The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in England.

Height:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels range from 11 inches to 13 inches.

Weight:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels range from 10 to 18 pounds.

Colors:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be black and tan or white, black and red or rich red or white and red.

Coat:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have long, fine, shedding coats that need regular brushing.

Temperament:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and outgoing dog breed who is very affectionate with its family. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a good companion dog for the elderly or disabled.

Health Concerns:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is susceptible to heart murmurs, ear infections, eye conditions and patella luxation.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 9-14 years.

Living Environment:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is an indoor dog, who makes a good pet for apartment living.

AKC Group:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is in the Toy group

Country of Origin:

The Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) originated in Wales

Height:

Welsh Corgi Cardigan males are 10-13 inches (25-33cm). Females are 10-13 inches (25-33cm).

Weight:

Welsh Corgi Cardigan males are 25-30 pounds (11-14kg). Females are 25-30 pounds (11-14kg).

Colors:

Welsh Corgi Cardigans come in red, sable and brindle black tan and blue merle (black and gray; marbled).

Coat:

Waterproof and shed twice a year, the Welsh Corgi Cardigan’s coat must be brust regularly.

Temperament:

Welsh Corgi Cardigans are serious and even tempered. They are suspicious of strangers. Cardigans make excellent companions for the elderly and the disabled. This breed enjoys the company of children.

Health Concerns:

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are prone to glaucoma and PRA and should not be overfed.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) is about 12-15 years.

Living Environment:

Active indoors this breed will do well living in an apartment. Welsh Corgi Cardigans are very active and must be exercised regularly.

AKC Group:

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are in the Herding Group.

Country of Origin:

The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal

Height:

Portuguese Water Dog males range from 20 to 22 inches (50-57 cm.), females from 17 to 20 inches (43-52 cm.)

Weight:

Portuguese Water Dog males range from 42 to 55 pounds (19-25 kg.), females from 35 to 49 pounds (16-22 kg.)

Colors:

Portuguese Water Dogs may be black, white or brown, parti-color (white with dark spots), black or brown with white markings, or even silver fox or gray.

Coat:

The Portuguese Water dog is a non-shedder. It has curly or wavy hair that should be brushed or combed regularly.

Temperament:

The Portuguese Water dog is a highly intelligent breed and used to be used primarily in the Portuguese fishing industry to guard boats, carry messages between boats and retrieve anything that fell overboard. This breed gets along well with children and other dogs and is highly intelligent, affectionate and loyal. Portuguese water dogs respond to tone of voice.

Health Concerns:

Susceptible to hip dysplasia and PRA. Breeding stock should be tested for GM-1 Storage Disease, a fatal nerve disease that appears when a puppy is six months old.

Life Expectancy:

The Portuguese Water Dog can be expected to live about 10 to 14 years.

Living Environment:

The Portuguese Water Dog can do well in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. In temperate climates Portuguese water Dogs can live outside, they prefer however to be close to their families. This breed loves to retrieve sticks or balls and makes and excellent jogging companion.

AKC Group:

The Portuguese Water Dog is in the Working Group

Country of Origin:

The Miniature Poodle originated in Europe.

Height:

Miniature Poodles range from 11 inches to 15 inches.

Weight:

Miniature Poodles range from 15 to 20 pounds.

Colors:

Miniature Poodles can be any solid color.

Coat:

Miniature Poodles have frizzy or curly coats, which are dense and frizzy. The coat requires regular grooming.

Temperament:

The Miniature Poodle is intelligent, alert, playful, anxious to please, obedient and responsive. Good with children and other pets; sometimes tend to bark excessively. Can be shy with strangers. Sometimes nervous and aggressive, Miniature Poodles have been known to bite as a result of being over-pampered.

Health Concerns:

The Miniature Poodle is susceptible to epilepsy, skin and eye problems.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Miniature Poodle is 13-15 years.

Living Environment:

Miniature Poodles are less active than the Standard Poodles and do well in apartments. A walk each day and a play session at home is a sufficient amount of exercise for this dog breed.

AKC Group:

The Miniature Poodle is in the Non-Sporting group.

Country of Origin:

The Toy Poodle originated in Europe.

Height:

Toy Poodles are 10 inches or smaller

Weight:

Toy Poodles range from 4 to 8 pounds.

Colors:

Toy Poodles can be any solid color.

Coat:

Toy Poodles have harsh, dense coats. Their coat requires brushing twice a week and clipping every two months.

Temperament:

Toy Poodles are a good tempered breed and are devoted to their families. Affectionate with their owners, Toy Poodles can be timid around strangers.

Health Concerns:

The Toy Poodle is susceptible to patellar luxation, epilepsy, ear infections, eye disease and diabetes.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the 12-14 years.

Living Environment:

Toy Poodles do well in apartments and are good dogs for less active people. One walk a day is fine for this breed.

AKC Group:

The Toy Poodle is in the Toy group.

Country of Origin:

The Cane Corso originated in Sicily, Italy.

Height:

Cane Corsos range from 22-28 inches (56-71 cm.) in height.

Weight:

A Cane Corso might weigh in the 80-140 pounds (36-63.5 kg.) range.

Colors:

Cane Corsos may be black, black & tan, tan & fawn, red, chocolate or brindle.

Coat:

The Cane Corso’s short thick coat requires minimal care and only occasional brushing. Cane Corsos are light shedders.

Temperament:

Originally used for herding and guarding, the Cane Corso is somewhat aggressive with strangers and other dogs and is only recommended for an experienced handler. Cane Corsos make excellent family dogs, as they are quiet, loyal, intelligent and gentle with children. Cane Corsos make excellent guard and watchdogs and are very willing to please their families.

Health Concerns:

Cane Corsos are prone to bone and joint problems.

Life Expectancy:

A Cane Corso can be expected to live about 10-11 years.

Living Environment:

Cane Corsos are active dogs and require regular exercise. They make excellent jogging partners. Cane Corsos are happy to live outdoors provided they have shelter.

AKC Group:

The Cane Corso dog breed is not recognized by the AKC.

Country of Origin:

The Canaan dog originated in Israel

Height:

Canaan Dogs range from 19-24 inches (48-61 cm.) in height.

Weight:

The Canaan Dog ranges from 35-55 pounds (16-25 kg.)

Colors:

The majority of Canaan Dogs found in the US are black and white; however, other colors include brown and white, dark reddish brown, creamy white as well as solid black brown and white.

Coat:

Canaan Dogs require little to no grooming, but love being brushed by their owners. The Canaan Dog is a seasonally heavy shedder. It is odorless and clean.

Temperament:

If raised with children or other pets, the Canaan Dog will have a natural protective instinct and will be devoted to watching over them. Canaan Dogs are very attached to their owners and adults will grieve if placed with a new family. Canaan dogs are highly trainable, dependable and obedient and highly territorial.

Health Concerns:

The Canaan Dog is a healthy dog breed, free of hereditary diseases with excellent hips.

Life Expectancy:

The Canaan Dog can be expected to live about 12-15 years.

Living Environment:

The Canaan Dog has a natural denning instinct and is therefore clean and easily housebroken. Canaan Dogs require plenty of mental and physical challenges in order to remain happy and healthy. They make excellent jogging companions and love to play games.

AKC Group:

Canaan Dogs are in the Herding Group

Country of Origin:

The Cairn Terrier originated in Scotland.

Height:

Male Cairn Terriers range from 10 inches to 13 inches. Female Cairn Terriers range from 9 inches to 12 inches.

Weight:

Male Cairn Terriers range from 14 to 18 pounds. Female Cairn Terriers range from 13 to 17 pounds.

Colors:

Cairn Terriers may be any color except white. (A white Cairn Terrier is known as a West Highland White Terrier).

Coat:

Cairn Terriers have a weather-resistant double coat with a harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat. Regular weekly brushing is required.

Temperament:

The Cairn Terrier is a self-assured and alert dog breed who makes a good watchdog. Affectionate and loving, the Cairn Terrier is naturally patient with children.

Health Concerns:

The Cairn Terrier is susceptible to allergies, gaining weight, dislocating kneecaps and hereditary eye disease.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Cairn Terrier is 12-15 years.

Living Environment:

Cairn Terriers do well in apartments as long as they receive sufficent amounts of exercise and attention. A future owner of this dog breed must be aware that the Cairn Terrier can be a major barker if not trained properly.

AKC Group:

The Cairn Terrier is in the Terrier group.

Country of Origin:

The Bull Terrier dog breed originated in Great Britain

Height:

The Bull Terrier is 21-22 inches (53-56 cm.) in height

Weight:

The Bull Terrier ranges from 45-60 pounds (20-27kg.)

Colors:

The Bull Terrier may be pure white, black, brindle, red, fawn or tri-color.

Coat:

The Bull Terrier has a short thick coat and is an average shedder.

Temperament:

Bull Terriers are playful and obedient but also sometimes rough. They need firm training and are not recommended in a house with other pets. Bull Terriers are energetic and fearless and will become attached and protective of their owners. The breed is not recommended around small children as they will not tolerate teasing.

Health Concerns:

Prone to zinc deficiency, which can cause death, some are born deaf, with obsessive compulsive behaviors such as tail chasing. Some bloodlines are prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps). Some male Bull Terriers have an overabundance of testosterone; this can be subdued with neutering.

Life Expectancy:

The Bull Terrier can be expected to live about 10-12 years.

Living Environment:

Bull Terriers need ample exercise or they will become lazy and overweight. When walking, this dog breed must be kept on a lead at all times as they will fight with other dogs. An apartment or small yard is sufficient living space for the bull terrier, as long as they are well exercised.

AKC Group:

The Bull Terrier is in the Terrier Group

Country of Origin:

The Bullmastiff originated in Great Britain.

Height:

Male Bullmastiffs range from 25 inches to 27 inches. Female Bullmastiffs range from 24 inches to 26 inches.

Weight:

Male Bullmastiffs range from 110 to 133 pounds. Female Bullmastiffs range from 100 to 120 pounds.

Colors:

Bullmastiffs are usually shades of brindle, fawn or red and some may contain white markings on the chest.

Coat:

Bullmastiffs have a short and dense coat, which requires minimal brushing.

Temperament:

The Bullmastiff is a protective and alert dog breed who makes a good guard dog but only a fair watch dog, as they rarely bark. Devoted and loyal, the Bullmastiff loves human attention.

Health Concerns:

The Bullmastiff is susceptible to hip dysplasia, cancer, eyelid problems, and gastric torsion.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Bullmastiff is 8-10 years.

Living Environment:

Bullmastiffs will do best in a house with a fenced yard. The owner of a Bullmastiff should be a firm and confident leader who understands the power of this dog breed.

AKC Group:

The Bullmastiff is in the Working group.

Country of Origin:

The Bulldog originated in Great Britain.

Height:

Bulldogs range from 12 inches to 14 inches.

Weight:

Bulldogs range from 50 to 55 pounds.

Colors:

Bulldogs are typically brindle, white, red, fawn or patched.

Coat:

Bulldogs have short and smooth coats that require minimal brushing.

Temperament:

The Bulldog is a friendly and good natured dog breed. Gentle and mellow, the Bulldog is very good with children and strangers. Some Bulldogs may be aggressive with strange dogs, but generally get along well with other pets.

Health Concerns:

The Bulldog is susceptible to breathing and whelping difficulties, patellar luxation and overheating

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Bulldog is 8-10 years.

Living Environment:

Bulldogs are a less active breed and need little exercise to remain happy. A good apartment dog, a walk a day will provide ample exercise for this affectionate breed. This dog breed should not be expected to run or walk long distances, especially in hot weather.

AKC Group:

The Bulldog is in the Non-Sporting group.

Country of Origin:

The Brussels Griffon originated in Belgium

Height:

The Brussels Griffon ranges from 7-8 inches (18-20cm)

Weight:

The Brussels Griffon ranges from 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5kg)

Colors:

The Brussels Griffon may be red, a mixture of red-brown & black, black & tan, or solid black.

Coat:

There are two types of Brussels Griffon: Rough-Coated (harsh wiry and dense), and Smooth-Coated or Petit Brabancon variety (short, straight, glossy). This breed sheds little to no hair.

Temperament:

This charming and clever dog makes an excellent companion. The Brussels Griffon is high-strung and lively and will cause a fuss if it believes it is being threatened. The Brussels Griffon loves to bark, and be spoiled. It can also be a picky eater, difficult to housebreak and moody.

Health Concerns:

The Brussels Griffon suffers from potential eye problems, slipping patellas, difficult to breed (some require Cesarean section), respiratory problems.

Life Expectancy:

The Brussels Griffon can be expected to live for about 12-15 years.

Living Environment:

Brussels Griffons don’t require large living quarters and can do well in small spaces. This breed gets the daily exercise they need on their own.

AKC Group:

The Brussels Griffon is in the Toy group

Country of Origin:

The Brittany Spaniel originated in France.

Height:

Brittany Spaniels range from 17 inches to 21 inches.

Weight:

Brittany Spaniels range from 30 to 40 pounds.

Colors:

Brittany Spaniels are typically black and white, orange and white or liver and white.

Coat:

The Brittany Spaniel has either a straight or slightly wavy coat. Regular brushing is required to keep the coat in good condition.

Temperament:

The Brittany is a highly energetic and friendly dog breed. They are good natured and do well with children and other pets.

Health Concerns:

The Brittany is susceptible to hip dysplasia, skin problems and seizures.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Brittany Spaniel is 12-13 years.

Living Environment:

Brittany Spaniels are a very energetic dog breed and therefore do well in a home with a fenced yard. An active owner is essential for this dog breed, since Brittany Spaniels tend to get nervous if not given plenty of exercise.

AKC Group:

The Brittany Spaniel is in the Sporting group.

Country of Origin:

The Bouvier des Flanders originated in Belgium

Height:

Bouvier des Flanders Dogs 23-28 inches (58-71 cm.); Bitches 22-27 inches (56-69 cm.)

Weight:

Bouvier des Flanders Dogs 75-90 pounds (34-41 kg.); Bitches 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg.)

Colors:

Bouvier des Flanders may be various shades from black to fawn to gray to brindle.

Coat:

Rugged and wiry, the Bouvier des Flanders has a harsh coat which is well suited to various climatic conditions including the cold and the rain. Bouviers require regular brushings and must be trimmed three times a year. A well groomed Bouvier des Flanders sheds very little.

Temperament:

The intelligent and obedient Bouvier des Flanders looks mean but in reality is calm and gentle. They are excellent at learning and once they learn a command they will remember it their entire lives. Bouvier des Flanders are famous for their loyalty. They require an experienced handler and are often protective of their families. Bouviers do not reach adulthood until they are 2-3 years old.

Health Concerns:

Although prone to hip dysplasia and bloat, the Bouvier des Flanders is generally a healthy breed.

Life Expectancy:

The Bouvier des Flanders can be expected to live about 10-12 years.

Living Environment:

Bouviers require lots of exercise and running spaces and are therefore best suited for suburban or country life.

AKC Group:

The Bouvier des Flanders is in the Herding Group

Country of Origin:

The Boxer originated in Germany during the 19th century.

Height:

Male Boxers range from 22.5 to 25 inches. Female Boxers range from 21 to 23.5 inches.

Weight:

Male Boxers range from 65 to 80 pounds. Female Boxers range from 50 to 65 pounds.

Colors:

Boxer colors are fawn and brindle with white markings.

Coat:

Boxers have short and smooth coats that lie close to the body. Their coat requires only an occasional brushing.

Temperament:

The Boxer is an energetic, attentive and devoted dog breed who is gentle and patient with children. They behave well with other household pets, but are cautious with strange pets and people which make them good potential guard dogs.

Health Concerns:

The Boxer is susceptible to hip dysplasia, cancer (in older dogs), allergies and heart problems.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Boxer is 8-10 years.

Living Environment:

Boxers are full of energy and are perfect companions for active families. Boxers require mental and physical exertion and are not recommended for people who are easy going and slow-moving. Boxers are both sensitive to hot and cold weather and do best when allowed to divide their time between the house and the yard.

AKC Group:

The Boxer is in the working group.

Country of Origin:

French Bulldogs originated in France.

Height:

French Bulldogs are about 12 inches (30cm).

Weight:

French Bulldogs weigh 19 to 22 pounds (9 to 10kg) or 22 to 28 pounds (10 to 13kg).

Colors:

French Bulldogs come in brindle, fawn, white and combinations of brindle or fawn with white. The skin is soft and fairly loose.

Coat:

An average shedder, French Bulldogs require only weekly brushings.

Temperament:

Patient and sweet, French Bulldogs crave companionship and do not do well on its own. French Bulldogs do not bark without cause. They may become very possessive and protective of their owners. French Bulldogs will hunt mice, and make excellent companions for the elderly. French Bulldogs may drool or slobber.

Health Concerns:

If they get overweight, French Bulldogs will have respiratory problems and may be gassy and wheezy.

Life Expectancy:

French Bulldogs can be expected to live 10 to 12 years.

Living Environment:

French Bulldogs cannot swim and must therefore be careful around pools and open water. This breed does well in apartments and prefers cooler weather due to its susceptibility to heat stroke.

AKC Group:

French Bulldogs belong to the Non-Sporting Group.

Country of Origin:

The Boston Terrier originated in the U.S.

Height:

Boston Terriers range from 10 inches to 16 inches.

Weight:

The Boston Terrier weighs 10-25 pounds (4.5-11.3kg.)

Colors:

Boston Terriers can have coats that are either brindle or black with white markings.

Coat:

Boston Terriers have short and smooth coats, which require minimal care.

Temperament:

The Boston Terrier is a lively and intelligent dog breed who makes a good companion. Initially suspicious of strangers, the Boston Terrier can be a good watchdog.

Health Concerns:

The Boston Terrier is susceptible to eye problems, breathing and whelping difficulties.

Life Expectancy:

The expected life span of the Boston Terrier is 10-14 years.

Living Environment:

Boston Terriers do well in apartments as long as they are walked twice a day.

AKC Group:

The Boston Terrier is in the Non-Sporting group.

Country of Origin:

The Border Collie originated in Great Britain

Height:

Border Collie Dogs: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm.); Border Collie Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53 cm.)

Weight:

Border Collie Dogs 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg.); Border Collie Bitches 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg.)

Colors:

The Border Collie’s coat colors can be black and white, tri-color, red & white, black & gray, or all black.

Coat:

There are two types of coats, one with sleek hair and one with coarse hair.

Temperament:

The Border Collie is a high energy breed that loves to work and requires activities to keep it healthy and occupied. Border Collies are highly intelligent, sensitive and responsive. They thrive on pleasing their owners day in and day out and will not be happy sitting around a house all day. Border Collies are very energetic, highly trainable and have great stamina.

Health Concerns:

The Border Collie has been known to suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, ceriod lipofuscinosis, joint problems.

Life Expectancy:

The Border Collie can be expected to live about 12-15 years.

Living Environment:

Not suited for a confined living space, the Border Collie will thrive on farms and ranches, where it can make the most of its excellent herding abilities.

AKC Group:

The Border Collie is in the Herding Group

Country of Origin:

The Border Terrier originated in Great Britain

Height:

Border Terrier Dogs: 13-16 inches (33-41cm): Border Terrier Bitches 11-14 inches (28-36cm)

Weight:

Border Terrier Dogs: 13-16 pounds (6-7kg);Border Terrier Bitches 11-14 pounds (5-6kg)

Colors:

Border Terriers may be red, blue & tan, tan, or grizzle & tan.

Coat:

The Border Terrier’s coat is coarse and dense with a wiry undercoat. The Border Terrier sheds little to no hair.

Temperament:

Lively and alert but also mild-mannered, the Border Terrier is a loving, good-natured companion that loves being with its owner. It is good around children but not with small pets. The plucky Border Terrier needs sufficient exercise.

Health Concerns:

The Border Terrier is prone to dislocated knee caps; however this breed is generally insensitive to pain.

Life Expectancy:

The Border Terrier can be expected to live about 15 years.

Living Environment:

Best in a small yard, the Border Terrier can live in an apartment, but only if sufficiently exercised.

AKC Group:

The Border Terrier is in the Terrier Group

Country of Origin:

The Bluetick Coonhound originated in the southern US.

Height:

Bluetick Coonhounds are 20-27 inches (51-69 cm.)

Weight:

The Bluetick Coonhound weighs 45-80 pounds (20-36 kg.)

Colors:

The Bluetick Coonhound has a unique tri-colored coat. In reality the coat is heavily black speckled (or black ticks) on white which gives the coat as blueish tint.

Coat:

The Bluetick Coonhound requires only regular brushings. This breed’s ears should be checked regularly to ensure they are infection free.

Temperament:

Bluetick Coonhounds are social and wonderful companions that are devoted to their families. This dog breed should not be trusted with non-canine pets as their hunting instinct is too strong. Bluetick Coondogs are excellent at treeing raccoons and often take part in trials to test their skill at this activity. Bluetick Coonhounds are alert and able to work in all terrain situations. Each Bluetick Coonhound has a distinct voice that is recognizable to his or her owner. Bluetick Coonhounds tend to drool and slobber.

Life Expectancy:

The Bluetick Coonhound can be expected to live about 11-12 years.

Living Environment:

Bluetick Coonhounds are not suited for apartment life as they require at least a large yard to keep them active and content. This dog breed should not be left off its lead unless it is in a safe enclosed space; otherwise, if it catches wind of a scent, it may follow it for hours.

AKC Group:

The Bluetick Coonhound is not recognized by the AKC