1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador is a protective and playful breed that, in recent years, has become one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Born with black, yellow, or chocolate coats, Labs are known for their easy trainability, natural good nature, and intelligence. A medium-sized dog, Labrador Retrievers are often seen with children and in families, due to their friendliness.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire terriers, also known as ‘Yorkies’, are a small breed of dog with a coat of black and tan colors. Active and playful, they are as tough as they are tiny. Yorkshire Terriers are protective and easily trainable despite their antics.
3. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd (or the Alsatian) has consistently been one of the top ten dogs in the United States as it is used quite extensively in the law enforcement and handicapped communities. Shepherds are loyal to the extreme and can be trained for almost anything, historically including breeding, attacking, and defending. German Shepherds are medium to large in size with pointed ears and a black/tan mixture in color.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are a medium-sized breed that consistently tops most-loved family pet lists. They are known for their natural abilities with children and families and their instinctive affectionate mannerisms. Golden Retrievers are golden in color (big surprise) and are very athetic.
5. Beagle
Beagles are small shorthaird hounds with long, floppy ears. Their coats are a combination of tan, black, and white, and are known for their distinctive baying bark at any sound of an intruder. Beagles are friendly and lovable, with their tails almost constantly wagging.
6. Boxer
Boxers are a small- to medium-sized breed, known for their fearless courage if threatened. They are very intelligent and were originally named for the way they stood on their hind legs when entering a fight, like a boxer. Boxers are friendly in nature and truly are the epitome of a ‘people dog’.
7. Dachshund
The Dachshund, or ‘wiener dog’ (named for its shape), is a tiny, short-legged, and long-bodied breed that are universally loved by their owners. These ‘wiener dogs’ notorious for their stubborn personalities and their constant alert state. Dachshunds are curious, persistent, and always enjoy activities with their owners.
8. English Bulldog
Bulldogs (or, more correctly, English Bulldogs) are stubborn yet docile dogs with an iron grip when they bite. They are short and stocky, with a coat of tan, black, white, liver, or a combination. Bulldogs are very devoted to their owners and are actually very sweet in nature, contrary to popular belief.
9. Poodle
For centuries, the poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world and a symbol of elegance and luxury. Ranging from small to large in size, the poodle has a tightly curled coat that may come in a variety of colors. Poodles are very outgoing, mild-mannered dogs that enjoy constant company.
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small but tough dogs that are a family favorite. Their naturally long coat can be any combination of colors and are actually classified as the least delicate of all the toy breeds. Shih Tzus are often thought to arrogant in nature but, in reality, they are actually very gentle.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers have often been called the “perfect family pet”. They are known as fierce watchdogs. They are small, but are quite loyal and loving of children. Miniature Schnauzers generally have a salt-and-pepper or black coat and are easily recognizable for their classic beard and long eyebrows.
12. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are known for their remarkably small size, but what many do not know is that they sincerely love other Chihuahuas’ company. They are well-equipped for living with apartment-dwellers or the elderly and, conversely, do not do well with children’s rough play. In fact, Chihuahuas were considered sacred in ancient Mexican cultures.
13. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a breed known for its spunk, personality, and generally pleasant nature. They are small dogs and come in a variety of coat colors. Pomeranians bark often, becoming very efficient watchdogs (though they often can’t back up their aggressive façade).
14. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are spectacular guard dogs that have natural protective instincts. Though sometimes maligned due to their infamous aggression, with the proper training, they make unsurpassable companions. In appearance, Rottweilers are medium-sized black dogs with rust marks throughout their coat.
15. Pug
Pugs’ small bodies seem to explode with enthusiasm and affection for their owners. They are small dogs known for their unique deep wrinkles on their foreheads and tightly twisted tail. Pugs come in many different hues, including apricot, black, fawn, and silver.
16. Pointer
The Pointer, or English pointer, is a highly-qualified hunting companion most known for ‘pointing’ when it spies its quarry. With medium-sized builds, Pointers are intelligent and loyal. They are built for hunting, with an exceptional sense of smell and an instinctual competitive drive.
17. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is one of the few truly American breeds, known for their gentle temperament and neatness. They are relatively small in size and, coupled with their personalities, they make excellent companions for the elderly and children. Boston Terriers are also quite intelligent and easy to train.
18. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a relatively new breed, created for the sole purpose of becoming a fierce guard dog. In recent years however, this breed has mellowed down and become quite the companion can even become a family dog, with the proper training. Doberman Pinschers are large dogs with a high level of intelligence and dominant traits, making it not the best breed for the first-time dog owner, but quite the loyal canine if brought up right.
19. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or the Sheltie, looks like a miniature collie and has a very level temperament. Shelties love to work and have proven themselves to be excellent watchdogs. Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and, because they are small and loving, are excellent dogs for children, other pets, and apartment living.
20. Maltese
Malteses are small dogs with quite the history, as they have been connected with nobility in the past. Malteses tend to be quiet and are easily trained, making them perfect pets for the elderly. They are also renowned for their devotion and ability to be active when necessary, despite their naturally docile personalities.
Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:18 pm
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