What Are the Main Types of Dogs?
Dogs are classified into 7 different categories: Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Hounds, Terriers, and Toy breeds. Each category is based on the dog uses or purpose, and characteristics of the breeds.
-
Herding Dogs
A herding dog is one which has been either trained to herd livestock, or is a breed that was developed to herd livestock. Breeds such as Border Collie, Bearded Collie, Canaan Dog, German Shepherd, and Old English Sheepdog are considered herding breeds.
-
Sporting Dogs
Sporting dogs are breeds that have been developed to assist with the finding and retrieving of quarry during hunting. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Vizsla are considered sporting breeds.
-
Non-Sporting Dogs
Non-Sporting is the term given to breeds that do not fit into the other categories. This category is diverse in nature with varying coats, sizes and personalities. Breeds such as American Eskimo Dog, Bichon Frise, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Poodle (Standard), and Xoloitzcuintli are considered to be non-sporting breeds.
-
Working Dogs
A working dog is used to perform a range of practical tasks. These types of dogs can include guide dogs, herding dogs, guard dogs, sled dogs and search and rescue dogs. Breeds such as Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Boxer, Cane Corso, Doberman Pinscher, Saint Bernard, and Samoyed are considered to be working breeds.
-
Hounds
Hounds are breeds that fulfill different roles during hunting; by following a trail using their acute sense of smell, or extensive amounts of stamina to chase quarry. Breeds such as Afghan Hound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Dachshund, and Whippet are considered to be hound breeds.
-
Terriers
Terriers were originally developed to hunt vermin. Nowadays they are known for their fearlessness and energetic antics. Breeds such as Airedale Terrier, Bull Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Manchester Terrier.
-
Toy Dogs
Toy refers to the smallest sized dogs and covers a range of breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pug, Silky Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Here Are Some Articles on Dog Breeds You Might Find of Interest.
A
Afghan Hound
Average Adult Weight
45 to 64 pounds
Personality
Aristocratic, noble, dignified, independent and somewhat aloof.
Optimal Home
Best with older, considerate children. Not recommended for novice owners or for homes with cats.
Airedale Terrier
Average Adult Weight
50-70 Pounds
Personality
Friendly, clever, courageous.
Optimal Home
A high energy breed requiring a home with a securely fenced large yard. More suitable for families with older children.
Akita
Average Adult Weight
75 to 100 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, loyal, willful and intelligent.
Optimal Home
Can be reserved with strangers and aggressive with other dogs, so they are not for novice owners. Apartment living is OK with regular outdoor exercise.
Alaskan Malamute
Average Adult Weight
75 to 85 pounds
Personality
Friendly, dignified and mellow (as an adult), but difficult to train.
Optimal Home
Best with adults, seniors and older children. Not suitable for multi-pet homes.
American Bulldog
Average Adult Weight
60 to 100 pounds
Personality
Athletic, great strength, agility, and endurance. Gentle and affectionate.
Optimal Home
Strong willed so needs a home with a strong pack leader. Good with children. Requires plenty of exercise.
American Eskimo
Average Adult Weight
20 to 40 pounds
Personality
Loyal, intelligent, playful, loving, and easily trained.
Optimal Home
Excellent with children; OK in an apartment. Good choice for novice dog owners.
American Hairless Terrier
Average Adult Weight
12 to 16 pounds
Personality
Playful, intelligent, inquisitive, and loving.
Optimal Home
Moderate exercise needs so OK in an apartment along with regular walks.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Average Adult Weight
30 to 60 pounds
Personality
Alert, outgoing, intelligent, and eager to please. Must socialize puppies to prevent aggression problems.
Optimal Home
Apartment living is OK with daily exercise. Make loving house pets.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Average Adult Weight
45 to 65 pounds
Personality
Tenacious, loyal, and friendly. Must socialize puppies to prevent aggression problems.
Optimal Home
Requires a lot of exercise. Make loving house pets if made part of the family.
American Water Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
25 to 45 pounds
Personality
Protective, energetic, intelligent, and easily trainable.
Optimal Home
A home with a large fenced yard. Moderate daily exercise. Great hunting companion.
Australian Cattle Dog
Average Adult Weight
35 to 50 pounds
Personality
Cautious, loyal, and energetic. Has a strong instinct for herding and guarding. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
Needs a home with a large fenced yard, and plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Australian Shepherd
Average Adult Weight
45 to 60 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, active, and good-natured. Has a strong instinct for herding and guarding. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
Needs a home with a large fenced yard, and plenty of stimulation and exercise.
B
Basenji
Average Adult Weight
22 to 24 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, intelligent, and playful. Is ‘catlike’ and does not have a ‘bark’. Have a strong hunting instinct.
Optimal Home
A home with a well fenced yard. Require plenty of exercise.
Basset Hound
Average Adult Weight
55 to 65 pounds
Personality
Gentle, devoted, sweet; easygoing, with training.
Optimal Home
Easy access to outdoor adventures and exercise. Bond well with young kids and other pets.
Beagle
Average Adult Weight
11 to 13 pounds
Personality
Friendly, curious, and good-natured. Stubborn and not easy to train.
Optimal Home
Home with a good sized securely fenced yard. Need plenty of exercise.
Bearded Collie
Average Adult Weight
35 to 60 pounds
Personality
Playful, exuberant and easy to train. Females are calmer and more submissive than males.
Optimal Home
Best for a home with an average-sized yard. Good with children and generally not aggressive with other dogs.
Belgian Tervuren
Average Adult Weight
45 to 75 pounds
Personality
Protective, energetic, intelligent, and loyal. Good with other pets, but may chase unknown animals.
Optimal Home
Best for a home with an average-sized yard. Early socialization important. Very active and needs a lot of daily exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Average Adult Weight
70 to 115 pounds
Personality
faithful, intelligent, affectionate, and loyal. Good with children. Enjoy companionship.
Optimal Home
Thrives in a cooler climate. Need daily moderate exercise.
Bichon Frise
Average Adult Weight
13 to 16 pounds
Personality
Feisty, affectionate, playful and gentle. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
Can live in an apartment with daily walks for exercise.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Average Adult Weight
65 to 90 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, eager, attentive and protective. Originally bred to hunt raccoons.
Optimal Home
Best with a large yard and a family of seniors, adults and older children. Not novice owners.
Bloodhound
Average Adult Weight
80 to 110 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, gentle, even-tempered, and stubborn. Good with children and other dogs. Like to follow a scent trail.
Optimal Home
A home with a large fenced yard. Requires a high level of daily activity. Long walks on leash.
Border Terrier
Average Adult Weight
12 to 14 pounds
Personality
Fearless, intelligent, and obedient. Good with older children.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard, but can live in an apartment provided they have plenty of exercise opportunities.
Boston Terrier
Average Adult Weight
12 to 14 pounds
Personality
Friendly, lively, and intelligent. Good family breed. Good with other pets. Outgoing and eager to please.
Optimal Home
OK in an apartment.
Boxer
Average Adult Weight
60 to 70 pounds
Personality
Energetic, bright and loyal. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
Require companionship and lots of exercise. Can live in an apartment provided they have plenty of exercise opportunities.
Boykin Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
25 to 40 pounds
Personality
Energetic, eager, intelligent, trainable, and eager to please. Good with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard. Likes companionship. Active and requires moderate daily exercise.
Brittany
Average Adult Weight
30 to 40 pounds
Personality
Agile, intelligent, quick, and attentive. Good with children and other pets. High energy hunting breed.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard. Requires companionship and lots of exercise.
Brussels Griffon
Average Adult Weight
8 to 10 pounds
Personality
Self-Important, inquisitive, and companionable. Easily trained.
Optimal Home
Not suitable for families with children. Require daily moderate exercise.
Bull Terrier
Average Adult Weight
35 to 80 pounds
Personality
Strong-willed, courageous, playful and sensitive to humans’ needs.
Optimal Home
Best in homes without non-canine pets and dogs of the same sex. Not recommended for novice owners. Fairly active indoors.
Bulldog
Average Adult Weight
40 to 50 pounds
Personality
With proper socialization, is sweet, devoted and eager-to-please; may not realize their own strength.
Optimal Home
Can do OK in apartments, with regular activity.
Bullmastiff
Average Adult Weight
100 to 130 pounds
Personality
Devoted, loyal, protective, and calm. Good with older children. Begin training and socialization early.
Optimal Home
Needs a fenced yard. Moderate exercise requirements.
C
Canaan Dog
Average Adult Weight
35 to 55 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, independent, loyal, active.
Optimal Home
Not ideal for novice owners; get along best with older children. Should get daily exercise.
Cane Corso
Average Adult Weight
Up to 110 pounds
Personality
Intense, protective and powerful, but can be gentle and submissive.
Optimal Home
Best with experienced owners and homes with fenced-in yards. OK in multi-pet homes if raised with them since puppyhood.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
14 to 17 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, gentle and playful. Enjoy companionship. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard as they need room to run.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Average Adult Weight
55 to 80 pounds
Personality
Dominant, intelligent, protective, affectionate, and quiet. Good with children and other pets. Early socialization important.
Optimal Home
Not suitable for a novice dog owner. Energetic breed requiring plenty of exercise.
Chihuahua
Average Adult Weight
3 to 6 pounds
Personality
Lively, devoted, alert, courageous and quick. Like attention and are loyal.
Optimal Home
Families with children provided they are treated respectfully. Singles, seniors, apartments, houses with or without yards.
Chinese Shar Pei
Average Adult Weight
45 to 60 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, independent, and reserved. Straightforward to train. Needs early socialization. Good with older children.
Optimal Home
Is OK in an apartment with daily walks.
Chow Chow
Average Adult Weight
50 to 60 pounds
Personality
Independent, loyal and quiet.
Optimal Home
Needs a moderate amount of exercise. Suitable for a more experienced dog owner.
Cocker Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
25 to 27 pounds
Personality
Gentle, trusting, loving and devoted. Gets along with everyone.
Optimal Home
Apartment living is OK with sufficient exercise. A home with a small yard is optimal. Good for novice owners.
D
Dachshund
Average Adult Weight
20 to 25 pounds (Standard)
under 11 pounds (Miniature)
Personality
Playful, devoted, and clever. Is good with other pets. Not good with young children.
Optimal Home
Needs a moderate amount of exercise. Suitable for a small home or apartment.
Dalmatian
Average Adult Weight
40 to 70 pounds
Personality
Energetic, playful, crave human companionship.
Optimal Home
Good-sized home with a backyard. Love to play with children, too rambunctious for toddlers.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Average Adult Weight
18 to 24 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, fun loving, willful, independent, dignified.
Optimal Home
Best for older, considerate children; adults; and dog-savvy seniors. Needs attention.
Doberman Pinscher
Average Adult Weight
70 to 90 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, alert, and loyal. Is good with children providing is treated respectfully.
Optimal Home
A home with a large fenced yard. Requires companionship, exercise and stimulation.
E
English Cocker Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
28 to 32 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, loyal, and playful. With appropriate socialization is a gentle dog. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard. Needs plenty of exercise.
English Setter
Average Adult Weight
50 to 70 pounds
Personality
Gentle, sensitive, friendly and social. Loves affection.
Optimal Home
Requires vigorous exercise and space for activity. OK with pets and children, with socialization.
English Springer Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
35 to 55 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, active, and affectionate. Crave companionship. Good with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
A home with a large fenced yard, but can live in an apartment provided sufficient daily exercise opportunities are provided.
F
Flat-Coated Retriever
Average Adult Weight
60 to 70 pounds
Personality
Smart, active, friendly, playful and even-tempered. Can become easily bored.
Optimal Home
Needs a medium-sized yard for regular exercise. Friendly with most dogs. Great for busy families.
French Bulldog
Average Adult Weight
19 to 28 pounds
Personality
Playful, sweet, bright, alert and easygoing. Bond strongly to individuals.
Optimal Home
Best with older, considerate children. Good with other pets if raised together. Good homes without yards.
G
German Shepherd
Average Adult Weight
55 to 90 pounds
Personality
Cheerful, confident, obedient, intelligent.
Optimal Home
Apartment life is OK with vigorous daily activities. Good with children, and make great family pets.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Average Adult Weight
45 to 70 pounds
Personality
Boisterous, affectionate, intelligent and trainable. Very energetic.
Optimal Home
A home with a good sized fenced yard.
German Wirehaired Pointer
Average Adult Weight
50 to 70 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, intelligent, loyal and active. Good with older children.
Optimal Home
A home with a good sized fenced yard. Regular daily exercise.
Giant Schnauzer
Average Adult Weight
75 to 95 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, calm, very protective. Can be dominant. Responds best to firm, positive, consistent training.
Optimal Home
Needs sufficient exercise. Best with adults, active seniors and older children.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Average Adult Weight
30 to 40 pounds
Personality
Loyal, playful and fairly quiet. Enjoys outdoor activities.
Optimal Home
Needs sufficient exercise; can be aggressive with other dogs, so make those introductions early.
Golden Retriever
Average Adult Weight
60 to 75 pounds
Personality
Gentle, stable, loyal, confident, loving and eager to please. Excel in obedience competitions.
Optimal Home
Thrive in most caring home environments. Should receive sufficient daily exercise. Get along with everyone.
Gordon Setter
Average Adult Weight
45 to 80 pounds
Personality
Confident, fearless, alert, and loyal. Generally good with other dogs of different sex. Good with children.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard. Good for active families or singles.
Great Dane
Average Adult Weight
110 to 175 pounds
Personality
Gentle, friendly, confident, and loving. People pleaser and good with children.
Optimal Home
A yard with a tall fence. Needs lots of exercise.
Greyhound
Average Adult Weight
60 to 70 pounds
Personality
Athletic, gentle, affectionate, and intelligent.
Optimal Home
A yard with a tall fence. Needs lots of exercise and opportunities to run and chase.
H
Havanese
Average Adult Weight
7 to 13 pounds
Personality
Gentle, playful, and intelligent. Like companionship.
Optimal Home
Can live in an apartment. Moderate exercise needs.
I
Irish Setter
Average Adult Weight
60 to 70 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, companionable, lively, and playful. Good with older children. Eager to please.
Optimal Home
Highly energetic breed. Needs plenty of space.
Irish Terrier
Average Adult Weight
25 to 27 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, lively, and protective. Easily trainable. Good with children.
Optimal Home
Highly energetic requiring a fenced yard or several walks each day.
Irish Water Spaniel
Average Adult Weight
45 to 65 pounds
Personality
Inquisitive, quick, active, and intelligent. Eager to please. Socialize early with small children.
Optimal Home
Highly energetic requiring a fenced yard or several walks each day.
Irish Wolfhound
Average Adult Weight
100 to 110 pounds
Personality
Loyal, patient, and sweet-tempered. Good with children. Provide early introductions and socialization opportunities with other dogs.
Optimal Home
Due to it’s large size, not suitable for families with young children.
J
Jack Russell Terrier
Average Adult Weight
13 to 17 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, energetic, and fearless.
Optimal Home
Not suitable for families with young children.
K
Komondor
Average Adult Weight
80 to 100+ pounds
Personality
Serious, confident, alert, commanding, loyal, smart and highly protective.
Optimal Home
Not recommended for children or novice owners; best with experienced dog fanciers. Best in homes with large yards.
L
Labrador Retriever
Average Adult Weight
55 to 80 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, playful, eager to please, and easy to train.
Optimal Home
Requires sufficient exercise. Good with children, seniors and other pets.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Average Adult Weight
24 to 35 pounds
Personality
Companionable, loyal, active, and easy to train. Socialize early with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
Requires regular mental and physical activity, preferably as part of the family.
Lhasa Apso
Average Adult Weight
12 to 18 pounds
Personality
Energetic, alert, assertive, and devoted. Need to be socialized early with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
Can live in an apartment providing there are daily opportunities for exercise
M
Maltese
Average Adult Weight
Up to 7 pounds
Personality
Gentle, spirited and playful. Needs ample attention.
Optimal Home
Good for novice owners. OK with other pets, and reserved around strangers. Adapts well to apartment living.
Manchester Terrier
Average Adult Weight
12 to 22 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, protective and strong-willed.
Optimal Home
Can remain active indoors, so apartment living is OK. Best in moderate/cool climates and with enough owner attention.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Average Adult Weight
18 to 28 pounds
Personality
Loving, energetic, stubborn, and even-tempered.
Optimal Home
Best in homes without non-canine pets and dogs of the same sex. Not recommended for novice owners. Fairly active indoors.
Miniature Schnauzer
Average Adult Weight
11 to 20 pounds
Personality
Friendly, fearless, intelligent, and obedient. Good with children and other pets.
Optimal Home
Can remain active indoors, so apartment living is OK. Need moderate daily exercise.
N
Newfoundland
Average Adult Weight
100 to 150 pounds
Personality
Sweet-tempered, trainable, and gentle. Great with children.
Optimal Home
A large dog – requiring some space. Moderate amount of daily exercise.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Average Adult Weight
35 to 50 pounds
Personality
Outgoing, intelligent, patient, and loving. Eager to please and likes to retrieve. Can be a challenge to train due to their stubborn nature.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard. Highly active dog requiring plenty of daily exercise.
O
Old English Sheepdog
Average Adult Weight
70 to 90 pounds
Personality
Gentle, loving, faithful and intelligent.
Optimal Home
Needs sufficient daily exercise. Best in a home with an average-sized yard. OK with other pets.
P
Papillon
Average Adult Weight
5 to 10 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, energetic, and friendly.
Optimal Home
Suitable for town or country. OK in an apartment provided exercised daily.
Pekingese
Average Adult Weight
12 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, Stubbon, and Affectionate.
Optimal Home
Would be OK in an apartment. Modest exercise needs.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Average Adult Weight
25 pounds
Personality
Protective, Tenacious, and Playful.
Optimal Home
Needs sufficient daily exercise. Best in a home with an average-sized yard. OK with other pets.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Average Adult Weight
8.5 to 17.5 pounds (Small)
17.5 to 26.5 pounds (Medium)
26.5 to 55 pounds (Large)
Personality
Protective, intelligent, affectionate, and lively. Not so good with small children or other small pets.
Optimal Home
An energetic dog requiring regular exercise. Apartment living OK.
Pointer
Average Adult Weight
45 to 75 pounds
Personality
Loyal and devoted. Can be timid, high-strung and willful. Sometimes difficult to train.
Optimal Home
Should have a large yard to provide vigorous daily exercise. Not recommended for apartments or families with children.
Pomeranian
Average Adult Weight
3 to 7 pounds
Personality
Willful, loving and curious. Quick learners.
Optimal Home
Best with adults, seniors and older, considerate children. Active indoors. Good for novice owners.
For more information on Pomeranian tips and guide click here.
Poodle (Standard)
Average Adult Weight
45 to 65 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, dignified, proud, playful, calm and trainable.
Optimal Home
Good for novice owners; gets along well with everyone. Need regular exercise and companionship.
Poodle (Toy)
Average Adult Weight
6 pounds
Personality
Highly intelligent, very trainable; sensitive and demanding, but loyal
Optimal Home
Do well in apartments. Behave best when around older, considerate children
Portuguese Water Dog
Average Adult Weight
35 to 60 pounds
Personality
Strong, even-tempered, intelligent, playful and easy to train.
Optimal Home
Best with kids older than 6. OK in apartment with sufficient exercise.
Pug
Average Adult Weight
14 to 18 pounds
Personality
Cheerful, perky, loyal, rambunctious, playful, charming and smart.
Optimal Home
Good with children; easy to train. Apartment living OK with sufficient exercise and attention.
R
Rat Terrier
Average Adult Weight
Miniature: 4 to 6 pounds; Standard: 12 to 35 pounds
Personality
Intelligent and social. Good at jogging, service-dog work, retrieving, guarding and more.
Optimal Home
Does best with regular exercise. Good with novice owners.
Rottweiler
Average Adult Weight
80 to 130 pounds
Personality
Good-natured, courageous, calm, and devoted. Good with children and other dogs. Start training and socialization early.
Optimal Home
Needs moderate daily exercise.
S
Saint Bernard
Average Adult Weight
150 to 170 pounds
Personality
Calm, obedient and dignified; patient around children.
Optimal Home
This large dog requires daily exercise. With proper socialization, makes a great family pet.
Saluki
Average Adult Weight
40 to 65 pounds
Personality
Reserved, aloof, and intelligent. Good with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
A home with a large fenced yard. Needs a lot of daily exercise.
Samoyed
Average Adult Weight
40 to 75 pounds
Personality
Dignified, loyal and intelligent. Can be willful during training.
Optimal Home
Needs sufficient exercise and does best in cold climates. May be aggressive with cats and dogs, particularly those of the same sex.
Schiperke
Average Adult Weight
10 to 16 pounds
Personality
Faithful, curious, independent, and agile. Like to explore so early recall training a must.
Optimal Home
Not for novice dog owners, as can be hard to train. Apartment living OK. Energetic so requires brisk walks.
Scottish Terrier
Average Adult Weight
18 to 22 pounds
Personality
Self-Assured, independent, feisty, and alert. Strong hunting instinct. Good with older children if treated respectfully. May be aggressive towards other animals.
Optimal Home
Moderate daily exercise needs.
Shetland Sheepdog
Average Adult Weight
15 to 25 pounds
Personality
Affectionate, intelligent, gentle, and easily trainable. Good with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
Active so plenty of exercise opportunities needed.
Shih Tzu
Average Adult Weight
9 to 18 pounds
Personality
Assertive, engaging, proud, and loyal. Easy to train.
Optimal Home
They are active indoors, so apartment living is OK. Best with older children
Siberian Husky
Average Adult Weight
35 to 60 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, gentle, friendly, and outgoing. Good with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
Born to run and energetic; requiring a large fenced yard.
Silky Terrier
Average Adult Weight
10 pounds
Personality
Playful, loving and curious. Can learn new tricks and commands at ease.
Optimal Home
Apartment living is OK with sufficient exercise. Best for seniors, adults and older children.
Spanish Water Dog
Average Adult Weight
35 to 45 pounds
Personality
Athletic, loyal, intelligent, and easily trainable. Strong herding instinct.
Optimal Home
A home with a large fenced yard for this energetic breed. Socialization important.
Spinone Italiano
Average Adult Weight
62 to 81 pounds
Personality
Calm, sweet and playful. Renowned for its hunting skills.
Optimal Home
Best with experienced owners. Requires sufficient exercise. Gets along well with children. Known for its relatively long lifespan.
Standard Schnauzer
Average Adult Weight
35 to 45 pounds
Personality
Spirited, Alert, and Obedient. Protective nature and good with children and other dogs.
Optimal Home
A home with a fenced yard. Like companionship and to be included in family activities. They have a lot of energy and need regular exercise.
T
Tibetan Terrier
Average Adult Weight
20 to 24 pounds
Personality
Sweet, gentle, loving, lively and fun.
Optimal Home
Can do well in an apartment with sufficient exercise. Interacts best with older, considerate children.
Tosa
Average Adult Weight
85 to 200 pounds
Personality
Protective, loyal, intelligent, calm and patient.
Optimal Home
Not recommended for novice owners; get along well with children and other pets (not of same sex, size and temperament) when socialized.
V
Vizsla
Average Adult Weight
50 pounds
Personality
Loyal, loving and protective of their pack mates. Requires firm training.
Optimal Home
Best with an average-sized yard. Not a breed for novice owners or apartment dwellers.
W
Weimaraner
Average Adult Weight
55 to 85 pounds
Personality
Intelligent, loving, rambunctious, willful and protective.
Optimal Home
Not for novice owners, or homes with cats. Best with children older than 6 years of age.
West Highland White Terrier
Average Adult Weight
15 to 20 pounds
Personality
Independent, friendly, courageous, and active. Can be hard to train.
Optimal Home
A fenced yard would be beneficial as ‘Westies’ love to chase. Need moderate daily exercise.
Whippet
Average Adult Weight
25 to 40 pounds
Personality
Friendly, intelligent, gentle, and affectionate.
Optimal Home
OK in an apartment provided exercised regularly. Love to chase.
X
Xoloitzcuintli
Average Adult Weight
Toy: 5 to 15 pounds
Mini: 15 to 30 pounds
Standard: 25 to 40 pounds
Personality
Calm and loyal. Good watchdog.
Optimal Home
Apartment living OK with sufficient exercise. Best in warm climates. OK with children, but can be dominant.
Y
Yorkshire Terrier
Average Adult Weight
Up to 7 pounds
Personality
Energetic, willful, demanding and dependent. Affectionate and lovable.
Optimal Home
Best with adults, seniors and older children. Can be aggressive around cats and strange dogs. Active indoors.