Dog breed information center

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• Dog breed information - differences between breeds
• Video: maltese dogs | lovely pics of dog breed maltese dogs
• Official akc dog breed categories
• Sporting breeds
• Hound breeds
• Working breeds
• Terrier breeds
• Toy breeds
• Non-sporting breeds
• Herding breeds
• Best dog breeds for those with allergies
• Video: akita dogs | dog breed akita set of cute pictures
• Rare dog breeds
• Best dog breeds for seniors
• Dog breeds which live the longest
• Video: toy poodle dog breed | cute dog picture collection of breed toy poodle
• Update.... update.....
• More related pages.....
• Books packed with dog breed information

These groups are pretty much self-explanatory, but it`s not always easy to figure out which group a particular breed belongs to.

In addition, below the details for each group, you`ll find a link to more information and a full breed list.

Here`s a quick look at the main characteristics of these groups....

Overall they`re an energetic bunch, but usually happy, friendly, outgoing and eager to please - which makes them very trainable.

Occasionally they may be a bitover-energetic and highly strung though.

Sporting dogs need a LOT of exercise, and are happiest when they`re included in regular activities with their owner and family.

They also tend to be `mouthy`, are avid chewers and can be very nippy as puppies.

Some have a high prey drive which means they`re inclined to chase smaller dogs or small animals, occasionally even little children.

Various types of Pointers, Retrievers, Spaniels and the ever-popular and #1 family dog the Labrador Retriever (and the Golden Retriever too for that matter) are all in this group.

* Get info. on all breeds in the AKC Sporting Group HERE

Sighthounds are possibly one of the very earliest breeds, and use their very keen sense of sight and their speed and athleticism to hunt their prey.

These are usually slender, long-legged, elegant dogs and if you`re not sure what a sighthound might look like, think of a Greyhound or an Afghan Hound.

Scenthounds use their highly developed sense of smell to locate and track their prey.

When they find and corner whatever animal it is they`re hunting they let their owners know about their success by `baying`.

This is a unique sound, not barking or howling, but once heard you won`t forget it. Even a Beagle or Basset Hound who has never hunted a rabbit in his life is perfectly capable of making this noise, so bear that in mind.

Scenthounds look quite different to sighthounds. 

Overall the dog breeds in this group are generally are energetic, happy, and loving bunch who get along well with people, children and other pets.

Both varieties are very single-minded if they decide to follow or chase prey and as pets they need to be leashed when out walking and only allowed to be alone in a yard if it`s very well fenced and secure.

* Get info. on all breeds in the AKC Hound Group HERE

This dog breed group that is divided into two ;

Traditional terriers who were bred to hunt and kill small prey and vermin

Bull-and-terrier breeds who were originally a result of breeding bulldogs and terriers together and used for bull-baiting and fighting.

These dogs are often on the smaller end of the size scale, but they`re feisty live-wires who tend to be on-the-go at all times.

Terriers bred to hunt and kill have a tendency to be determined, stubborn and willful and they naturally have a high prey-drive which means they may not don`t do well with cats, other dogs or even small children.

These include breeds such as the Russell Terrier (and the Parsons Russell Terrier), the Border Terrier, the Cairn Terrier and the Fox Terriers.

Even the smallest terrier has the heart of a lion (and thinks he`s about as big as one too).

They`re basically fearless and will take on the biggest dog in the park without a second thought. The adorable Yorkshire Terrier fits this profile perfectly!

The bull-and-terrier breeds tend to be calmer and more laid-back, although they can still be stubborn when they want to be.

This is another breed group that is often misunderstood and misrepresented, and includes the Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier (aka AmStaff).

Many of the `traditional` terriers have wiry coats and docked tails. These coats often need to be professionally trimmed or `stripped` regularly to keep them in good condition, but they tend to shed less than many other types of hair.

The bull terriers have short, smooth coats which just need brushing, but are more inclined to shed.

* See all breeds in the AKC Terrier Group HERE

They`re small dogs, but not all small dogs are in the `Toy` category.

Although these little ones may be small on size, they`re usually BIG on personality and are much tougher than theylook.

Some toy dogs are just smaller versions of a larger (or standard-size) breed, such as the Poodle and the Greyhound.

Usually these little ones make great lapdogs, are devoted companions and a good choice for people with limited space, or mobility, but they`re not always docile or laid-back!

Small dogs can sometimes be difficult to train, stubborn, `nippy`, anxious, highly-strung or have a tendency to be a bit `snappy` or `yappy`

This breed group includes some terriers such as the Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and the popular Yorkshire Terrier, plus spaniels including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel and more `exotic` breeds like the Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Havanese, Brussels Griffon and the Chihuahua (to mention just a few).

* See all breeds in the AKC Toy Group HERE

This breed group is a collection of dogs who might be workers or sporting dogs but who don`t fit fill the traditional roles of guardian or herding dog.

It also includes dogs bred as companions, or whose original `job` no longer exists.

The Lundehund was originally bred to hunt Puffin in Norway and the Dalmation who`s best known for being the `fireman`s dog` following along (or even riding on) the old-style fire engines are included in this group.

Other non-sporting dog breeds have an unusual history too.

The American Eskimo dog was once popular in the circus, the distinctive Chinese Shar-Pei was a farm dog and guardain with an exotic twist as their Chinese owners believed that this breeds` frown-wrinkles and black mouth pigment would scare off evil spirits!

Among the smaller group members is the Tibetan Spaniel whose appearance was carefully shaped by Tibetan Buddhists to resemble the revered lions or `Foo Dogs` in Buddhist culture.

But not all non-sporting breeds are unusual or rare, this group contains some very popular and well-known breeds including the Poodle, the English Bulldog, the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier.

Because this group is made up of such different dogs, there isn`t really any way to define them in terms of outward appearance or internal traits.

* See all breeds in the AKC Non-Sporting Group HERE

The majority of these dog breeds are medium to large-sized dogs, with thick or long coats, but there are exceptions to both of these `rules`.

Best Dog Breeds For Those With Allergies

Some breeds are termed `hypoallergenic` because they are much less likely to cause symptoms in people who are reactive to pet hair.

BUT there is no such thing as an allergy-free breed because dander (dead skin cells) and saliva can also trigger allergic reactions (so big-time droolers aren`t a good choice).

A few of these dog breeds are actually hairless, others have low-shedding coats (silky, wiry or curly coats often fit this bill).

Tiny dogs have a smaller body area and therefore shed less hair and dander than larger ones do. Although this doesn`t make them low-allergy breeds, it`s useful to know.

However, if you or a family member suffer from allergies but want to own a dog, one of these breeds may work for you. It is important to be around them before purchasing first, that way you`ll know if it is a good idea or not.

Video: Akita Dogs | Dog Breed Akita Set Of Cute Pictures

You can learn more about these breeds (and which breeds to stay away from if you have an allergy-sufferer in the home) here... Hypoallergenic Dogs

Rare Dog Breeds

There are just so many dog breeds worldwide that there are bound to be many that you`ve never heard of... and there are some that even dyed-in-the-wool dog enthusiasts have never heard of either!

These breeds may, or may not, be a good choice for you but if you have a taste for the unusual it doesn`t hurt to do some research.

Pay attention to the nature, temperament and needs of these breeds and be prepared for the purchase price of a well-bred pup or adult to be high. 

There are other disadvantages to owing a rare breed.

These might include getting the right vet care (your vet may well never have come across another individual of your chosen breed), your pup/dog may have to travel a long way to get to you (and this causes stress to your new companion) and so on.

So, do give the thought of owning a rare breed dog a lot of thought, research and preparation before deciding to go for it!

Here are just some of the rare dog breeds around the world. There are sure to be more!

Best Dog Breeds For Seniors

You shouldn`t have to give up dog ownership just because you`re getting older... but some breeds can be just too much for seniors to handle for a variety of reasons.

The best dogs for seniors are on the small to small/medium end of the size spectrum, have a low to moderate activity level and are friendly and trainable.

Luckily there are lots of breeds who fit this `profile` including the ones on this list....

If possible, low maintenance and minimal genetic health issues are good too.

Long haired breeds need regular grooming or trimming, as do many terriers.

Some may have back issues (especially long-bodied dogs such as Dachshunds), and many small/toy breeds suffer from knee problems.

Do make sure to check out the specific needs/requirements of any breed you`re interested in, that way you know what to expect.

Dog Breeds Which Live The Longest

Obviously there`s no way to guarantee how long any individual dog will live, but with purebred dogs you can get an idea of the average lifespan.

In general the smaller the breed the longer the potential lifespan. 

Tiny dogs can routinely live for 12 - 15 years, or more. Large and giant breeds may only expect 6 - 9 years, or less. Medium sized dogs fall somewhere in the middle.

Video: Toy Poodle Dog Breed | Cute Dog Picture Collection Of Breed Toy Poodle

Here`s a look at some of the dog breeds who can reasonably be expected to live for 12 years or more (barring injury, accident or chronic illness).

The number in brackets is the average number of years for each breed shown.

Here`s a little dog breed longevity trivia which you might find interesting:

• The oldest dogs on record are a sheepdog from Australia and a Labrador mix from the UK who both lived to the grand old age of 29.
• The oldest Chihuahua and Toy Poodle on record lived to be 20 years old.
• The oldest Beagle recorded reached a remarkable 27th birthday.
• According to vet statistics, dogs under 20lbs at maturity average 11+ years of life. Those who weigh over 90lbs average about 8+ years.
• A handful of large/r breeds outlive their counterparts, including the northern breeds such as the Husky, Samoyed, Chow and Alaskan Malamute, as well as the Doberman Pinscher and the Anatolian Shepherd.

More related pages.....

Books Packed With Dog Breed Information

Personally I love books, and reading, but even if you`re not the same way having a good reference book for any subject you`re interested in is always a great investment.

These books have the added benefit of containing some beautiful photographs of the huge variety of dog breeds as well as being chock-a-block full of useful dog breed information and facts!

Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

Dog Breed Bible: Every Breed Recognized by the AKC

Dog Breeds Pictures: Over 100 Breeds

Video: Miniature Poodle Dog Breed | Cute Dog Picture Collection Of Breed Miniature Poodle

For more information on specific dog breeds here are a few of websites and groups/organizations you can check out.....

Love-Springer-Spaniels.com - An online guide and community dedicated to English and Welsh Springer Spaniels, tips and advice on choosing, feeding, training and grooming Springer Spaniels to name just a few items we cover.

About-Cocker-Spaniels.com - the best free online guide to caring for Cocker Spaniel puppies and dogs. Lots more practical tips and helpful advice on how to look after your Cocker Spaniel- from his puppy days right through to adulthood. No matter what you`re searching for, you`ll probably find it here.

The-Hunting-Dog.com - This website is devoted to hunting dogs of all shapes and sizes. There`s tons of information and advice on choosing and caring for one of these intelligent, versatile and all-round incredible dogs.

A Love Of Rottweilers- A complete guide to Rottweilers. All the tips, advice and informationowners need to take care of the incredible Rottweiler dog. Includeshistory, temperament, puppy care, training and lots more.

If you live in the UK you might find this site useful:

The Dog Club Internet Directory (UK)

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