Border Collie
Article
- breed group: herding
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, highly territorial, high prey drive, cold weather tolerant, hot weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, red, gold / yellow, black, blue, gray
- patterns: bicolor, tricolor, sable, saddle / blanket, brindle, flecked / ticked / speckled, tuxedo, merle
- coat length/texture: short, medium
- temperament: friendly, willful, outgoing, playful
Border collies are intelligent dogs full of energy with a strong desire to herd anything—and everything—around them. Learn more about living with border collies.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
Article
- breed group: hound
- breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, high prey drive, hot weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: red, gold / yellow
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: willful, playful, aloof
Known for the trademark ridge that runs along their spines, Rhodesian ridgebacks are an independent, strong, and faithful breed. Learn more about living with Rhodesian ridgebacks.
Basenji
Article
- breed group: hound
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, tendency to chew, high prey drive, apartment-friendly
- colors: red, black, white
- patterns: bicolor, tricolor, brindle
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, friendly, willful, playful, aloof
Basenjis are an energetic, clever breed with adorably furrowed brows, a strong hunting drive, and an independent personality. Learn more about living with Basenjis.
Basset Hound
Article
- breed group: hound
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, high prey drive, high potential for weight gain, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, red, gold / yellow, black
- patterns: tricolor
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, friendly, willful
You know that jowly face, those floppy ears. Basset hounds are excellent tracking dogs, but they're just as happy to spend time napping with your family. Learn more about living with basset hounds.
Irish Wolfhound
Article
- breed group: hound
- breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, prone to health issues, high prey drive, cold weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: red, cream, black, blue, gray, white, fawn
- patterns: brindle
- coat length/texture: long, wiry, medium
- temperament: gentle, friendly, playful
Muscular yet elegant, shaggy Irish wolfhounds are one of the largest breeds in the world. Their calm, gentle spirit makes them ideal family companions—for those who have the space. Learn more about living with Irish wolfhounds.
Beagle
Video
- breed group: hound
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, tendency to chew, high prey drive, high potential for weight gain, apartment-friendly, cold weather tolerant, good hiking companion
- colors: black, red, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor, tricolor, saddle / blanket, flecked / ticked / speckled
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, friendly, willful, outgoing, playful
Beagles are gentle, fun-loving hounds who require plenty of exercise and companionship with their owners. Learn more about living with this family breed.
Belgian Malinois
Article
- breed group: herding
- breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, highly territorial, high prey drive, cold weather tolerant, hot weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, fawn
- patterns: sable
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, playful, aloof
The Belgian Malinois (or “Mal” for short) is a high-energy herding breed who loves to put his intelligence and intense focus to work. Learn more about living with Belgian Malinois.
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German Shepherd
Video
- breed group: herding
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, high prey drive, apartment-friendly, cold weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: black, blue, gray, white, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor, sable, black and tan
- coat length/texture: medium
- temperament: gentle, friendly, playful, anxious, aloof
The ever-loyal German shepherd consistently ranks at the top of the most popular dog breeds in America, and it's easy to see why. With their calm, confident demeanor, these protective pups are eager to please and quick to learn.
- breed group: herding
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, tendency to chew, prone to health issues, high prey drive, loves water, cold weather tolerant, hot weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: red, blue, black
- patterns: tricolor, bicolor, merle
- coat length/texture: medium
- temperament: friendly, willful, outgoing, playful
Australian shepherds are intelligent, loyal, energetic dogs that love spending quality time exploring with their owners. Learn more about living with Aussies.
