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Dog Breed Listings A - E

Let's face it, every dog breed is different. They each have their own look, their own personality and their own special care needs. Our dog breed experts have compiled the latest and greatest information, photos and tips for almost every breed. Select your favorite breed or just explore in this ultimate breed resource.

Here are a handful of featured breeds to get to know. Or select one from the list on the right.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher (which means “monkey terrier” in German) originated in Europe as a farm dog, flushing rats out of stables and tracking game in the countryside. Over time, Affenpinschers were bred smaller and became popular home companions; however, they still helped keep pesky mice and rats away...   [ ]

Afghan Hound

Westerners discovered Afghan Hounds in 19th-century Afghanistan, where they had been prized hunting and herding dogs for several thousand years. Nimble, strong and quick-footed over Afghanistan’s rugged landscapes, these dogs guarded livestock and hunted gazelles and leopards...   [ ]

Ainu Dog

Also known as the Hokkaido Dog, the Ainu Dog first appeared in Japan when the Asian Ainu tribe arrived there thousands of years ago. For centuries, these Spitz-type dogs were praised for being dependable guardians and companions...   [ ]

Airedale Terrier

Named for the valley of Aire in England, Airedale Terriers were developed from different hunting and swimming terriers to catch otters and other small game, in addition to curbing the rat population. Commonly used as police, military and farm dogs in the mid-19th century, Airdale Terriers also joined many hunting expeditions to Africa, Canada and India...   [ ]

Akbash

The Akbash—named after the Turkish word for “white head”—is an ancient herding breed from Turkey. Though its exact origins are unknown, the Akbash is believed to date back several thousand years...   [ ]

Akita

Bred to be courageous hunters, Akitas originated in the northern mountains of Japan (the Akita region). As their popularity spread throughout the world, they proved to be equally resourceful as police dogs, sledding dogs and guard dogs...   [ ]

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

The Alapaha is descended from the English bulldogs that were brought to America from Britain in the 18th century and the American Bulldog which developed here. The first Alapahas were identified in Georgia in the 19th century...   [ ]

Alaskan Husky

This formidable outdoor dog originated in Alaska where he was bred for sled pulling and sled racing. Alaskan Huskies are a mix of many dogs including the Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, Inuit Husky, Border Collie and more...   [ ]

Alaskan Klee Kai

A relatively new breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in the 1970s by mixing Alaskan sled dogs with the Siberian Husky and various small dogs like the Schipperke. The original breeder, an Alaskan named Linda Spurlin, created the Klee Kai as a more compact and apartment-friendly version of the Alaskan Husky type...   [ ]

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes were named after the Mahlemuts—an Inuit tribe based in the northern part of Alaska. These Arctic dogs, which probably descended from the wolf, were bred to haul sleds and other gear through the snow...   [ ]

American Bulldog

Originally used in the 17th century for bull baiting—a wagering sport in which dogs fought bulls in a ring—Bulldogs had taller, more athletic frames (much like the Olde English Bulldogge). When bull baiting was outlawed in 1835, Bulldogs were bred to be kinder, heavier and more relaxed...   [ ]

American Bullnese

The American Bullnese was created in Florida in the late 1980s by Robert E. Rice, who selected the traits he loved -- humor, amicability, a short snout -- from several existing breeds...   [ ]

American Cocker Spaniel

The term "cocker" comes from the breed's original purpose, which was to hunt woodcock. Spaniels are a very old breed that was developed in Spain; the English Cocker Spaniel was brought to America with our forefathers...   [ ]

See the full list of dog breeds on the right for in-depth detailed description, photos and much more.