Breeds of Dogs

Purebred dogs are commonly divided into seven groups: herding dogs, hounds, nonsporting dogs, sporting dogs, terriers, toy dogs, and working dogs. All of the breeds in the listings are recognized by the American Kennel Club unless otherwise indicated. Standards are given for height and weight. Height is measured from the ground to the withers.

were originally bred to drive livestock from one place to another and to keep herds or flocks together. They are easy to train and are very responsive to voice commands. The larger breeds, such as the Belgian sheepdog, herd livestock by circling the animals, barking loudly as they round them up. The smaller breeds, such as the Shetland sheepdog, dart in and out of the herd, nipping at the heels of the animals to keep them together. Herding dogs are intelligent and sensitive. They make good pets and watchdogs, but require vigorous daily exercise. They are sometimes classified as working dogs rather than as a separate group and were formerly classified by the AKC in that way.

a breed developed from a cross between a collie and dingo, a wild dog of Australia, to herd cattle. It has a muscular build, erect ears, and a low-set tail that hangs down. The short, rough coat is a mottled blue with tan, black, or blue markings, or speckled red with dark red markings. The dog is noted for its stamina, responsiveness to training, and protectiveness of its owner. Ideal height: males, 18 to 20 inches (45.7 to 50.8 cm); females, 17 to 19 inches (43.2 to 48.3 cm). Typical weight: 40 to 45 pounds (18.1 to 20.4 kg).

a breed that is both a guard dog and a herder. It was bred in Australia from herding dogs from Spain, England, and Scotland. The dog has a collie-like build. It has a double coat that may be blue merle, red merle, solid red, or solid black. The coat is of medium length and straight or slightly wavy. The forelegs are feathered and the hair on the hind legs forms breeches. Typical height: males, 20 to 23 inches (50.8 to 58.4 cm); females, 18 to 21 inches (45.7 to 53.3 cm). Typical weight: males, 50 to 65 pounds (22.7 to 29.5 kg); females, 40 to 5050 pounds (18.1 to 22.7 kg). This breed is recognized by the UKC but not by the AKC.

a sheepdog of southern Scotland. It is a medium-sized dog with hanging ears and a low-set tail. The shaggy coat hides the ears and tail, and forms prominent eyebrows. The puppies are born with a black, blue, brown, or fawn coat with white markings; the coat lightens with age. The bearded collie is intelligent and makes a good companion. Ideal height: males, 21 to 22 inches (53.3 to 55.9 cm); females, 20 to 21 inches (50.8 to 53.3 cm). Typical weight: 50 pounds (22.7 kg).

a short-haired sheepdog of Belgium. It is a muscular dog with a wedge-shaped head; erect, triangular ears; and a long, bushy tail. The coat is rich fawn to mahogany with black markings on the ears and a black mask on the face. The Belgian malinois is intelligent and makes a protective guard dog. Ideal height: males, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm); females, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm). Typical weight: 70 to 80 pounds (31.8 to 36.3 kg).

a solid black sheepdog. It has a muscular body; erect, triangular ears; and a bushy tail. The long, harsh coat forms a thick collar around the neck. There is slight feathering on the legs and tail. The Belgian sheepdog is wary of strangers and makes a good guard dog. Ideal height: males, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm); females, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm). Typical weight: 70 to 80 pounds (31.8 to 36.3 kg).

a long-haired breed related to the Belgian sheepdog. It is a strong, muscular dog with a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and a thick tail. The moderately harsh coat is fawn to mahogany with black markings on the shoulders, back, legs, tip of the tail, and forming a mask on the face. The Belgian Tervuren is intelligent and makes a good guard dog and companion. Ideal height: males, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm); females, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm). Typical weight: 70 to 80 pounds (31.8 to 36.3 kg).

a fast, strong breed used to handle livestock. The dog has a deep chest, broad head, straight, muscular forelegs, and wide-set hind legs with feathering. The black, gray, or blue merle coat is dense and curly. The border collie is quite territorial and can be stubborn. Typical height: 17 to 21 inches (43.2 to 53.3 cm). Typical weight: 30 to 50 pounds (13.6 to 22.7 kg). Females are slightly smaller. This breed is recognized by the UKC, but not the AKC; it can, however, compete in AKC shows in the miscellaneous class.

a cattle-herding dog from Belgium. The high-set ears are cropped or left natural and the tail is docked. The rough coat is fawn, salt and pepper, gray, black, or brindle. The hair on the face forms eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache. The Bouvier des Flandres makes a good watchdog, family pet, and guide dog for the blind. Ideal height: males, 24.5 to 27.5 inches (62.2 to 69.9 cm); females, 23.5 to 26.5 inches (59.7 to 67.3 cm). Typical weight: 75 to 95 pounds (34.0 to 43.1 kg).

a French sheepdog. It has high-set ears and a long, feathered tail that turns up at the tip. The shaggy double coat is black, gray, or tawny. The hair hangs down over the eyes and ears, and forms a mustache and beard. The briard can be stubborn and independent, and needs vigorous exercise and frequent grooming. Ideal height: males, 23 to 27 inches (58.4 to 68.6 cm); females, 22 to 25.5 inches (55.9 to 64.8 cm). Typical weight: 75 to 90 pounds (34.0 to 40.8 kg).

a small breed originally used to herd cattle in Wales. It is a low-set, heavy-boned dog with short legs and a long body. It has large, pointed ears and a bushy tail. The dense coat is red, sable, brindle, black, black and tan, blue merle, or blue merle and tan, with white markings on the head, neck, chest, legs, and tail. The dog is playful and makes a good companion and watchdog. Ideal height: 10.5 to 12.5 inches (26.7 to 31.8 cm). Ideal weight: males, 30 to 38 pounds (13.6 to 17.2 kg); females, 25 to 34 pounds (11.3 to 15.4 kg).

a long-haired sheepdog of Scotland. It is among the most popular breeds in the United States. The collie has a narrow, wedge-shaped head; almond-shaped eyes; semi-prick ears; and a long, bushy tail. The coat is sable and white; tricolor; blue merle; or white with sable, blue merle, or tricolor markings. Two varieties are recognized by the AKC: (1) rough-coated; and (2) smooth-coated. The collie is intelligent and active, and makes a good watchdog or family pet. Ideal height: males, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm); females, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm). Ideal weight: males, 60 to 75 pounds (27.2 to 34.1 kg); females, 50 to 65 pounds (22.7 to 29.5 kg).

See, in this list, Cardigan Welsh Corgi; Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

a versatile, short-haired breed noted for its intelligence and courage. It is popular as a pet, watchdog, and guide dog for the blind, and is used in police work. The German shepherd dog has a muscular build; pointed, erect ears; a wedge-shaped muzzle; and a long, bushy tail. The harsh double coat is black, tan, black and tan, or grayish-silver. Ideal height: males, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm); females, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm). Typical weight: 65 to 90 pounds (29.5 to 40.8 kg).

a shaggy breed originally used in England to drive sheep and cattle to market. It has a short tail, hanging ears, and comparatively small feet. The thick double coat covers the eyes and ears, and is gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, with patches of white. The old English sheepdog is affectionate and makes a good companion. Ideal height: to 24 inches (61.0 cm). Typical weight: 65 to 90 pounds (29.5 to 40.8 kg).

similar to the Cardigan Welsh corgi but with smaller ears, a more tapering muzzle, and a shorter tail. The harsh, straight coat is red, sable, fawn, tan, or black, often with white markings. The Pembroke Welsh corgi is energetic and playful. I deal height: 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm). I deal weight: males, to 30 pounds (13.6 kg); females, to 28 pounds (12.7 kg).

a medium-sized Hungarian dog that was originally bred to tend sheep. It has a unique double coat—as the dog matures, the two coats become matted, forming long, tightly curled cords that cover the face, tail, body, and legs. The puli has a compact body with hanging, V-shaped ears and a short tail that curls up at the tip. It is energetic and makes a very protective watchdog. I deal height: males, 16 to 18 inches (40.6 to 45.7 cm); females, 15 to 17 inches (38.1 to 43.2 cm). Typical weight: 30 pounds (13.6 kg).

or Sheltie, a breed resembling a miniature rough-coated collie. It has a wedge-shaped head, semi-prick ears, and a long, bushy tail. The thick coat is feathered on the legs and forms a ruff around the neck. The coat is black, blue merle, or sable, with white, tan, or white-and-tan markings. The dog is gentle and easily trained, and makes a good watchdog and companion. I deal height: 13 to 16 inches (33.0 to 40.6 cm). Typical weight: 20 pounds (9.1 kg).