This section focuses on selected dog and cat breeds. These comprehensive studies cover detailed descriptions of the breed’s history, origin and ancestry, as well as the details of official breed recognition. We also include a section devoted to the appearance of the dog or cat, both by show and competition standards as they define breed, including variations of coat, size, color, and markings. In the temperament section, the dog or cat’s characteristics are described, including both positive and negative attributes typically associated with the breed. We describe how the dogs or cats engage with people of all demographics, what behavioral issues or training struggles may be expected. This includes what natural instincts the breed has (whether as swimmers, hunters, retrievers, etc.) or physical attributes they possess which may distinguish them from other similar breeds.

All health concerns, diseases, and ailments that often assail the dog or cat breed are also listed, including both symptoms and treatments. While most aspects of pet training are transferable amongst all dogs and cats, this section also describes what kind of individual attention in training this breed might require, and what behavioral patterns to look out for and guard against. As special training opportunities vary based on the breed’s trainability, we also include a list of what kind of skills these dogs or cats may be able to acquire. The show section includes a list of dog or cat breed shows which occur in the United States, the history of how the breed has ranked, what events they typically compete or place in, and what is expected of any dog or cat who enters the competition.

Finally the breed study closes with a list of noteworthy, heroic, or famous dogs or cats of that breed (such as mascots, characters of the breed in literature or media, historic animals, etc.) and well as a look at the breed’s global popularity.

Dog Breed Guides