Cats & dogs

A little closer
to every breed.

Discover 231 dog entries and 56 cat profiles. Every animal is an individual; breed descriptions are a starting point, not a guarantee.

Meet the breeds

Read profiles below, or browse the complete index. Each reading page contains up to 18 full profiles.

Tibetan Mastiff

A large Tibetan livestock guardian with a substantial double coat and a furnished neck. Its strength and independent character make it a demanding choice for an inexperienced household.

Coat

A substantial double coat forms a pronounced neck furnishing. Seasonal shedding can change its apparent volume.

Typical behavior

Often independently minded and reserved around strangers, with a strong attachment to familiar people.

Care

Plan for early social experiences, consistent teaching and careful management of introductions. This powerful guardian is a substantial commitment for an inexperienced household.

Sources & credits
  • Tibetan Mastiff · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Tibetan Spaniel

A small Tibetan companion with a silky double coat and plumed tail. Despite its name, it is not a gundog spaniel.

Appearance & size

The Tibetan Spaniel has a domed head that is small in comparison to its body. It has a short blunt muzzle, free of wrinkles.

Coat

Tibetan Spaniels come in all colours and can be solid, shaded and multi-coloured. Colours that are seen are red, fawn, gold, white, cream, black and tan, and parti.

Activity

Some enjoy obedience, agility and other shared activities. Adapt play and learning to the individual companion.

Care

Brush regularly and work through loose undercoat during shedding. Pay attention to feathered ears, nails and dental care.

Sources & credits
  • Tibetan spaniel · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Tibetan Terrier

A medium-sized Tibetan companion with a shaggy coat and sturdy, square-looking body. It is not a working terrier despite the English name.

Coat

A long, shaggy coat occurs in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Typical behavior

Many are engaged, affectionate companions while remaining cautious about unfamiliar visitors.

Activity

The Tibetan Terrier can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and even herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at non-competitive herding tests.

Care

The hair of the Tibetan Terrier has a long growth cycle. As a result, their coat grows quite long and pet animals will require occasional trimming.

Sources & credits
  • Tibetan Terrier · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Tornjak

A large livestock guardian associated with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Its long coat and substantial frame accompany a generally calm, watchful character.

Coat

As a rule, the Tornjaks are particolored, with white being the dominant ground color. White markings are most commonly found around the neck, over the head, and along the legs.

Activity

Regular walks and ample secure space suit this substantial livestock-working dog.

Care

Allow for early guidance and thoughtful introductions, with housing and handling planned around a large guardian. A livestock-working background does not justify isolating a companion dog.

Sources & credits
  • Tornjak · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Weimaraner

A German hunting breed with a muscular, medium-to-large frame and grey coat. This entry covers the familiar short-haired presentation, separate from the Long Hair entry.

Coat

The familiar short coat lies close to the body and occurs in shades of grey.

Activity

Shared exercise and purposeful engagement suit this hunting breed. Close contact with its people is part of companion life, not an optional extra.

Care

Early household teaching and regular participation in family activities help channel this strong hunting dog's interests.

Sources & credits
  • Weimaraner · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Weimaraner (Long Hair)

The longer-coated Weimaraner shares the German breed's athletic hunting frame and grey coloring. Longer hair changes its presentation, not its underlying breed history.

Coat

Longer hair occurs in shades of grey and creates a fuller presentation than the short-coated entry.

Activity

Shared exercise and purposeful engagement suit this hunting breed. The longer coat does not remove its activity needs.

Care

Early household teaching and regular family involvement help channel its hunting interests.

Sources & credits
  • Weimaraner · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

A low, long-bodied Welsh cattle-working breed with upright ears and a substantial tail. It is a distinct breed from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Appearance & size

A low, sturdy dog with a long body, upright ears and a substantial tail.

Coat

The Cardigan has a double coat.

Activity

Daily walks provide movement and exploration even when the home has a relatively small yard.

Care

Regular brushing and an occasional bath maintain the coat; stripping or elaborate trimming is generally unnecessary.

Sources & credits
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

A low-bodied Welsh cattle-working breed with upright ears and a dense double coat. It is distinct from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, despite the shared regional name.

Coat

A medium-length double coat sheds throughout the year, with heavier seasonal coat loss.

Activity

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests.

Care

Brush and comb through the double coat regularly. Expect extra loose undercoat during seasonal shedding.

Sources & credits
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Welsh Springer Spaniel

An active Welsh sporting spaniel with a silky red-and-white coat. It is distinct from the English Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel.

Coat

The silky red-and-white coat has feathering on the ears, chest and limbs.

Activity

Regular daily exercise suits this active sporting spaniel.

Care

Comb through the feathering regularly and keep the hair around the feet tidy. An experienced groomer can help with trimming around the ears and chest.

Sources & credits
  • Welsh Springer Spaniel · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Welsh Terrier

A sturdy Welsh working terrier with tan furnishings and a dark saddle. Its traditional hunting background is reflected in an alert, independently minded character.

Appearance & size

A sturdy, relatively square working terrier with a furnished face.

Coat

The Welsh Terrier is coloured tan on the head, legs and underbelly with a black or sometimes grizzle saddle. Females are sometimes a simple darker tan all over.

Activity

A Welsh Terrier is full of energy and requires regular exercise. A run around the yard during the day is insufficient.

Care

Regular brushing and appropriate hand stripping maintain the wiry coat. Ask an experienced groomer about a suitable pet routine.

Sources & credits
  • Welsh Terrier · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

West Highland White Terrier

A compact Scottish terrier with a white double coat and upright ears. Often inquisitive and lively, it benefits from regular teaching and household involvement.

Coat

Westies have a rough outer coat that can grow to about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and a soft, thick undercoat. The fur fills out the face to give it a rounded appearance.

Activity

Curiosity and terrier persistence are better served by shared engagement than prolonged inactivity.

Care

Show coats are commonly hand stripped, while a pet trim may be clipped; discuss the desired texture with a groomer.

Sources & credits

Whippet

A British sighthound with a lean, curved outline and a short, smooth coat. Many alternate energetic running or play with quiet, close companionship.

Coat

The coat is short and smooth. Account for the individual's comfort in cold conditions.

Activity

Controlled running, lure coursing and shared training are possible outlets for a suitably prepared individual. Use secure surroundings when pursuit interests are likely to take over.

Care

The short coat needs straightforward grooming, with baths when needed. Account for comfort in cold weather and include routine nail and dental attention.

Sources & credits
  • Whippet · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

White Swiss Shepherd Dog

A white shepherd breed developed in Switzerland from North American White Shepherd lines. Medium-length and long coats occur within the breed.

Coat

The white double coat can be medium-length or long.

Typical behavior

Many are attentive, closely attached to their people and interested in learning or activity.

Activity

Shared learning and sporting activities can suit this attentive working companion. Choose tasks around the individual's preparation and interests.

Sources & credits
  • White Swiss Shepherd Dog · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

A Slovakian gundog with a harsh coat and facial furnishings. Its versatile field background calls for substantial movement, kind teaching and household company.

Coat

Harsh, wiry outer hair covers fine undercoat, with prominent moustache and eyebrow furnishings. Grey-brown to silver-grey shades occur.

Activity

Daily walks, purposeful games and opportunities for secure movement suit this energetic gundog. Some enjoy retrieving, agility or supervised swimming.

Care

Regular brushing removes debris from the dense wiry coat. Begin kind, reward-based teaching early and make time for household company.

Sources & credits

Xoloitzcuintle - (Miniature) (Intermediate) (Standard)

A Mexican breed family represented by miniature, intermediate and standard sizes. Hairless and short-coated individuals occur within the family.

Coat

Hairless and short-coated forms occur in all three size categories.

Care

Care differs between hairless and coated individuals. Use gentle skin or coat attention as appropriate, and provide positive teaching and frequent household contact.

Sources & credits
  • Xoloitzcuintle · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Yakutian Laika

A northern Russian working breed associated with sledding and hunting in Yakutia. Its dense coat and lively, social character reflect an active working background.

Appearance & size

A medium-sized, compact northern dog with muscle beneath a full coat.

Coat

Straight coarse outer hair covers dense undercoat, with a neck mane and furnished tail. White with colored patches is characteristic.

Activity

Regular exercise, shared games and learning suit this lively northern dog. Sled or harness work is an option for an appropriately prepared individual, not a requirement.

Care

Brush through the double coat regularly, increasing attention during heavy shedding. Keep the feet clear of trapped debris and use positive, reward-based teaching.

Sources & credits
  • Yakutian Laika · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history

Yorkshire Terrier

A small British terrier with a long, silky adult coat. Its compact stature does not erase its terrier character or coat-care commitment.

Appearance & size

A very small terrier whose long coat softens a compact body outline.

Coat

The adult coat is long and silky, with the familiar blue-and-tan presentation. Texture and color can vary between individuals.

Activity

Many are playful and energetic companions. Make time for shared activity rather than treating toy size as a reason to remain inactive.

Care

Owners may trim the hair short for easier care. For shows, the coat is left long, and may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance.

Sources & credits
  • Yorkshire Terrier · Wikipedia contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikipedia text shortened, reorganized and paraphrased; independent registry facts added. Images excluded. Wikipedia-derived adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0; no exclusive ownership claimed. · License · Original revision / history
Complete English A–Z index · all 287 profiles