Read profiles below, or browse the complete index. Each reading page contains up to 18 full profiles.
Azawakh
The Azawakh is an African sighthound associated with the Sahara and Sahel. A markedly slender body distinguishes its appearance, while its background connects it with the people who bred and lived with these dogs.
Appearance & size
The body is narrow and tall-looking, with visible muscle and bone beneath thin skin. Males are listed at 64–74 cm at the shoulder and 20–25 kg; females at 60–70 cm and 15–20 kg.
Coat
The coat is very short, with particularly little hair on the belly. The skin and coat leave the outline of the bone structure and lean musculature readily visible.
Typical behavior
An Azawakh may be attentive and notably reserved around strangers, becoming more affectionate with family and accepted people.
Care
Close social company and a fair, consistent relationship with its people are important for this sensitive, independently minded hound.
Sources & credits
- Azawakh · 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
Basenji
The Basenji is a small African breed with a curled tail, upright ears and a notably independent companion character.
Appearance & size
Shoulder height is given as about 40–43 cm and weight as 9.5–11 kg. The outline is lightly built, with a wrinkled forehead and a tightly curved-looking tail.
Typical behavior
Basenjis may be affectionate with their people yet independent and more distant with strangers.
Activity
Regular walks, garden play and engaging toys provide opportunities for movement and exploration. Small size does not make this active breed self-sufficient.
Care
A secure enclosed yard is emphasised because pursuit can take priority over responding to a recall.
Sources & credits
- Basenji · 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
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
A small French scent hound whose compact body does not imply a quiet or inactive nature. Many retain an energetic, independently minded interest in exploration.
Appearance & size
The outline is low and stocky, with movement described as quick for its size. Height is given as 32–38 cm.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be sociable and affectionate with familiar people while also showing considerable independence.
Activity
Historically, the breed has been used for several kinds of quarry, including rabbits and hares. That background helps explain why a convenient household size should not be confused with minimal activity needs.
Care
Early teaching is recommended because cooperation may need patient development in an independently minded hound.
Sources & credits
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne · 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
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a low-bodied scent hound with a substantial frame and a history of hunting small game with people on foot. Its long ears and loose skin make it immediately recognisable.
Appearance & size
Shoulder height is listed as 33–38 cm, but the dog is substantial rather than toy-like. Long hanging ears, a skin fold beneath the chin and loose body skin are prominent features.
Typical behavior
Bassets may be affectionate household companions with a determined, sometimes stubborn approach.
Activity
Following an interesting scent can take priority over listening, so off-lead movement is discussed only in places where that response would not expose the dog to danger.
Care
A regular teaching routine is another recurring care theme.
Sources & credits
- Basset Hound · 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
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a German tracking breed associated with difficult mountain terrain. Medium-sized and comparatively lightly built, it combines a specialised working background with an interest in close human company.
Appearance & size
Males are described at 47–52 cm at the shoulder and 20–30 kg, females at 44–48 cm and 17–25 kg.
Coat
The coat is short and dense, with a close fit and a relatively harsh surface. It is finer on the head and ears and somewhat longer or coarser on the lower body, legs and tail.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be strongly attached to their owners and more reserved with strangers.
Activity
Provide substantial physical and mental engagement, with secure opportunities for running and play.
Care
Regular brushing is recommended.
Sources & credits
- Bavarian Mountain Hound · 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
Beagle
The Beagle is a sturdy scent hound whose modern form developed in Britain. Its small-to-medium height can conceal considerable endurance and a persistent interest in trails.
Appearance & size
Height is given as 33–40 cm.
Coat
The modern coat is short and dense. Tricolour, combining black, tan and white, is described as common.
Typical behavior
Beagles may be lively, alert and companionable, with an independently persistent approach that can complicate training.
Activity
Regular exercise reflects a background of sustained hunting rather than short bursts alone. Walks are specifically mentioned, as is the value of social company.
Care
An escape-resistant yard is especially emphasised because of scent-following.
Sources & credits
- Beagle · 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
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a shaggy-coated herding breed with an athletic body beneath its abundant hair.
Appearance & size
The underlying body is athletic, with drooping ears and an expressive face.
Coat
The coat is shaggy and harsh. Puppies begin in black, brown, blue or fawn, sometimes with white.
Typical behavior
Beardies may be exuberant, playful and eager for approval.
Activity
Regular walks and room to move within secure fencing also feature in companion care.
Care
A thorough weekly brush is the grooming routine described to keep shedding hair and mats under control.
Sources & credits
- Bearded Collie · 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
Beauceron (Berger de Beauce)
The Beauceron is a large French flock-working and guarding breed, also known as the Berger de Beauce. A muscular body and comparatively short coat give it a different outline from many shaggy shepherd dogs.
Appearance & size
The outline is substantial and muscular without being cumbersome, with a body slightly longer than its shoulder height. Recorded heights are 65–70 cm for males and 61–68 cm for females.
Coat
The coat has a dense, soft underlayer beneath a rougher outer layer. Black with tan markings is one pattern; the harlequin description combines grey and black mottling with tan.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be confident, attached to their owners and watchful.
Activity
Substantial physical and mental engagement suits this working breed. Herding events, agility and carting are possible activities for a suitably prepared dog.
Care
Weekly brushing is recommended, increasing to daily work during heavier shedding.
Sources & credits
- Beauceron · 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
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a British terrier whose curved outline and furnished head create an appearance quite unlike a conventional rough-coated terrier. Its background includes rodent work in a mining community.
Appearance & size
The body is muscular with an outline formed by a sequence of curves. A narrow, pear-like head, a substantial topknot and fringed ears are characteristic visual features.
Typical behavior
Bedlingtons may be affectionate, playful and interested in people.
Activity
The range of settings described is not a claim that activity becomes unnecessary indoors.
Care
Weekly grooming with a soft wire slicker is the routine described for knots and tangles. Maintenance clipping is suggested every six to eight weeks.
Sources & credits
- Bedlington 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
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)
The Groenendael is the long-haired black variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. It belongs to a Belgian working-dog population divided into four named coat varieties, not to the German Shepherd breed.
Appearance & size
A medium-sized shepherd with a strong, elegant working outline.
Coat
Long black hair distinguishes the Groenendael within the Belgian Shepherd family.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be alert, responsive and strongly interested in their human family.
Activity
Obedience and agility are possible outlets within the Belgian Shepherd family.
Care
Use positive teaching, clear household expectations and continued social experiences.
Sources & credits
- Belgian Shepherd · 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
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)
The Laekenois is the rough-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog.
Appearance & size
The Belgian Shepherd is described broadly as medium-sized and as balancing strength with elegance.
Coat
Rough hair distinguishes the Laekenois within the Belgian Shepherd family.
Activity
Pastoral roots are complemented by examples of broader Belgian Shepherd participation in obedience, agility and rescue work.
Care
Supervision with children is part of its practical guidance.
Sources & credits
- Belgian Shepherd · 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
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
The Malinois is the short-haired Belgian Shepherd variety.
Appearance & size
The shared physical description is medium-sized, strong and elegant rather than heavy.
Coat
Short hair distinguishes the Malinois within the Belgian Shepherd family.
Typical behavior
Malinois may share the broader Belgian Shepherd tendencies toward alertness, family attachment and an interest in purposeful work.
Activity
For companion life, both learning and exercise are emphasised.
Care
Puppy classes and further training support are suggested for less experienced owners. Family company is another recurring care theme.
Sources & credits
- Belgian Shepherd · 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
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)
The Tervueren is a long-haired variety within the Belgian Shepherd Dog.
Coat
Long hair distinguishes the Tervueren within the Belgian Shepherd family.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be alert, responsive to their people and interested in tasks.
Activity
Obedience and agility are possible outlets within the Belgian Shepherd family.
Care
Positive reinforcement and sensible household expectations are central to the training guidance. Socialisation, puppy classes and ongoing education are also mentioned.
Sources & credits
- Belgian Shepherd · 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
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is an Italian livestock-working breed with an abundant coat and a substantial but balanced body.
Appearance & size
Ideal shoulder heights are 60 cm for males and 56 cm for females. Male weights are listed as 32–38 kg and female weights as 26–32 kg.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be attentive, patient and determined, with an interest in working alongside people.
Activity
Shared training and movement suit its flock-working background. Agility, tracking and herding trials are possible options for a suitably prepared individual.
Care
The developing coat needs specialist attention as its different hair types form the characteristic flocks. This is not a coat to treat like ordinary brushed-out long hair.
Sources & credits
- Bergamasco 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
Berger Picard
The Berger Picard, also called the Picardy Shepherd, is a medium-sized flock-working dog with a rough coat and an expressive, furnished face.
Appearance & size
Male shoulder height is listed as 60–65 cm and female height as 55–60 cm. The body is a little longer than tall, with muscular construction and an easy-looking gait.
Coat
The outer hair is coarse and crisp, of moderate length, with a fine dense undercoat. Fawn, darker-overlaid fawn, fawn brindle and grey are described.
Typical behavior
Many are even-tempered, interested in cooperating and closely attached to family.
Care
Grooming demand changes with shedding: the dense undercoat needs much more frequent attention while loose hair is coming out. Outside those periods the coat needs less brushing.
Sources & credits
- Berger Picard · 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
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to the Swiss Sennenhunde working-dog family. Its strong body and long tricoloured coat distinguish it within that group.
Appearance & size
A substantial, muscular working dog whose long coat adds to the impression of size.
Coat
The long coat has a black base with tan and white markings.
Typical behavior
Bernese may be affectionate and outgoing with familiar people while initially more reserved with strangers.
Activity
Provide shared outings and opportunities for movement without expecting constant indoor games. Household company remains important alongside the working background.
Care
Make room for regular companionship and shared household time. A kennel or isolated yard should not replace engagement with its people.
Sources & credits
- Bernese Mountain 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
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a compact white companion breed with a coat that stands away from the body. Dark eyes and nose give the face a striking contrast.
Appearance & size
The body is compact and described as functional and athletic in movement. A plumed tail is carried over the back.
Coat
White hair stands away from the body, creating a soft, rounded outline. Regular grooming and trimming are important.
Typical behavior
Bichons may seek close contact with their family and show an interest in pleasing them.
Activity
Quiet companionship and active shared play can both feature in everyday life. Tailor activities to the individual rather than assuming one intensity suits all.
Care
Regular grooming and periodic haircuts maintain the companion coat.
Sources & credits
- Bichon Frisé · 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
Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is an American scent hound developed for trailing and treeing raccoons. Its long ears, black-and-tan colouring and deep voice are conspicuous features.
Appearance & size
Male shoulder height is listed as 25–27 inches and female height as 23–25 inches.
Coat
The coat is short, dense and glossy, with black and tan markings.
Typical behavior
Individuals may be calm and amiable indoors yet independent and persistent when following scent.
Activity
Catching an interesting scent can encourage wandering. Its working heritage spans difficult terrain and different seasons, but those descriptions are not a recommendation to exercise in unsafe conditions.
Care
Use secure containment and controlled outings, because scent-following can make redirection difficult.
Sources & credits
- Black and Tan Coonhound · 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
