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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 20 of 223 species

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

Beginner

A small German companion with a charming monkey-like face. Fearless, alert and devoted.

BeginnerSmallCompanion
Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier

Beginner

A working terrier with a harsh coat and rugged charm. A loyal, even-tempered companion.

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Border Terrier

Border Terrier

Beginner

A modest, brave and tireless little working terrier. An easy, popular family companion.

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Cesky Terrier

Cesky Terrier

Beginner

A Czech hunting terrier created by crossing the Sealyham and Scottish Terriers. Non-aggressive, cheerful and easy to train.

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Chihuahua (Long Coat)

Chihuahua (Long Coat)

Beginner

Considered the world's smallest purebred, a companion dog from Mexico. Graced with elegant fringes on the ears and tail; alert and remarkably courageous.

BeginnerToyLong coat
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Beginner

Considered the world's smallest purebred, a companion dog from Mexico. The sleek smooth coat is easy to care for; alert and remarkably courageous.

BeginnerToySmooth coat
Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear

Beginner

A companion dog from Madagascar with a white cotton-like coat. Cheerful and friendly with people and dogs alike.

BeginnerSmallCompanion
Finnish Lapponian Dog

Finnish Lapponian Dog

Beginner

Finland's reindeer herding dog of the Sami people. Calm, friendly and hugely popular as a family companion.

BeginnerMediumHerding dog
German Spitz

German Spitz

Beginner

Central Europe's oldest breed, descended from Stone Age dogs. Devoted and easy to train, an ideal family companion and watchdog.

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Keeshond

Keeshond

Beginner

A spitz with a lush silver-grey coat and signature spectacles. Loyal, quick to learn and an ideal family dog.

BeginnerMediumSpitz
King Charles Spaniel

King Charles Spaniel

Beginner

The toy spaniel adored by England's King Charles. Reserved, gentle and affectionate.

BeginnerSmallToy spaniel
Kooikerhondje

Kooikerhondje

Beginner

The Dutch decoy dog that lures ducks with its waving tail. Cheerful, good-natured and friendly.

BeginnerSmallDuck decoy dog
Lancashire Heeler

Lancashire Heeler

Beginner

A small British cattle dog equally handy at ratting. Brave, cheerful and deeply devoted to its owner.

BeginnerSmallCattle dog
Manchester Terrier

Manchester Terrier

Beginner

A sleek English terrier in jet black with rich mahogany tan. Keen, cheerful and devoted.

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Petit Brabancon

Petit Brabancon

Beginner

A short-coated small companion from Belgium. Loved for its almost human expression and deep devotion to its owner.

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Prazsky Krysarik

Prazsky Krysarik

Beginner

The Prague Ratter, once cherished in the courts of Bohemian nobility. One of the world's smallest breeds, yet lively and noble.

BeginnerToyCompanion
Russian Toy

Russian Toy

Beginner

One of the world's smallest companions, developed independently in Russia. Active, remarkably cheerful and light on its long legs.

BeginnerToyCompanion
Smooth Collie

Smooth Collie

Beginner

A herding dog nearly identical to the Rough Collie except for its easy-care short coat. Cheerful, friendly and well suited to family life.

BeginnerLargeHerding dog
Sussex Spaniel

Sussex Spaniel

Beginner

A spaniel from Sussex, England, famed for hunting with a clear, bell-like voice. Gentle-natured and well suited to family life.

BeginnerMediumSpaniel
Toy Manchester Terrier

Toy Manchester Terrier

Beginner

An elegant terrier miniaturized in 19th-century England for ratting. Its glossy black and tan coat is strikingly beautiful.

BeginnerSmallTerrier

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.