Your dog's breed (or best-guess mix) shapes our preventive care recommendations: which conditions to screen for, when to discuss spay/neuter timing, and what 'normal' looks like.
Browse our breed guides below for personality, exercise and grooming needs, and the health conditions each breed is prone to. Have a rescue or a wonderful mutt? Both parent breeds' lists apply until the individual dog proves otherwise — and we build the health picture from the dog in front of us.
All guides (57)
Afghan HoundsAfghan Hounds are aristocratic sighthounds in silk coats — independent, sensitive, and breathtakingly fast, with the special care needs of a lean desert athlete. Learn more about the Afghan Hound dog breed.Read the guide
AkitasAkita dogs are a large and loyal breed loved by many, but are they right for you? Read the guide to learn about their personality, behavior, and care needs.Read the guide
Alaskan MalamutesAlaskan Malamutes are large, powerful spitz dogs with a gentle disposition. Learn more about Alaskan Malamute behavior and breed characteristics in this guide.Read the guide
American BulldogsThe American Bulldog is a lovably tough, mastiff-type dog that's equal parts muscle and heart. Read our guide to learn all about the American Bulldog.Read the guide
American Staffordshire TerriersAmerican Staffordshire Terriers, better known as Pit Bulls, are an athletic and affectionate family dog breed. Get to know the American Pit Bull in our breed guide.Read the guide
Australian ShepherdsAustralian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and endlessly lovable herding dogs. Is an Aussie right for you? Find out in our Australian Shepherd breed guide.Read the guide
BasenjisBasenjis are distinguished by their "barkless" vocalizations and distinctive looks. Learn the ins and outs of Basenji behavior and characteristics in our guide.Read the guide
Basset HoundsWhile Basset Hounds are widely loved, they present a few challenges for their owners. Learn all about Bassett Hound behavior and personality in our breed guide.Read the guide
BeaglesDiscover the Beagle breed's charm and quirks in our comprehensive guide. From hound history to health concerns, we've got you covered! Read on to learn more.Read the guide
Bearded ColliesQuick-witted and lively, Bearded Collie dogs can be perfect family companions. Read on to learn the ins and outs of Bearded Collies with our expert guide.Read the guide
Belgian MalinoisUncover the Belgian Malinois breed's exceptional intelligence and loyalty in our comprehensive guide. Learn breed characteristics, pros and cons, and more.Read the guide
Bernese Mountain DogsBernese Mountain Dogs are the true gentle giants of the dog world. Learn all the facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs and their characteristics in our guide.Read the guide
Bichon FriseBichon Frise pack a lot of personality into a small, fluffy package. Get to know them and learn about Bichon Frise behavior and personality in this guide.Read the guide
Border ColliesBorder Collies are working dogs with a strong tendency to herd anything and everything around them. Read about the pros and cons of owning a Collie in our guide.Read the guide
Boston TerriersWith their signature 'tuxedo' coat, Boston Terriers have become a widely loved small breed. Learn the ins and outs of their personalities and needs in our guide.Read the guide
BoxersStrong and sturdy Boxers have become a favorite breed for active owners. Learn all about the energetic Boxer breed in our comprehensive guide.Read the guide
Cairn TerriersCairn Terriers are small in size but big in personality. Get a glimpse into the Cairn Terrier's personality and learn all about this unique breed in our guide.Read the guide
Cardigan Welsh CorgisWelsh Corgis are a sweet but mischievous breed that can fit into just about any household. Learn about the challenges and charms of Corgi dogs in our guide.Read the guide
Cavalier King Charles SpanielsOutgoing and affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can make the perfect addition to many families. Find out more about the Cavalier Spaniel in our guide.Read the guide
ChihuahuasSmall but mighty, Chihuahuas are a ton of energy and personality in a tiny package. Read all about the characteristics and traits of Chihuahuas in our guide.Read the guide
Chinese Shar-PeisRegal and independent Chinese Shar-Peis have unique pros and cons that potential pet owners should be aware of. Learn all about the breed in our guide.Read the guide
Chow ChowsChow Chows are known for their dignified demeanors and lion-like appearances. Read on to learn the ins and outs of the breed and if a Chow is right for you.Read the guide
Cocker SpanielsThough Cocker Spaniels are widely known for their sweet and gentle demeanors, they do present a few challenges to owners. Learn all about Cocker Spaniels here.Read the guide
DachshundsDachshunds, with their distinctive elongated bodies and spirited personalities, are a breed that's as charming as they are energetic. Learn all about them here.Read the guide
DalmatiansDalmatian dogs, known for their iconic spots and playful nature, bring elegance and boundless energy to any household. Read about Dalmatian behavior traits now.Read the guide
Doberman PinschersDoberman Pinscher dogs, renowned for their intelligence and loyalty, are a striking blend of grace, power, and affection. Get to know them in our guide.Read the guide
English BulldogsSweet, easygoing, and dependable Bulldogs have become loved by many. Learn what traits make English Bulldogs a great family companion in our Bulldog guide.Read the guide
English Springer SpanielsEnglish Springer Spaniel dogs, characterized by their boundless enthusiasm and gentle demeanor, embody the perfect blend of charm and athleticism. Learn more.Read the guide
French BulldogsFrench Bulldogs exude a captivating mix of charm and companionship. Learn all about French Bulldog personality traits and health concerns in our breed guide.Read the guide
German Shepherd DogsThe German Shepherd Dog, known for its intelligence and loyalty, is a dignified breed that excels in protection and companion roles. Learn more about GSDs.Read the guide
Golden RetrieversGolden Retrievers epitomize the perfect balance of intelligence, affection, and adaptability. Learn about their personalities and breed characteristics here.Read the guide
Great DanesGreat Danes embody a majestic yet amiable breed, offering both impressive presence and unwavering devotion as companions. Learn the ins and outs of Great Danes.Read the guide
Great PyreneesGreat Pyrenees, known for their majestic appearance and guardian instincts, are a noble breed loved by many. Get to know Pyrenees dogs in this guide.Read the guide
GreyhoundsGreyhound dogs make great companions due to their sleek athleticism and gentle temperament. Read the guide to learn the pros and cons of owning a Greyhound.Read the guide
Labrador RetrieversLabrador Retrievers, renowned for their friendly disposition and boundless enthusiasm, are the quintessential family dog. Learn why in our complete guide.Read the guide
MalteseMaltese dogs are most known for their luxurious white coats and sweet personalities. Take a deep dive into the traits of Maltese in this breed guide.Read the guide
MastiffsMastiffs are gentle giants — calm, devoted guardians whose enormous size comes with specific health needs every owner should know. Learn more about the Mastiff dog breed.Read the guide
Miniature SchnauzersMiniature Schnauzers are a small and spirited breed known for their distinctive bushy eyebrows, wiry double coat, and affable demeanor. Read on to learn more.Read the guide
NewfoundlandsNewfoundland dogs, characterized by their massive size, strength, and thick water-resistant coat, are a gentle and dependable working breed. Learn more here.Read the guide
Old English SheepdogsGet to know the Old English Sheepdog, distinguished by its shaggy double coat, keen herding instinct, and distinctive bear-like appearance, in our guide.Read the guide
PointersLearn why Pointer dogs, characterized by their sleek and athletic build, are renowned for their hunting skills and unwavering pointing stance in this breed guide.Read the guide
PomeraniansGet to know Pomeranian dogs and learn why this small, lively toy breed is so often chosen as delightful companions in this complete breed guide.Read the guide
PoodlesPoodles — standard, miniature, and toy — are brilliant, athletic, low-shedding companions whose health picture varies by size. Learn more about the Poodle dog breed.Read the guide
PugsPug dogs, recognized by their compact yet sturdy build and distinctive wrinkled face, are known for their sociable nature and gentle temperament. Learn more.Read the guide
RottweilersRottweiler dogs, characterized by their robust and muscular appearance, are a confident and loyal breed. Learn about the breed's pros and cons in this guide.Read the guide
Saint BernardsSaint Bernard dogs are prized for their strength, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Learn what other characteristics make the breed popular in our guide.Read the guide
SalukisSalukis are ancient desert sighthounds — elegant, gentle, and blazingly fast, with the special sensitivities of a lean-bodied athlete. Learn more about the Saluki dog breed.Read the guide
SamoyedsSamoyeds are the smiling sled dogs — sociable, hardworking family companions in spectacular white coats, with a few important genetic health notes. Learn more about the Samoyed dog breed.Read the guide
Scottish TerriersGet to know Scottish Terrier dogs, a small, dignified breed characterized by their wiry coat, erect ears, and distinctive beard, in this breed guide.Read the guide
Shetland SheepdogsShetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as "Shelties," are a small herding breed distinguished by their double coat, intelligence, and agility. Read more.Read the guide
Shiba InuShiba Inus are bold, fox-faced independents — clean, clever, and famously opinionated. Learn more about the Shiba Inu dog breed.Read the guide
Shih TzuShih Tzu dogs are a small toy breed originally bred as companion animals for Chinese royalty, prized for their affectionate and amiable temperament. Learn more.Read the guide
Siberian HuskySiberian Huskies are prized for their endurance, sled-pulling abilities, and friendly disposition. Learn what other traits make up this remarkable breed.Read the guide
VizslasVizsla dogs are a versatile and affectionate hunting breed renowned for their keen senses, boundless energy, and unwavering loyalty. Learn more in our guide.Read the guide
West Highland White TerriersWest Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, are a small and distinctive breed with a crisp white coat and perky ears. Learn all about the breed here.Read the guide
Wirehaired Fox TerriersWirehaired Fox Terriers, characterized by their wiry, weather-resistant coat and lively expression, are a spirited and determined terrier breed. Learn more.Read the guide
Yorkshire TerriersYorkshire Terriers, often referred to as Yorkies, are a small toy breed renowned for their silky blue and tan coats. Learn what makes them great companions.Read the guide
Questions about anything here? Contact our team — we’re glad to help.