Skip to main content

Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory

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

Browse by size

Showing 36 of 223 species(124)

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

Beginner

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

BeginnerSmallCompanion
Australian Silky Terrier

Australian Silky Terrier

Intermediate

A small Australian terrier with a beautiful silky coat. Keen, alert and lively.

IntermediateSmallTerrier
Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier

Beginner

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

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier

Intermediate

British small terrier with distinctive lamb-like curly coat. Gentle and affectionate yet athletic.

SmallLow-allergenActive
Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

Beginner

Cheerful small dog with white curly coat. Low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Social and joyful personality.

Beginner-friendlySmallHypoallergenic
Border Terrier

Border Terrier

Beginner

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

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

Beginner

The 'American Gentleman' with a tuxedo-like coat pattern. Cheerful, friendly, and great for city living.

Beginner-friendlySmallFriendly
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Beginner

Gentle spaniel with large eyes and silky ears. Extremely affectionate and gets along with everyone.

Beginner-friendlySmallGentle
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
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
Dachshund

Dachshund

Beginner

Distinctive long-bodied, short-legged hunting dog. Curious, playful, and available in three sizes.

Beginner-friendlySmallDistinctive
Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Intermediate

Scottish terrier with distinctive top-knot and long-bodied short-legged build. Gentle and endearing.

SmallRareIndependent
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
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.

BeginnerSmallSpitz
Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Intermediate

Energetic terrier with boundless energy. Curious, brave, and extremely athletic.

IntermediateSmallEnergetic
Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz

Beginner

Japanese-origin dog with fluffy white coat and smile-like expression. Cheerful, loyal, and good watchdog.

Beginner-friendlySmallJapanese breed
Japanese Terrier

Japanese Terrier

Intermediate

Rare Japanese small breed with distinctive black-and-white smooth tricolor coat. Active and loyal.

SmallRareJapanese
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
Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terrier

Intermediate

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

IntermediateSmallTerrier
Lancashire Heeler

Lancashire Heeler

Beginner

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

BeginnerSmallCattle dog
Lowchen

Lowchen

Intermediate

A bichon-type companion famed for its lion clip. Intelligent, affectionate and full of life.

IntermediateSmallCompanion
Manchester Terrier

Manchester Terrier

Beginner

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

BeginnerSmallTerrier
Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer

Beginner

Distinctive bearded small dog with low-shedding coat. Smart, trainable, and excellent watchdog.

Beginner-friendlySmallLow-allergen

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.