breed overview

Many people think of the Dachshund as one type of dog that has short legs, short hair, and a long body. This is partially correct, but probably does not go quite far enough. There are actually three varieties of Dachshund to include…

The name Collie actually refers to various breeds of herding dogs, with the widely recognized Collie breed tracing its roots back to Scotland. In fact, the name has been linked to an old Scottish word for black and to a regional word for…

The American Cocker Spaniel, usually referred to as just the “cocker spaniel”, is a breed found in the sporting group. This breed is both beautiful and intelligent, typically making an excellent addition to the family. The only…

This ancient breed is said to have a build that closely resembles the oldest known fossilized dog remains, and emperors in China had Chow Chows in the palace more than 2,000 years ago. This impressive history attracts owners to the breed,…

This tiny dog, which comes in a variety of colors, is a favorite with people who want a very loyal companion that gives but also demands, attention. The most common type of Chihuahua is the shorthair although the other version of the breed…

This hunting and sporting breed was first developed on the east coast of the United States. While the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has many advantages over other breeds, it is particularly suited to rough weather conditions and water, as it was…

Owning a Cairn Terrier today gives you some connection to the ancestors of this small working dog from the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. An intelligent and strong-jawed dog, the Cairn Terrier gets its name from the piles of rock…

The Brittany Spaniel was named after the French province where the breed was originally developed. Unfortunately, early data on this breed is unknown but it appears the Brittany Spaniel was bred as a sporting dog. Then in the 17th…

The Bulldog is a non-sporting dog that has a heavy, low-swung body. The breed’s normal disposition is one of vigor, strength, and durability. Originating in the British Isles, the name was created from “bull”, which references the dog’s use…

The Boxer is a beautiful, strong, and loving pet that has quite an interesting lineage. For instance, the Mastiff, English Bulldog, and German Bullenbeisser are all distantly related. While the German Bullenbeisser was originally bred to…