Non-sporting dogs are those that were not developed for a specific purpose or are no longer used as they were originally intended. The group consists of a diversity of breeds and includes such breeds as the bulldog, poodle, and Dalmatian. Many of the breeds of non-sporting dogs are popular and all make good pets.

a poodle-like breed originally from Spain. It has a soft, curly white coat with buff, cream, apricot, or gray markings. The drop ears and plumed tail are covered with long, flowing hair; there is a topknot of hair on the head. The bichon frise is gentle and playful, and is good with children. Ideal height: 9 to 12 inches (22.9 to 30.5 cm). Typical weight: 7 to 12 pounds (3.2 to 5.4 kg).

one of the few American breeds. It was developed from the bulldog and the English terrier, a breed no longer recognized by the AKC. It has bat ears and a short tail. The short, smooth coat is black or brindle, with white markings on the muzzle, chest, and forelegs, and a white blaze on the face. The Boston terrier makes a gentle, friendly pet. Ideal height: males, 17 inches (43.2 cm); females, 16 inches (40.6 cm). Weight: Three classes are recognized by the AKC—under 15 pounds (6.8 kg); 15 up to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9.1 kg); and 20 to 25 pounds (9.1 to 11.3 kg).

a short, squarely built dog originally bred in England for bullbaiting. It has short, bowed legs; small, high-set ears; and a short tail. The massive head is covered with wrinkles. The dog has a short muzzle with an upturned nose and a protruding lower jaw. The short, smooth coat is brindle, white, red, fawn, or piebald. The bulldog is gentle and makes a good companion. Typical height: males, 15 inches (38.1 cm); females, 14.25 inches (36.2 cm). Typical weight: males, 50 pounds (22.7 kg); females, 40 pounds (18.1 kg).

a breed that originated in China around 200 B.C. It almost became extinct in 1949 when Mao Tse-tung ordered that a luxury tax be levied on all privately owned dogs in China. Since many people could not afford this tax, most dogs were killed. The most outstanding feature of this breed is its wrinkly, extremely loose skin. The dog has a puglike face and a stout, square body with a deep chest. The coat is fawn, cream, or black. Shar-peis are gentle, easily trained dogs. Ideal height: males, 18 to 20 inches (45.7 to 50.8 cm). Ideal weight: males, 40 to 55 pounds (18.1 to 24.9 kg). Females are slightly smaller. This breed is not recognized by the AKC but has its own breed association, the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America.

an ancient breed of northern China. It is the only breed with a blue-black tongue. The chow chow has a short muzzle; deep-set eyes; small, erect ears; and a plumed tail that curls over the back. The large head is rimmed with a thick ruff. The dense, coarse coat can be any color. The chow chow is aloof and stubborn, and is a one-person dog. Typical height: males, 17 to 20 inches (43.2 to 50.8 cm); females, 16 to 18 inches (40.6 to 45.7 cm). Typical weight: males, 55 to 70 pounds (24.9 to 31.8 kg); females, 45 to 55 pounds (20.4 to 24.9 kg).

an ancient breed named for Dalmatia (a region of Yugoslavia), where it was first bred. It is sometimes referred to as "coach dog” because it was trained to run alongside horse-drawn coaches, serving as a companion to the horses and as a guardian of the horsemen and passengers. The dog has a muscular build; high-set, hanging ears and a long, tapering tail. The short, glossy coat is white with black or liver-brown spots. The Dalmatian is a versatile dog, often used for hunting, retrieving, or herding. It is also a popular circus performer and a firehouse mascot. Ideal height: 19 to 23 inches (48.3 to 58.4 cm). Typical weight: 55 to 65 pounds (24.9 to 29.5 kg).

a Finnish breed that has been used to hunt small game and birds. It has a dense golden-red coat, a pointed muzzle, small erect ears, and a curled tail. The dog is active, friendly, and faithful, and is good with children. Typical height: males, 17.5 to 20.0 inches (44.5 to 50.8 cm); females, 15.5 to 17.5 inches (39.4 to 44.5 cm). Ideal weight: males, 26 to 31 pounds (11.8 to 14.1 kg); females, 22 to 26 pounds (10.0 to 11.8 kg).

a small bulldog with prominent bat ears and a domed forehead. The dog has a muscular build, a broad chest, and a short tail that is carried low. The soft, smooth coat is brindle, fawn, white, or brindle and white. The French bulldog is intelligent and is a one-person dog. Typical height: 12 inches (30.5 cm). Weight: Two classes are recognized by the AKC—under 22 pounds (10.0 kg) and 22 to 28 pounds (10.0 to 12.7 kg).

a Dutch breed with small, triangular ears and a plumed tail that curls over the back. The thick, double coat is gray and black with cream-colored hair on the legs and feet. The dog has spectacle-like markings on the eyes, and thick hair on the rump and hind legs that forms “trousers.” The keeshond makes a good family pet and watchdog. Ideal height: males, 18 inches (45.7 cm); females, 17 inches (43.2 cm). Typical weight: males, 40 pounds (18.1 kg); females, 35 pounds (15.9 kg).

a breed from Tibet originally used as a watchdog in monasteries. It has hanging ears, short legs, and a plumed tail that is carried high over the back. The long, dense coat covers the face and body, and may be any color. The Lhasa apso is wary of strangers and can be aggressive. Ideal height: 10 to 11 inches (25.4 to 27.9 cm). Typical weight: 14 to 15 pounds (6.4 to 6.8 kg).

a popular breed in France and the United States. It is a squarely built dog with a long, straight muzzle and hanging ears. The tail is docked and is carried high. The harsh, dense coat may be any solid color. It is professionally clipped in several styles, the most popular of which are characterized by shaved hind legs and a pompon at the tip of the tail. The poodle is an intelligent, affectionate pet. Two sizes are recognized by the AKC, miniature and standard. Ideal height: miniature, 10 to 15 inches (25.4 to 38.1 cm); standard, over 15 inches (38.1 cm). Typical weight: miniature, 15 to 16 pounds (6.8 to 7.3 kg); standard, 50 to 55 pounds (22.7 to 24.9 kg).

a Belgian breed originally used to guard canal boats. (The name is Dutch for "little captain.”) It has a thick, black coat that forms a ruff around the neck and "culottes” on the hind legs. The dog has triangular, erect ears, and the tail is docked. The schipperke is alert and active, and is good with children. Typical height: 12 to 13 inches (30.5 to 33.0 cm). Ideal weight: to 18 pounds (8.2 kg).

a small breed originally kept as a companion and watchdog in monasteries and palaces in Tibet. It has a dome-shaped head; high-set, hanging ears; and a plumed tail that curls over the back. The silky, dense coat may be any color. The Tibetan spaniel is intelligent and lively. Typical height: 10 inches (25.4 cm). Ideal weight: 9 to 15 pounds (4.1 to 6.8 kg).

an ancient breed of Tibet that was highly prized because it supposedly brought good luck to its owner. It has V-shaped, hanging ears and a plumed tail that curls over the back. The long, thick coat covers the eyes and ears, and may be any color. The dog can adapt to extreme temperatures. Ideal height: 14 to 16 inches (35.6 to 40.6 cm). Ideal weight: 18 to 30 pounds (8.2 to 13.6 kg).