Afghan Hound
Among the most eye-catching of all dog breeds, the Afghan Hound is an aloof and dignified aristocrat of sublime beauty. Despite his regal appearance, the Afghan can exhibit an endearing streak of silliness and a profound loyalty.
Among the most eye-catching of all dog breeds, the Afghan Hound is an aloof and dignified aristocrat of sublime beauty. Despite his regal appearance, the Afghan can exhibit an endearing streak of silliness and a profound loyalty.
The compact but muscular Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the Dingo. These resilient herders are intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners.
The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those “only in America” stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia. Fixtures on the rodeo circuit, they are closely associated with the cowboy life.
A boisterous and charismatic droving dog from Scotland, the shaggy-coated Bearded Collie (“Beardie” to his friends) enjoys outdoor exercise in all weather. Bred to be independent decision-makers, they can be willful but are always friendly.
The smart, confident, and versatile Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. To deny a Mal activity and the pleasure of your company is to deprive him of his very reasons for being.
The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly trainable herder whose versatility and intelligence is the stuff of canine legend. This is a breed built for hard work, and plenty of it. These sensitive souls crave human companionship and abhor neglect.
The elegant, agile Belgian Tervuren is a bright and self-assured herding dog of medium size, known to be affectionate and possessive with loved ones. Lots of hard work and challenging play is heaven for this tireless, do-it-all dog.
A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog—maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done.
Up until 1983, the breeds in the Herding Group were part of the Working Group. All Herding breeds share an instinctual ability to control the movement of other animals. These breeds were developed to gather, herd and protect livestock. Today, some like the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd Dog are commonly used for police and protection work. The herding instinct in these breeds is so strong that Herding breeds have been known to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.
Most dog owners consider their dogs as members of their families. But when there are children in the house, thoughtful consideration needs to be made to choose the right dog for your lifestyle, living quarters and children's ages. Some breeds are quite patient with younger kids, and others are better with older children. Some are happy in urban environments, and others need more room to roam. No matter what, you’ll want a dog with an outgoing and friendly personality who is loving and affectionate with the whole family
Not too big; not too small: These dogs are the definition of a happy medium, and probably why they show up on our list of most popular dogs year after year. Their playful and kind personalities make for excellent additions to families. Some are calmer by nature, like the Bulldog or the Whippet; others are more energetic like the Brittany or the Shetland Sheepdog. No matter what, they’re friendly and obedient, and love to please.
It’s rarely a bad decision to get yourself a dog, but sometimes you’ll need to be picky about the exact type of companion that will inhabit your private space. If you live in a condo and dogs just seem too noisy, this long list of the most quiet dog breeds is bound to change your mind and assist you with choosing the perfect dog roommate.
As much as every dog can be taught not to make noise, there are quite a few dog breeds with innately silent behavior. These dogs require little to no attention in order to keep silent. Keep in mind that every single dog can give a protesting bark from time to time.
If you plan on getting yourself a furry friend, make sure you have enough time and resources to give him a comfortable life. Without the proper dog care and attention, you can expect incessant barking from any and all of these breeds anyway.
You know the type. They're happy. They love to greet people. And their smiling eyes and wagging tails always bring attention their way. Why wouldn't you love them back?
Certain breeds are famed for their sociable dispositions — we’re going to meet some of them below — but personality varies, so don’t assume that every member of a certain breed will be a good-time Charlie. Early socialization, effective training, and continuing opportunities to interact with people in many different situations and places all contribute to the development of a dog who is genuinely outgoing and approachable.