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