Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Theyre also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Youll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they cant pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and youll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if theyve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isnt the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by whos on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas arent always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and theyre not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if theyre love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If youve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if youre a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesnt mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that theyre at an increased risk.
If youre adopting a puppy, its a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed youre interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pups parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed thats prone to packing on pounds, youll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dogs diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the worlds smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if theyre compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “Whats in it for me?” attitude, in which case youll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they dont get the mental stimulation they need, theyll make their own work–usually with projects you wont like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesnt puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that its fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy thats been stuffed with kibble and treats.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and youll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally arent a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally wont chase, but youll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If youre considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If youre considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, theyll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and theyre more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether youll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone whos elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you dont like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Some people get a dog to go on their runs with them in the morning, while others prefer a pooch that will lounge with them at home. When getting a dog, make sure the breed you choose matches your energy level. Otherwise, you might end up with a depressed or destructive pup.
Most Australian breeds are best-suited to active people who hit the trails and cover lots of ground. These high-energy dogs might not be ideal for first-time dog owners or people with a more sedentary lifestyle. If youre looking for an Australian-type dog, then you want a high-energy pup. Avoid lower-energy dogs that prefer sitting in a lap most of the day, such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Chihuahuas, or dachshunds.
If you enjoy adventures in the great outdoors and have the time to offer them the exercise, stimulation, and training that these dogs need, then an Australian working breed could be a great fit for you.
When you think of Aussie dog breeds, you might think of the hard-working cattle dogs or wild dingoes. As it turns out, quite a few breeds originated from the land Down Under. Although, dont be surprised when you do not find the Australian shepherd listed as a native Australian dog; despite its name, this popular breed originated in the United States.
While the term “Aussie dog” is commonly used to reference the Australian shepherd, there is a variety of similar dog breeds, like Kelpies, Koolies, and Australian cattle dogs, that are actually native to the continent. Many Australian breeds are working dogs with a high-energy drive suited to homes with active lifestyles.
Carolina Dogs were Indian dogs and were the first domesticated dog of the Americas. The Carolina Dog comes out of the American Deep South and is thought to be a direct descendant of the ancient pariah dogs that accompanied Asians across the Bering Strait land bridge 8,000 years ago. A number of such pariah types exist in the USA. The Carolina Dog was discovered and named by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr., a biology professor at the University of Georgia, at the United States Department of Energys Savannah River site in South Carolina. This is a remote area from which the public has been excluded, and wild dogs that have lived there for centuries have had little opportunity to breed with domestic dogs. Brisbin noted that these dogs were almost identical in looks to the Dingo. Other scientists observed that the Carolinas bone structure was very similar to the remains of the neolithic dog bones from Native American burial sites thousands of years old. Ecologists in the South, including Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr., are searching for pure specimens still in the wild swamps and piney woods of the Savannah River basin. Pups are occasionally placed with selected families to be raised and trained as companions and hunters of small game. Brisbin hopes that by researching the Carolina Dog, todays dogs can be better understood. Many of these dogs were favored by Indians and used for various tasks such as herding. The Kentucky Shell Heap Dog and the Basketmaker Dog are examples of ancient pariahs on the North American continent. Down South, the Carolina Dog is affectionately named “Old Yaller” because of his yellow color.
Marlowe the Carolina Dog puppy at 3 months old—”Notice the process of the ears becoming upright. Marlowes right ear would stand up, then flop, then stand up again over the course of a few months until it finally decided to stay put. Note his coat is much lighter—but at this point, his tail was still dark (the color change worked its way down his body—very cool.)”
The Carolina Dog is a pariah dog. (“Pariah dog” is a general name in India for the half-reclaimed dogs that swarm in every village, owned by no one in particular, but ready to accompany any individual on a hunting expedition.) The Carolina Dog is one of the very few breeds existing today that is truly a primitive dog, a result of natural selection for survival in nature, and not of selective breeding. Wild specimens are still known, so this is not a completely domesticated canine. This dog that has survived as a free living animal in the swamps, savannahs, and forests of South Carolina and Georgia for thousands of years has also proven to be highly adaptable and amenable to domestication, and an excellent pet. Many dogs are known to be extremely shy around people and dislike a lot of handling unless socialized at a very young age. With proper socialization, they are proven to be loyal companion dogs. Many of the characteristics of the natural dog that are predominant in the Carolina Dog contribute to his ability to adjust well to being a loving pet. The Carolina Dog enjoys and needs to be part of a pack, and thus integrates very well into the family framework. He is a gentle, social dog, and bonds very well with children, enjoying play and activities with them. The Carolina Dog is very clean by nature and is easy to housebreak. He is intelligent and responsive and learns easily and is not destructive. Not aggressive by nature but with a well-developed hunting instinct, the Carolina Dog will get along with other animals if introduced to them at a young age. Like the other types of pariah dog, the Carolina Dog is quite independent. If you are to keep one of these dogs as a family pet, one needs to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. He is suspicious and may be somewhat shy to strangers and in unfamiliar surroundings or circumstances. This is not a dog that is outgoing and friendly to everyone, but rather is devoted to his own “pack.” They enjoy hunting small game, a task they do with grace and quickness. The Carolina Dog could almost pass for a larger size Dingo. Like the Dingos and pariahs before them, they have strong herding instincts. Carolina Dogs have a tendency to howl at certain noises.
Cali the Carolina Dog (American Dingo) at 7 months old—”Cali is a rescue from a kill shelter in Arkansas. This little ball of energy and effection was born on Valentines Day. She weighed 4lbs when we got her at 4 months. She weighed 25lbs at 7 months old. She lives in Upstate New York in her forever home with her two proud parents. She is a very unique, talented, multi faceted dog with a mind of her own. She will do just about anything for a treat and at 7 months already knows how to sit, stay, give paw, high five “both paws” lay down, fetch and return, crate trained, rides on my shoulder and loves car rides more than anything. She is extremely loyal to the family and rarely leaves my side. Cali gets along with other dogs and people, although curious of strangers at first she warms up quickly. So far Cali has lived an adventurous lifestyle as she has gone on a 7 day camping trip in a tent, gone rafting down several rivers, been on atleast 12 mountain hikes and clocked atleast 3000 miles with her head out the passenger window.”
The Carolina Dog is very similar in appearance to a small Dingo. The distinctive features of this breed are those which have been valuable to its survival in the swamps and forests of the South. The Carolina Dog has a medium length straight back, well-developed chest and well tucked-up belly, giving it a slight resemblance to the sighthound breeds. It has a long neck, wedge-shaped head with powerful jaws, almond-shaped dark eyes with a soft, intelligent, yet alert expression, and large, erect high-set ears which are very mobile. The Carolina Dog is very well-muscled and powerful for its size, showing strong, free and agile movement with a lot of drive and is very flexible and able to turn instantly. Distinctive to the breed is the “fish-hook” tail, carried in various positions according to the mood of the dog, but never slack or loose. The skin is tight and the coat is short but thick with a dense undercoat in season; there is a profusion of longer guard hairs on the neck, withers and back that may be erect when the dog is aroused. The color of the Carolina Dog is distinctive, usually a deep red ginger with pale buff markings on the shoulders and side of the muzzle, and paler shadings on underside, throat and chest. Lighter shades of red and cream are not uncommon. Darker shading over the back, loins and tail is permitted. The following are the color variations from light to dark. Predominant color listed: White with spots Tan, beige, desert sand, yellow Orange, ginger red Red sable The preferred color is deep red ginger with pale buff markings over the shoulders and along the muzzle. Variations in color, grading from straw colored through wheaten to pale yellow or buff are also acceptable, but never all white. The Carolina Dog must look like a natural animal, capable of surviving in the wild, hardy, strong and capable. It is not trimmed.
Australian Dingo and 5 other dogs like Dingos
When you think of Aussie dog breeds, you might think of the hard-working cattle dogs or wild dingoes. As it turns out, quite a few breeds originated from the land Down Under. Although, dont be surprised when you do not find the Australian shepherd listed as a native Australian dog; despite its name, this popular breed originated in the United States.
While the term “Aussie dog” is commonly used to reference the Australian shepherd, there is a variety of similar dog breeds, like Kelpies, Koolies, and Australian cattle dogs, that are actually native to the continent. Many Australian breeds are working dogs with a high-energy drive suited to homes with active lifestyles.
If you enjoy adventures in the great outdoors and have the time to offer them the exercise, stimulation, and training that these dogs need, then an Australian working breed could be a great fit for you.
Some people get a dog to go on their runs with them in the morning, while others prefer a pooch that will lounge with them at home. When getting a dog, make sure the breed you choose matches your energy level. Otherwise, you might end up with a depressed or destructive pup.