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Complete Dog Breed Information

Having access to the right dog breed information is essential if you want to find the right breed of dog for your family.

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 more 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.

Use the information that follows to choose the breed that is best suited for your lifestyle and experience level.

 
Dog History Tree
 

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. You can also visit dog breeds for dog breed info that's organized alphabetically.

To learn how to properly train, housebreak, and raise your puppy, I strongly recommend you study and follow Secrets to Dog Training and Ultimate House Training guides. You can also select the the behavior or obedience problem from the list below and click "Go"...


Another valuable resource that I feel every dog owner needs to have is the Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. It will teach you how to recognize common health problems and administer first aid if your puppy gets ill.

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 Shiba Inu
  Jindo Alaskan Klee Kai Karelian Bear Dog
  Keeshond Samoyed

Herding Dog Breed Information

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:

  Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Standard Schnauzer
  Beauceron Border Collie Cardigan Welsh Corgi
  Collie English Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog
  Giant Schnauzer Bearded Collie German Shepherd
  Australian Shepherd    

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 some of them are not well suited for an apartment lifestyle.

Some of the most common puppy breeds in this category are:

  Brittany Cocker Spaniel American Cocker Spaniel
  English Setter Labrador Retriever German Wirehaired Pointer
  Field Spaniel Golden Retriever English Springer Spaniel
  Irish Setter Irish Water Spaniel American Water Spaniel
  Standard Poodle Weimaraner German Shorthaired Pointer

Guardian Dog Breed Info

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 Mastiff Caucasian Mountain Dog
  Bullmastiff Boxer Doberman
  Great Dane Great Pyrenees Black Russian Terrier
  Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Rottweiler
  Saint Bernard Komondor Cane Corso
  Tibetan Mastiff Brazilian Mastiff American Mastiff
  Dogue de Bordeaux Spanish Mastiff  

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  

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 Irish Wolfhound
  Borzoi Greyhound Italian Greyhound
  Saluki Basenji 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 Jack Russell Terrier
  Cairn Terrier Cesky Terrier Miniature Schnauzer
  Irish Terrier Border Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier
  Lakeland Terrier Fox Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier
  Rat Terrier Scottish Terrier Miniature Bull Terrier
  Welsh Terrier Bull Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier
  Manchester Terrier Silky Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  Norwich 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 English Bulldog King Charles Spaniel
  Chihuahua Chinese Crested English Toy Spaniel
  French Bulldog Dalmatian Havanese
  Japanese Chin Maltese Miniature Pinscher
  Papillon Pekingese Pomeranian
  Miniature Poodle Pug Shih Tzu
  Yorkshire Terrier Toy Poodle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  Tibetan Spaniel    

For more dog breed information, visit Dog Breeds at www.DogChannel.com.


 




 

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