The Cairn Terrier is a spirited, hardy, restless little busybody - a big dog in a small dog's body. Alert, loyal, merry, lovable and mischievous. They are somewhat independent, but friendly. Females tend to be more independent than males and some breeders feel that males are more affectionate. They are very curious, fearless and bold. They are easily trained and like to do tricks. Naturally patient with children and very playful. Cairns adapt well to their new homes. This dog, known since 1500, was first publicly presented in 1909 and became popular after 1930.

The Canaan Dog was originally bred in the 1930's from the wild dogs of Israel. Bedouins still use the breed today to guard, herd and manage their sheep. It has a high capability for learning and has also been used as a war sentry and messenger, mine detector, tracker, search & rescue dog, and even as a guide for the blind. This very intelligent and independent breed can do exceptionally well in obedience. It responds best to positive, motivational training, but tends to get bored with overly repetitive training. Outstanding at agility, tracking and other pursuits where he is expected to think independently, yet will work as a team with its handler.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent, obedient, protective and robust. Steady, loyal and loving, but wary of strangers. They are willing to please. Some Corgi's are extremely active and devoted little dogs, and are usually good with considerate children. They make fine guards, and excellent show and obedience dogs. Cardigans are less sociable and more territorial than Pembroke's. Good with other non-canine animals and with other Corgis, but can be combative with other dogs.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and sportive. These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people and need lots of companionship to be happy. They should not be left alone all day.

These are friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs with a mind of their own. Courageous, willing, loving and trainable although they may be a little slow to learn. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and good with children. They love to swim and retrieve. This breed will get along with cats that are already living in your house, but may chase other cats. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not recommended for an inexperienced new dog owner.These are friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs with a mind of their own. Courageous, willing, loving and trainable although they may be a little slow to learn. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and good with children. They love to swim and retrieve. This breed will get along with cats that are already living in your house, but may chase other cats. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not recommended for an inexperienced new dog owner.

The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner's faces. It is undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. This breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense. It is not recommended for children.

The most popular of the hairless breed, the Chinese Crested are still very rare. These dogs are sweet, lively, playful and cuddly. They are exceptionally loving and likes to hug and smile. Affectionate with children. Children should be taught not to be rough with this breed as it is friendly, but it does not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can get injured easily. They are an entertaining companion. Intelligent and very alert. Puppies should be well-socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity. If its owners do not baby them, these dogs can grow up to be a very well-adjusted dog. They have an ability to perform tricks and are generally good with other pets. They are not barkers. Chinese Crested Dogs like to climb and dig holes. They tend to become very attached to their owners and have difficulty adjusting to a new one. Chinese Crested Dogs crave constant companionship.

The Shar-Pei is very loyal to his handler. It is an intelligent dog that does not always follow orders slavishly. Playful, active, dominant, and brave. They bond with their family, but are not unfriendly toward strangers. If the dog meets cats and children while it is still young, it usually will not have a problem with them. The Chinese Shar-Pei has a frowning expression, but is surprisingly easy-going, calm, independent, and devoted. They make a delightful companion and good watchdogs. The Shar-Pei needs a confident handler. If you are too uncertain, too inconstant, too soft, or too mild in the dog's eyes, it will take over as the boss.

The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be willful and protective. Bossy, serious and very independent. They are self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can develop well. Don't expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not stupid, but they must see the point of your command. Be consistent at all times. Some experts claim the short-haired Chow is more active and learns faster than its longer-haired family member.

The Clumber Spaniel is described as a gentle, sweet, quite intelligent and pleasant dog. Among the most low-key and easygoing of the hunting breeds. They are very affectionate and playful. Well-behaved, and not very active when mature. Clumbers will get along with other dogs and cats as well as other household animals if they are raised with them. They tend to be a one person dog and can be a bit willful. Clumbers are usually trustworthy with children of the family, but they do not make friends easily with strangers. Do not expect them to be friends with everyone, but they should never be timid or hostile. This breed is a gentle person's dog; they do not take well to heavy-handed discipline. They simply will not respond to it. This dog has a good memory and it likes to do things to please its master, therefore training is not usually difficult.

Bold and keen to work, the American Cocker Spaniel is equally suited to life as a gundog or as a household pet. Cheerful, sweet, and sensitive. The Cocker Spaniel is respectful of its master's authority without much challenge. Merry and endearing. A happy tail-wagger. Gentle and trusting, with average intelligence. They are lively, playful and devoted, but should be socialized well when they are young to avoid a tendency for shyness. Usually good with children. Cockers love everyone and need people to be happy. They can be difficult to housebreak and some like to bark. However they are mostly easy to train and get along well with other animals.

A noble, highly intelligent dog. Sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. Usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. Very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. One Collie travelled 2000 miles to find his family after he became lost. Collies have received the Ken-L-Ration Hero Dog award 5 times. An excellent children's companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. Can be willful and must be trained gently or he will refuse to cooperate. Some exhibit herding behavior as puppies, nipping at people's heels. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behavior. Collie puppies housetrain quickly, generally in about a week (after about 10-12 weeks old). They are good-natured, friendly, dogs. They are energetic outdoors. They can be wary of strangers, stubborn and indolent. It has a fairly good sense of protectiveness for its master, especially for children. They are not aggressive, but they do tend to be suspicious of people they do not like.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to get along with, loyal and eager to please. Proud and confident. Very intelligent and trainable. Clever and mischievous, but sensitive. This breed is not for everyone; they need early, gentle, but firm obedience training. They can do well in competitive obedience and agility but are not as predictable a performer as a Golden Retriever. They like to do things their own way. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving, and excellent with children; however, they may accidentally knock over a toddler. Socialize them well with people and other pets at an early age, as this breed tends to be reserved and even timid with strangers if not properly socialized. A good watchdog who will also protect the family if danger threatens. This breed loves to swim. They make good therapy dogs. Curly-Coated Retrievers make an ideal partner for an active, outdoor-oriented person who also wants a loyal family companion. This breed does not fully mature until it is about three years old.

Lively and affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash. Tenacious. Can be willful and clownish. Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family, some fanciers feel the long-haired variety is calmer than the other two types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with. They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective. These little dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for their size) and are compulsive diggers. They are generally okay with other pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to bite. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. They should not be over fed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly.

Dalmatians were bred to run under or along-side of horse-drawn carriages and therefore have an vast about of stamina and energy. They do not like to just sit around all day with nothing to do. They are playful, happy-go-lucky, extremely sensitive and loyal. The Dalmatian needs human companionship, without which it is likely to become depressed. For this reason they do not make good yard dogs. They have excellent memories and can remember for years any bad treatment it has had. The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers. They get along well with other pets, but some may be aggressive with strange dogs; males often dislike other males. Somewhat high-strung, and can be timid without enough socialization. Quite intelligent, but can be willful. Generally does well with firm, consistent training. The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs.

The Dandie Dinmont is affectionate and fun-loving. It makes a great companion dog. Lively, plucky, determined and willful. Independent and intelligent. Bold yet dignified. Reserved with strangers and protective of family and home. Good with all well-behaved children and babies as long as they are raised with them from puppyhood. Dominance level varies greatly. Some males can be aggressive with other male dogs in the household. It is best not to keep two intact male dogs together. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. It will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. This little dog has a big bark for its size. They are not difficult to train, but allowance must be made for the fact that they can be very stubborn and not keen on obedience.

Bred for a century to be an outstanding guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher is intense and energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. Versatile, highly intelligent and very easy to train. Determined, fearless and assertive, but not vicious. Noble, loyal and affectionate with the family. It likes to be physically close to the family members. Devoted and watchful, this is a very people oriented breed. The Doberman needs an owner who is willing and able to discipline the dog without being afraid of him. All family members should learn to handle the dog properly, as Dobermans can be pushy if allowed to have their own way too much. The Doberman is naturally protective and does not need additional "protection" training to be a fine guard dog. In fact he should be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent over-protectiveness. Mental stimulation is important for a truly well-adjusted and happy Dobe. The Doberman must be consistently and thoroughly trained to be a good pet. Training should be through positive reinforcement. Dobes can be good family dogs if of good temperament, well trained and raised with children from early puppyhood. Best with experienced owners. Female Dobes are a little more stubborn to train than the male. Although the Doberman has the reputation of being a very aggressive dog, this is just not the case. For example, Dobes make great therapy dogs. They are sweet and gentle with nursing-home patients - tippy-toeing over IV tubing and walking at the resident's speed (which can be very slow), while at the same time will fiercely defend his master if it becomes necessary. These dogs are like big, protective babies. Doberman Pinschers have many talents including tracking, watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience and schutzhund. Aggression towards other dogs is accepted in the AKC standard. Though generally a dominant breed, Dobermans vary greatly in temperament. Some are even very submissive. Some individuals are family dogs, and some bond only to one person. The Doberman has been bred to work with man, and he needs this interaction often. They must be with family, and not abandoned to the backyard.

The English Foxhound is a very active, bold and passionate hunter. Responsive and obedient to his master... but training takes patience. They are friendly with people and excellent with children, but prefer to be in the company of other dogs and does quite well with other animals. The English Foxhound likes to bay. They are untiring, able to run for hours at a consistent speed, trotting along through brambles, marshes, and sunny countryside for five or six hours without stopping. Since the Foxhound uses up a great deal of energy in its youth, covering thousands of miles without respite, it is ready to be retired at the age of about seven or eight. The English Foxhound is a bit stockier and slower than the American Foxhound, but has a similar personality. This breed is still primarily a pack hunting dog, though show lines can make good companions if given sufficient exercise. It is recommended that if you are looking to own an English Foxhound solely as a pet, that you choose show lines, as field types are extremely active.

The English Setter is a very gentle, placid, friendly dog. Excellent with children. Mild mannered and sensitive. He loves affection. Enthusiastic and lively outdoors, but relatively inactive indoors. They are somewhat willful and can be difficult to housebreak. Training should start early to prevent development of bad habits, but should never be harshly treated. It needs lots of companionship and enjoys playing with other dogs. English Setters are adequate watchdogs. They like to roam and are diggers and good jumpers. There are two types of English Setter: field and show. The field types are generally a bit smaller and lighter, and very active so they need more exercise than the show types. Both types need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy and must have a fenced yard. The English Setter tends to be quite vocal and can become a nuisance barker if not discouraged early in life. Some English Setters may drool, although not obsessively like some of the Mastiff type dogs.

Most English Springers are even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs that are great for kids. Intelligent, skillful, willing and obedient. Playful, energetic and a quick leaner. Merry, brave and sweet tail-waggers. Cheerful and courageous. It is affectionate, good natured and sincere, this dog loves everyone. Springers do best when they are with people as much as possible. They can get into trouble if left alone too long. They love water and may constantly get themselves wet and muddy. Usually they are good with other pets with the possible exception of birds. Sometimes argumentative with same sex dogs. This breed can be destructive and bark a lot if left alone. Springers need wise guidance through what is called their "teenage" time. Some are high-energy and they are all intelligent. They need a soft, but firm hand so they always know who is in control. There are two types of Springers - field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting and field trial work. They tend to have more white coat than the bench type, much less hair, and are more high energy. The bench type are bred for conformation shows and have more liver or black than white, they have much more coat, but are usually calmer.

The English Toy Spaniel is gentle, happy, playful, loving and sweet, but it is sometimes timid. It will be sociable with those who approach it affectionately. The breed is naturally well-behaved and intelligent, but is a bit willful. It's quiet, non-demanding, and needs to be treated gently. They are friendly with other dogs. The English Toy Spaniel needs to be with a lot of people. They are usually good with all children, but will do best with an older child. It is an average barker, and is an okay watchdog. They are, however, considered exclusively a companion dog. Some are known to be picky eaters.

The Finnish Spitz is brave, friendly, lively and alert. A playful rascal, it enjoys and demands affection and attention. Patience is required for obedience training. They are very protective. The Finnish Spitz is renowned as a hunting dog, and also makes a great companion for family members of all ages, especially children and older adults. They are slow to mature, only reaching their complete adult form at 3½ to 4 years of age. It is a breed aware of its place in the dominance hierarchy, and some males can try to be domineering and tend to be fairly dog aggressive. Reserved and even somewhat aloof with strangers, but generally good with other pets. This breed is lively and curious, though not overwhelmingly so. They are loyal to their own families but do follow their handler's orders slavishly. The Finnish Spitz is a dog that requires much patience and understanding, together with a consistent manner. If these elements go into its training it can be a very satisfactory pet. Visitors will be announced, but that is all, it is no defender. This breed is called the "barking bird dog" of Finland. In contests these dogs have been known to bark up to 160 times a minute! The Finnish Spitz has been bred for centuries to emphasize the barking behavior. He also makes many other vocalizations, so if a lot of noise will drive you crazy, don't get one of these dogs. The barking can particularly be a problem if the dog must stay outside for any length of time, as he will bark with each and every new event.

The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy care companion. A very playful and affectionate dog. Sweet and absolutely hilarious; they have a very comical personality and love to clown around. It is bright and easygoing. Curious and alert. The Frenchie gets along fairly well with strangers and other animals, but he is often bonds strongly to one person. They play well with other dogs; some males may be dog aggressive, while others get along with other dogs just fine. This breed needs companionship and will not thrive without it. The Frenchie cannot be owned and ignored. They are fairly willful, but can be trained if the owner is patient. They respond to patient, consistent training that DOES NOT include hitting or harsh jerking. They are clean, and companionable, enthusiastic and sometimes do not know when to quite, but they are not yappy and loud. This breed does best with older considerate children. Frenchies are easy going to show. This breed may drool and slobber; however a good percentage of them do not. This little dog is also a ruthless hunter of mice!

The German Pinscher can be an ideal companion dog. This rare breed has a sense of humor, are brave, not squeamish, sober, and have considerable stamina. It is lively but docile, quite versatile, and a vocal guard dog. It responds to obedience training. However, they can be bull headed and stubborn and need to know who is boss. This breed only barks when it feels it is necessary, which may be often. Visitors will be announced with loud barking but then things usually calm down quickly. This breed needs to know that when the family is gone, it owns everything and when the family is home it owns nothing. The German Pincher is not a good breed for children for this reason, they may not differentiate between a real problem and some good old roughhousing. They will instinctively protect and will bite first and think later. Like other pinschers and terriers, they do not back away from disputes with other dogs, and need firm handling to control their fighting tendencies. German Pinchers are very loyal and protective. They will defend their territory, handler, and the family to the end against those intent upon harm. They can also get protective of their own things like their bones, a chair or their food. The owner needs to set the guidelines and let the dog know it can not growl at them or other humans. The dog must be taught that it is not "Top Dog". It needs to know its place in the house. Normally they get along well with other household pets. However, they are ratters and when outdoors they will chase a cat, possibly hurting it. This breed requires a firm hand from an experienced dog owner so they don't grow up to take over the whole house.

Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are direct and fearless, eager and alert. Bold, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage. Calmly confident, but not hostile. Serious and almost human in his intelligence. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but they are very wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. German Shepherds have a very strong protective instinct, so they should be extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding when they are an adult. Aggression and attacks on people are largely due to poor breeding, handling and training. A well bred, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. It is extremely important to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. Some are timid and skittish and may be prone to fear biting. Research a puppy's lineage carefully. To be successful pets, these dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coercive or angry training does not succeed well with these dogs. To be truly happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The German Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is very energetic, smart and willing to please. Cheerful and friendly, he likes children. Loyal and protective, he loves all family members equally, especially if they are carrying the leash, car key, gun or Frisbee. They are very people-oriented, and not happy if isolated from the family. If exercised sufficiently once or twice a day, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes a very agreeable family companion. If left to his own devices for long periods without exercise or companionship, he can become destructive and nervous. Males tend to be more outgoing and are more aggressive hunters than females. Females tend to be less dominant. Energy levels vary somewhat, as litters bred for high performance field competition may require more activity than the average Shorthair. If raised with other dogs and cats from puppyhood, the German Shorthaired Pointer does quite well; however, he is a hunting dog by nature. This breed likes to bark and they are reserved with strangers.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is very affectionate, active and intelligent. Eager to learn and loyal to its family, it needs a handler who is consistent in approach. They like to be occupied and enjoy working for their owner. They are friendly with those they know, but are naturally aloof with strangers and should be socialized at an early age. Can be rather willful and they like to roam. Powerful and energetic they can become bored and hard to manage without enough exercise. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a good all-around gun dog, able to hunt any sort of game on any sort of terrain. This dog has a good nose and can track, point, and retrieve on both land and water. Steady, lively and vigorous. They do best with older, considerate children; very affectionate with its master and can become jealous. Some may try to dominate other animals but most will get along well with other dogs and household animals. They make good watchdogs.

The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent dog. They are very protective, bold and spirited. Calm, loyal, loving and responsible. The Giant Schnauzer is a true "Velcro" dog. It loves to be with its owner at all times. This is a dominant breed that needs an experienced trainer. They are easy to train and respond best to firm, consistent training with a positive attitude and plentiful rewards. Giants are in essence a working dog with a terrier temperament, that temperament in a large package causes problems if they aren't properly trained. If the Giant Schnauzer is properly trained, it makes a fine pet. Unless professionally trained from puppyhood by an experienced handler/trainer, Giants are not reliable for most households. They tend to be on the dominate side and need an owner who understands the breed and how to show the dog humans are boss. According to one Giant Schnauzer rescue, "without the correct training, they may bite kids. They are not suitable for homes with children under the age of 12-14 years old.

These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.

The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. Because of his giant size, the Great Dane should be thoroughly obedience trained when young so it will be manageable when fully grown. Teach this giant dog not to lean against people, especially children. Some individuals are dog-aggressive, especially with same sex dogs. It is good with other dogs if it is raised with them from puppyhood. This breed may be slightly difficult to train.

The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, it is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood. It has an independent, somewhat stubborn nature, and may try to dominate a less secure owner. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. It is important to socialize and train this breed properly to insure good citizenship. Male dogs can be aggressive with other animals. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not reach maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber.

Sensitive, sweet and elegant. Brave and loyal, but can be willful. The Greyhound is very intelligent, but its character is often undervalued because of its reserved behavior toward its master and toward strangers. Socialize them at an early age to prevent timidity. As a rule, they are gentle and even-tempered - both racing lines and show lines. Most Greyhounds have a definite prey instinct. It is instinctive for these dogs to chase anything that moves quickly. They are extremely fast and some will kill cats and other domestic animals, although this is not the majority (only about 20% of ex-racers are too "keen" on chasing prey to ever be safe with small animals). About 10% are immediately okay due to low prey instinct, and the rest can be trained to leave cats and other small pets in the home alone. They seldom present difficulties with other dogs and are normally good with children, though they do not usually like rough-house play, and would not be a good choice for young children. Indoors, these dogs are calm and sociable to a point where they can even be considered lazy. They bond strongly with their own people, have tremendous stamina, and do not bark much. Show lines tend to be of a different body style than racing lines, and are often more angulated. Racing lines are bred for performance, but often a good by-product are friendly, outgoing dogs, who make wonderful pets when their racing days are over.