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Complete Dog Breed Information
There is a tremendous variety of puppy breeds. If you are seeking dog breed information, you came to the right place!
Dog breeds can be grouped into categories, with each category having traits that are common to all breeds in that category.
For example, some breeds are very difficult to train. Others require a lot more exercise than an average dog owner can provide. Finally, some breeds are not well suited for owners with small children.
When organizing this dog breed directory, I felt the best way to present dog breed information was to segregate dog breeds according to their behavior and physical characteristics. So, without wasting any more time, here are the categories.
Northern Dog Breed Information
All dogs in this category have something in common - they were all bred for the cold Arctic climate.
Some of the common traits in this category are double coats, prickly ears and a tail that curls over the back.
All northern breeds do best in cold climates.
Most (but not all) get along pretty well with other dogs but don't develop strong relationships with their owners.
Some of the most common breeds in this category are:
| Akita | Alaskan Malamute | American Eskimo | |
| Shar Pei | Chow Chow | Siberian Husky | |
| Ainu | Alaskan Husky | Greenland Dog | |
| Jindo | Alaskan Klee Kai | Karelian Bear Dog | |
| Keeshond | Samoyed | Shiba Inu |
Herding Dog Breed Info
Members of this group were originally bred to guard and herd sheep and other farm animals. They are extremely intelligent and always full of energy. These dogs are best suited for an owner who is just as energetic.
Unless you keep them busy, they will find something to do anyway, like digging up your yard or chewing on something they are not supposed to. Visit dog digging and dog chewing to learn more about these behaviors.
Some of the most common breeds in this category are:
Gun Dog Breed Information
Gun (or sporting) dogs make the best family pets.
They are smart, loyal, friendly and affectionate. They love children and most (but not all) get along well with other animals.
They require plenty of exercise and are not well suited for an apartment life.
Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:
| Brittany | Cocker Spaniel | English Cocker Spaniel | |
| English Setter | French Spaniel | German Longhaired Pointer | |
| Field Spaniel | Golden Retriever | English Springer Spaniel | |
| Irish Setter | Irish Water Spaniel | Labrador Retriever | |
| Standard Poodle | Weimaraner | Pointer |
Guardian Dog Breeds
These dogs were bred to watch over persons or property. Some members of this group were bred to guard farm animals and bond better with livestock than humans.
The guardians are large dogs who are usually gentle with the members of the family but are wary of strangers. They can also be aggressive.
Members of this group may not be appropriate for you if you have small children or like to entertain often.
Because of their size and aggressiveness, it's important to socialize members of these breeds while they are still young. Visit puppy socialization to learn more.
Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:
| American Bulldog | Black Russian Terrier | Boxer | |
| Bullmastiff | Caucasian Ovcharka | Doberman Pinscher | |
| Great Dane | Great Pyrenees | Mastiff | |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Newfoundland | Rottweiler | |
| Saint Bernard | Komondor | Cane Corso |
Scenthounds
Scenthounds were bred to track prey.
Contrary to the common perception, these dogs are very intense and active. Once they catch a scent, they will pursue it relentlessly, often traveling several miles or more. For their protection, it's better to keep them on leash. Visit leash training your dog to learn more.
Hounds have special health issues, such as ear and skin infections.
Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:
| American Foxhound | Basset Hound | Basset Bleu de Gascogne | |
| Beagle | Bloodhound | Dachshund | |
| English Foxhound | Otterhound | Griffon Fauve de Bretagne | |
| Spanish Hound |
Sighthounds
It's commonly believed that sighthounds are the oldest type of dog. They were bred to hunt by sight.
They have elegant, long bodies and are excellent runners.
Like with Scenthounds, it's best to keep members of this group on leash or in a fenced yard. Visit electronic dog fence to learn how to keep your pet from escaping from an unfenced yard.
Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:
| Afghan Hound | Azawakh | Basenji | |
| Borzoi | Greyhound | Italian Greyhound | |
| Saluki | Spanish Greyhound | Whippet |
Terriers
There are two types of terriers - traditional and bull and terrier types.
Traditional terriers were bred to enter tunnels to chase after small prey.
Because of the way they were bred, they can't be trusted with small animals. Unless properly socialized, terriers can be snappy with humans and other dogs. They are full of energy and love to dig. Visit dog digging and puppy socialization to learn more.
Bull and terrier types were bred by crossing terriers with bull-baiting dogs. They are extremely strong and muscular. Contrary to their reputation, bull and terrier types are friendlier to humans than traditional terriers.
Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:
| Airedale Terrier | Australian Terrier | Border Terrier | |
| Cairn Terrier | Cesky Terrier | Fox Terrier | |
| Irish Terrier | Jack Russell Terrier | Kerry Blue Terrier | |
| Lakeland Terrier | Miniature Schnauzer | Norwich Terrier | |
| Rat Terrier | Scottish Terrier | Silky Terrier | |
| Welsh Terrier | Bull Terrier | American Pit Bull Terrier | |
| Manchester Terrier | Miniature Bull Terrier | Staffordshire Terrier |
Companion Dog Breed Information
No dog breed information page would be complete without mentioning dogs that were bred just for companionship!
While many breeds in this category were bred to perform some job, most were bred for companionship.
They are excellent house pets and get along well with children, pets and even strangers.
Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:
| Bichon Frise | Bolognese | Boston Terrier | |
| Brussels Griffon | Bulldog | King Charles Spaniel | |
| Chihuahua | Chinese Crested | English Toy Spaniel | |
| French Bulldog | Dalmatian | Havanese | |
| Japanese Chin | Maltese | Miniature Pinscher | |
| Papillon | Pekingese | Pomeranian | |
| Poodle | Pug | Shih Tzu | |
| Yorkshire Terrier |
For more dog breed information, visit an excellent site from the editors of DOG FANCY magazine...
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