Non-Sporting Group
The Non-Sporting Group comprises highly diverse dog breeds that vary in size, coat type, appearance, and temperament. Due to their varied origins, they share few unified traits. The group includes sturdy breeds like the Chow Chow and smaller ones like the Bulldog.
Coton de Tulear
Known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” the Coton de Tulear is a cheerful, lighthearted companion whose greatest joy comes from entertaining and staying close to their favorite human. Playful and affectionate, the Coton delights in clownish antics, lively play, and following family members from room to room. Though small in size, this breed is surprisingly sturdy and resilient. The Coton de Tulear typically stands between 9 and 11 inches tall and weighs about 8 to 13 pounds. The breed is instantly recognizable by its abundant white coat, prized for its soft, cotton-like texture. Bred primarily as a companion, the Coton’s true purpose is to offer comfort, joy, and devoted friendship. The bond between Cotons and their people is exceptionally deep, often described in almost human terms. Enthusiasts portray them as witty, naturally comical companions—sometimes energetic, yet never demanding. They are known for their gentle sensitivity, expressive vocal sounds, and amusing habits, including the ability to walk on their hind legs. Long-lived and endlessly charming, the Coton de Tulear brings warmth, laughter, and affection into every home it joins.
Lhasa Apso
The lavishly coated Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed with a history spanning more than a thousand years, once serving as a vigilant sentinel in palaces and monasteries high in the Himalayan mountains. Intelligent, confident, and intriguingly complex, Lhasas are playful and entertaining within the family, yet maintain a regal reserve toward strangers. Standing under a foot tall at the shoulder, the Lhasa Apso is small in size but remarkably sturdy, carrying itself with an unmistakably aristocratic presence. The breed is best known for its long, flowing coat that hangs straight and is parted neatly down the middle, cascading evenly along both sides of the body. A feathered tail arches gracefully over the back in classic Tibetan style. Admirers of the breed often say that the dark, oval eyes peering through the abundant facial hair reveal the joyful spirit within. Altogether, the Lhasa Apso presents a distinctly Asian appearance—exotic, elegant, and serenely well balanced.
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.
Chinese Shar-Pei
This ancient and intriguing breed is as captivating as it is demanding. Deeply loyal to its family yet reserved and aloof with strangers, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a distinctive companion and guardian with a strong sense of independence. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a compact, medium-sized dog defined by an extraordinary collection of physical traits. These include a broad “hippopotamus” muzzle, a blue-black tongue, small deeply set eyes with a naturally stern expression, tiny triangular ears, and abundant loose wrinkles around the head, neck, and shoulders. A high-set, tapered tail and a harsh, sandpaper-like coat complete the breed’s unmistakable appearance. The name Shar-Pei literally translates to “sand skin.” Shar-Pei are dignified, intelligent, and self-reliant guardians known for their unwavering loyalty. Naturally suspicious of strangers and other dogs, they are typically calm and composed, but will respond with determination and strength if they perceive a threat. Early training and thorough socialization are essential, as an unsocialized, dominant adult Shar-Pei can become difficult and potentially dangerous to manage.
Tibetan Terrier
Known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” the Tibetan Terrier is an ancient watchdog and companion closely associated with Buddhist monasteries. This small-to-medium-sized breed is distinguished by its abundant coat, unique “snowshoe” feet, and a temperament that is affectionate, sensitive, and intelligent. Resembling its smaller relative, the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terrier occupies the lower range of medium-sized dogs, standing around 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 20 and 24 pounds. One of the breed’s defining features is its luxurious double coat, with a soft, woolly undercoat and a long, fine outer coat. Particularly distinctive are the breed’s large, flat feet, which evolved over centuries to provide stability and traction on the snowy, mountainous terrain of Tibet.
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.
Finnish Spitz
The energetic Finnish Spitz, a flame-colored, fox-faced breed from the “Land of 60,000 Lakes,” is a small yet fearless hunting dog renowned for its distinctive method of locating and signaling game. This unique hunting style has earned the breed the nickname “the Barking Bird Dog.” Well-balanced and squarely built, the Finnish Spitz stands no more than 20 inches at the shoulder. It is easily recognized by its sharp, fox-like expression, erect ears that convey alertness, and a plumed tail that curves gracefully over the back. The dense coat, glowing in rich golden-red tones that are never flat or uniform, gives the breed its signature “Finnish Spitz glow.” Often called Finkies or Finns, these dogs move with a confident, brisk gait. They make excellent watchdogs—alert and cautious with strangers, yet not timid. The Finnish Spitz is famously vocal; in its homeland, barking competitions are even held to crown a “King Barker.” True enthusiasts of the breed find joy rather than annoyance in its wide range of vocal expressions. Athletic, intelligent, and sensitive, Finnish Spitz dogs are striking show competitors and captivating companions.
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.
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.
Ready to start your journey?
Join thousands of pet owners and get complete, integrated pet health care.