Skip to main content

Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory

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

Browse by size

Showing 40 of 223 species(124)

Basenji

Basenji

Intermediate

The 'barkless dog' from Africa. Cat-like in cleanliness and grooming habits.

IntermediateMediumBarkless
Bearded Collie

Bearded Collie

Intermediate

An all-weather herding dog trademarked by its beard. Calm, intelligent and popular as a family dog.

IntermediateMediumHerding dog
Border Collie

Border Collie

Intermediate

Considered the most intelligent of all breeds. Extraordinary focus and athleticism.

IntermediateMediumMost intelligent

Bull Terrier

Intermediate

Distinctive egg-shaped head. Playful and humorous but stubborn. Muscular build.

IntermediateMediumDistinctive
Croatian Sheepdog

Croatian Sheepdog

Intermediate

A Croatian herding dog with strongly developed gathering and guarding instincts. Alert, modest and easy to train.

IntermediateMediumSheepdog
Dutch Schapendoes

Dutch Schapendoes

Intermediate

A long-coated Dutch herding dog that gathered sheep on open heathlands. Cheerful and lively, deeply devoted to its people.

IntermediateMediumSheepdog
English Bulldog

English Bulldog

Intermediate

Stocky build with wrinkled face. Extremely gentle despite tough appearance.

IntermediateMediumGentle
English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Intermediate

A historic spaniel named for its springing dash after game. Friendly, cheerful and biddable.

IntermediateMediumGun dog
Field Spaniel

Field Spaniel

Intermediate

The oldest of the land spaniels and the archetype of the family. A docile, active breed revived from the brink of extinction.

IntermediateMediumSpaniel
German Pinscher

German Pinscher

Intermediate

An old German breed sharing its ancestry with the Schnauzer. Cheerful, lively and self-assured, an all-round family companion.

IntermediateMediumWatchdog
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Intermediate

A rough-coated French scent hound founded on the Grand Griffon. Fast, brave and a passionate hunter.

IntermediateMediumScent hound
Harrier

Harrier

Intermediate

An English scenthound between the Beagle and Foxhound in size. Good-natured, agile and full of stamina.

IntermediateMediumScenthound
Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Intermediate

One of Ireland's oldest terriers with a soft wheaten coat. Cheerful, affectionate and non-aggressive.

IntermediateMediumTerrier
Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier

Intermediate

Ireland's oldest terrier in a fiery red coat. Loyal and gentle with people, utterly fearless when needed.

IntermediateMediumTerrier
Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel

Intermediate

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

IntermediateMediumSpaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier

Intermediate

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

IntermediateMediumTerrier
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
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
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
Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound

Intermediate

The national dog of Malta with roots in ancient Egyptian hunting dogs. Noble in bearing, agile, and friendly.

IntermediateMediumHunting dog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Intermediate

An old Polish herding breed said to be an ancestor of the Bearded Collie. Lively yet composed, with an excellent memory.

IntermediateMediumHerding dog
Porcelaine

Porcelaine

Intermediate

A French scenthound with a pure white coat like fine porcelain. Full of distinction with a high-quality build.

IntermediateMediumScenthound

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.