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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 58 of 223 species(124)

American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel

Beginner

Spaniel with abundant coat, famously featured in 'Lady and the Tramp.' Gentle, cheerful, and great with kids.

Beginner-friendlyMediumGentle
American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

Advanced

A muscular, courageous breed with fighting-dog roots, now firmly established as a show dog.

AdvancedMediumTerrier
Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie

Advanced

A tireless sheepdog of Australia's vast stations. Extremely intelligent and deeply loyal.

AdvancedMediumHerding dog
Basenji

Basenji

Intermediate

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

IntermediateMediumBarkless
Beagle

Beagle

Beginner

Famous as Snoopy's breed. Keen-nosed hound with endless curiosity. Cheerful and beloved family dog.

Beginner-friendlyMediumSocial
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
Dutch Shepherd Dog

Dutch Shepherd Dog

Advanced

The versatile herding dog of the Netherlands, also excelling as a police and search dog. Loyal, intelligent and hardworking.

AdvancedMediumHerding dog
English Bulldog

English Bulldog

Intermediate

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

IntermediateMediumGentle
English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

Beginner

Sporting dog with long drop ears and gentle eyes. Cheerful, friendly, and playful with a calm side.

Beginner-friendlyMediumCheerful
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
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 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
Hokkaido Ken

Hokkaido Ken

Advanced

Also called Ainu dog. Hardy breed withstanding extreme cold. Brave enough to face bears.

AdvancedMediumJapanese breed
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
Kai Ken

Kai Ken

Advanced

Japanese breed from Yamanashi with brindle coat. Known for extreme loyalty to one master.

AdvancedMediumJapanese breed

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.