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.
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.
Brittany
Sportsmen on both sides of the Atlantic prize the Brittany for its agility, energy, and versatility as a stylish gundog. Lively and affectionate at home yet tireless in the field, Brittanys require ample daily exercise, ideally shared with their favorite people. Smaller than setters but longer-legged than spaniels, Brittanys stand around 20 inches at the shoulder. Their striking coats feature bold patterns in combinations of white with vivid orange or rich liver. Strong and rugged without being heavy, they move with speed and smooth efficiency. The face carries the soft, gentle expression treasured by bird-dog enthusiasts, while the high-set ears reflect the breed’s constant eagerness. The same drive and adaptability that make Brittanys exceptional hunters also shine in dog sports. Obedience, agility, flyball, dock diving—this intelligent and trainable breed is eager to excel at them all. The Brittany is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile hunting partner, an enthusiastic sport teammate, or a companion well suited to an active, outdoor-oriented family life.
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.
Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, and lively breed, distinguished by long legs, fine bone structure, and lean musculature. Active and cheerful by nature, these dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and deeply affectionate with their human companions, though they may show a touch of reserve toward strangers. They are neither timid nor aggressive, maintaining a balanced and confident temperament. As a true toy breed with roots in Russian aristocracy, the Russian Toy combines charm with spirited energy. Many delight in running and playing, eagerly chasing toys around the house or yard, while others are perfectly content to spend hours nestled on a lap, enjoying their role as a treasured companion. They thrive on close human interaction and quickly express their feelings if they sense neglect. The breed comes in two coat varieties: smooth and long-haired. Long-coated Russian Toys feature a graceful chest ruff and distinctive feathering on the ears, tail, and limbs, with full adult coat development taking several years. The smooth-coated variety has a sleek, close-lying coat and tends to display a slightly more terrier-like attitude. Despite these differences, both varieties share a bold, expressive personality that feels far larger than their small size.
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.
Sloughi
The Sloughi, often called the “Arabian Greyhound,” is an ancient and elegant sighthound renowned for its speed, endurance, and refined form. Historically used to hunt a wide range of game across the harsh deserts of North Africa, the breed combines athletic ability with a dignified and reserved nature. While naturally aloof with strangers, the Sloughi is gentle, loyal, and deeply affectionate with those it knows and trusts. Built along classic sighthound lines, the Sloughi is a lean, functional dog with no unnecessary exaggeration. Standing between 24 and 29 inches at the shoulder, it was bred to pursue prey such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild boar over demanding terrain. Coat colors range from pale sand to deep mahogany red-fawn, with or without brindling or black markings, and without prominent white. The breed’s large, dark eyes often carry a soft, contemplative expression frequently described as melancholic.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Generally friendly with children and other animals, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a hardy, low-maintenance breed whose excellent health and calm temperament go far beyond its eye-catching appearance. Intelligent, eager to please, and deeply devoted to work, the Bergamasco is patient by nature yet instinctively protective of those under its care. Beneath the breed’s unmistakable coat lies a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient origin. Because the coat is the Bergamasco’s defining feature, it deserves special attention. The breed’s hair consists of three distinct textures that naturally form loose mats known as “flocks”—flat layers of felted strands that cover the body and legs. These flocks evolved to protect the dog from harsh cold and predators in the Italian Alps, the breed’s ancestral homeland. Bright, loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable, the Bergamasco retains a touch of independence typical of mountain dogs. It watches over family members with calm attentiveness and quiet confidence. Though naturally cautious around strangers until properly introduced, the Bergamasco resorts to aggression only when absolutely necessary.
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.
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is often described by enthusiasts as a “merry” breed, a term that reflects its cheerful and lively disposition. Energetic and enthusiastic when working in the field, yet calm and gentle in the home, this compact sporting dog with a silky coat is admired for both its engaging temperament and refined appearance. The breed is solidly and compactly built, standing approximately 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Its softly shaped head features dark, expressive eyes that convey alertness and dignity, framed by long, close-fitting ears. The coat is of medium length, smooth and silky in texture, and appears in a wide range of distinctive colors and patterns. Balance is a defining characteristic of the English Cocker Spaniel, evident in its temperament, physical structure, and movement. Beneath its elegant exterior lies the spirit of a tireless and willing hunting companion, internationally recognized for its skill in flushing and retrieving gamebirds. At the same time, it is equally valued as a pleasant, well-mannered, and affectionate household companion.
German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer can be described as Continental Europe’s counterpart to the Setter in appearance—a refined pointing dog with a full tail and a long coat featuring dense guard hairs and a moderate undercoat. One notable distinction of this breed is its strong affinity for water, making it particularly well suited for swimming and waterfowl hunting. The coat coloration reflects a blend of markings similar to those seen in the German Shorthaired Pointer. As a true gundog, the German Longhaired Pointer is expected to search, point, track, and retrieve game with precision and versatility. The breed excels across a wide range of hunting environments, including waterfowl hunting, upland bird work, and the retrieval of furred game in forests and open landscapes. In North America, this often includes quarry such as rabbit and squirrel. Remarkably adaptable, the German Longhaired Pointer can shift seamlessly from a calm and composed household companion to an intense, driven hunter in the field. Bred for hunting for more than a century, this breed stands as a proven and dependable partner for serious sportsmen.
Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a scenthound with a distinctive name and a remarkable history, known for its toughness and determination in the field and its calm, gentlemanly nature at home. Fearless and resolute while working, the Plott is a relentless hunter, yet indoors it is composed and even-tempered. This striking breed holds the distinction of being the official state dog of North Carolina. Athletic and streamlined, the Plott Hound is a long-tailed, light-footed hunter that can stand up to 25 inches at the shoulder. Its eye-catching coat appears in a wide range of brindle patterns, from black streaked with gold to vivid shades of orange and rich russet, along with a few solid colors. Medium-length ears hang neatly, while the black pigmentation of the nose, lips, and eye rims highlights an expression that is both inquisitive and confident.