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Each breed profile is divided into several sections: History, Temperament, Upkeep, Health, Form and Function, and At a Glance (in which characteristics like energy level and exercise requirements are ranked with one box being low and five boxes being high).
History
The history of a breed not only is interesting but also describes the forces that molded the distinct features of that breed.
Temperament
The breed's background also influences its temperament. The same forces that shaped the differences in physical attributes have shaped its behavior and temperament.
Upkeep
Dogs are always there for you, but will you be there for them? Even though a breed may act and look just like your ideal dog, you must evaluate that breed's needs in terms of your circumstances.
Health
Purebred dogs are prone to different health problems for various reasons. In some breeds, selection for particular traits may also inadvertently cause some health problems.
Form and Function
The physical features typical of a breed more often than not have their roots in functional requirements. This section describes the overall look, general proportions, substance, gait, coat and expression of the breed, whenever possible explaining how that feature relates to the breed's function.
Height and Weight
Height and weight are the suggested values given the AKC standards. Height is measured as the distance from the ground to the top of the withers. Weight is considered to be that of a dog in ideal weight for its bone structure; that is, neither thin nor fat. Average values within a breed may differ from suggested values. Some breeders boast of weights or sizes that differ markedly from the AKC standard weights; such breeders should generally be avoided.
At a Glance
Entries in this section range from low (represented by one box) to high (represented by five boxes). Most breeds vary over several rankings, and as such each ranking should be considered to be approximate for that breed. Individual dogs, like people, can show marked deviations from the average.
The categories include Energy Level, Exercise requirements, Playfulness, Affection level, Friendliness toward dogs, Friendliness toward other pets, Friendliness toward strangers, Ease of training, Watchdog ability, Protection ability, Grooming requirements, Cold tolerance, and Heat Tolerance.
In all cases these ratings are based upon the assumption that a dog has been acquired from a reputable, qualified breeder. Qualified breeders will be willing to discuss temperament and health problems of their breed and will have proven their breeding stock in some sort of competitive area, as well as screening it for breed-typical health problems. They will have pictures of many of your potential puppy's ancestors. They will raise your puppy with plenty of human contact and proper health care. They will stand behind their dog and be available to you for advice for the rest of that puppy's life. They will screen potential buyers and make it clear that you will not be able to recoup your money by breeding your pup in the future.
In our Dog Breed Selector we ask you a series of questions based on the above criteria. Use this search tool to find the best breed for you!
Medical Abbreviations Used in the Breed Directory
ASD: Atrial septal defects
CEA: Collie eye anomaly
CHD: Canine hip dysplasia
CPRA: Central progressive retinal atrophy
CTP: Thrombocytopenia
HOD: Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
KCS: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
MVI: Mitral valve insufficiency
OCD: Osteochondritis dissecans
PDA: Patent ductus arteriosus
PK: Pyruvate kinase deficiency
PPM: Persistent pupillary membrane
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
VKH: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome
vWD: von Willebrand's disease
For more information on common dog health problems visit our Guide to Your Dog.
And for all things dog-related on our site, click here.
