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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blue Picardy Spaniel
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is an obedient, courageous, and even-tempered sporting dog. Highly skilled in hunting and retrieving, this breed is equally adept at winning over its human companions with a gentle disposition and its distinctive blue roan coat. Playful, calm, and friendly by nature, the Blue Picardy Spaniel thrives on close human companionship. Although originally bred for the field, it is affectionate and patient with children and typically gets along well with other dogs and household pets, making it a loyal and dependable family companion. Generally quiet, the breed will nonetheless alert its family when a stranger approaches, balancing gentleness with attentiveness.
Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest and most distinguished pointing breeds in the world. Introduced to the United States in the 1990s, it has remained true to its roots as a versatile and dependable gun dog. Calm and gentle at home, the Bracco transforms into a tireless and determined worker in the field. Adaptable and resilient, the Bracco Italiano is well suited to a wide variety of hunting conditions. The breed is intelligent, reliable, docile, and highly trainable, making it a trusted partner for hunters. Its appearance is powerful yet refined, featuring lean limbs, well-developed musculature, and a distinctly sculpted head. In English, the breed is often referred to as the Italian Pointing Dog.
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.