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Dog Breeds

A breed guide to big dogsA breed guide to big dogs

Collage of big dog breeds. Image for Dog Breed Category page.

Thinking about adopting a dog? Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices with so many dog breeds?

There are more than 150 dog breeds, and each has unique characteristics.

Choosing a dog for you and your family out of all the available dog breeds is quite an overwhelming process. The best breeds of dogs come in all shapes and sizes.

Even if you like a particular dog breed, remember to consider that breed's natural habitat; for example, a Tibetan mastiff cannot survive in a sub-tropical climate.

While some are better suited to live on a farm, others make great apartment dogs. Some are docile and friendly, while others bark or howl a lot. Some may be aggressive and ferocious at times.

Most can adjust to various climate types, while others can survive only in a specific environment.

If you're considering getting a dog, check out their characteristics and match them to your personality and lifestyle.

Decide whether you want a purebred or a mutt, which will exhibit many of the parents' best traits while having fewer health issues.

And decide whether you want a big dog or a small one.

Personality traits

Do you want an independent dog? Or one that sticks to your side?

What's your energy level? Do you want a dog who needs a lot of exercise or one that is happy snuggling with you on the couch?

The laziest dog breeds steal your heart by doing nothing.

Or, if you are active and athletic, you might consider dogs with high energy levels. Just be prepared to help them burn it off without indulging in problem behaviors like excessive barking, scratching, or digging.

When you choose one of the longest-living dog breeds, do your part and give them the proper care to help them live happy and healthy lives.

Although grooming requirements may not top the list when considering what kind of dog to adopt, low-maintenance dogs will make your life easier while saving you time and money.

Dog size

Just like Goldilocks, you may want to choose your dog based on size.

From Beagles to Yorkies, small dog breeds are perfect for city living and make great lap dogs. Check out our list of the 15 most popular small dog breeds and find the ideal match for you.

Small dog options include:

The smallest of the pinscher breed, the Affenpinscher, is one of the oldest dog breeds.

Lhasa Apsos are loyal and intelligent but are high-maintenance dogs that can be hard to train.

Pekinese dogs have silky coats that look like a lion's mane. The dogs need short daily walks and a high-protein diet.

Mid-size dogs don't eat as much as big dogs and aren't as fragile as small dogs. And they make great companions for active families.

Mid-sized dog options include:

The Golden Retrievers are intelligent, loyal, and eager to please. They are easy to train and make good dogs for first-time owners.

Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dogs and make wonderful family pets.

German Shepherds are brave and intelligent. Although they often are used as police dogs, they also make great family dogs.

Large dog breeds can be easy to take care of — and they offer so much love. They're typically loyal and protective, making them perfect family pets.

If you want to go big, consider choosing one of the dogs on this list of 11 magnificent mastiff dog breeds.

Large dog options include:

Alaskan Malamutes can be needy and sensitive. They aren't a good choice for first-time owners.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are even-tempered and friendly. They rarely bark and are good with children.

Komondors are muscular dogs with distinctive, chord-like curls.

Saint Bernards can weigh up to 180 pounds. The dogs are intelligent, gentle giants who stay playful.

Specific breeds

A Belgian Malinois is a loyal, loving companion who needs training and every opportunity to stay physically active and intellectually engaged.

The Weimaraner is a loyal, intelligent dog that is easy to train and groom but needs more exercise than some other breeds.

The Pitbull Lab mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and an American Pitbull Terrier. They are intelligent, obedient, and courageous.

The poodle is easy to train and energetic. They like to be with people most of the time and hate being in a kennel.

The Cocker Spaniel is a friendly, happy dog. Just be prepared to spend time and money on grooming to keep your dog's coat beautiful and healthy.

The Mudi dog breed is a spunky little farm dog praised for its intelligence, eagerness, loyalty, and versatility.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is courageous with a strong, muscular build, making it ideal for families who want a loyal, protective companion.

Boston Terriers are bright, amusing, and friendly, with a characteristic "tuxedo" coat.

The Golden retriever is a friendly, intelligent dog whose willingness to please makes it ideal for families and first-time owners.

The German Shepherd Dog is energetic, lively, courageous, and intelligent. They train easily and routinely work as police and military dogs.

The Shetland Sheepdog or sheltie is an energetic small herding dog bred to herd sheep, ponies, and poultry. They excel at agility.

Despite their small size, Yorkshire terriers have big dog attitudes.

Doberman Pinschers are commonly trained as guard dogs. They protect their owners and can be hostile to other dogs.

The French bulldog is an intelligent, playful dog that perfectly adapts to the indoors and is not overly demanding in terms of grooming.

The Border collie is a high-energy dog that does best with people who have time and energy to spend with them. They are not good with young children.

Brachycephalic dog breeds experience health issues: breathing disorders, exercise-induced problems, and trouble tolerating heat and cold.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic dogs that require a lot of exercise. They are quick learners and excel at dog sports such as agility, flyball, and frisbee.

Want an active dog? Discover the top 11 herding dog breeds

Posted November 29, 2022

Herding dogs are intelligent and trainable. They require training and socialization to become great pets for active people.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Big dogs, Small dogs

The Basenji has erect ears, a short coat, almond-shaped eyes, an incredibly expressive face, and curled tail.

Is the barkless, stubborn Basenji the right dog breed for you?

Posted November 25, 2022

Basenji puppies can be difficult to train. The dogs have a high prey drive and are known for being independent, stubborn, and intelligent.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Small dogs

Boston Terrier: Bright, friendly, energetic, and loving dog breed that makes a great companion for people of all ages.

Is an energetic, family-friendly Boston Terrier your dream dog?

Posted November 17, 2022

Boston Terrier: Bright, friendly, energetic, and loving dog breed that makes a great companion for people of all ages.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Petfinder.com, Small dogs

Pomeranian on white background. Pomeranians are high-energy dogs that are known for their loyalty.

Curious about Pomeranians? 7 things you need to know about this adorable toy dog

Posted November 15, 2022

Wondering whether a Pomeranian is the right dog for you? Read this guide to learn all about the famous toy dog.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Small dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, known for their adorable appearance and great personalities, make ideal companions for first-time dog owners.

Is an affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel your dream dog?

Posted November 13, 2022

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, known for their adorable appearance and great personalities, make ideal companions for first-time dog owners.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Petfinder.com, Small dogs

Pair or Russian Toy Dogs on white background.

Is a tiny but mighty Russian Toy the right dog for you?

Posted November 9, 2022

Russian Toy Dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please. They are generally good with other animals and make great watchdogs.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Small dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy after a bath. Low maintenance dogs require occasional bathing and brushing.

8 low-maintenance dogs that are easy to groom

Posted November 4, 2022

Although grooming requirements may not top the list when you’re considering what kind of dog to adopt, low maintenance dogs will make your life easier.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds, Dog Grooming, Home Page Tagged With: Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, Greyhound, Non-shedding breeds, Shedding

Belgian Malinois

Is a smart, athletic Belgian Malinois the right dog for you?

Posted November 3, 2022

A Belgian Malinois is a loyal, loving companion who needs training, and every opportunity to stay physically active and intellectually engaged.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds, Home Page Tagged With: Big dogs, Working dogs

The Weimaraner has a desire and willingness to please and is easy to train. With the correct training methods, such as positive reinforcement, the training process for this breed will be simple and quick, especially at a young age

Is an affectionate, high-energy Weimaraner the right dog for you?

Posted November 2, 2022

The Weimaraner is a loyal, intelligent dog that is easy to train and groom but needs more exercise than some other breeds.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Big dogs

The Pitbull Lab mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and an American Pitbull Terrier. They are intelligent, obedient, and courageous.

Is a smart, affectionate Pitbull Lab mix the right dog for you?

Posted October 29, 2022

The Pitbull Lab mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and an American Pitbull Terrier. They are intelligent, obedient, and courageous.

Filed Under: Dog Breeds Tagged With: Big dogs

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