Barbet

Overview

A relative of the Poodle and Briard, this French water dog with the webbed paws gets down and dirty in pursuit of waterfowl, earning him the nickname ‘mud dog.’ He real name comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard, due to his bearded face.

The Barbet is no newcomer–the first written reference to the breed dates back to 1387,…

Welsh Terrier

Overview

He may look like a small Airedale, but the Welsh Terrier has his own personality. It’s certainly a strong personality, and no wonder–he was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. Although not many folks hunt badgers these days, hunting cookies in the yard is a solid alternative.

Smart as can be, this party boy excels in agility, flyball, tracking,…

Shih Tzu

His name means little lion, but there’s nothing fierce about this dog. The Shih Tzu is a lover, not a hunter. Bred solely to be a companion, the Shih Tzu is an affectionate, happy, outgoing housedog who loves nothing more than to follow his people from room to room. In recent years, however, owners have started taking the…

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a native of Turkey, where he was developed as a shepherd’s companion and livestock guardian. He was bred to resemble the size and color of the livestock he defended so predators would not detect him among the flock. Sometimes called the Anatolian Karabash Dog, he’s a fiercely loyal guard dog and a…

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua’s charms include his small size, outsize personality, and variety in coat types and colors. He’s all dog, fully capable of competing in dog sports such as agility and obedience, and is among the top 10 watchdogs recommended by experts. He loves nothing more than being with his people and requires a minimum of grooming and exercise.

Overview

The Chihuahua…

Chinook

Created in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Chinook made his name on Admiral Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition in 1928. These days he’s a multipurpose dog who’s happy hiking, competing in agility and other dog sports, pulling a sled or other conveyance, and playing with the kids.

Overview It all started with a cross between a farm dog and a…

Sussex Spaniel

Long and low, with a unique golden liver color, the Sussex Spaniel was developed in Sussex County, England, to flush birds into the air for hunters. He has a reputation for being slow and sedate, but he livens up when he scents birds. With proper training and attention, the cheerful Sussex is an excellent companion.

Overview

This rare and unusual…

Papillon

The Papillon descends from the toy spaniels that are frequently portrayed in paintings by the Old Masters, from as far back as the 16th century. He’s highly active and is a wonderful competitor in agility and obedience. His sparkling personality makes him a favorite of all who meet him.

Overview The Papillon, whose…

Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a popular cross of the Maltese and Poodle, known for his fun-loving and affectionate nature. Active and charming, he can fit into all kinds of homes and families: apartment or house, family with kids or elderly single.

Overview

Maltipoos are a popular cross of the Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle. True to their parent breeds, Maltipoos are…

Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a large, white flock-guarding dog who hails from Hungary. A one-family dog, he’s protective of his people and suspicious of strangers. The Kuvasz thinks for himself and can be challenging to train.

Overview

The Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahss; the plural is Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock) is probably the oldest of the three ancient Hungarian breeds. He has a regal bearing…

Brittany

Brittanys were bred as gundogs, and they definitely have birds on the brain. Although they’re often called Brittany Spaniels, the American Kennel Club dropped the word “spaniel” from this pointing breed’s name in 1982. The energetic Brittany is a versatile family companion and hunting dog who works more closely to the hunter than other pointing breeds.

Overview

The Brittany is a…