More Dog Breeds From A to Z
Origin: Germany and FranceSize: SmallGrooming: ModerateTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 2AKC: ToyANKC: ToyCKC: ToyKC: ToyNZKC: ToyUKC: Companion
Although the Affenpinscher dog breed may look like terriers, they are actually from the pinscher-schnauzer family which makes them more tolerant towards other dogs and pets. They are inquisitive, affectionate and playful and are very loyal and protective towards other family members although they can be a little territorial when it comes to their food or toys so they are not advised for families with very small children.
Origin: Afghanistan Size: LargeGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Time Consuming
FCI: Group 10AKC: HoundsANKC: HoundsCKC: HoundsKC: HoundsNZKC: HoundsUKC: Sighthounds,Pariahs
The Afghan Hound is aloof and distinguished, with its own streak of independence. If you’re looking for a dog which you can form a strong bond with, then this may not be the best breed for you! As their name suggests, Afghan Hounds originate from the mountains of Afghanistan where their long, luxurious coat kept them warm in the cold climate.
Origin: MoroccoSize: LargeGrooming: ModerateTraining: Average
FCI: Group 2UKC: Guardian
The Aidi is a livestock guardian dog that has also been used for hunting, as it has a good nose for scent tracking. It has also been called the Berber Dog after the nomadic Berber tribes of North Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia).
The Aidi is aloof and wary around strangers and animals it does not know. This is not an aggressive breed, but they will respond to aggression from another animal very quickly. They are very territorial, and will defend their ‘home’ against perceived threats.
Origin: EnglandSize: MediumGrooming: ModerateTraining: Average
FCI: Group 3AKC: TerriersANKC: TerriersCKC: TerriersKC: TerriersNZKC: TerriersUKC: Terriers
The Airedale Terrier is brave but not aggressive. They are intelligent, independent dogs, and can be a little stubborn at times. Mischievous and comical companions, they will do their utmost to cheer you up and make you laugh.
Airedales have a great longing for affection and need to feel part of the family rather than banished outside to live alone in a kennel.
Origin: TurkeySize: GiantGrooming: AverageTraining: Easy
UKC: Guardian
The Akbash dog is originally from Turkey. This breed is an alert, courageous, independent guardian that is happiest on the farm, guarding livestock. They have the speed of a sight hound and the power of a guardian coupled with elegance and grace.
They have a strong protective instinct, loyalty, and intelligence, but they are also very independently minded, which means they often act alone without the guidance of humans. They are very protective of their home and family, which means that they may be dangerous to anyone outside the family.
Origin: Japan & United StatesSize: LargeGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Time Consuming
FCI: 5AKC: WorkingANKC: UtilityCKC: WorkingKC: UtilityNZKC: UtilityUKC: Northern Breed
The American Akita’s origins are, ironically, not in America. Instead, the American is a larger dog and slightly differs in physical appearance compared to the japanese akita.
The Akita Inu would be considered the Japanese type of this breed. These dogs have held a place in Japan as an ordinary working dog for hundreds of years, having originated in Japan’s northern mountains.
Origins: JapanSize: LargeGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Time Consuming
FCI: 5AKC: WorkingANKC: UtilityCKC: WorkingKC: UtilityNZKC: UtilityUKC: Northern Breed
Akita Inu dogs are strong, independent and dominant. They can be aloof with strangers but affectionate and loving with family members. They are not for the novice dog owner and require strong handling.
The Akita dog breed can be aggressive towards other dogs yet gentle, compassionate and trusting with their owners.
Origins: The United States, AlaskaSize: Small, Medium, or LargeGrooming: AverageTraining: Average
UKC: Northern Breeds
You may have heard of the Alaskan Klee Kai, but you probably haven’t seen one; they are relatively rare, and were only recognized by the AKC in 1997. With the Alaskan Husky as a forebear, the Alaskan Klee Kai belongs to the Spitz family of dogs.
It is significantly smaller than the Husky, however, and many people think it is still a puppy, even when fully-grown.
Origins: The United States, AlaskaSize: GiantGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Average
FCI: Group 5AKC: WorkingANKC: UtilityCKC: WorkingKC: WorkingNZKC: UtilityUKC: Northern Breeds
The Alaskan Malamute is an active, loyal breed that loves to be with its family. These dogs are hardworking and have plenty of energy to play or exert through heavy exercise.
Their energetic personality is important to be taken into consideration when getting one, as they will get into some bad habits if they are allowed to stay cramped up in their home.
Origin: The United StatesSize: LargeGrooming: MinimalTraining: Easy
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has a fantastic temperament and gets on extremely well with children, although they can be a little aloof at times. They are a loyal breed who also make brilliant guard and companion dogs.
If raised correctly, your ABBB will be a wonderful companion who will protect you and your family only when required and without any undue aggression towards strangers or other dogs.
(aka Portuguese Mastiff, Rafeiro do Alentejo)
Origins: PortugalSize: GiantGrooming: EasyTraining: Challenging
FCI: Group 2UKC: Guardian
This is a big dog that excels at guarding things. They have a calm, slightly grumpy demeanor, but are gentle giants around their home and family. They have an independent nature and can be difficult to train.
Origin: AustriaSize: MediumGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
FCI: Group 6UKC: Scenthound
The Alpine Dachsbracke is a scent hound originally from Austria. They were bred to follow a scent of wounded game in the alpine scrublands. This is a friendly, amiable breed that gets on well with kids and other dogs, but has a string prey drive for smaller animals and pets. They need frequent exercise, but are easy to train and groom.
Origin: The United StatesSize: Large to GiantGrooming: EasyTraining: Average
UKC: Guardian
The American Bulldog is considered one of many different “bully” breeds, each of which is unique to some degree.
All bulldog breeds are descended from a deliberate mix of bull baiting dogs that were selected for the endurance, strength, and toughness.
Origin: The United StatesSize: LargeGrooming: EasyTraining: Time Consuming
FCI: Group 6AKC: HoundsCKC: HoundsNZKC: HoundsUKC: Scenthounds
The American Black and Tan Coonhound is a friendly, easygoing dog that belongs to the Hound group of dog breeds. Originally bred to hunt Raccoon, they are tenacious when on the trail but laid-back and relaxed at home.
These are large, athletic dogs that cover difficult ground quickly with a sure-footed, easy stride.
Origin: The United StatesSize: Small to MediumGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 8AKC: SportingANKC: GundogCKC: SportingKC: GundogNZKC: GundogUKC: Gundog
The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the gun dog group and is a lively, playful popular pet for families with children. They are extremely friendly although they can throw the odd strop if they don’t get enough attention.
They adore human company and will follow you around constantly and want to lay on your lap for cuddles. Their favorite thing to do is try to please their master and will bring “presents” to anyone and everyone to make them happy.
Origin: U.S.A.Size: MediumGrooming: EasyTraining: Time Consuming
A breed with Asian roots, crossing into North America thousands of years ago and becoming a feral dog centered around the Carolinas.
The American Dingo (or Carolina Dog) is listed by the American Kennel Club under the Sight Hound dog group. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed that they have roots in Asia, and migrated across the Bering Sea land bridge between Russia and Alaska thousands of years ago.
In more recent times they lived wild along the border between Georgia and South Carolina, giving rise to the name ‘Carolina Dog’ or ‘Dixie Dog’.
Origin: GermanySize: Small to MediumGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Easy
AKC: Non-sportingCKC: Non-sportingUKC: Northern Breeds
The American Eskimo Dog is a smart, affectionate pet that loves to be around its family. They are playful and energetic without being too rambunctious.
These dogs are small enough to live in apartments, so long as they get ample exercise. This being said, they are not best for owners who will not be home for most of the day, as they are prone to separation anxiety and will bark as a result.
Origins: The United StatesSize: Medium to LargeGrooming: EasyTraining: Average
FCI: Group 6 AKC: Hounds CKC: Hounds UKC: Scenthounds
The American Foxhound is a medium-size dog of the Hound Group, hunting by scent. They are related to the English Foxhound, but are significantly taller.
American President George Washington played a significant role in developing the breed, using English and French stock to help develop this distinctive American dog.
Origins: The United StatesSize: SmallGrooming: EasyTraining: Average
AKC: FSS UKC: Terrier
The American Hairless is a small dog of the Terrier Group weighing just 12 to 16 lbs, with a feisty nature. The breed actually has hairless and coated variations. The hairless dog is hypoallergenic, but has a few issues that potential owners should be aware of.
With no normal coat to protect the skin, they may get sunburned if out in bright sun for too long. At the other extreme, they lose body heat quickly if out in the cold, and need a dog jacket to keep them warm and prevent hypothermia.
Origin: United StatesSize: VariesGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
UKC: Terriers
To someone who doesn’t know much about these dogs, they would just call them pit bulls, but are they truly different breeds?
Some say yes and some no. Read more on our American Pit Bull Terrier page.
Origin: United States, LouisianaSize: LargeGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
AKC: FSSUKC: Herding
The Catahoula Leopard dog is a sturdy and strong farm dog. It gets its name from the Catahoula Lake area of Louisiana, and “catahoula” is native American Choctaw language for “sacred lake”.
This is the only dog breed to have originated in Louisiana, and they were used for hunting and herding swamp pig (hogs).
Origin: United StatesSize: MediumGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
FCI: Group 3AKC: TerriersANKC: TerriersCKC: TerriersNZKC: Terriers
To some, the American Staffordshire Terrier means only one thing – PIT BULL – and with that comes all the negative propaganda that has spread throughout the news at every level, prompting breed bands and high insurance rates.
To many, all they see is a vicious fighting dog that should be banned if not destroyed. Just how much of this rhetoric is accurate of this breed? It is true that the American Staffordshire Terrier has suffered and gained a bad reputation. However, while they are strong, powerful, and courageous, they are not vicious.
Origin: The United StatesSize: MediumGrooming: Time-consumingTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 3AKC: SportingCKC: SportingUKC: Gundog
A strong and muscular small gun dog from the Great Lakes of the USA. This breed of Water Spaniel can be recognized by its glossy dark chestnut coat.
They are built for cold water, and are extremely agile, being able to jump out of a small boat without disturbing it.
Origins: TurkeySize: Large to GiantGrooming: AverageTraining: Demanding
FCI: Group 2AKC: WorkingANKC: UtilityCKC: WorkingKC: PastoralNZKC: WorkingUKC: Guardian
Kangal dogs are originally from the Anatolia region of Turkey. They were bred to be livestock guardian dogs, protecting flocks of sheep and goats at night from wolves, jackals and bears.
There is an important distinction between dogs that help a shepherd to herd animals, ie. move a flock from place to place, and dogs that protect the animals.
Origins: FranceSize: MediumGrooming: MinimalTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 6UKC: Scenthounds
Origins: SwitzerlandSize: LargeGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
FCI: Group 2AKC: FSSUKC: Guardian
Originally bred to herd cattle and guard livestock, this breed is still rare outside of Switzerland. They are alert and wary of strangers, but make great family pets. They need a lot of exercise to keep them happy, and are not really suited to apartment or urban living.
Origins: FranceSize: LargeGrooming: MinimalTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 6UKC: Scenthound
Origin: AustraliaSize: MediumGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
FCI: Group 1AKC: HerdingANKC: WorkingCKC: HerdingKC: PastoralNZKC: WorkingUKC: Herding
The Australian Blue Heeler dog breed is also known as the Queensland Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog. The breed was created in the second half of the 19th century by Australian cattle breeders who wanted a tough dog to help them herd cattle over the vast ranches and spaces.
They used Dingos tamed by Aboriginals and crossed them with imported European sheepdogs.
Origin: AustraliaSize: MediumGrooming: MinimalTraining: Difficult
The Australian Museum identifies the Australian Dingo as Canis lupus dingo, as opposed to the domestic dog which is Canis lupus familiaris, and the Wolf, which is Canis lupus lupus.
It has its roots in the south Asian Grey Wolf, and is believed to have arrived in Australia around 5,000 years ago, with Asian sea traders. It’s believed that humans first arrived in Australia around 30,000 years ago, so the Dingo arrived much later, not with the original migrants.
Origins: AustraliaSize: MediumGrooming: MinimalTraining: Average
FCI: Group 1 ANKC: Working CKC: Herding NZKC: Working UKC: Herding
Origin: United States (!)Size: Medium to LargeGrooming: AverageTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 1AKC: HerdingANKC: WorkingCKC: HerdingKC: PastoralNZKC: WorkingUKC: Herding
This is a very active breed, and if you are looking for a pet to keep you young and on your toes, look no further than this exuberant Australian.
‘Aussies’ are best suited for people that are regularly active and have an on-the-go type lifestyle.
This is the kind of dog that needs regular exercise due to their intense herding instincts, and if that area is lacking, it can lead to an array of undesirable behavior issues that is not generally associated with a happy, healthy Aussie.
Origins: AustraliaSize: SmallGrooming: Time ConsumingTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 3AKC: ToysANKC: ToysCKC: ToysKC: ToysNZKC: ToysUKC: Terrier
The Silky Terrier comes from Australia, and at first glance you may mistake it for a Yorkshire terrier. While the ‘Yorkie’ certainly played a role in the development of the Silky, they are quite distinct breeds, with the Silky terrier being larger.
Although this breed is known as the ‘Silky Terrier’ in the USA, it is known as the ‘Australian Silky Terrier’ in every other country of the World.
Origin: AustraliaSize:Grooming:Training:
FCI: Group 1ANKC: WorkingCKC: HerdingNZKC: WorkingUKC: Herding
Origin: AustraliaSize: SmallGrooming: AverageTraining: Easy
FCI: Group 3AKC: TerriersANKC: TerriersCKC: TerriersKC: TerriersNZKC: TerriersUKC: Terriers
Pet parents of a Welsh Terrier share a bond with such notable dog devotees as John F. Kennedy, whose canine companion Charlie would often go swimming alongside the 35th President; and King Edward VIII, who enjoyed the company of his four-legged friend Gwen during his childhood, when he was known as Edward, Prince of Wales.
A fixture in Mexico for 3,000 years, the Xolo is the country’s official dog. Over the years the breed has been immortalized in the paintings of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and a Xolo acts as mascot for the Tijuana Xoloitzcuintle Mexican football team.
On the verge of extinction, there are believed to be less than 50 of this breed left in the world, with the dogs still living in the land of its origin, Spain’s Basque Autonomous Community.
The Wirehaired Vizsla was developed to have a courser coat and stronger physique than the Vizsla, making it easier for the dogs to endure frigid temperatures while on the hunt.
As its Dutch name implies, this breed is a “water dog,” known for hunting otter and retrieving water fowl.
Zwergpinscher
Mostly known as a Miniature Pinscher, this breed is also called a Zwergpinscher or Mini Pin! These dogs have a special place in my heart after an abandoned Mini Pin decided to follow my brother home from school one day.
Clearly neglected before, he still acted like the happiest dog in the entire world, so grateful to us for allowing him in our backyard. We tested the waters with our two chihuahuas, and he was so spirited that they played together instantly. Nobody ever claimed him, so we kept him. The rest was history!
The Zwergpinscher (meaning “little biter”) originated in Germany with its earliest ancestors believed to be the German Pinscher, Dachshund, and Italian Greyhound. They were officially accepted as a breed by the AKC in 1929 and also have had a place in the FCI since 1955.
If you’ve seen a Mini Pin, you’ve probably noticed their docked tail and long skinny legs. Their smooth, shiny coats are either jet black or chocolatey brown with red/brown markings, deer red, or reddish-brown. An adult dog will be on average 11 pounds– definitely a small breed!
You’ve found your perfect match if you want a high-energy, happy dog to join your family!
This breed is not one to shy away from fun as they love to play with toys and tear up the grass during speed laps! Here’s a joyful slow-motion video of a Zwergpinscher playing with its (unrelated) Doberman Pinscher friend:
Zwergpinschers are the textbook definition of a companion dog. “Small but mighty” really describes this breed well as they can be effective watchdogs for your home.
You’ll also find it easy to mesh this breed with other pups and family members as they are extremely tolerable and agreeable. Their lively, affectionate, and cuddly spirit will make them everyone’s favorite family member!
My family’s Zwergpinscher is one of two dogs remaining (out of six) after 15 love-filled years. He only has one eye left and needs daily medications, but that never gets his spirit down! He impresses me every day, so I always recommend this breed to first-time dog owners (just be prepared for plenty of barking and whining).
I am sure this dog will fill your life with immense love and joy for years to come!