American Water Spaniels are relatively rare dogs that make great family companions, hiking companions, and/or watch dogs. This breed has a big dog personality in a smaller package, usually weighing 25-45 pounds, and despite the spaniel name, the AWS is more like a...
Irish wolfhounds, also known as Cú Faoil, are an iconic and rather giant dog breed. Standing 30-32 inches tall at the shoulder, these dogs have a rather lanky but ultimately muscular build and can seem imposing at first glance. However, their calm demeanor and...
One of the many terrier breeds the AKC recognizes is the Cairn Terrier! These small dogs have big, cheerful personalities and make great family pets. They have origins in Scotland, particularly on the Island of Skye and were used to root out rodents from mounds of...
The Bearded Collie is a happy, bouncy breed that looks very similar to the Old English Sheepdog. Both breeds are in the herding group and can be hard to tell apart from a distance. But Beardies, as they’re also known, have a long tail, several different coat colors, a...
Pomeranians are small, affectionate dogs with foxy faces and gorgeous double coats. These dogs may be tiny in stature but are large in personality and have long been a favorite of royals and commoners alike. Poms are particularly great for novice owners and do great...
As an adventurous, outgoing breed, Savannah cats are not for those wanting a quiet, couch potato feline. These cats can be quite large and in charge compared to other cat breeds and would do well with people who understand their audacious spirits and agile skills....
Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, the Basset Blue de Gascogne is a small scent hound that is rarely seen outside its native France. While recognized by the United Kennel Club in the United States and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Belgium, this...
These black and tan dogs are true to their terrier name and are spunky dogs full of character. Welsh terriers were originally bred to chase and trap small animals for hunters and still remain the active, fun-loving dog that made them so great as hunting companions....
Alaskan Klee Kais are adorably wonderful dogs that look just like miniature Huskies! The Klee Kai is a relatively new breed, having only been first developed in the early 1970s, and ancestors include Siberian Huskies and American Eskimo dogs. They do come in three...
Affectionately known as Leos (or even gentle lions!), these massive dogs were originally developed not as guardian or working dogs but as companion dogs! Leonbergers are social, friendly dogs that love being around their people and definitely need some room to walk...
This confident, friendly breed was bred to withstand cold weather and to hunt or work for days at a time. Norwegian Elkhounds are spitz-type dogs that look and act very similar to Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. Like these other breeds, Elkhounds have an...
The Shiba Inu is a rather iconic dog, especially in their native Japan where they are still an incredibly popular breed and one of the six native breeds to the country. This breed is intelligent, quiet, clean, rather strong-willed, and generally tends to do better as...