The friendly dog encyclopedia

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perfect breed.

Energy, food, grooming, temperament and the story behind every dog. Clear, honest profiles for the world's most popular breeds.

30
Breeds profiled
7
Breed groups
100%
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30 breeds · click any dog for the full profile

Traits:
Sporting Large Labrador Retriever dog portrait

Labrador Retriever

The world's favourite family dog.

11-13 yr 25-36 kg
Energy
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Sporting Large Golden Retriever dog portrait

Golden Retriever

Sunny, smart and endlessly devoted.

10-12 yr 25-34 kg
Energy
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Herding Large German Shepherd dog portrait

German Shepherd

The ultimate working partner.

9-13 yr 23-41 kg
Energy
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Non-Sporting Small French Bulldog dog portrait

French Bulldog

Big personality, apartment-sized.

10-14 yr 8-13 kg
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Non-Sporting Medium Bulldog dog portrait

Bulldog

Gentle, wrinkly and unflappable.

8-10 yr 18-23 kg
Energy
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Non-Sporting Varies (Toy-Standard) Poodle dog portrait

Poodle

Brains, elegance, barely any shedding.

12-15 yr 18-32 kg (Standard)
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Hound Small-Medium Beagle dog portrait

Beagle

A nose with a happy dog attached.

10-15 yr 9-14 kg
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Working Large Rottweiler dog portrait

Rottweiler

Powerful guardian, softie at home.

9-10 yr 36-61 kg
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Hound Small Dachshund dog portrait

Dachshund

The brave little 'sausage dog'.

12-16 yr 7-15 kg
Energy
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Toy Toy Yorkshire Terrier dog portrait

Yorkshire Terrier

A tiny terrier with a giant attitude.

11-15 yr 1.8-3.2 kg
Energy
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Working Large Boxer dog portrait

Boxer

Goofy, loyal and full of bounce.

10-12 yr 25-36 kg
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Working Medium Siberian Husky dog portrait

Siberian Husky

Born to run, built for snow.

12-14 yr 16-27 kg
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Herding Medium Australian Shepherd dog portrait

Australian Shepherd

Brainy, tireless and devoted.

12-15 yr 18-29 kg
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Toy Toy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog portrait

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A gentle, affectionate lapdog.

12-15 yr 5.4-8.2 kg
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Herding Medium Border Collie dog portrait

Border Collie

The smartest dog in the world.

12-15 yr 14-25 kg
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Toy Toy Shih Tzu dog portrait

Shih Tzu

A regal little lap companion.

10-16 yr 4-7 kg
Energy
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Toy Toy Pomeranian dog portrait

Pomeranian

A tiny ball of fluff and attitude.

12-16 yr 1.4-3.2 kg
Energy
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Non-Sporting Small Boston Terrier dog portrait

Boston Terrier

The dapper American gentleman.

11-14 yr 5-11 kg
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Working Large Bernese Mountain Dog dog portrait

Bernese Mountain Dog

A gentle giant with a heart of gold.

7-10 yr 32-52 kg
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Working Giant Great Dane dog portrait

Great Dane

The gentle giant of dogs.

7-10 yr 50-79 kg
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Working Large Doberman Pinscher dog portrait

Doberman Pinscher

Sleek, loyal and fearless.

10-12 yr 27-45 kg
Energy
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Non-Sporting Small Shiba Inu dog portrait

Shiba Inu

A bold, fox-like free spirit.

13-16 yr 8-10 kg
Energy
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Toy Toy Chihuahua dog portrait

Chihuahua

The tiniest dog with the biggest heart.

14-16 yr 1-2.7 kg
Energy
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Herding Small-Medium Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog portrait

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Short legs, huge personality.

12-15 yr 11-14 kg
Energy
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Sporting Small-Medium Cocker Spaniel dog portrait

Cocker Spaniel

A merry, soft-eyed sporting dog.

10-14 yr 9-14 kg
Energy
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Toy Small Pug dog portrait

Pug

Lots of dog in a little space.

13-15 yr 6-8 kg
Energy
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Terrier Small Miniature Schnauzer dog portrait

Miniature Schnauzer

A bearded, spirited little watchdog.

12-15 yr 5-9 kg
Energy
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Working Large Cane Corso dog portrait

Cane Corso

A powerful, noble guardian.

9-12 yr 41-54 kg
Energy
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Herding Medium Australian Cattle Dog dog portrait

Australian Cattle Dog

The tireless blue heeler.

12-16 yr 15-23 kg
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Toy Toy Maltese dog portrait

Maltese

An elegant, silky lap companion.

12-15 yr 1.5-3 kg
Energy
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Good to know

Common questions about choosing and living with a dog.

How do I choose the right dog breed?
Start with your living space, the daily time you have for exercise and grooming, whether you have young children, and any allergies. Then match those to a breed's energy, trainability, shedding and temperament. Our breed comparison and the Find your match quiz make it easy to narrow down.
Which breeds are best for apartments?
Smaller, calmer and quieter dogs adapt best to apartments, such as the French Bulldog and Bulldog. Some larger dogs are surprisingly mellow indoors, but most need a yard and plenty of exercise.
Which breeds shed the least?
The Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier shed very little, though they need regular grooming. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but low-shedding breeds produce less loose hair and dander.
What are the best breeds for families with kids?
Gentle, patient and friendly breeds shine with children, like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and Beagle. Always supervise young kids around any dog.
Which breeds are easiest to train?
Highly trainable breeds include the Poodle, Labrador, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd. Scent hounds like the Beagle are smart but independent, so they take a little more patience.
How much exercise does my dog need?
It depends on the breed. High-energy dogs like the Labrador or German Shepherd need 60 minutes or more a day plus mental work, while flat-faced breeds like the Bulldog only need short, cool walks.

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