Great Danes

At a glance
Great Danes are a large working breed. Danes are vibrant, fearless, amiable and reliable dogs. Great Danes are recognized as one of the tallest canine breeds. However, in spite of their size, they have a sweet disposition and are very friendly with children.

Summary

• Names – Grand Danois (Old French for “Great Dane”); Dogue Allemand (modern French for “German Mastiff”), Dane, Gentle Giant, Deutsche Dogge (“German Mastiff”), Dänischer Hund (“Danish Hound”), “the Apollo of dogs”
• Group – AKC: Working Group; KC: Working
• Size – large
• Life expectancy – average of 10 and a range of 8-12 years
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – high
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – medium
• Obedience level – medium
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – low
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium

Read more

Golden Retrievers

At a glance
Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland and were bred to be excellent water-hunting dogs. They are known for their gentleness and enthusiasm. They are currently one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

Summary

• Names – Goldens
• Group – AKC: Sporting Group; KC: Gundogs
• Size – medium
• Life expectancy – 9 – 15 years; average of 12
• Cost of ownership – low
• Ease of ownership – high
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – medium
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – low
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – low

Read more

Dalmatians

At a glance
The Dalmatian is a mid-sized, muscular dog admired for his unmistakable spotted coat and his clownish energy and independent personality.

Summary

• Names – dal, dali; carriage dog, firehouse dog, plum pudding dog, spotted dick and dalmatiner
• Group – AKC: Non-Sporting Group; KC: Utility
• Size – medium
• Life expectancy – 9-15 years; average of 11
• Cost of ownership – low
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – high
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – low
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – low

Read more

Yorkshire Terriers

At a glance
The popular image of a Yorkshire Terrier – or ‘Yorkie’ – is of a pampered, well-groomed dog ready for either a ball game or a dog show, which hides their audacious-hunter interior.

Summary

• Names – Yorkie
• Group – AKC: Toy; KC: Toy Group
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – average of 12; range of 9 to 15
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – medium
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – high
• Ease of Training – medium
• Obedience level – medium
• Suitable for Children – medium
• Amount of Care Required – high
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – high

Read more

Shih Tzus

At a glance
The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that came from China. Experts say the Shih Tzu is the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs (i.e. the Lhasa Apsos and the Tibetan Spaniels).

Summary

• Names – Chinese Lion Dog or Chrysanthemum Dog
• Group – AKC: Toy Group; KC: Utility
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – average of 12; range of 9 to 15
• Cost of ownership – low
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – low
• Amount of Grooming – high
• Ease of Training – medium
• Obedience level – medium
• Suitable for Children – medium
• Amount of Care Required – high
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium

Read more

Rottweilers

At a glance
Rottweilers are heavily-muscled, medium to large dogs and are usually black with defined rust markings. The breed’s origins can be traced to the Roman times when they were used for herding cattle. Since the breed’s recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1935, these dogs have been vital in police units and as family pets.

Summary

• Names – Rottie, Rott, Weily
• Group – AKC: Working Group; KC: Working
• Size – large
• Life expectancy – average of 11 years; range of 9 to 15 years
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – high
• Amount of Exercise – high
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – medium
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium

Read more

Puggles

At a glance
A Puggle is a popular “designer dog” or hybrid, which is the result of breeding a pug with a beagle.

Summary

• Names – Puggle
• Group – not recognized
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – average of 13 years; range of 10 – 15 years
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – low
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – medium
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – low
• Obedience level – medium
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – low
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium

Read more

German Shepherds

At a glance
The German Shepherd is one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world. It is not only a popular family pet, but their brilliance and almost-human sensibilities have made them known for years as an able assistant in a wide array of work situations.

Summary

• Names – Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, Berger Allemand, Deutscher Schäferhund, GSD, Schäferhund, Police Dog
• Group – AKC: Herding Group; KC: Pastoral
• Size – large
• Life expectancy – average of 12; range of 7 to 13 years
• Cost of ownership – low
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – high
• Amount of Exercise – high
• Amount of Grooming – medium
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – medium
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium

Read more

English Bulldogs

At a glance
The Bulldog came from the British Isles where it was once used for bull baiting, which explains why they are called a “bull” dog. After 1835, however, bull baiting and the sport of dog fighting was banned. This resulted in breeding out the fighting instincts in the dog, making it a more suitable companion breed. Today it is a popular family pet.

Summary

• Names – British Bulldog, English Bulldog, Bully, Sourmug
• Group – AKC: Non-Sporting Group; KC: Utility
• Size – medium
• Life expectancy – average of 8; range of 7 to 10
• Cost of ownership – medium
• Ease of ownership – medium
• Aggressive tendency – medium
• Amount of Exercise – low
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – medium
• Obedience level – medium
• Suitable for Children – medium
• Amount of Care Required – medium
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – high

Read more

Boston Terriers

At a glance
The Boston Terrier was first developed in Boston, Massachusetts. Known as “The American Gentleman”, he is celebrated for his gentle, alert, and intelligent expression. The breed itself is the result of a cross between the English Bulldog and the extinct White English Terrier.

Summary

• Names – Boston Bull, Boston Bulldog, Boston Bull Terrier, Roundheads, the American Gentleman.
• Group – AKC: Non-Sporting Group; KC: Utility Group
• Size – small
• Life expectancy – average of 12; range of 10-14 years
• Cost of ownership – low
• Ease of ownership – high
• Aggressive tendency – low
• Amount of Exercise – low
• Amount of Grooming – low
• Ease of Training – high
• Obedience level – high
• Suitable for Children – high
• Amount of Care Required – low
• Susceptibility to Health Problems – medium

Read more

« Previous Page — Next Page »