Among the most appealing of the AKC breeds, the endearing and instantly recognizable Basset Hound is a perennial favorite of dog lovers all over the world. This low-slung and low-key hound can be sometimes stubborn, but is always charming.
The Chow Chow, an all-purpose dog of ancient China, presents the picture of a muscular, deep-chested aristocrat with an air of inscrutable timelessness. Dignified, serious-minded, and aloof, the Chow Chow is a breed of unique delights.
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is an extremely intelligent, quick, and obedient herder from Scotland’s remote and rugged Shetland Islands. Shelties bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie.
A purebred dog (or money dog) typically refers to a dog of a modern dog breed with a documented pedigree in a stud book and may be registered with a breed club that may also be part of a national kennel club.
Non-Sporting dogs are made up of a diverse group of breeds with varying sizes, coats, personalities and overall appearance. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds so it is hard to generalize about this group of dogs. From the sturdy Chow Chow, to the compact French Bulldog and the foxlike Keeshond, the differences in features can be vast. Most are good watchdogs and housedogs. Other breeds in this group are the ever-popular Dalmatian, Poodle and Lhasa Apso, and the less common Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel.
Not too big; not too small: These dogs are the definition of a happy medium, and probably why they show up on our list of most popular dogs year after year. Their playful and kind personalities make for excellent additions to families. Some are calmer by nature, like the Bulldog or the Whippet; others are more energetic like the Brittany or the Shetland Sheepdog. No matter what, they’re friendly and obedient, and love to please.
If you like to rough it in freezing temperatures and wet snow, your dog should too. "In general, a dog that thrives in a snowy climate has a dense coat that insulates them from the elements," says Bernadine Cruz, who has worked with arctic dogs as a trail veterinarian for the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and John Beargrease sled-dog races. "Often, northern dog breeds will have a good foundation by virtue of stout furry paws that allow them to traverse icy terrain."
If you live in the mountains or are looking for a furry friend to keep you warm on those single-digit winter camping trips, these are the best dog breeds for cold-weather climates.