Skip to main content

Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory

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

Browse by size

Showing 19 of 223 species

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier

Intermediate

The King of Terriers, largest of all terriers. Outgoing, confident and fearless.

IntermediateLargeTerrier
American Foxhound

American Foxhound

Intermediate

An American scent hound founded on dogs kept by George Washington. Gentle, friendly and full of stamina.

IntermediateLargeScent hound
Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhound

Intermediate

America's scent hound famed for raccoon hunting. Outgoing and friendly.

IntermediateLargeScent hound
Border Terrier

Border Terrier

Beginner

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

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel

Intermediate

French hunting dog from Brittany region. Energetic and smart, perfect outdoor activity partner.

Medium breedHunting dogOutdoor
Cirneco dell\'Etna

Cirneco dell\'Etna

Intermediate

Ancient breed from around Mount Etna, Sicily. Slim body and large erect ears, a rare hunting dog.

Small-medium breedHunting dogAncient breed
Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino

Advanced

A pure white big-game hunting dog created by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. Cheerful and docile at home, clever and brave on the hunt.

AdvancedLargeHunting dog
English Setter

English Setter

Intermediate

Setter with elegant long coat and gentle temperament. Called the gentleman's dog with beautiful coat and kind eyes.

Large breedSetterElegant
German Hunting Terrier

German Hunting Terrier

Advanced

Germany's versatile hunting terrier, boldly going to ground after quarry. Courageous, tough and fiery in temperament.

AdvancedSmallTerrier
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
Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terrier

Intermediate

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

IntermediateSmallTerrier
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
Parson Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terrier

Intermediate

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

IntermediateSmallTerrier
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
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Intermediate

The lion dog of southern Africa, crowned by the ridge of backward-growing hair on its back. Dignified and intelligent, with great speed and endurance.

IntermediateLargeHunting dog
Standard Dachshund

Standard Dachshund

Beginner

The original and largest Dachshund variety. Originally bred for badger hunting, brave and active.

Medium breedHunting dogBeginner friendly
Thai Ridgeback Dog

Thai Ridgeback Dog

Intermediate

An old Thai hunting dog with a ridge of reversed hair along its back. Enduring, agile and a superb jumper, loyal and well suited as a family dog.

IntermediateMediumHunting dog
Weimaraner

Weimaraner

Intermediate

The 'Grey Ghost.' Extremely attached to owner; prone to separation anxiety.

IntermediateLargeSilver-grey

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.