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Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular dog breeds with traits, temperament, and care guides.

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Showing 113 of 223 species(4972)

Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel

Intermediate

Ireland's water retriever famous for its rat tail. Proud, bold and a humorous family companion.

IntermediateMediumSpaniel
Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound

Intermediate

Slim, elegant toy sighthound. Gentle and sensitive, forms strong bonds with owners.

IntermediateToyElegant
Italian Pointing Dog

Italian Pointing Dog

Intermediate

Italy's traditional pointing dog depicted in 14th-century frescoes. Docile, intelligent and easy to train.

IntermediateLargePointer
Italian Spinone

Italian Spinone

Intermediate

Italy's versatile gundog with a coarse coat and whiskered face. Sociable, docile and patient.

IntermediateLargePointing dog
Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Intermediate

Energetic terrier with boundless energy. Curious, brave, and extremely athletic.

IntermediateSmallEnergetic
Japanese Terrier

Japanese Terrier

Intermediate

Rare Japanese small breed with distinctive black-and-white smooth tricolor coat. Active and loyal.

SmallRareJapanese
Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier

Intermediate

Ireland's versatile terrier in a beautiful blue coat. Keen, alert and a loyal companion.

IntermediateMediumTerrier
Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo

Intermediate

Italian water dog famous for truffle hunting. Curly coat and gentle temperament make it a wonderful companion.

Medium breedHypoallergenicTruffle dog
Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terrier

Intermediate

An old terrier bred for fox hunting in England's Lake District. Cheerful, fearless and confident.

IntermediateSmallTerrier
Lapponian Herder

Lapponian Herder

Intermediate

A Finnish herding spitz that has driven reindeer across Lapland for centuries. Docile, calm and eager to work.

IntermediateMediumHerding dog
Large Munsterlander

Large Munsterlander

Intermediate

A versatile German gundog that excels in work after the shot. Obedient, trainable and lively.

IntermediateLargeGundog

Leonberger

Intermediate

Lion-like mane on a gentle giant. Calm, patient, and excellent swimmer.

IntermediateGiantLion-like
Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso

Intermediate

Ancient breed kept as sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries. Rich long coat and independent character.

Small breedAncient breedWatchdog
Lowchen

Lowchen

Intermediate

A bichon-type companion famed for its lion clip. Intelligent, affectionate and full of life.

IntermediateSmallCompanion
Mameshiba

Mameshiba

Intermediate

A smaller version of the Shiba Inu. Retains the dignified character of Shiba in a compact, apartment-friendly size.

Small breedJapanese breedApartment friendly
Miniature American Shepherd

Miniature American Shepherd

Intermediate

Smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. Smart and active with high working ability in a compact body.

Medium breedHerding dogActive
Miniature Bull Terrier

Miniature Bull Terrier

Intermediate

Smaller version of the Bull Terrier. Distinctive egg-shaped head and unique expression, mischievous and fun-loving.

Medium breedTerrierUnique
Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher

Intermediate

An energetic breed packed with spirit. Known as the King of Toys with a distinctive proud, hackney-like gait.

Small breedActiveEasy grooming
Mudi

Mudi

Intermediate

Hungary's all-round herding dog, equally at home driving stock, hunting or guarding. Highly intelligent, cheerful and eager to work.

IntermediateMediumHerding dog
Newfoundland

Newfoundland

Intermediate

Gentle giant. Exceptional swimmer with rescue heritage. Especially gentle with children.

IntermediateGiantExcellent swimmer
Norwegian Buhund

Norwegian Buhund

Intermediate

A spitz that has worked Norwegian farms for over two thousand years. Brave, energetic and people-friendly.

IntermediateMediumSpitz
Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Intermediate

One of Scandinavia's oldest spitz breeds, hunting elk since the Viking age. Fearless, energetic and bold.

IntermediateMediumSpitz
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Intermediate

A Canadian retriever that lures ducks within range by playing along the shore. Highly intelligent and patient, with a strong retrieving drive and playful spirit.

IntermediateMediumRetriever
Parson Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier

Intermediate

A working terrier developed by Parson John Russell for fox hunting. Bold, friendly and endlessly active.

IntermediateSmallTerrier

Dog FAQ

How much do dogs cost?
Prices vary by breed. From breeders directly, Toy Poodles typically run 200,000-450,000 yen, Chihuahuas 150,000-350,000 yen, Shiba Inu 120,000-250,000 yen, and large breeds 200,000-500,000 yen, varying with pedigree, coat, and the parents' track record.
What are the benefits of buying from a breeder?
The biggest advantage is being able to see the parent dogs and rearing environment, and to ask directly about temperament, health, and socialization. Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, sellers must show the actual animal at their premises and provide in-person written explanation of care and date of birth before handover.
At what age can I bring home a puppy?
Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, breeders cannot sell or hand over puppies until they are 56 days (8 weeks) old. For the six native Japanese breeds (Shiba, Akita, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, Shikoku) sold directly by specialist breeders, the threshold is 49 days (7 weeks).
How long do dogs live?
Generally, small breeds live 12-16 years, medium breeds 10-14 years, large breeds 10-13 years, and giant breeds 8-10 years. Proper diet, exercise, and regular checkups help extend their healthy lifespan.
What do I need to prepare before getting a dog?
Basics include a pen or crate, toileting supplies, food and bowls, a collar and leash, and grooming items. After bringing the dog home, promptly arrange a vet health check and vaccination plan, plus municipal registration and the required rabies vaccination.