Dog breed info » A
Affenpinscher
Breed Group
Toy
Weight
7-9 pounds
Height
9-12 inches
Color
Black, gray, silver, or black and tan
Description
Affenpinschers are the smallest of the pinschers and schnauzers. They are a well balanced, little, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make them a good house pet. A comical face earned them their name. In Germany the name means "monkey-like terrier". In France the Affenpinscher is described as the "diablotin moustachu" or the "moustached little devil". Extremely intelligent and affection with people their naturally scruffy-looks makes them appealing.
Afghan Hound (Baluchi Hound, Tazi)
Breed Group
Hound
Weight
Male: 60 pounds
Female: 50 pounds
Height
Male: 27 inches
Female: 25 inches
Color
All colors permissible except spotted
Description
The Afghan Hound is an ancient, aristocratic, beautiful dog. It has been described as "a king of dogs". This breed was kept clean for centuries, and its exportation was prohibited. In Europe and the States it has become a luxurious pet. The Afghan Hound is a tall and slender dog with a long, narrow head, silky topknot and powerful jaws. It has a straight front, and proudly carried head. The whole appearance of the Afghan Hound is one of great style and beauty. This breed is a member of the Greyhound family. This dog was once a harsh hunter in its native land; it was used to hunt leopard, wolves, and jackals. It has now been breed to be a gentle and obedient dog.
Airedale Terrier (Bingley Terrier, Waterside Terrier)
Breed Group
Terrier
Weight
Male: 50-65 pounds
Female: 40-45 pounds
Height
Male: 22-24 inches
Female: 22-23 inches
Color
Tan with black or grizzle saddle
Description
The Airedale Terrier is known as 'King of Terriers' because it represents some of the finest features of this group. The Airedale Terrier is a large terrier with long flat head, deep chest and harsh wiry coat. The well-balanced dog stands square, with a level top line and very straight front legs. It's unbeatable for its size and weight when trained for a watchdog. It's initially suspicious of strangers, territorial, independent, energetic and has untiring courage. Excels in hunting, agility, eyesight and hearing. It's a sturdy, well-boned, well-muscled dog. Because of its athletic physique the Airedale Terrier makes a good jogging partner.
Akita (Akita Inu, Japanese Akita)
Breed Group
Working
Weight
Male: 85-130 pounds
Female: 65-110 pounds
Height
Male: 25-28 inches
Female: 23-26 inches
Color
Any color, including white, pinto, or brindle
Description
The Akita is large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. He has a deep muzzle, small eyes and erect ears, and a large curled tail. Renown for his fierce love, loyalty and obedience to his owner. He is the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. Akitas have webbed feet and are very strong swimmers. Akitas need space and should not be confined.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Breed Group
Working
Weight
Male: 100 pounds
Female: 78 pounds
Height
Male: 23-26 inches
Female: 20-23 inches
Color
Blue merle, brown merle, red merle brindle, tan, red, brown, black, white
Description
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very sturdy muscular dog who is known for his protectiveness of his family. He makes an excellent companion and watchdog. Square and powerfully built, agile and athletic for size. He should give impression of nobility with his alertness.
Alaskan Malamute
Breed Group
Working
Weight
Male: 80-95 pounds
Female: 70-85 pounds
Height
Male: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Color
Light gray through to black, with white shading and a white mask or cap; also shades of sable or red with shading, or all white
Description
The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the Arctic dogs. This dog breed is very large, strong and incredibly good looking. It's a powerful, well built muscular dog with a deep chest, wide head and a proud expression. It is family oriented and loves to be with people. It does well with older children but they must be taught to treat this dog with kindness. The Alaskan Malamute is extremely loyal intelligent and affectionate. It is very friendly and therefore doesn't make an effective guard dog. It does not like hot, humid weather, it's well suited for colder climates.
American Bulldog
Breed Group
Mastiff
Weight
Male: 70-120 pounds
Female: 60-100 pounds
Height
Male: 22-28 inches
Female: 20-26 inches
Color
White, brindle, brown, red, or tan
Description
The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic short-coated dog, strongly muscled, and well boned. The American Bulldog generates the impression of great strength, endurance and exhibits a well-knit, sturdy compact frame. The American Bulldog should be evaluated as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work.
American Eskimo Dog
Breed Group
Non-sporting
Weight
6-40 pounds
Height
9-19 inches
Color
White, or white with biscuit cream
Description
The American Eskimo is a descendant from the German Spitz. His face, coat and lush tail are Spitz-type. He has a pointed muzzle and erect ears. Nicknamed the "Eskie" he has been bred to be a house dog, companion and watch dog. He is wonderful with his human family including children, as long as he is near his family he is content. He enjoys cold weather better than warm. Known to clean their faces like cats they are easier to maintain then you may think as their coat easily repels dirt, they have no doggie odor and they are very clean.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Group
Terrier
Weight
22-110 pounds
Height
18-22 inches
Color
Multicolored, black and white
Description
The American Pit Bull Terrier is classed by the AKC as the American Staffordshire Terrier, but as the American Pit Bull Terrier by the UKC. Known for their intelligence and loyalty the American Pit Bull Terrier makes an excellent, loving and protective companion despite the unfair press he receives. Choose from a responsible breeder and make sure the puppy is properly socialized and handled. A minimum of training will produce a tranquil, good, obedient, companion dog.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Breed Group
Terrier
Weight
57-67 pounds
Height
Male: 17-19 inches
Female: 16-18 inches
Color
Any solid or partial color, but more than 80 percent white, black and tan, or liver are less preferred
Description
The American Staffordshire Terrier is stoic and reliable. Powerful looking, well-protective instinct should make strangers beware, yet with his own family he is devoted, gentle and loving. He should never be confused with the Pit Bull Terrier. He is courageous and a tenacious fighter if provoked. Training can be a challenge because of his pushy yet sensitive character. His natural temperament towards people is gentle and loving, unfortunately some have been improperly handled giving the American Staffordshire Terrier a bad rap.
American Water Spaniel
Breed Group
Sporting
Weight
Male: 30-45 pounds
Female: 25-40 pounds
Height
15-18 inches
Color
Solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate
Description
The American Water Spaniel was developed as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes he was sometimes referred to as the "Skiff dog". He is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a curly coat which has oil coating that makes him water resistant. Primarily a hunting dog, the American Water Spaniel also makes a ideal family pet who will interact well with the entire family. He still thinks of himself as a water dog and hunting comes natural to him. He can be a barker.
Anatolian Shepherd
Breed Group
Working
Weight
Male: 110-150 pounds
Female: 80-120 pounds
Height
Male: 29 inches
Female: 27 inches
Color
Any, most common is fawn with black mask
Description
The Anatolian Shepherd is known for their large, strong frame and their courage. Steady and bold, but never aggressive they should be loyal, independent and hardy. At one time they were once used to hunt wolves but today in the United States they are used as hunting, military and sheepdogs. Similar in looks to the Great Pyrenees, he has a tighter frame and is more agile.
Australian Cattle Dog
Breed Group
Herding
Weight
35-45 pounds
Height
Male: 18-20 inches
Female: 17-19 inches
Color
Blue or blue-mottled with or without other markings; red speckled. Puppies are born white but get their color within a few weeks.
Description
The Australian Cattle Dog also known as the Heeler, is a tough, hard working dog who can cover immense distances. A one-person dog he is rather aloof with strangers. To his owner he is eternally loyal, gentle, alert and can easily be trained. Puppies are born all-white with coat coloring appearing a few weeks after birth.
Australian Shepherd
Breed Group
Herding
Weight
Male: 50-65 pounds
Female: 40-55 pounds
Height
Male: 20-23 inches
Female: 18-21 inches
Color
Blue merle, black, red merle, or red, all with or without white markings and/or tan points
Description
The Australian Shepherd is an attractive long-haired breed with a bobtail and striking, varied, coat coloration. Each dogs coat and eye color are highly variable, it is not uncommon to have a dog with one blue eye or one that is half blue and half brown. This does not affect their vision or their standings in the show ring. He has strong herding and sheep guarding instincts and has been known to performs well in areas such as search and rescue. He is reserved with strangers, but is a dependable, tireless worker who is devoted to his owner. An attentive and animated dog who is strong and agile with great stamina the Australian Shepherd will make a great family pet.
Australian Terrier (Aussie)
Breed Group
Terrier
Weight
12-14 pounds
Height
10-11 inches
Color
Blue and tan, solid sandy, and solid red
Description
The Australian Terrier is affectionately known at the "Aussie". He is one of the few non-English terriers. Created by Australian setters he is the smallest of the working terriers. He has boundless, playful energy and is a very loyal and affectionate companion for his immediate family. He adapts well to all living conditions and climates. Because of his quite and affectionate nature he makes a great companion for children, elderly or the handicapped.