Here's a list of Dog Breeds | Canine Breeds:
* Affenpinscher
* Afghan Hound
* Africanis
* Aidi
* Airedale terrier
* Akbash Dog
* Akita
* Alangu Mastiff
* Alano Español
* Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
* Alaskan Husky
* Alaskan Klee Kai
* Alaskan Malamute
* Alopekis
* Alpine Dachsbracke
* American Akita
* American Bulldog
* American Cocker Spaniel
* American Eskimo Dog
* American Foxhound
* American Mastiff
* American Pit Bull Terrier
* American Staffordshire Terrier
* American Water Spaniel
* Anatolian Shepherd Dog
* Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
* Appenzeller Sennenhund
* Argentine Dogo
* Ariege Pointer
* Ariegeois
* Armant
* Artois Hound
* Australian Bulldog
* Australian Cattle Dog
* Australian Kelpie
* Australian Shepherd
* Australian Silky Terrier
* Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
* Australian terrier
* Austrian black and tan hound
* Austrian Pinscher
* Azawakh

* Bakharwal Dog
* Bandog
* Banjara Mastiff
* Barbet
* Basenji
* Basque Shepherd Dog
* Basset Artésien Normand
* Basset Bleu de Gascogne
* Basset Fauve de Bretagne
* Basset Griffon Vendéen
* Basset Hound
* Bavarian Mountain Hound
* Beagle
* Beagle-Harrier
* Bearded Collie
* Bearded Tibetan Mastiff
* Beauceron
* Bedlington Terrier
* Belgian Shepherd Dog
* Bergamasco
* Berger Blanc Suisse
* Berger Picard
* Bernese Mountain Do

* Bichon Frisé
* Bloodhound
* Biewer
* Billy
* Bisben
* Black and Tan Coonhound
* Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound
* Blackmouth Cur
* Black Norwegian Elkhound
* Black Russian Terrier
* Bloodhound
* Blue Lacy
* Blue Paul Terrier
* Bluetick Coonhound
* Border Collie
* Boerboel
* Bohemian Shepherd
* Bolognese
* Borador
* Border Collie
* Border Terrier
* Borzoi
* Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound
* Boston terrier
* Bouvier des Ardennes
* Bouvier des Flandres
* Boxer
* Boykin Spaniel
* Bracco Italiano
* Bullmastiff
* Braque d'Auvergne
* Braque du Bourbonnais
* Braque Francais
* Brazilian Terrier
* Briard
* Briquet Griffon Vendéen
* Brittany
* Broholmer
* Bruno Jura hound
* Bull Terrier
* Bull Terrier (Miniature)
* Bull and Terrier
* Bulldog
* Bullmastiff
* Bully Kutta

* Cairn Terrier
* Canaan Dog
* Canadian Eskimo Dog
* Canadian Pointer
* Cane Corso
* Canis Panther
* Cão da Serra de Aires
* Cão de Castro Laboreiro
* Cão Fila de São Miguel
* Cão de Fila da Terceira
* Cão de Gado Transmontano
* Cardigan Welsh Corgi
* Carolina Dog
* Carpathian Shepherd Dog
* Catahoula Bulldog
* Catahoula Cur
* Catalan Sheepdog
* Caucasian Shepherd Dog
* Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
* Central Asian Shepherd Dog
* Cesky Fousek
* Cesky Terrier
* Chart Polski
* Chesapeake Bay Retriever
* Chien Français Blanc et Noir
* Chien Français Blanc et Orange
* Chien Français Tricolore
* Chihuahua
* Chilean Fox Terrier
* Chinese Chongqing Dog
* Chinese Crested Dog
* Chinook
* Chippiparai
* Chow Chow
* Ciobănesc de Bucovina
* Circassian Orloff Wolfhound
* Cirneco dell'Etna
* Clumber Spaniel
* Cocker Spaniel
* Coonhound
* Collie
* Combai
* Cordoba Fighting Dog
* Coton de Tulear
* Cretan Hound
* Croatian Sheepdog
* Cur
* Curly Coated Retriever
* Cypro Kukur
* Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

* Dachshund
* Dalmatian
* Dandie Dinmont Terrier
* Danish/Swedish Farm Dog
* Deutsche Bracke
* Dingo
* Doberman Pinscher
* Dogo Cubano
* Dogo Guatemalteco
* Dogo Sardesco
* Dogue de Bordeaux
* Drentse Patrijshond
* Drever
* Dunker
* Dutch Shepherd Dog
* Dutch Smoushond

* East-European Shepherd
* East Siberian Laika
* Elo
* English Cocker Spaniel
* English Coonhound
* English Foxhound
* English Mastiff
* English Pointer
* English Setter
* English Shepherd
* English Springer Spaniel
* English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
* English White Terrier
* Entlebucher Mountain Dog
* Epagneul Bleu de Picardie
* Estonian Hound
* Estrela Mountain Dog
* Eurasier
* Eurohound

* Fell Terrier
* Feist
* Field Spaniel
* Fila Brasileiro
* Finnish Hound
* Finnish Lapphund
* Finnish Spitz
* Flat-Coated Retriever
* Formosan Mountain Dog
* Foxhound
* Fox Terrier
* Franzuskaya Bolonka
* French Brittany
* French Bulldog
* French Spaniel

* Galgo Español
* Gawii
* German Coolie
* German Longhaired Pointer
* German Pinscher
* German Shepherd Dog
* German Shorthaired Pointer
* German Spaniel
* German Spitz
* German Wirehaired Pointer
* Giant Schnauzer
* Glen of Imaal Terrier
* golden dugog
* Golden Retriever
* Gordon Setter
* Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir
* Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange
* Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore
* Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
* Grand Bleu de Gascogne
* Grand Gascon Saintongeois
* Grand Griffon Vendéen
* Gran Mastín de Borínquen
* Great Dane
* Great Pyrenees
* Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
* Greek Sheepdog
* Greenland Dog
* Greyhound
* Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
* Griffon Bruxellois
* Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
* Griffon Nivernais
* Guejae Gae
* Gull Dong
* Gull Terr

* Hairless dog
* Hairless Khala
* Haldenstøvare
* Hamiltonstövare
* Hanover Hound
* Harlequin Pinscher
* Harrier
* Havanese
* Hawaiian Poi Dog
* Hellenic Hound
* Hermes Bulldogge
* Hertha Pointer
* Himalayan Sheepdog
* Himalayan Mastiff
* Hokkaido
* Hortaya Borzaya
* Hovawart
* Hungarian hound
* Huntaway
* Husky
* Hygenhund

* Icelandic Sheepdog
* Indian Spitz
* Indian Bull Terrier
* Irish Bull Terrier
* Irish Red and White Setter
* Irish Setter
* Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier
* Irish Terrier
* Irish Water Spaniel
* Irish Wolfhound
* Istarski Oštrodlaki Gonič
* Italian Greyhound

* Jack Russell Terrier
* Jagdterrier
* Jämthund
* Japanese Chin
* Japanese Spitz
* Japanese Terrier
* Jonangi

* Kaikadi
* Kai Ken
* Kangal Dog
* Kangaroo Dog
* Kanni
* Karakachan Dog
* Karelian Bear Dog
* Karelo-Finnish Laika
* Kars Dog
* Karst Shepherd
* Keeshond
* Kerry Beagle
* Kerry Blue Terrier
* King Charles Spaniel
* King Shepherd
* Kintamani
* Kishu
* Komondor
* Kooikerhondje
* Koolie
* Korea Jindo Dog
* Korean Mastiff
* Kromfohrlander
* Kuchi
* Kunming Wolf-dog
* Kuvasz
* Kyi-Leo

* Labradoodle
* Labrador Husky
* Labrador Retriever
* Lagotto Romagnolo
* Lakeland Terrier
* Laika
* Lancashire Heeler
* Landseer
* Lapponian Herder
* Large Münsterländer
* Latvian Hound
* Leonberger
* Lhasa Apso
* Lithuanian Hound
* Longdog
* Lottatore Brindisino
* Löwchen
* Lucas Terrier
* Lupo Italiano
* Lurcher

* Mackenzie River Husky
* Maltese
* Magyar Agar
* Majestic Tree Hound
* Maltese
* Manchester Terrier
* Maremma Sheepdog
* Martin Mosa Mastiff
* Mastiff
* McNab
* Mexican Hairless Dog
* Miniature Australian Shepherd
* Miniature Fox Terrier
* Miniature Pinscher
* Miniature Schnauzer
* Miniature Siberian Husky
* Mioritic
* Moscow Watchdog
* Mountain Cur
* Mountain Feist
* Mountain View Cur
* Mucuchies
* Mudi
* Mudhol Hound
* Münsterländer
* Murray River Curly Coated retriever

* Native American Indian Dog
* Neapolitan Mastiff
* Nebolish Mastiff
* Nenets Herding Laika
* Newfoundland
* New Guinea Singing Dog
* Norfolk Terrier
* Norrbottenspets
* Northeasterly Hauling Laika
* Northern Inuit Dog
* Norwegian Buhund
* Norwegian Elkhound
* Norwegian Lundehund
* Norwich Terrier
* Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever

* Old Danish Pointer
* Old English Sheepdog
* Old English Bulldog
* Old English Terrier
* Olde English Bulldogge
* Otterhound

* Pachon Navarro
* Papillon
* Parson Russell Terrier
* Pastor Garafiano
* Patterdale Terrier
* Pekingese
* Pembroke Welsh Corgi
* Perdiguero de Burgos
* Perro Cimarron
* Perro de Pastor Mallorquin
* Perro de Presa Canario
* Perro de Presa Mallorquin
* Perro de Toro
* Peruvian Hairless Dog
* Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
* Petit Bleu de Gascogne
* Petit Gascon Saintongeois
* Phalène
* Pharaoh Hound
* Picardy Spaniel
* Pinscher
* Pit Bull
* Plott Hound
* Podenco Andaluz
* Podenco Canario
* Podenco Galego
* Pointer
* Poitevin
* Polish Hound
* Polish Hunting Dog
* Polish Lowland Sheepdog
* Polish Tatra Sheepdog
* Pomeranian
* Pont-Audemer Spaniel
* Poodle
* Porcelaine
* Portuguese Podengo
* Portuguese Pointer
* Portuguese Water Dog
* Posavac Hound
* Pražský Krysařík
* Pudelpointer
* Pug
* Pugnaces Britanniae
* Puli
* Pumi
* Pungsan Dog
* Pyrenean Mastiff
* Pyrenean Shepherd

* Rafeiro do Alentejo
* Rajapalayam
* Rampur Greyhound
* Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
* Rat Terrier
* Redbone Coonhound
* Rhodesian Ridgeback
* Rottweiler
* Rough Collie
* Russian Harlequin Hound
* Russian Hound
* Russian Spaniel
* Russkiy Toy
* Russo-European Laika
* Russell Terrier
* Ryūkyū Inu

* Saarlooswolfhond
* Sabueso español
* Sage Koochee
* Sakhalin Husky
* Saluki
* Samoyed
* Sanshu
* Santal Hound
* Sapsali
* Šarplaninac
* Schapendoes
* Schillerstovare
* Schipperke
* Schnauzer
* Schweizer Laufhund
* Schweizer Niederlaufhund
* Scottish Deerhound
* Scottish Terrier
* Sealyham Terrier
* Segugio Italiano
* Seppala Siberian Sleddog
* Serbian Hound
* Serbian Mountain Hound
* Serbian Shepherd Dog
* Serbian Tricolour Hound

* Shar Pei
* Shetland Sheepdog
* Shiba Inu
* Shih Tzu
* Shikoku
* Shiloh Shepherd Dog
* Siberian Husky
* Silken Windhound
* Sindh Mastiff
* Skye Terrier
* Sloughi
* Slovak cuvac
* Slovakian Hound
* Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer
* Smålandsstövare
* Small Greek Domestic Dog
* Small Münsterländer
* Smithfield
* Smooth Collie
* Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
* South Russian Ovcharka
* Spanish Mastiff
* Spanish Pointer
* Spanish Water Dog
* Spinone Italiano
* Spitz
* Sporting Lucas Terrier
* Springer Spaniel
* St. Bernard
* Stabyhoun
* Staffordshire Bull Terrier
* Standard Schnauzer
* Stephens Stock
* Styrian Coarse Haired Hound
* Sulimov dog
* Sussex Spaniel
* Swedish Lapphund
* Swedish Vallhund
* Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher

* Tahltan Bear Dog
* Taigan
* Tamaskan dog
* Tasy
* Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
* Telomian
* Tenterfield Terrier
* Thai Bangkaew Dog
* Thai Ridgeback
* Tibetan Kyi Apso
* Tibetan Mastiff
* Tibetan Spaniel
* Tibetan Terrier
* Tornjak
* Tosa
* Toy Bulldog
* Toy Fox Terrier
* Toy Manchester Terrier
* Treeing Cur
* Treeing Tennessee Brindle
* Treeing Walker Coonhound
* Tsvetnaya Bolonka
* Tyrolean Hound

* Utonagan

* Walker Hound
* Weimaraner
* Welsh Corgi
* Welsh Sheepdog
* Welsh Springer Spaniel
* Welsh Terrier
* West Highland White Terrier
* West Siberian Laika
* Westphalian Dachsbracke
* Wetterhoun
* Whippet
* White Shepherd Dog
* Winston Olde English Bulldogge
* Wire-haired Vizsla
* Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

* Yorkshire Terrier


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Small Dogs

You shouldn't base your decision of which small dog breed to pick based solely on "looks," or you could end up with a dog who doesn't behave how you expected or who does things you don't like! So here's a quick and helpful guide highlighting the main points you should consider when choosing a small dog:

Size

Generally a small dog is considered to weigh less than 22lbs or be shorter than 16 inches. Some of the small dog breeds on our site are much lighter and shorter than this and some of them are a little heavier and taller than this--but they are all small dogs nevertheless (even though a few are borderline between small and medium sized).

Some breeds, such as the Chihuahua, are the smallest of the small... weighing in at only 6 to 8 pounds and standing only 6 to 10 inches tall. While the larger of the small breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier weigh 24 to 36 pounds and stand at 14 to 16 inches tall.

So, your first choice is to decide if you want a really small dog like a Chihuahua or if you don't mind a larger small dog like a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It might not bother you either way. The really small guys are really easier to pick-up, transport, and carry around!

Trainability

Every small breed can be trained to learn commands; however, some learn those commands a lot faster than others. A fast learning breed is much easier to train and will know more commands in a shorter period of time. While a slower learning breed requires more patience and time to train.

If you want an obedient dog but don't have much patience or time to train him you will want to pick an easy to train breed. (Choose a breed with 8 stars or more for "Trainability".)

Shedding

Some small dogs shed virtually no hair. These low-shedders shed so little that you'll struggle to find one hair in your home. If you hate dog hair and don't have time for extra vacuuming, then one of these breeds is right for you (choose a breed with less than 2 stars for "Shedding").

Some other breeds shed a moderate amount of hair: you'll find some stuck to your carpet, clothes and couch. If you don't mind a little hair in your home like this, then you have a wider variety of breeds to choose from than just the low shedders (choose a breed with 7 stars, or less, for "Shedding").

Then there are the shed-like-there's-no-tomorrow breeds! These breeds shed enormous amounts of hair! If you own one, you'll find hair on everything in your home. You'll find lots of hair on your carpet, sofa, and clothes. Probably even on your kitchen table and in the fridge. It gets everywhere! But if hair doesn't bother you, then you can choose a dog with any shedding level and you have the widest selection of breeds to choose from. (The super-high shedders are the ones rated 8 to 10 stars for "Shedding". Definitely avoid these if you hate hair.)

Low Maintenance

Small dog maintenance comes down to two things: brushing and vacuuming. Some breeds are almost maintenance-free and only require an occasional brushing and don't drop virtually any hair so you don't have to vacuum.

You need to brush a long-haired dog daily so his coat doesn't become a matted and tangled mess! However, you can avoid this if you keep his coat clipped short (just clip it short every few months--it only takes about 30 minutes to do) and then you only have to brush it occasionally (problem solved!). So you aren't limited to just the short-haired breeds if you don't have time for regular brushing. You still can choose a longhaired breed; you just have to clip his coat short to make it easy to maintain.

If you don't have time to be vacuuming up hair, either, then you will want a low-shedding breed.

Children

Most all dogs--large or small--are great with children when they grow up as a puppy with them.

The fact is: any child who is excessively rough or unintentionally teases a dog is at risk of being bitten. If your dog is being poked in the eyes, having his ears pulled, and being smothered then his natural instinct is to defend himself and he will probably give a few warning nips and growls and if it continues he may bite.

So, if you have very young children and decide to bring a dog into your home it's your responsibility to supervise your children around the dog and teach them to respect him and be gentle with him. Then the chances of your child being bitten are virtually none.

Watchdog

Virtually all small dog breeds make good little watchdogs--they will all make some sort of commotion (growling or barking)--when a stranger enters their turf. But some breeds are better at this job than others. A few are highly alert and will bark unrelentingly if a stranger is on "their" property. (Choose a breed rated 8 to 10 stars for "Watchdog if you want one the top watchdog breeds.)

Allergies -- Hypoallergenic Small Dogs?

Contrary to popular belief, it's not dog hair that causes allergies (sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose) it's dog dander (or dead skin flakes) that does. This microscopic dander floats through the air and when inhaled or when it lands in the eyes it triggers the allergic-reaction.

All dogs with skin (which is all of them) produce dander. So there is no such thing as dog, big or small, that doesn't produce it and is therefore totally safe for allergy-sufferers. However, because small dogs have less skin, they produce less dander. It is also thought that breeds who are low hair shedders also shed less dander.

So if you have allergies to dander, first consider a small dog (you're on the right web site) and secondly consider a low shedding breed, like a Poodle or Maltese, or one of the many other low shedding breeds. (Choose a breed who is rated 1 or 2 stars for "Shedding")

And, to be safe, if you do have allergies arrange to spend some time around some dogs of the breed you are interested in (maybe at a breeders home)--to make certain that they don't trigger your allergies... before you get one!

Dog Breeds - Groups

The breeds of dogs are officially classified into 10 distinct groups, themselves divided into sections, created according to the origins, behavior and characteristics of each race.

Group 1 - Shepherd Dogs (except Swiss Cattle dogs)

All breeds in this group are dogs that helped herders and shepherds centuries ago. They were used to keep flocks together and prevent them from approaching the fields. These dogs should be independent and show initiative. Thus, many dogs of this group were also affirmed as watchdogs and territorial defense.

Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer type - Dogs Swiss Mountain and Cattle - Other Breeds

The breeds classified in this group have very different origins. Some were prepared for combat and defense, as the Bulldog and Bullmastiff, others were used to keep the herds or bring relief to people that were lost, as the St. Bernard. This group also include dogs of approval (eg Pinscher Dwarf).

Group 3 - Terriers

Their name derives from the Latin terra, land, and indicates that the original or the dogs were hunted out of their burrows foxes and badgers. These are medium sized animals, courageous and independent. Because of their qualities, the Terriers were crossed with other breeds, especially with hounds, and so were born terrier breeds adapted to other tasks.

Group 4 - Dachshunds

The origin of this breed is to be found among the hounds. They were a form autonomous short-legged, which later was raised in Europe to work in the burrows of badgers and foxes. Given their mission, they can be compared with terriers bred in the British Isles.

Group 5 - Spitz-type dogs and primitive type

This very diverse group includes the Nordic dogs, the German Spitz and the Italian Spitz. Nordic dogs and Spitz are traditionally used for the guard, hunting, to drag loads or pulling sleds or the dogs are used for primitive hunting only.

Group 6 - Hounds

In general, we can say that this group is responsible for continuing the game, to prevent leakage and give the hunter an opportunity to shoot. According to the different types of races, the method of working is different. Many races after the track slowly, others continued to pack the game, with much barking, and catch or folds to the hunter's gun. Search dogs to blood track wounded game, especially deers. They must be able to track an animal for 24 hours and sometimes more.

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs

All dogs stop Continental were developed from the hounds. From the sixth century BC, the Greek historian Xenophon mentions hounds which, instead of continuing the game, stop, motionless and head erect, when they have flair. Initially, this behavior was not desired, but later on they used these dogs to hunt birds with nets and falconry. The British hunters have turned into true specialists - they must sniff the game fast and far and indicate where it is located. They should not return the game because it killed the task of Retriever that is classified in the following group.

Group 8 - Game dogs - Water Dog

This group of hunting dogs is highly specialized. The Retriever accompanies the hunter and, on the order, follows the game and hit or injured reported. The Spaniels are responsible for hiding the game or in rugged terrain covered with a dense vegetation cover. Some breeds are only kept for hunting, but most dogs of this group are wonderful companions and therefore widely used.

Group 9 - Toy Dogs and companionship

In this group there are different races. They often belong to the preceding groups, but all are characterized by the fact that they provide excellent companionship for the home.

Group 10 - Sighthounds

The dogs of this group have a special way of hunting. They can not be guided by their sense of smell but by their view. In many countries, such as Iran and Afghanistan, hunters took their Sighthounds on the saddle horses and camels. Currently, certain breeds of Sighthounds are used for purely sporting purposes - such as racing dogs. The Greyhounds are a group of ancient dogs. 5000 years ago, the Egyptians were already in their palaces and their tombs.

The Rottweiler is one of the largest of the more highly respected guard dogs, the others being the Akita, the Doberman Pinscher, and the German Shepherd. Ranking in the top decile for the aggressive traits, the Rottweiler is among the top few breeds in territorial defense and watchdog barking. Unlike the Doberman and the German Shepherd, though, it has a low ranking on general reactivity. In particular, this breed is among the lowest on excitability, excessive barking, and demand for affection. As a further contrast with the Shepherd, the Rottweiler has a low ranking on destructiveness and playfulness.

Because guard dogs are traditionally associated with 4 breeds, you can easily study the individual differences in their profiles before making your selection. The Rottweiler ranks at the extremes of lower or higher deciles on five traits, whereas the other three breeds are at one or the other extreme on four traits. The Rottweiler's two very high ranks, on territorial defense and watchdog barking, are most relevant to territorial protection. The highly trainable nature of the Rottweiler makes it quite deserving of its reputation as a splendid guard dog.

If you're sold on Rottweilers but need a territorial defender and want some integration of the dog into the family, consider getting a female to boost demand for affection and perhaps make dominating the dog somewhat easier.

The Rottweiler:

Weight: 110 lbs
Height: 25 in.
Build: Very strong
Coat: Short, undercoat; weekly brushing desirable.
Color: Black with rust.

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The profile of the Golden Retriever may justify for you its reputation as a very good family pet. The Golden Retriever ranks the lowest of all breeds on snapping at children and the second lowest on excessive barking. Its reportedly high level of demand for affection of course adds to its appeal as a children's pet. And it was the bottom-ranked breed both on aggression toward other dogs and on dominance over owner, so it is not likely to stir up trouble with people or other dogs. Its lack of aggressive challenge is enhanced all the more by its high ranking on obedience training. Finally, the Golden Retriever displays another family-favorite combination: low destructiveness paired with high playfulness, despite low activity and excitability.

One drawback of the Golden Retriever for many people is its low ranking on territorial defense and watchdog barking. Its combination of ease of training and low aggression, though not appropriate for a guard dog, could work well in some institutional settings with children. But its playfulness would most likely be a drawback for the elderly or for severily ill or handicapped people.

It's a challenge to suggest other breeds that might be close to the Golden Retriever's particular combination of rankings. Perhaps the Vizsla most closely matches the Golden's overall profile. You should get acquainted with this breed, if you would like a more unusual dog. The Australian Shepherd also shares many of the Golden's traits. It offers more promise on territorial defense and watchdog barking traits though.

The Golden Retriever:

Weight: 70 lbs
Height: 23 in.
Build: Solid
Coat: Long, dense; regular grooming desirable.
Color: Gold.

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The German Shepherd Dog is the classic guard dog, which may explain its high popularity. The German Shepherd's reputation is consistent with its rankings of 10 on watchdog barking and territorial defense. The Shepherd stands apart from other breeds that are also ranked high on watchdog barking and territorial guarding by being rated higher on overall reactivity and destructiveness.

The German Shepherd is not for the fainthearted who back away at a small growl or dislike meting out discipline. Its guard-dog behavior is linked to high overall aggression, particularly toward other dogs, and a high tendency to resist domination by its owner. Given the German Shepherd's rating near the top on ease of obedience training, the dog-owner relationship is likely to thrive most if the Shepherd is given systematic obedience training.

Because of the high popularity of this breed and the variety of roles it fills in guarding, guiding the blind, and as a family pet, you should expect considerable variability from one dog in this breed to another. It is definitely worth exploring the genetic line of a German Shepherd you may be considering.

If the Shepherd's spirit appeals to you but you'd like to soften its aggressive and destructive tendencies, consider selecting a female. And if the Shepherd's high destructiveness really concerns you, two other guarding breeds, the Akita and the Rottweiler, rank very low on this trait.

The German Shepherd:

Weight: 75 lbs
Height: 25 in.
Build: Sturdy
Coat: Dense; regular grooming desirable.
Color: Browns, black and tan.

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The Doberman Pinscher is the epitome of the guard dog and disciplined protector. It is top ranked on ease of housebreaking and is second from the top on obedience training. The Doberman also rank among the top few breeds on territorial defense and watchdog barking, two traits critical for territorial protection.

The profile of the Doberman can best be seen against the background of similar profiles like those of the German Shepherd, the Rottweiler and the Akita. The Doberman also has low rankings on excitability and excessive barking and pretty high rating in demand for affection.

If you are considering a guard dog that will also be a family pet, the Doberman may be more aggressive and powerful, and less easily dominated, than you would like. Even with a moderate ranking on exerting dominance over its owner, this breed requires from the family a willingness to discipline the dog whenever there is a confrontation over dominance.

Some other breeds are less highly tuned as guard dogs but still have the good watchdog trait of being highly trainable and having high rankings on territorial defense and watchdog barking. The Welsh Corgi and the Standard Poodle are two trainable breeds with only modest ranks on dominance over owner and aggression toward other dogs but high rankings on territorial defense and watchdog barking.

Choosing a female doberman is certainly one way of reducing the tendency of this breed to be aggressive toward other dogs. Given the Doberman's high scores on watchdog barking and territorial protection, the female can be expeced to excel in home protection.

The Doberman Pinscher:

Weight: 70 lbs
Height: 27 in.
Build: Solid
Coat: Short, smooth, little shedding.
Color: Black, red blue.

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The Dalmatian is certainly one of the most interesting-looking breeds, with such a distinguished-sounding name that it was used in the successful Disney movie title "101 Dalmatians". And who can imagine any breed but the Dalmatian as a fire engine mascot? With such high visibility for the breed, it may come as a surprise that the Dalmatian has a rather middle-of-the-road profile.

None of the positive or negative of this profile rate a strong warning but many of the subtleties of the Dalmatian's rankings happen not to be those customarily preferred. For example, the Dalmatian ranks medium on reactivity traits but high on snapping at children and low on demand for affection. Similarly, though it ranks in the middle on overall aggressive traits, the profile is high on aggression toward other dogs and for dominance over owner. The Dalmatian's very high rank on destructiveness and fourth-lowest rank of all breeds on ease of housebreaking might make it less troublesome in a firehouse than in a home. Keep in mind, however, that these traits are he least reliably predicted of all. And the Dalmatian's moderate ranking on obedience training might encourage you to try shaping specific traits in the direction you prefer. Also you can expect the Dalmatian to make a good contribution toward home protection.

Only one other breed, the Weimaraner, is similarly moderate on both reactivity and aggression. However, the Dalmatian has a slight edge in aggression, the Weimaraner is a bit higher in reactivity. The Boxer also tends to be moderately reactive, but it excels over the Dalmatian on territorial protection.

The Dalmatian:

Weight: 45 lbs
Height: 21 in.
Build: Solid
Coat: Short, sleek; regular grooming desirable, heavy shedding.
Color: Black spots on white.

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Much of the popularity of the Dachshund probably relates to its moderate level of reactivity, which is most unusual in tiny dogs, coupled with its being a spirited playmate and a believable watchdog. Many people also find the shape of the Dachshund appealing and are often surprised to find that its conformation comes in a variety of sized, right down to tiny.

The Dachshund ranks consistently about average on reactivity traits. It ranks from high on the territorial defense down to moderately high on dominance over the owner. In short, the Dachshund will serve you as a watchdog but may contest you for dominance to some extent.

The Dachshund ranks average on playfulness, but the positive side of its characteristics seems to end there. It is the second lowest of all breeds on ease of housebreaking and ranks high on destructiveness. If you are an aspiring Dachshund owner, take comfort in the reminder that these two traits are the least reliably predicted ones and that environment plays an important role in the development of them both.

As a warning, though, the Dachshund ranks low on the trainability traits and it could be a challenge. Consider selecting a female to boost the potential for ease of obedience training and housebreaking. Two other smallish breeds, the Beagle and the Pug, are similar to the Dachshund in overall reactivity and ease of training. Both are low in aggression, though, and won't serve as watchdogs.

The Dachshund:

Weight: 20 lbs
Height: 9 in.
Build: Light
Coat: Short.
Color: Various.

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To some people the Collie is almost unique in having a profile often favored by family pets but a level of aggression that makes it about average as a watchdog for home protection. It is moderately ranked on territorial defense and watchdog barking, yet manages to rank low on the sometimes troublesome traits of aggression toward other dogs and dominance over its owner.

The Collie's scoring on other traits should also help make it easy to live with. It ranks high on obedience training and housebreaking, average on playfulness, and extremely low on destructiveness and snapping at children. The only other thing you might ask for in a family pet would be a higher ranking on its demand for affection. Although the Collie is quite trainable, it won't be attending to you and your movements at every minute of the day.

Another breed that has similar possibilities as a watchdog but still ranks low on aggression toward other dogs is the Australian Shepherd. This breed is quite unlike the Collie in its higher scores on general activity and demand for affection.

The Collie:

Weight: 65 lbs
Height: 24 in.
Build: Solid
Coat: Long, dense, straight; regular grooming desirable; heavy seasonal shedding.
Color: Sable and White, or in combination with either grey or black or gray and black.

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The Bulldog is well suited for the environment of the college fraternity, where it has enjoyed considerable success as a mascot. It ranks low on overall reactivity, not barking or snapping much, and not reacting much to noise and hubbub.

The Bulldog channels its aggressiveness not into household protection - who needs a watchdog in a fraternity house? - but into survival: aggression toward other intruding mascots and resistance to domination by owners. It is just as well that no one expects a mascot to be obedience trained, for the Bulldog ranks among the lowest on this particular trait. Fortunately, it is slightly higher in ease of housebreaking. Assuming you love the Bulldog's unique face and conformation, you can expect to improve its suitability for normal homes by selecting a female.

The Bulldogs have some traits that recommend it to certain households. Its rank in dominance over owner is only medium. The Bulldog's highest rank within reactivity - snapping at children - still is below average, and selecting a female would tend to mellow this trait. Finally, the Bulldog ranks third lowest of all breeds in general activity. If jittery, nervous dogs drive you crazy, you can feel secure in choosing a Bulldog, particularly since it is also ranked second lowest of all breeds on both destructiveness and playfulness.

The Bulldog:

Weight: 50 lbs
Height: 15 in.
Build: Sturdy
Coat: Short.
Color: White and tan.

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If you are in the market for a good family dog but place a high priority on territorial protection, the Boxer might fill this role quite nicely. This is especially true if you're concerned about the high agression rankings of guard dogs like Akitas, Dobermans, and Rottweilers but still want a dog that comes across as meaning business to intruders. The Boxer also ranks lower on destructiveness than the breeds that are typical guard dogs.

The behavioral profile of the Boxer is moderate in all its traits - not too reactive (it as been used as a guide dog), not too sluggish, not terribly aggressive-but no pushover, either. With its average overall rank on obedience training, you should be able to shape the behavior of your Boxer to suit your lifestyle and needs.

Gender selection gives you the option of some flexibility on aggression and trainability. By choosing a female, you can expect to enhance trainability, with some lessening of all the aggressive elements, including territorial guarding. By choosing a male, you can expect stronger territorial defense but a greater tendency toward dominance and less enthusiasm for being trained. The Boxer's moderate level of playfulness is also fairly unusual for a breed with some watchdog capacity.

The Boxer:

Weight: 70 lbs
Height: 23 in.
Build: Solid.
Coat: Short, smooth.
Color: Fawn or brindle with white.

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The Boston Terrier is a cross between the Bulldog and the English Terrier, but it is distinctive in its own right. Its confirmation, which is also quite distinctive, strongly appeals to some people. On reactivity the Boston Terrier is similar to other terriers, but prospective owners may find that its higher rank for demand of affection makes it more attractive. To its credit as a possible family breed, the reactivity factor on which it ranks lowest is snapping at children.

On overall aggressive traits the Boston Terrier excels in watchdog barking, and it ranks only medium on its tendency to exert dominance over its owner. If property protection is a strong priority, you might look for a breed with a higher rank on territorial defense, but at least you can count on the Boston Terrier's having a watchdog sound. Consider boosting the potential for territorial defense by choosing a male. With its medium rank on trainability traits, the Boston Terrier rates higher than average for terriers as a whole.

Among alternative breeds, the tiny Maltese is unusual for its midrange ranking in aggressive traits and its receptivity to training is similar to that of the Boston Terrier. Or you might nudge up each factor a bit by considering the Silky terrier. If you can live the high reactivity and aggressive traits, you can select from a large group of the smaller dogs that have great variety in coat color and conformation in other terrier breeds.

The Boston Terrier:

Weight: 19 lbs
Height: 14 in.
Build: Very light
Coat: Smooth, glossy.
Color: Black with white.

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The Bloodhound is a dog almost guaranteed to be calm and unobtrusive on virtually all occasions, yet be amenable to training. It won't disrupt dinner parties with incessant barking, nor will it jump up on your guests or snap at them. In fact, the Bloodhound ranks in the lowest decile of all traits except obedience training and ease of housebreaking. This unmatched record suggests that the Bloodhound's reputation for docility - for not attacking the criminal it trails for example - is well-founded.

On a number of characteristics, there was a remarkable pattern in assigning the lowest ranks to the Bloodhound. In reactivity it was the lowest-ranked breed on both excitability and excessive barking, and it was rated the second lowest in general activity. In aggression, it was the lowest-ranked breed in watchdog barking and the second lowest in territorial defense. And in both destructiveness and playfulness, it was the lowest-ranked breed.

The Bloodhound's profile stands alone, even when compared with other breeds ranking low on several behavioral traits. Although the Basset Hound, for instance, approaches the Bloodhound in having a similar number of extremely low rankings, it doesn't have the moderate trainability that the Bloodhound has. Likewise, if you're willing to sacrifice ready acceptance of training, the English Bulldog is another breed to consider.

Because of its low rankings on aggression and snapping at children, the Bloodhound might seem a good candidate for a children's pet. However, other breeds that are rated about equally safe around children, such as the Golden Retriever and the Australian Shepherd, might be more ideal pets, since they rank higher on demand for affection and playfullness. The Bloodhound might also turn out to be too large for some families for whom a lethargic dog would otherwise be ideal. A further disadvantage of the Bloodhound might be its lowest-decile ranking on household protection.

The Bloodhound:

Weight: 90 lbs
Height: 26 in.
Build: Strong
Coat: Short.
Color: Black and tan, red and tan or tawny.

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The profile of the Bichon Frise shows that it ranks fairly high on obedience training and low on aggression, so this breed may appeal to people who want a tiny dog with these traits. With most of the other small breeds, especially the terriers, you get a pet ranked high on aggressive traits and low on ease of training. This breed's high level of demand for affection makes it a good candidate among small breeds for a family pet. Notice, though, its high rank on snapping at children, which might require special preventive steps when small children are about.

For a tiny dog, its modestly high reactivity traits and medium ranking on excessive barking are about as mellow a blend as you can get. As an added bonus, the Bichon Frise is in the top decile on ease of housebreaking. Between its tiny size and its facility in housebreaking, you should have no cleanup worries with this breed.

The Bichon Frise can't be considered a watchdog however. If you're looking for a tiny dog with aggressive traits but with high reactivity and a substancial aptitude for training, 3 other breeds - the Maltese, the Shiz Tzu and the Toy Poodle - have profiles similar to the Bichon Frise's. All these breeds are slightly higher in reactivity. You might consider one of those breeds if you value watchdog barking, because they rank high despite their overall modest rankings on aggressive traits.

The Bichon Frise:

Weight: 9 lbs
Height: 10 in.
Build: Very light
Coat: Silky, profuse; little shedding and regular grooming required.
Color: White.

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It may be the distinctive, colorful personality of the Beagle that so endears it to people. If you ask a child to draw a dog, the drawing will probably come closer to looking like a Beagle than any other breed. In size, shape and coloration, Beagles come across as the generic dog, which may account for their overall high popularity. Even their high ranking on excessive barking, which can be challenging at times for neighbors or adults in the family, is at least the very picture of what dogs do.

Despite the Beagle's lovable comic-strip Snoopy-like image, however, its behavorial profile suggests that it may not be the ideal family breed. The Beagle is not even strong on demand for affection. To its credits, the Beagle does not rank high on snapping at children.

By way of a further precaution, note that Beagles rank in the lowest decile on obedience training and ease of housebreaking. A rating this low is unusual for small breeds: only one other small breed, the Fox Terrier, ranked as low in trainability tests. Many owners might consider it unfortunate that the Beagle ranks low on territorial defense and watchdog barking, medium on aggression toward other dogs, and high on the tendency to exert dominance over the owner. As the top-ranking dog on excessive barking, the Beagle would probably not be the best breed for either a home or institutional setting.

No other breed is like the Beagle, but a similar and more moderate breed is the Pug, which ranks only low on exerting dominance over the owner.

The Beagle:

Weight: 30 lbs
Height: 15 in.
Build: Light
Coat: Short.
Color: Tan, black, or white.

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If you must find a dog that is not active, excitable or aggressive, the Basset Hound could be ideal for you. Bassets have the reputation of being a supercalm breed, and they scored the lowest of all breeds on ranking for general activity. This ranking does not come without compromises in other areas however.

The basset has the lowest score of all breeds on ease of housebreaking. This does not necessarily mean that you will forever have a soiled carpet, though, for all dogs have the potential for being housetrained. But more patience and attention to housebreaking technique will probably be required with the Basset than with breeds that rank higher on ease of housebreaking.

The Basset Hound also scored lowest of all breeds on territorial defense. Very low overall reactivity, as with the Basset, usually means that the dog does not take well to a lot of affection, and, as this breed's profile shows, you can't expect a breed that is low on aggression to be an outstanding protector of home and property.

If you wanted to increase the tendencies toward general activity and territorial defense of Basset Hounds, you could select a male. On the other hand, a female might well be easier to train and housebreak. A promising strategy for choosing a breed to moderate the Basset's lowest rankings would be to consider similar breeds that are stronger in those traits. If you'd like a higher level of ease of training, for example, look at the Bloodhound or the Norwegian Elkhound. If you want more action, the Old English Sheepdog is a possibility.

The Basset Hound:

Weight: 50 lbs
Height: 14 in.
Build: Strong
Coat: Short.
Color: Tan, black and white.

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You may dream of a dog so obedient that it seems to read your mind and anticipate your wishes, and one that would virtually never contest your or your children's dominance. The breed that would appear to come closest to this ideal is the Australian Shepherd, which ranked at the top of all breeds for obedience training and second lowest for the tendency to exert dominance over the owner. Overall, this breed scores low on aggression but still ranks above average on territorial defense and watchdog barking.

The behavioral profile suggests that this breed would be a good choice if you want a benign watchdog. It will defend its territory and bark at intruders, yet not stir up a contest with you or other dogs or snap at children. An owner wanting to strengthen the Australian Shepherd's watchdog aspects could select a male and still not have to face an unruly contest of wills.

The Australian Shepherd's low score on reactivity traits is reflected in its having the fourth-lowest score overall on excitability and very low ranks on snapping at children and excessive barking. Yet the Shepherd ranks high on general activity and its demand for affection. The combination of high activity and playfulness on the one hand with low excitability and destructiveness on the other suggests that it is reasonable to expect members of this breed to be willing and energetic playmates, while still being relaxed and not high-strung.

If you favor the Australian Shepherd's profile but prefer an even lower ranking on aggression, the Golden Retriever would be your best candidate.

The Australian Shepherd:

Weight: 40 lbs
Height: 21 in.
Build: Average
Coat: Medium.
Color: Grey, black, white and tan mixed.

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The Alaskan Malamute is larger than either the Siberian Husky or the Samoyed, two other similar breed of sled dogs. As the largest breed of sled dog its level on reactivity traits is, not surprisingly, lower than that of these other two breeds. If you are particularly drawn to large outdoor dogs but need a quiet dog, the Malamute's low ranking on excessive barking and watchdog barking may recommend it to you. However, note its very high notes on destructiveness and aggression toward other dogs, and consider whether you are prepared to insist upon obedience from this breed. Its ranking on overall trainability traits is the highest among the sled dogs, and its ranking on dominance over owner is only at the seventh decile. Thus, you might expect to be successful with this breed in a consistent obedience training program.

The behavioral differences normally expected between males and females certainly appear in the Malamute and other sled dogs. With a female, you can expect to observe less exertion of dominance over the owner and aggression toward other dogs, plus greater acceptance of training. Should you consider a Malamute for a family setting, a female would be easier to incorporate into your home. The Malamute's pronounced tendency toward destructiveness may be reduced somewhat by selecting a female, but don't expect miracles. You might well want to consider inexpensive furniture or provide outside housing for the dog.

If you are thinking of a Malamute, examine also the behavioral profiles of the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed, because the profile differences among these 3 breeds are surprisingly slight. And if you favor this profile but need a smaller-bodied pet, think of two breeds that provide somewhat similar profile matches: the Dachshund and the Welsh Corgi. Rather than being low on reactivity traits and playfulness, like the Malamute, they rank at least a strong medium.

The Alaskan Malamute:

Weight: 85 lbs
Height: 25 in.
Build: Sturdy
Coat: Dense, medium long; heavy seasonal shedding.
Color: Grey to black with white.

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If you'd like a large, tranquil guard dog that is somewhat unusual, consider an Akita. You can count on effective guarding by the Akita without having to suffer constant barking or challenges to your authority - one of the top few dogs on territorial defense, it ranked only medium in both dominance over owner and watchdog barking. The Akita's high rankings on aggression and obedience training are balanced by low ranks on the reactivity traits and destructiveness, unlike the somewhat similar German Shepherd. The Akita falls within the lowest few breeds on excessive barking, demand for affection, and destructiveness.

Perhaps you're a fairly small person who prefers not to risk getting a dog that might surpass you in body weight, but you're impressed by the behavioral profile of the Akita. You can get somewhat a smaller and less aggressive dog by selecting a female Akita. And if size is no issue, you can consider the remarkably similar profile and somewhat larger body of the Rottweiler. Both of these breeds have a manageably low ranking on snapping at children. To achieve reliable good behavior from the Akita requires conscientious obedience training, which should be rewarding, since it ranks high on acceptance of training. Your respect for the importance of providing discipline and some exercise may well be enhanced by the impressive size of this breed.

If you're willing to provide daily outdoor exercise for an Akita, you would not necessarily be foolhardy to consider having one in a tiny appartment. Its low rankings on excitability, general activity, and destructiveness make it a feasible candidate for small quarters, despite its large body size.

The Akita:

Weight: 85 lbs
Height: 26 in.
Build: Sturdy
Coat: Short, thick; odorless, no clipping required.
Color: Various.

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