short
high
low
moderate
working
medium
The Boxer is a medium-sized to large breed of dog developed in Germany in the 19th century from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog. Originally bred to assist with bull-baiting and as helpers in butchers' shops, Boxers have transitioned into loyal and gentle family companions. Boxers are lively dogs who are great with kids and guard the family, making wonderful pets. Their unique "boxing" behavior of standing on their hind legs and striking at things only adds to their charm.
double
large
long
working
specialized
high
Originally developed by the Mahlemut tribe in Alaska, Alaskan Malamute is a breed created for heavy freight hauling and hunting Arctic mammals. With a strong characteristic of endurance, it was very much essential in sledding and in protection from polar bears. Alaskan Malamute is generally abundant in North America and is gaining mainstream popularity as a family dog because of its affectionate temperament. They are friendly with children and can be amiable to other pets, but early sociability training is quite beneficial. The most distinctive attribute is the thick layer of double coat that allows it to endure extreme, coldish temperatures. Jovial and loyal, they make great companions but require a great deal of exercise.
medium
sporting
short
high
long
minimal
The American Bully was developed in the US in the 1980s and 1990s. It was created from a combination of American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and other types of bulldog breeds for a gentle companion dog. This breed is gaining popularity mainly in North America as a friendly and loving animal that is the perfect family pet. Sociable with kids and other animals, American Bullies are obedient and protective toward their families. Unique characteristics involve their wide head and stocky build, providing them with an appealing look and an affectionate temperament.
high
hearding
double
long
basic
medium
Australian Shepherd is a breed of cattle herding dogs whose origin dates back to the 19th century United States. Developed primarily to herd the livestock in the farm, these dogs are explained to be those that attach themselves with much love to a child. It is distinguished from other breeds by its unique coat that is often colored blue, silver-grey, red, or black and fashioned in a merle pattern. These have very high work ethics and require a lot of energetic exercise for both their bodies and minds, usually winning in various dog sports. They have a big stock of energy and are highly intelligent to make this breed a great addition yet a relatively demanding member of the active family.
large
moderate
hound
minimal
long
short
The Beagle is a small scent hound that dates back to ancient Greece, where dogs of similar appearance were used to hunt small game. The beagle commonly relates to hunting rabbits and hares. The breed became popular in England in the 19th century. Beagles are common dogs worldwide, especially in the United States and Europe. They are friendly and sociable dogs, making them great companions for children, although they sometimes tend to be shy around strangers. They are set apart by their unique vocals and a keen sense of smell, making them playful pets as well as keen trailing dogs.
short
large
minimal
long
high
hearding
The Beauceron, or Bas Rouge, is a large herding dog breed regarded as one of the oldest in France. It hails from the plains of central France and has long been dogged by classical literature, dating as far back as the 1500s. Although their numbers are few and far between away from France, their numbers are on the rise due to their versatility and intelligence. Beaucerons are protective and devoted dogs which make them good guardians, particularly of children. They can be somewhat overbearing and, therefore, are really not for novice owners. Their distinctive double dewclaws and sturdy make them serious yet charming companions.
long
high
large
working
minimal
short
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized breed of herding dog that was developed in the Malines area of Belgium in the 1800s. One of the four varieties of the Belgian shepherd, this breed possesses strength, stamina, and a willingness to please, which makes it a favorite with police and military units worldwide. They are gaining greater acceptance and popularity, especially in North America, but they are challenging dogs for first-time owners due to their energy and need for mental stimulation. Belgian Malinois are loyal and protective with their families, usually aloof toward strangers, and therefore need early socialization. Their intelligent versatility distinguishes them as great working dogs.
long
herding
short
high
large
basic
Belgian Shepherd, also called the Belgian Sheepdog or Groenendael, is a medium-sized herding dog that was developed in late 19th century Belgium. Originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, this breed is a member of a group that includes Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois. They are fairly prevalent in Europe and North America and are renowned for their intelligence and versatility. They are loyal and protective with family and children but sometimes reserved with strangers. The clean black coat set them apart as truly outstanding working dogs with an insatiable work ethic.
double
working
moderate
large
frequent
moderate
The Bernese Mountain Dog or Berner Sennenhund originates from the Bern region of Switzerland; the breed was first developed as a general-purpose farm dog around 2,500 years ago. This breed is strong and hardy, hence was once used to pull carts, drive cattle, and guard farms. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be common in Europe and North America. They are, in general, easy-going dogs that are gentle and affectionate with children yet rather reserved around strangers. Their striking tri-colored coat and ever-friendly disposition make it a well-personalized family pet.
frequent
toy
moderate
long
small
curly
The Bichon Frise is a small breed of Mediterranean origin. They were bred to be companion dogs and soon became popular among the European nobility during the Renaissance. Happy-go-lucky as they are, Bichon Frises are very friendly and sociable, and are wonderful to have as pets with kids and other animals. They tend to get along well even with strangers, being typically loving in their disposition. Another one is that it has fluffy curly fur which is always pure white and requires daily brushing to minimize mats. They are now loved around the world as gentle companions, continuing to entertain dog lovers with their mischievous acts and sweet personalities.
frequent
double
high
hearding
long
medium
The Border Collie is an intelligent and active herding dog which originated in the border region between England and Scotland, mainly built to herd sheep. They are considered to be amongst one of the most intelligent dogs in the world due to their agility and exceptional problem-solving skills. They are generally reserved with strangers but are affectionate toward their families and can adapt themselves well to children and other animals if well socialized. Truly unique to Border Collies is the "eye" method, a unique staring technique by which they gain control over livestock.
short
large
minimal
working
high
short
The Bullmastiff originated in the 19th-century in England. They were bred to assist gamekeepers in protecting large estates from poachers. Created by crossing the English Mastiff with the Old English Bulldog, this powerful breed is capable of tracking and apprehending an intruder without inflicting serious harm. They are quick to form bonds with families and children making them extremely good companions. Though they do seem big and scary, Bullmastiffs are usually calm and reserved when around strangers. This breed is silent yet effective trackers and, as such, intelligent and easy to train.
working
long
large
short
minimal
moderate
The Cane Corso is a mastiff of Italian origin said to have its roots in the ancient Roman period from the Molossus dogs. They have largely been used in the history of massive game, guarding livestock, and loyal companions. The translated meaning of the breed name is that of a bodyguard dog, denoting their temperament as protectors. They are family-oriented dogs and may be reserved with strangers, thus requiring adequate training and socialization to develop into gentle giants. With their imposing build, Cane Corsos combine their strong instincts with affectionate guardianship and an undeniable personality.
low
toy
long
minimal
small
short
The Chihuahua is the smallest out of all recognized dog breeds, particularly standing out with its origin in Mexico, actually from the state of Chihuahua, first documented in the mid-19th century. Known to descend from a small dog called Techichi that was owned by the Toltec people as early as the 9th century, the breed became all the rage in the United States for the tourists taking them back with them from Mexico. They are known for their bold personalities and can be affectionate with children and family, although they may be suspicious of strangers. Their distinctive size and sprightly nature make them one of a kind companions.
double
long
large
frequent
moderate
sporting
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that originated from China during the Han dynasty, over 2,000 years ago. Known for its unique blue-black tongue, the breed was originally bred for hunting, guarding, and even as a food source. Chow Chows are thriving today in many parts of the world, especially in urban areas. They are aloof with strangers but could be loving to the family, especially to the children. Their lion-like mane and independence make them an uncommonly good companion.
long
sporting
moderate
basic
long
small
The Cocker Spaniel is actually an umbrella term for two breeds: American and English, originally bred for hunting purposes, especially for flushing game birds. The term "Cocker" is probably derived from their use in hunting woodcocks. Known for their quirky and affectionate nature, Cocker Spaniels are very common as family pets because of their fine temperament with children and other animals. Their long ears and expressive eyes are especially charming traits of the breed.
hearding
moderate
small
long
basic
short
Corgi is a small herding dog breed that originated in Wales, named after the Welsh words "cor" meaning dwarf and "ci" meaning dog. There are two breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Formerly both were used as cattle dogs and guardians of livestock. Globally popular, they are most widely seen in the UK and the US. These dogs are friendly and outgoing, which makes them suitable companions with children; additionally, their playful nature and flat body indeed contribute their appeal.
moderate
small
long
hound
double
low
The types of this breed probably originated in Germany as the forebears of a little, long-bodied and legged dog which found its responsibilities as hunting and flushing out badgers and other burrowing pets. The name means "badger dog" in accordance with its purpose historically, and as such, it has developed into one of the most popular breeds in the world, particularly in Europe and North America as companions. They are amiable, and normally get along quite well with children and with other pets. They may be distant with strangers because of their protective instincts. Another peculiar trait of the Dachshund is the unusual long body and short legs that give advantage for going through their burrows. Although the body is small, their character is brave and determined.
hound
small
short
high
minimal
moderate
Though the breed is distinctively white with black dots and originally from an area of Croatia once known as Dalmatia, there remains some contention as to its precise origins. There is, however, overwhelming evidence that spotted dogs have been around from the earliest times as hunters and guardians. Dalmatians are gentle and playful with children, and quite possibly aloof with strangers. The firehouse mascot and the dog's physical beauty impart them their hallmark image as companion animals.
short
high
minimal
long
working
large
The Doberman, also referred to as Doberman Pinscher, is a medium- to large-size working dog breed developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, at the end of the 19th century to serve as a loyal protector in Germany. It is a breed that is commonly found in North America and Europe, appreciated for intelligence and versatility. Dobermans are affectionate toward families and children, although they can be wary of strangers. Dobermans make excellent guard dogs because of their sleek looks, combined with their natural protective instincts; however, they require continuing training and socialization to turn into valuable companions.
