The Corgi is a medium-sized breed with short legs, big ears, and a ton of personality. These little dogs actually come in two breeds, though both are often simply referred to as the Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are two distinct breeds, but they are very similar. Both have long…
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium- to large-sized breed known for his versatile hunting abilities as well as his excellent speed and stamina. The exact origins of the German Shorthaired Pointer breed are unknown, but it is thought to be descendant from the German Bird Dog. Although his origins may be unclear, the modern…
Known for his thick double coat and his wolf-like coloration, the Siberian Husky is a high-energy breed born and bred for cold weather. The Siberian Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi people to survive in the Siberian Arctic. The breed was used as sled dog, trained to run for miles on end. In more…
The Irish Wolfhound looks like he stepped right out of a Medieval tapestry with his massive size and his commanding appearance. Named for his original purpose, hunting wolves, the Irish Wolfhound is actually surprisingly gentle and makes a wonderful family companion. Early ancestors of the modern Irish Wolfhound date all the way back to 400…
The name Coonhound applies to six breeds including the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Redbone Coonhound, the English Coonhound, and several others. Coonhounds are a large breed of scent hound used for hunting game. They are an American type of hound, specifically bred for hunting raccoons. Early versions of the American breeds were imported into…
Easily one of the smallest dog breeds around, the Yorkshire Terrier is also one of the most beautiful. Known for his long, silky coat and his spunky personality, these dogs are quite entertaining. The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed that stands 8 to 9 inches tall and weighs between 4 and 7 pounds. Though…
The name Mastiff often refers to a type of dog rather than a specific breed, but in this case, it refers to the English Mastiff or the Old English Mastiff. The Mastiff is a massive dog weighing 120 to 230 pounds, but he is the epitome of the gentle giant. Though he can certainly be…
Known as the Dobermann in the German pronunciation, the Doberman Pinscher is a large-breed dog known for its pointed ears and protective instincts. This breed was developed in the late 1800s by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany. He was bred to be light on his feet with a surprising amount of…
Also known as the Italian Mastiff, the Cane Corso’s name translates to “protector” which is exactly what he is. Prized in Italy as a companion and guard dog, this breed is the definition of a giant breed. The Cane Corso is descendant from the Roman Molosser, developed to guard livestock and property. He has also…
The Great Pyrenees is a giant breed with a thick white coat. Developed as a livestock guardian, these dogs often carry over their protective instincts into family life, making a loving and faithful companion. Developed to protect flocks in the rough terrain of the Pyrenees mountains, the Great Pyrenees is a large, brave, and powerful…
If you know anything about the St. Bernard breed, it is probably that they used to be sent on rescue missions in avalanche zones wearing a barrel of brandy around their neck. While you probably won’t see a St. Bernard doing anything like this today, the modern breed still has a protective nature about him….
Born and bred in Canada, the Newfoundland is a giant breed known for his gentle temperament and his long, thick coat. Developed as a working dog for fishermen, the Newfoundland is a strong swimmer. Not only do they swim well thanks to their webbed feet, but their muscular build makes them a great choice for…
