Archives: Breeds

Developed along the Chesapeake Bay and named the state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a truly American sporting breed and the toughest water retriever. He is a strong, powerfully built medium-sized breed with yellowish or amber eyes and a distinctive coat – a short, harsh, wavy outercoat with a dense fine wooly…

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an elegant, energetic toy breed that is compatible for city or country life. Successful in conformation shows, obedience, and agility, they also make wonderful therapy dogs due to their sweet, gentle natures. The breed also became a TV star when featured on “Sex and the City” as Charlotte York’s…

Known as the Corgi with the tail, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds. Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is low set with moderately heavy bone and a deep chest. Originally used as a drover and farm dog, the breed is small and powerful, capable of great speed…

Noble, majestic, and powerful in presence, the Cane Corso is a muscular and large-boned breed. One of two native Italian “mastiff type” dogs that descended from the Roman Canis Pugnaces, the breed’s name derives from the Latin “Cohors” which means “Guardian” and “Protector.” The breed’s coat is short but not smooth (like the coat of…

The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting, and therapy work. The Bullmastiff’s coat may be red, fawn, or brindle.…

Playful and clownish, the Bull Terrier is best described as a three-year-old child in a dog suit. Given his muscular build, the Bull Terrier can appear unapproachable, but he is an exceedingly friendly dog, with a sweet and fun-loving disposition and popular in the obedience, agility, and show rings. The Bull Terrier can be all…

The intelligent and cheerful Brussels Griffon has a terrier-like disposition and is known for his almost human expression. This affectionate breed comes in a variety of colors, including red, beige (black and reddish-brown), black and tan, or black. This breed makes a good watchdog and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. A…

The Brittany is a medium-sized, leggy, dual-purpose dog, equally suited for sport and companionship. According to AKC Registration Statistics, it has surged in popularity in the last 50 years due to its talents as both a hunting and show dog. Originally called the Brittany Spaniel, it is now referred to simply as the Brittany, as…

Rigorous and alert, this powerful and agile breed is a native of France. A working animal, the breed’s most common job has been herding, but their acute sense of hearing also makes them an excellent watchdog. The Briard’s long, luxurious coat can be any solid color except white; they are usually black, gray, or tawny.…

Rugged, agile, and even-tempered, the Bouvier des Flandres makes an ideal farm dog. He often tests his working skills in AKC herding tests and trials, and can also be found at agility, tracking, obedience, and conformation events. The breed’s double coat protects him from harsh weather and can range in color from fawn to black,…