. The face carries the soft, gentle expression treasured by bird-dog enthusiasts, while the high-set ears reflect the breed’s constant eagerness. The same drive and adaptability that make Brittanys exceptional hunters also shine in dog sports. Obedience, agility, flyball, dock diving—this intelligent and trainable breed is eager to excel at them all. The Brittany is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile hunting partner, an enthusiastic sport teammate, or a companion well suited to an active, outdoor-oriented family life.
Irish Red and White Setter
The lively Irish Red and White Setter is an athletic, medium-sized bird dog developed primarily for hunting. Playful, friendly, and full of energy, this breed is slightly shorter and more solidly built than its close relative, the Irish Setter. Hunters take great pride in watching a noble Irish Red and White Setter locked on point, perfectly still and focused. These medium-to-large gundogs are strong, muscular, and resilient, possessing the stamina and natural bird sense needed to perform reliably day after day. The breed’s striking coat—rich red patches set against a pearl-white background—serves a practical purpose by allowing hunters to easily spot their dog from a distance. Completing the picture is a handsome face that reflects both sharp awareness and gentle temperament.
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.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed, small in size yet powerfully built, originally developed as a hunting dog. Today, this lively and good-natured breed has become the most popular companion dog in Japan. Highly adaptable, the Shiba Inu is equally comfortable in urban settings or rural environments. Introduced to the United States from Japan only about sixty years ago, the breed has steadily gained popularity in the West while maintaining its top status in its homeland. Distinctive white markings combined with coat colors such as red, red sesame, or black and tan, along with an alert expression and smooth, confident movement, give the Shiba Inu a striking, fox-like appearance. Beneath this elegant look is a sturdy, muscular dog with a bold and self-assured personality to match.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a French scenthound known for its steady energy and tireless work ethic. Moderately active and rarely overexcitable, this breed is constantly on the move and remarkably resistant to fatigue. The name, when roughly translated, means “large, low, shaggy dog from the Vendée,” a description that perfectly suits its appearance. This breed features a kind, expressive face framed by long ears and a rough, shaggy coat. Its distinctive mustache, beard, and abundant eyebrows give the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen the look of a seasoned yet friendly French gentleman. Beneath this old-world charm lies a tough, powerfully built hound that is surprisingly quick and light on its feet. Longer than it is tall, this determined hunter is celebrated for its endurance and bravery—qualities that have earned it a legendary reputation among French hunting dogs.
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.
Silky Terrier
A delightful member of the AKC Toy Group, the Silky Terrier is a compact, glossy-coated dog that retains the bold spirit of a true terrier. Originating in Sydney, Australia, the Silky Terrier is slightly larger than its close relative, the Yorkshire Terrier, and combines elegance with unmistakable terrier energy. Small yet sturdy, lively without being noisy, and attractive without appearing over-groomed, the Silky Terrier stands about 10 inches tall and is driven by curiosity and enthusiasm. Its striking blue-and-tan coat is straight, shiny, and behaves much like human hair in both texture and movement. A refined, wedge-shaped head is crowned with abundant hair neatly parted down the center, while upright V-shaped ears frame alert, almond-shaped eyes with a sharp and intelligent expression. Though more polished than many traditional ratting terriers, the Silky Terrier should still look and act like a genuine earthdog, true to its working roots.
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a distinct breed and should not be confused with the Australian Cattle Dog whose tail has been docked. The Stumpy Tail is naturally born with a short, bobbed tail and stands squarely built, with sufficient leg length giving it a balanced and athletic outline. Significant structural differences distinguish the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog from other cattle dog breeds. While most are born with a natural bob tail, some puppies may be born with longer tails. These long-tailed individuals should not be excluded from breeding programs if they possess correct structure and overall quality. When bred responsibly to strong natural bob-tailed dogs, the breed’s defining traits can be preserved.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a calm, well-balanced dog that shows deep devotion to its owner while remaining reserved with strangers. Confident, steady, and fearless, this breed is obedient and reliable, displaying neither shyness nor aggression. Originating in Germany, where it is known as the Bayerischer Gebirgsschweisshund, this breed is especially renowned for its exceptional “cold nose” tracking ability. Its sense of smell is so precise that it can distinguish the specific injured game it is tracking from other animals of the same species. Lightly built yet athletic, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is an active, medium-sized dog that forms a strong bond with its owner. While somewhat aloof with unfamiliar people, it thrives on close contact with its human family and is not suited to a kennel-based lifestyle.