Dog Breed Selector

About the Collie

Graceful, swift and strong, the Collie has been a favorite of shepherds in Scotland and England for centuries. A highly intelligent and protective breed, the Collie is particularly affectionate with children, making him a loving family dog. There are two varieties: The Rough-Coated Collie has a beautiful, long coat, and the Smooth-Coated Collie has a short, dense coat. Both types need moderate exercise.

About the Corgi

The Corgi is a low-set herding dog that also makes an agreeable house dog. There are two distinct breeds of Corgis: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Temperament of the Corgi

The Corgi is affectionate, loyal, smart and alert.

Breed Characteristics

The Corgi is whip-smart, so their owners should be, too. They’re loyal and obedient, easily trained and can adapt to many living situations. Corgis are especially fond of kids and are agreeable with other pets.

Corgis make better exercise buddies than they appear, as they were originally bred to drive livestock. They’re fast, powerful and have impressive endurance. Their herding background means they also love having a job. Corgis are a vocal breed and vigilant guardian with a “big dog” bark.

They love the outdoors and thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Many Corgis are good at agility, obedience, herding and tracking activities.

How Long Does a Corgi Dog Live?

The Corgi will typically live between 12-14 years.

Colours

The Corgi’s coat comes in a variety of colors, including black and tan, fawn, red, blue merle, brindle, grey, liver, red merle, sable merle, white merle and sable.

Do Corgis Shed?

Corgis have a double coat that sheds daily. Shedding increases during late spring/early summer, so it is important that they are brushed regularly.

Common Health Conditions

Corgis may experience health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and degenerative myelopathy.

Their “long and low” body style also makes them susceptible to back issues. As they age, you may need to assist them in jumping down off the bed or couch and be careful with stairs.

Best Dog Food For Corgis

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Corgi, it’s important to take his or her unique breed traits into consideration. Since Corgis are an active breed, choose a food formulated to maintain their energy levels and ideal body condition.

Recommended Dog Food for Corgis:

• Purina Pro Plan SPORT Active 27/17
• Purina One SmartBlend Adult

Best Dog Food For Corgi Puppies

When choosing a food for your Corgi puppy, remember puppies of any breed have specific nutritional needs during their time of development. A formula with DHA nourishes brain and vision development and antioxidants support their developing immune system so they thrive during their first year of life.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing Corgi puppy:

• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Puppy

Facts About Corgis

• You can tell the difference between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi by looking at their ears and tails. Cardigans have rounded ears and long tails, whereas Pembrokes have pointed ears and naturally bobbed tails.
• The world’s most famous Pembroke Corgi fan is Elizabeth II, who got her first Pembroke, Dookie, in 1933.
• The Cardigan springs from the same line of dogs as the Dachshund.
• The Pembroke is the more popular of the two Corgis.

History of the Breed

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire, Wales, and is the older of the two Corgi breeds. In fact, they’re the oldest of all British breeds.

Cardigans are thought to have been brought from Central Europe to Wales by the Celts around 3,000 years ago, and Corgis were driving Welsh herds 1,000 years ago.

During the dog’s long history, Cardigans have worked as an all-around farm dog, hunting partner, family protector and athlete. Their low-to-the-ground profile allows them to nip at the heels of cattle and avoid getting kicked, making them a great herding breed. They also serve as a flock guardian at night.

Pembroke Corgis came to Britain in 1107, when Henry I invited a community of weavers to live and work in southwestern Wales. This community of master craftsmen brought with them the dogs they bred to herd cattle and sheep.

Cardigans and Pembrokes were at one time interbred, until they were recognized as separate breeds after 1934.

About the Cornish Rex Cat Breed

Bat-eared, big-eyed and wavy-coated, the Cornish Rex has a distinctive look and exceptionally silky coat due to not having guard hairs like other breeds. This active cat has a small, whippetlike body and loves to climb, leap and sprint. With kittenlike antics that last a lifetime, this feline likes to be where the action is. The Cornish Rex is perfect for those who want a cat to participate in their family life.

About the Coton de Tulear

Characterized by his fluffy, cottonlike coat, the Coton de Tulear is a bright and charming little dog that thrives on human companionship. His name is derived from the French word “coton,” meaning “cotton,” and the port of Tulear in Madacasgar, where the breed originated. He has a knack for performing tricks, and his sweet, smiley expression conveys his happy, personality. The Coton de Tulear’s soft, supple coat should be brushed several times a week.

About the Curly-Coated Retriever

An excellent hunting companion, the Curly-Coated Retriever has a gentle temperament that makes him an ideal family dog. Loving with children and eager to please, this breed is a protective watchdog. The robust, athletic Curly enjoys swimming and needs vigorous daily exercise to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. His short coat requires minimal care and occasional baths.

About the Dachshund

Dachshunds are lively little characters known for their short legs and distinct long bodies. Nicknamed “wiener dogs”, this funny and vivacious breed originated in Germany more than 300 years ago to hunt badgers.

Temperament of the Dachshund Dog

The Dachshund packs a bold personality in a small body. Known as independent, brave and a little stubborn, dachshunds also have a comical and endearing nature that has earned them devoted followers.

Breed Characteristics

Dachshunds are gregarious (and often hilarious!) companions. Independent, stubborn and surprisingly fierce, these little dogs are the quintessential “big dog in a small dog’s body.” Don’t let their loud bark fool you, though. These funny little dogs are loyal and attached to their families. They are good with other pets, especially other Dachshunds, and make ideal house dogs.

Due to their stubborn and independent nature, the Dachshund dog can be challenging to train. The key is patience, consistency and positive, reward-based training. Additionally, they need daily walks and playtime, as loneliness and boredom can bring out undesirable behaviors like excessive barking.

How Long Does a Dachshund Live?

The Dachshund dog will typically live between 12 to 16 years.

Colours

The most common colours of Dachshunds are red, black and tan, and tan. The breed features a wide range of solid colours and colour combinations, including: chocolate, black, cream, wild boar, wheaten, chocolate and cream, chocolate and tan, blue and tan and fawn and tan. Additionally, their coats can feature patterns like brindle, dapple and sable. 

Does the Dachshund Shed?

The Dachshund is available in three different varieties denoted by coat type: smooth coated, longhaired and wirehaired. Overall, Dachshunds are considered moderate shedders, however, longhaired Dachshunds may require more frequent brushing.

Common Health Conditions

Dachshunds are a generally healthy breed, but they are at risk for back injuries, particularly when overweight. Like most dogs with drop ears, keep the ears clean to prevent infections.

Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Dachshund, keep his unique breed traits in mind. Since Dachshunds are small dogs, a small breed dog food or a weight management formula can help him maintain his ideal body condition.  

Best Dog Food For Dachshund Puppies

When choosing a food for your Dachshund puppy, remember puppies of all breeds have specific nutritional needs through their first year. A formula with DHA nourishes brain and vision development and antioxidants will support their developing immune system so they grow into healthy adult dogs.

• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Small Breed Puppy

Facts

• The Dachshund is the 13th most popular of the 194 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 
• “Dachshund” means “Badger Dog” in German.
• Despite their small size, Dachshunds make good watchdogs due to their surprisingly loud bark. 
• The breed’s long, low body was developed to navigate narrow underground badger tunnels.
• The Dachshund is a national symbol of Germany. 
• Though their history may go back as far as 600 years, the Dachshund wasn’t officially recognized by the AKC until 1885.

History of the Breed

The Dachshund originated in Germany in the middle ages, and was a popular badger hunter in the 1600s. Aptly named, the word Dachshund comes from the German word dach, or “badger”, and hund, which means “dog.” 

The Dachshund’s elongated body, short legs and sharp claws made them ideal diggers and underground hunters who could navigate the long, subterranean burrows of their prey. Once a badger was found, the unusually loud bark of the Dachshund alerted their above-ground hunting partners of their catch.

Today, you may still catch a Dachshund digging furiously, or attempting to pursue prey. Because their ancestors pursued fearsome, scrappy badgers, the breed inherited the courage to take on larger, fiercer opponents. This means they aren’t easily intimidated – even by much bigger dogs.

About the Dalmatian

The only spotted breed of dog, the Dalmatian has an outgoing disposition and thrives with a loving family. The original coach dog, the Dalmatian is well-known for riding proudly atop a fire engine or running with a carriage. Having great endurance, the Dalmatian competes in long-distance road trials. This highly intelligent breed needs daily exercise, and his fine coat needs regular brushing to minimize shedding.

About the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Developed on the border of England and Scotland in the 1700s to hunt otter and badger, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is best known today for his companionship. This breed is an excellent guard dog but may be aggressive with other dogs and animals. Gentle, affectionate and loyal, the Dandie is particularly good with children.Professional trimming or stripping is necessary to maintain the rough double coat.

About the Devon Rex Cat Breed

The Devon Rex is sometimes called a poodle that purrs, due to her curly coat and wagging tail when she is happy. Also described as the pixie of the cat world, the Devon Rex has a pixielike face and large, inquisitive eyes. This extraordinarily social cat is a wonderful family pet that gets along well with cats and cat friendly dogs. A highly active breed, the Devon Rex is known for her clownlike antics.

About the Doberman Pinscher

The brave and intelligent Doberman is both a loyal and affectionate family dog and watchful guard dog.

Temperament of the Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are playful and intelligent dogs, despite their aggressive reputation. With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, the Doberman makes an excellent and affectionate companion.

A properly socialized Dobie is good with both children and other pets, though children must also be taught how to safely interact with the dog.

As an energetic breed, the Doberman dog needs plenty of exercise. He’ll enjoy going on long walks, runs or hikes with you and playing in a fenced-in yard.

The Dobie is smart, so he learns quickly. This can make training easy initially, but he can get bored, so you’ll need to find ways to keep the sessions interesting. Because he’s a physically strong and strong-willed dog, proper training is essential to ensure he becomes a good canine citizen and a respectful member of the family.

Characteristics of the Breed

The Dobie is muscular and athletic, with a sleek and regal appearance. Traditionally, their tails are docked and ears cropped. Dobermans have short, sleek coats.

How Long Does a Doberman Pinscher Live?

Typically a Doberman Pinscher will live between 10 to 12 years of age.

Colours

When most people think of Dobermans, they think of the traditional black coat with rust markings.

Doberman coats can actually come in an array of colours, including black, blue, red, or fawn with rust markings. The rust markings are usually above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, chest, legs, feet and under the tail.

Does the Doberman Shed?

The short Dobie coat sheds moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.

Common Health Conditions

Doberman Pinschers are a healthy breed overall. A primary concern, as with other deep-chested, large dogs, is bloat. Other genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy are also possible. Responsible breeders screen for medical conditions that could affect the dog’s health, so make sure to inquire about this before adopting your new companion.

Best Dog Food for Doberman Pinscher Puppies & Dogs

Because Dobermans are such an active breed, you may want to feed yours a high protein dog food to support his energy levels.

A Doberman puppy will need a quality puppy food for the first year of his life to help him grow and develop into a healthy dog. For more information about how and when to feed your Doberman dog or puppy, explore our feeding articles.

Facts

• The U.S. Marine Corps used Dobermans during World War II.
• Louis Dobermann didn’t keep records of the breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher, but some of its likely ancestors include the Rottweiler, German Pinscher and the Black and Tan Terrier.
• A life-size, bronze Doberman statue known as “Always Faithful” stands guard in Guam, overlooking the war dog cemetery at the U.S. Naval Base there.

History of the Breed

The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany toward the end of the 19^th century. The breed is named for Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who bred the dogs to serve as protectors as he made his collection rounds.

Dobies soon earned a reputation as working dogs and were used by the police and military as early as World War I. They also worked as therapy and service dogs.

Dobermans made their way to the U.S. in the early 1900s and were registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America formed in 1921 and the dog is still considered one of the most popular working breeds in America.

About the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, muscular French breed with an instinct for guarding. Though the breed’s appearance can be intimidating, he is a gentle companion with a patient, calm temperament. Fiercely loyal and devoted, he is an excellent guard dog. The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for drooling and snoring but is easy to care because he requires minimal grooming and moderate exercise.

About the Egyptian Mau Cat

The Egyptian Mau is fiercely devoted to her humans and vocally shows signs of happiness and affection by meowing in a pleasant voice. She’ll also slowly swish her tail and knead with her front paws. She loves to display her hunting skills by chasing and retrieving a toy. As a moderate- to highly active breed, you may find her on top of your refrigerator or bookshelves.

Egyptian Maus also love playing with water and are smart enough to learn how to turn on the faucet. Despite her high energy levels, she adores curling up in your lap for a snuggle session. She’s great with playful children and other cat-friendly pets who can keep up with her active and energetic lifestyle, though reserved and wary around unfamiliar guests.