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.
Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, and lively breed, distinguished by long legs, fine bone structure, and lean musculature. Active and cheerful by nature, these dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and deeply affectionate with their human companions, though they may show a touch of reserve toward strangers. They are neither timid nor aggressive, maintaining a balanced and confident temperament. As a true toy breed with roots in Russian aristocracy, the Russian Toy combines charm with spirited energy. Many delight in running and playing, eagerly chasing toys around the house or yard, while others are perfectly content to spend hours nestled on a lap, enjoying their role as a treasured companion. They thrive on close human interaction and quickly express their feelings if they sense neglect. The breed comes in two coat varieties: smooth and long-haired. Long-coated Russian Toys feature a graceful chest ruff and distinctive feathering on the ears, tail, and limbs, with full adult coat development taking several years. The smooth-coated variety has a sleek, close-lying coat and tends to display a slightly more terrier-like attitude. Despite these differences, both varieties share a bold, expressive personality that feels far larger than their small size.
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.
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.
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a sturdy Nordic spitz distinguished by its rich silver-gray coat and a demeanor that blends dignity with friendliness. Renowned for its durability, the Elkhound is among Europe’s oldest dog breeds, having accompanied Vikings and appeared prominently in Norse art and legend. Compact and powerfully built, Norwegian Elkhounds stand at around 20 inches at the shoulder. Their dense silver-gray coat, tightly curled tail carried over the back, deep chest, strong legs, and muscular thighs reflect a dog designed for demanding work. Dark brown eyes and erect, mobile ears contribute to an expression of alertness and reliability. Overall, the Elkhound presents the image of a vigilant, steadfast northern dog. Highly regarded as loyal companions and intelligent watchdogs, Elkhounds thrive when given outlets for their natural athleticism, such as agility and herding activities. Initially reserved with strangers, they become deeply trustworthy and devoted once familiar. Confident and strong-willed, these dogs also possess a sensitive nature, balanced by a touch of independent hound-like character.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka, meaning “Russian Colored Lapdog,” was originally developed as the ideal companion dog for apartment living. Sweet-natured, affectionate, intelligent, and eager to please, this breed is friendly with everyone and shows no tendencies toward aggression. Often referred to simply as the Bolonka, this small companion dog belongs to the Bichon family and narrowly escaped extinction in the period following the Cold War. Lively, humorous, and remarkably intelligent, the Bolonka forms deep bonds with its family and is known for its intense loyalty. Some individuals display an impressive ability to mimic sounds or behaviors, while others prefer to quietly observe and “supervise” household comings and goings. Spirited yet relaxed and sociable, the breed is excellent with children. Though naturally alert, Bolonki are not excessive barkers when guided early toward appropriate behavior. Compared to many toy breeds, they show a fair degree of independence and benefit from early socialization with people. They generally get along well with other dogs and animals. Highly intelligent and quick to learn, Bolonki excel in structured training activities such as obedience, rally, tracking, and agility when handled with a firm but gentle approach.
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.
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.
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.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Generally friendly with children and other animals, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a hardy, low-maintenance breed whose excellent health and calm temperament go far beyond its eye-catching appearance. Intelligent, eager to please, and deeply devoted to work, the Bergamasco is patient by nature yet instinctively protective of those under its care. Beneath the breed’s unmistakable coat lies a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient origin. Because the coat is the Bergamasco’s defining feature, it deserves special attention. The breed’s hair consists of three distinct textures that naturally form loose mats known as “flocks”—flat layers of felted strands that cover the body and legs. These flocks evolved to protect the dog from harsh cold and predators in the Italian Alps, the breed’s ancestral homeland. Bright, loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable, the Bergamasco retains a touch of independence typical of mountain dogs. It watches over family members with calm attentiveness and quiet confidence. Though naturally cautious around strangers until properly introduced, the Bergamasco resorts to aggression only when absolutely necessary.
Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a sleek, agile, and finely built coursing hound that traces its origins to ancient Sicily. Bred for hunting with sudden bursts of speed and endurance, this athletic dog is both alert and capable in the field. In the home, however, the Cirneco is calm, gentle, and easy to live with, making it a cherished companion. Standing under 20 inches at the shoulder, the Cirneco is often likened to a smaller version of the Pharaoh Hound. Its lean yet resilient body is covered by a short coat that ranges from light tan to deep chestnut. Large, upright ears enhance the breed’s keen, attentive expression, while amber or ochre-colored eyes harmonize beautifully with the coat. True to its sighthound heritage, the Cirneco is independent, sweet-natured, and remarkably fast. However, compared to many other sighthounds, this breed is known to be more receptive to training. Largely unchanged over centuries, the Cirneco dell’Etna remains a living link to antiquity—an elegant hunter that has carried its ancient form and spirit gracefully into the modern world.
Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is a heavily coated hunting dog known for its sociable, gentle, and patient nature. Though it can show a touch of stubbornness, it is always affectionate and endearing. With ancient roots in Italy, the Spinone is one of Continental Europe’s most versatile field dogs. Solidly and squarely built, the Spinone Italiano is a true all-purpose hunter. Muscular and powerful, it is designed for stamina and perseverance rather than sheer speed. The dense coat has a natural, unclipped appearance and appears in a variety of colors and patterns. The breed’s face radiates old-world charm, highlighted by soft, expressive eyes framed by shaggy eyebrows and a distinctive beard—features that have captured hearts in Italy for generations and continue to do so around the world.