Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular dog breeds with traits, temperament, and care guides.
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Showing 53 of 223 species(1–24)
Afghan Hound
One of the most elegant breeds. Extremely independent sighthound.
Airedale Terrier
The King of Terriers, largest of all terriers. Outgoing, confident and fearless.
Akita Inu
Japan's iconic breed, famous for Hachiko. Dignified and loyal. National treasure.
American Foxhound
An American scent hound founded on dogs kept by George Washington. Gentle, friendly and full of stamina.
Azawakh
A slim, elegant sighthound of Saharan nomads. Gentle and affectionate with its family.
Beauceron
France's large sheepdog nicknamed the Red Stocking. Frank, fearless and bold.
Belgian Shepherd Dog
Belgium's versatile sheepdog with four coat varieties. Watchful, vigorous and an outstanding guardian.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Swiss Alpine breed with beautiful tricolor coat. Gentle and loving. Unfortunately short-lived.
Black and Tan Coonhound
America's scent hound famed for raccoon hunting. Outgoing and friendly.
Bloodhound
The most powerful of scent hounds with an extraordinary nose. Gentle and deeply devoted to its master.
Borzoi
Elegant sighthound beloved by Russian royalty. Extremely calm at home.
Bouvier des Flandres
A rugged cattle-driving dog from the Flanders region of Belgium and France. Calm, bold and level-headed.
Boxer
Muscular with expressive face. Playful and loyal. Great with kids.
Briard
A long-coated French sheepdog that served the French army in both World Wars. Steady and courageous, neither aggressive nor timid.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The only retriever developed outside Britain. A tough retriever that works on land and in water under the harshest weather.
Clumber Spaniel
The heaviest of the spaniels, developed at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Calm, thoughtful and a famously quiet worker.
Curly-Coated Retriever
One of the earliest retriever breeds to be recognized. A versatile hunting retriever distinguished by its tight curly coat.
Doberman Pinscher
Sleek, muscular, and elegant. Extremely intelligent and loyal guard dog.
Dogo Argentino
A pure white big-game hunting dog created by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. Cheerful and docile at home, clever and brave on the hunt.
English Pointer
The quintessential bird dog, hailed as one of Britain's masterpiece breeds. Aristocratic, alert, kind and even-tempered.
Estrela Mountain Dog
One of the oldest breeds of the Iberian Peninsula, guarding flocks from wolves in the Estrela mountains. Outstandingly devoted and loyal to its master.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Glossy flat coat with eternally youthful personality. 'Peter Pan of dogs.'.
German Shepherd
World-renowned police and military dog. Highly intelligent, loyal, and athletic.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Versatile German gun dog, athletic and intelligent. Excellent family companion with high stamina.
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.