Brittany Anas

Brittany Anas is a freelance writer specializing in travel, food and health. Her work has appeared in publications including Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, and Men's Journal.
Dorkie
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: apartment-friendly, easy to train, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, red, blue, cream, fawn, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver
  • patterns: bicolor, saddle / blanket, black and tan, blue and tan, liver and tan, merle, brindle
  • coat length/texture: short, wiry, long
  • temperament: outgoing, friendly, willful, anxious
Dorkies are a hybrid breed with dachshund and Yorkshire terrier parents. These small, smart, and loyal dogs are fit for apartment living and are playful companions.
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  • breed group: toy
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: red, brown / chocolate / liver, black, blue
  • patterns: bicolor, sable, black and tan, blue and tan
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: gentle, friendly, playful, aloof
Once companions for Russian aristocrats, Russian toy dogs today are playful, affectionate pets. They may be among the tiniest breeds, but they’re courageous and clever.
Canaan Dog
Article
  • breed group: herding
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: white, cream, black, red, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver
  • patterns: bicolor
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: willful, aloof
An ancient breed, Canaans are loving and loyal with their families but aloof with strangers. They are highly intelligent and a good fit for experienced dog owners.
  • breed group: none
  • breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
  • other traits: prone to health issues, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
  • colors: black, gray, fawn, gold / yellow, red
  • patterns: brindle, bicolor
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: aloof
Spanish mastiffs are a rare breed in the United States. These extra-large dogs are loyal, hardy, and self-confident but might be aloof around people outside of their beloved family.
Chug
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, high potential for weight gain, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, gray, blue, cream, white, fawn, brown / chocolate / liver
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor, sable, brindle, black and tan, liver and tan, blue and tan
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, playful, anxious
A cross between a Chihuahua and pug, Chugs tend to be confident, playful, affectionate pets. They are small dogs with big, fun-loving personalities.
  • breed group: terrier
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to groom, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, gray, blue, cream, fawn
  • patterns: bicolor
  • coat length/texture: long
  • temperament: willful, friendly
Skye terriers are big-bodied, stumpy-legged dogs famous for their enduring loyalty. This rare breed is good-tempered, well-suited for apartment living, and doesn't need as much exercise as other terriers.
Goldador
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, tendency to chew, high potential for weight gain, loves water, good for first-time pet owners, good hiking companion, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver, black, cream
  • coat length/texture: medium, short
  • temperament: friendly, gentle, willful, playful, outgoing
A cross between golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers, goldadors are extra-friendly dogs who make great family pets. Learn more about what makes this hybrid such a lovable pup.
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Blue Lacy
Article
  • breed group: none
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, high prey drive, hot weather tolerant
  • colors: blue, gold / yellow, red, cream
  • patterns: tricolor, bicolor
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, playful
The official state dog of Texas, the blue lacy was bred to work on ranches. These hardworking, dignified dogs have boundless energy and do best with an active family and access to wide-open spaces.
  • breed group: non-sporting
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, apartment-friendly, cold weather tolerant, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
  • colors: red, brown / chocolate / liver, cream, white
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor, saddle / blanket
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, playful
The Norwegian lundehund is an energetic, clever, and loyal dog. These rare pups are great hiking companions (thanks to their extra toes) and love to be outside.
Goldador
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, tendency to chew, high potential for weight gain, loves water, good for first-time pet owners, good hiking companion, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver, black, cream
  • coat length/texture: medium, short
  • temperament: friendly, gentle, willful, playful, outgoing
A cross between golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers, goldadors are extra-friendly dogs who make great family pets. Learn more about what makes this hybrid such a lovable pup.
Blue Lacy
Article
  • breed group: none
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, high prey drive, hot weather tolerant
  • colors: blue, gold / yellow, red, cream
  • patterns: tricolor, bicolor
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, playful
The official state dog of Texas, the blue lacy was bred to work on ranches. These hardworking, dignified dogs have boundless energy and do best with an active family and access to wide-open spaces.
  • breed group: non-sporting
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, apartment-friendly, cold weather tolerant, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
  • colors: red, brown / chocolate / liver, cream, white
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor, saddle / blanket
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, playful
The Norwegian lundehund is an energetic, clever, and loyal dog. These rare pups are great hiking companions (thanks to their extra toes) and love to be outside.
  • breed group: non-sporting
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to groom, high potential for weight gain, cold weather tolerant, good hiking companion
  • colors: red, gold / yellow
  • patterns: bicolor
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, willful, outgoing
A Finnish spitz is a lively, intelligent, and loyal pup that needs lots of exercise and can be quite talkative. Learn more about living with Finnish spitz dogs.
Shichon
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: hypoallergenic, easy to train, low prey drive, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, red, blue, cream, white, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver, gray
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor
  • coat length/texture: medium, curly
  • temperament: playful, friendly, outgoing
Shichons are gentle, happy-go-lucky, playful dogs that love spending lots of time with their humans. Learn more about what makes this fluffy hybrid such a wonderful pet.
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  • breed group: none
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: hypoallergenic, apartment-friendly, low prey drive
  • colors: white
  • coat length/texture: long
  • temperament: friendly, willful, playful
Bolognese dogs are good-natured pups that don’t shed much and are great with kids and other pets. Learn more about what makes this rare, easygoing breed so lovable.
Malshi
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: hypoallergenic, requires lots of grooming, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: blue, brown / chocolate / liver, black, white, gold / yellow
  • patterns: bicolor
  • coat length/texture: long
  • temperament: gentle, friendly, outgoing, playful
Malshis are friendly, loyal, cuddly, and don’t shed much. Learn more about what makes this teeny-tiny dog a fit for most families.
  • breed group: working
  • breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
  • other traits: easy to train, strong loyalty tendencies, cold weather tolerant, good hiking companion, loves water
  • colors: black, blue
  • patterns: sable, black and tan
  • coat length/texture: curly
  • temperament: friendly, aloof
Black Russian terriers are working dogs that were bred for the Soviet military. Today, these family companions are highly intelligent, energetic dogs that will gladly join you on a hike or run.
  • breed group: terrier
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: hot weather tolerant, easy to train, easy to groom, high prey drive, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners
  • colors: blue, red, black
  • patterns: bicolor, black and tan, blue and tan, sable
  • coat length/texture: short, medium, wiry
  • temperament: playful
Australian terriers are small pups that make excellent family dogs, but often prefer to be the only pet in a household. They are playful, high-energy, and affectionate.
Frenchton
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to groom, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, white, red, cream, fawn, blue, brown / chocolate / liver
  • patterns: bicolor, tuxedo, brindle
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: friendly, willful, outgoing, playful
Frenchtons are friendly, playful, outgoing, and love to be the center of attention. Learn more about what makes this squish-faced hybrid so lovable.
Pomapoo
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: hypoallergenic, easy to train, requires lots of grooming, high potential for weight gain, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, red, gray, cream, fawn, white, brown / chocolate / liver, gold / yellow
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor, brindle, sable
  • coat length/texture: short, medium, curly
  • temperament: gentle, friendly, outgoing, playful
The Pomapoo, a mixed breed dog with poodle and Pomeranian parents, is extra-friendly, playful, and loves to be the center of attention. This pint-sized pup is great for apartment living and doesn’t require a rigorous exercise routine.
  • breed group: working
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to groom, hot weather tolerant, cold weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
  • colors: black, cream, white
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor, sable
  • coat length/texture: medium
  • temperament: friendly
English shepherds, sometimes called “shadow shepherds'' because of their love for being around their humans, are medium-sized dogs with a strong and agile build. They have a history of working on farms but also make companion pets—if you can exercise them enough.
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  • breed group: herding
  • breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, high prey drive, cold weather tolerant, good hiking companion, strong loyalty tendencies
  • colors: black, white
  • patterns: bicolor
  • coat length/texture: long
  • temperament: gentle, friendly
The Belgian sheepdog (also called the Belgian shepherd or Groenendael) has a long black coat, confident strut, and craves human attention. A herding dog with lots of brains and even more energy, he thrives in active households.
Shih-poo
Article
  • breed group: hybrid
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: hypoallergenic, requires lots of grooming, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners
  • colors: brown / chocolate / liver, gold / yellow, black, cream, white, gray
  • patterns: bicolor
  • coat length/texture: short, curly
  • temperament: outgoing, friendly, playful
Friendly, doting, and intelligent, shih-poos inherit their parents’ best personality traits. These small dogs are versatile and can do well in any home where they’re the center of attention.
  • breed group: working
  • breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
  • other traits: easy to groom, high potential for weight gain, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
  • colors: red, black, blue, white
  • patterns: bicolor, tricolor
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: gentle, friendly, willful, playful
Greater Swiss mountain dogs are extra-large pups who often top 100 pounds. Their energetic, outgoing, and friendly nature makes Swissies excellent family dogs.
  • breed group: non-sporting
  • breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, prone to health issues, high potential for weight gain, good for first-time pet owners
  • colors: black, brown / chocolate / liver, red, blue, white
  • patterns: tuxedo, brindle
  • coat length/texture: short
  • temperament: outgoing, friendly, playful
Boston terriers are friendly, intelligent dogs that enjoy brisk walks just as much as cuddling on the couch. Learn more about why these dogs are nicknamed “American Gentlemen.”
  • breed group: non-sporting
  • breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
  • other traits: easy to train, requires lots of grooming, hypoallergenic, apartment-friendly, cold weather tolerant
  • colors: brown / chocolate / liver, red, gold / yellow, cream, fawn, black, gray, white
  • patterns: bicolor, sable, brindle, black and tan, liver and tan
  • coat length/texture: long
  • temperament: gentle, friendly, anxious, playful
Tibetan terriers, bred as companion dogs in ancient monasteries, were once a symbol of good luck. Today, these loving and affectionate pups make for great family pets.