Breed library
Find your kind of dog.
200 breeds with honest profiles: real sizes, daily exercise, grooming time and how they live with children, other dogs and small homes.

Refine your shortlist
Tell us about everyday life with your future dog. We’ll explain the matches, the trade-offs and what we don’t know.
0 of 9 answered. Answer what matters to you; every question is optional.
How matching works & data limitations
“Lifestyle fit” puts fewer flagged trade-offs first, then fewer missing data points, then more matching preferences. Ties are alphabetical. Hard filters are never silently relaxed. This is a shortlist, not a suitability percentage or a behavioural prediction.
We use the existing 1–5 breed-profile scores. Higher scores (4–5) are used for apartment living, trainability, children, other dogs and alone tolerance; lower scores (1–2) for grooming, shedding and barking. Gentle activity matches energy 1–2, regular activity 1–3, and an active routine 4–5. Unanswered questions and unrestricted preferences do not add points. House size and previous experience are context, not automatic bonuses.
Breed scores are awaiting editorial verification. Health, costs, the dog’s age, history and individual temperament are not assessed here. Cat compatibility is unknown. Meet the individual dog and discuss its needs with the rescue or responsible breeder.
RSPCA: choosing a pet for your familyYour answers stay in this page’s URL; sharing the link also shares these answers. No account is required.
200 breeds

Golden Retriever
A soft-mouthed Scottish gundog that treats every visitor as a friend and every sock as a gift.
large · high energy
Labrador Retriever
Bred to haul nets in icy Atlantic water, now the family dog that never stops thinking about lunch.
large · high energy
French Bulldog
A compact clown with bat ears whose flat face shapes nearly every decision about exercise, heat and feeding.
small · low energy
Dachshund
A badger hunter shrunk to lap size, with a long spine that shapes almost every care decision you make.
small · moderate energy
Border Collie
Possibly the most gifted working mind in dogs, and it needs a job every single day.
medium · high energy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle lap spaniel with royal portraits in its past and a heart that deserves careful watching.
small · moderate energy
German Shepherd
A working mind in a wolfish frame, bred to take instructions and happiest when it has a job to finish.
large · high energy
Cockapoo
Part spaniel, part poodle, the Cockapoo is a sociable, playful companion with a coat that never lets you skip grooming.
small · high energy
Affenpinscher
Barely 4 kg of confidence, a monkey-faced stable ratter that behaves as if nobody told it how small it is.
toy · moderate energy
Afghan Hound
An elegant sighthound in a floor-length coat that asks for hours of care every single week.
large · high energy
Airedale Terrier
The largest terrier, bred by Yorkshire workers to hunt otters and rats, and later trusted with wartime messages.
large · high energy
Akita
Dignified, quiet and fiercely loyal, the Akita adores its family and has little interest in anyone else.
large · moderate energy
Alaskan Klee Kai
All the husky looks at a fraction of the size, with a far more cautious personality than most people expect.
small · high energy
Alaskan Malamute
A freight-hauling Arctic dog built for strength and stamina, with a talkative streak and a mind of its own.
large · high energy
American Bully
A muscular American companion breed whose friendly nature is best served by moderate build and careful breeding choices.
large · moderate energy
American Cocker Spaniel
The smallest American sporting spaniel, famous for a flowing coat that demands nearly as much attention as the dog.
medium · moderate energy
American Eskimo Dog
A German spitz renamed in America, once a circus star, now a bright and vocal family watchdog.
medium · high energy
American Foxhound
America's own pack hound, bred for all-day stamina and a voice that carries across whole valleys.
large · high energy
Shortlists
- Best companion toy breeds: 10 dogs bred purely to be close company
- Best crossbreeds for families: 6 popular hybrids with real family appeal
- Best dogs for agility: 10 breeds built for speed, focus, and quick learning
- Best dogs for apartments: 9 breeds that settle happily in small spaces
- Best dogs for busy people: 9 breeds that tolerate an inconsistent schedule
- Best dogs for camping: 10 breeds built for nights outdoors
- Best dogs for canicross and bikejoring: 10 breeds built to pull and run
- Best dogs for city life: 10 breeds that handle noise, elevators, and small spaces well
- Best dogs for cold climates: 9 breeds built for real winters
More shortlists (51)
- Best dogs for first-time owners: 9 breeds that forgive a learning curve
- Best dogs for gardens and yards: 10 breeds that make good use of outdoor space
- Best dogs for homes with kids and cats: 10 breeds that tend to handle both well
- Best dogs for hot climates: 9 breeds built to handle real heat
- Best dogs for large families: 10 breeds that handle noise and chaos well
- Best dogs for multi-dog homes: 9 breeds that welcome a second dog
- Best dogs for older owners: 9 breeds built for a steadier pace
- Best dogs for quiet homes: 10 breeds with naturally low energy and low barking
- Best dogs for singles: 10 breeds suited to a one person household
- Best dogs for teenagers: 10 breeds that suit an active, growing handler
- Best dogs for working from home: 9 breeds that settle quietly nearby
- Best dogs for young children: 9 breeds known for patience and sturdiness
- Best family dogs: 9 breeds built for a busy, noisy household
- Best farm dogs: 10 breeds built to work outdoors every day
- Best herding breeds for active homes: 10 dogs that need a genuine daily job
- Best hiking dogs: 9 breeds built for hours on the trail
- Best lap dogs: 9 breeds bred purely for closeness
- Best large dog breeds: 9 dogs that show the range within the size
- Best medium dog breeds: 9 dogs that balance capability and practicality
- Best running dogs: 9 breeds built for genuine distance
- Best scent hound breeds: 10 dogs built around an extraordinary nose
- Best small dog breeds: 9 compact dogs with real working history
- Best small dogs for families: 10 breeds sturdy and social enough for kids
- Best swimming dogs: 9 breeds built to work in the water
- Best terriers for families: 10 breeds with real spirit and genuine patience
- Best therapy dog breeds: 10 temperaments built for calm, steady visits
- Best watchdog breeds: 10 dogs that take home security seriously
- Big dogs that suit apartments: 10 giant and large breeds that settle indoors well
- Calm dog breeds: 9 dogs with a naturally steady temperament
- Dog breeds prone to weight gain: 10 breeds that need consistent portion habits
- Dog breeds that drool the least: 9 dogs with a tidy, tight lipped mouth
- Dog breeds that drool the most: 9 dogs where drool is a daily reality
- Dog breeds with the biggest appetites: 10 breeds that need real portion control
- Dogs for people with allergies: 9 lower shedding breeds to consider carefully
- Dogs that cope with being alone: 9 breeds with a genuinely independent streak
- Dogs that get along with cats: 9 breeds with a genuinely low prey drive
- Double coated dog breeds: 10 dogs with an undercoat built for real weather
- Easiest dogs to groom: 10 breeds with genuinely low maintenance coats
- Easiest dogs to train: 9 breeds that pick up cues fast
- Fluffy dog breeds: 10 dogs with genuinely plush, voluminous coats
- Gentle giant dog breeds: 9 enormous dogs bred for patience
- High energy dog breeds: 10 dogs that need real daily exercise
- Large breeds for first time owners: 10 big dogs that forgive a learning curve
- Longest living dog breeds: 9 dogs that commonly reach their mid teens
- Low maintenance dog breeds: 9 dogs that ask less in grooming and routine
- Low shedding dog breeds: 9 breeds that leave less hair behind
- Most affectionate dog breeds: 10 dogs that show love in their own way
- Most trainable working breeds: 9 dogs built for genuinely demanding jobs
- Quiet dog breeds: 9 dogs that rarely bark without reason
- Rare dog breeds worth knowing: 10 lesser known breeds with real histories
- Short haired dog breeds: 10 dogs with minimal brushing and easy coat care
Side by side
- Airedale Terrier vs Welsh Terrier: the King of Terriers next to a compact classic
- Akita vs Shiba Inu: Japan's biggest native breed against its smallest
- Akita vs Siberian Husky: a quiet guardian against a sociable runner
- Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky: the husky look at a fraction of the size
- Australian Shepherd vs Miniature American Shepherd: same drive, different scale
- Beagle vs Basset Hound: two English scent hounds at very different speeds
- Beagle vs Dachshund: a pack hound against a solo badger hunter
- Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren: same herding roots, different coats and drive
- Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd: comparing two elite working partners
More comparisons (92)
- Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: long coat against short, cousin against cousin
- Bernese Mountain Dog vs Newfoundland: an Alpine cart dog against a Canadian water rescuer
- Bichon Frise vs Coton de Tulear: two cheerful white companions with cotton soft coats
- Bichon Frise vs Maltese: a curly white performer against a straight coated ancient companion
- Boerboel vs Cane Corso: two powerful guardian breeds for experienced owners
- Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd: two herding minds, two different jobs
- Boston Terrier vs Pug: which flat faced companion fits your household
- Bouvier des Flandres vs Giant Schnauzer: two large, bearded working guardians
- Boxer vs Rottweiler: a bouncy clown against a calm, watchful guardian
- Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel: pointing versus flushing energy
- Bull Terrier vs Miniature Bull Terrier: the same egg-shaped clown in two sizes
- Cane Corso vs Dogo Argentino: an Italian farm guardian against an Argentine big-game hunter
- Cane Corso vs Rottweiler: two heavyweight Italian and German guardians
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cavapoo: purebred elegance or a lower shedding cross
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs English Cocker Spaniel: a royal lapdog against a working gundog
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: a watchful waterfowl dog against the ultimate friendly retriever
- Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier: the world's smallest breed against a mill town ratter in silk
- Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar-Pei: two independent Chinese guardians compared
- Cockapoo vs Cavapoo: a spaniel's nose against a lapdog's devotion
- Cockapoo vs Labradoodle: a compact spaniel cross next to a larger retriever cross
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs Siberian Husky: two wolf like breeds with very different roots
- Dachshund vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: two short-legged breeds with different jobs behind them
- Dalmatian vs English Pointer: two high mileage athletes with short coats
- Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd: two elite working dogs, two different coats
- Doberman Pinscher vs Rottweiler: a sleek guardian against a solid one
- English Bulldog vs American Bully: a flat faced classic next to a muscular newer breed
- English Cocker Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel: a working gundog against a show ring specialist
- English Springer Spaniel vs English Cocker Spaniel: bigger legs, bigger engine, same soft heart
- Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever: two cheerful gundogs with very different lifespans
- French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: a low slung Parisian against a leggier American comedian
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: bat ears and a lighter frame against sheer bulk
- French Bulldog vs Pug: bat ears and a broad chest against imperial China's original lap comedian
- German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois: a versatile working breed against a leaner, faster specialist
- German Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd: the world's best known guardian against a rarer, brindled all rounder
- German Shepherd vs Rottweiler: a herder's drive against a butcher dog's calm strength
- German Shepherd vs Siberian Husky: a devoted guardian against a friendly, hard to contain runner
- German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Wirehaired Pointer: same job, different coat and temperament
- Giant Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer: from cattle droving to full police duty
- Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle: a known quantity against a coin toss on coat
- Great Dane vs English Mastiff: the tallest dog against the heaviest
- Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound: two of the tallest dogs, two different builds
- Great Pyrenees vs Anatolian Shepherd: two livestock guardians, two very different coats
- Greyhound vs Saluki: two ancient sighthounds with different personalities
- Havanese vs Bichon Frise: Cuba's national dog against France's powder puff performer
- Havanese vs Coton de Tulear: two island bred companions with silky coats
- Irish Setter vs English Setter: two gentle gundogs with different coats and energy levels
- Jack Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier: two working terriers, two different temperaments
- Jack Russell Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier: same bloodline, different build
- Japanese Chin vs Pekingese: two imperial lapdogs with very different faces
- Keeshond vs Samoyed: a Dutch barge dog next to a Siberian herder
- Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: two poodle crosses with different retriever engines
- Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever: same job, different coat and cancer risk
- Lagotto Romagnolo vs Spanish Water Dog: two curly Mediterranean workers with different day jobs
- Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog: two gentle giants from the Alps
- Maltese vs Shih Tzu: a pure white Mediterranean lapdog against an imperial Chinese lion dog
- Maltipoo vs Cavapoo: a vocal lap dog against a sturdier family companion
- Maltipoo vs Maltese: a Poodle cross next to the purebred it comes from
- Miniature Pinscher vs Chihuahua: two bold toy breeds with very different builds
- Miniature Pinscher vs Doberman Pinscher: not a mini version despite the shared name
- Miniature Poodle vs Standard Poodle: the same breed at two very different scales
- Miniature Schnauzer vs Standard Schnauzer: the same bearded dog at two different scales
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever vs Golden Retriever: a fox colored specialist beside the classic family favorite
- Old English Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie: two shaggy British drovers compared
- Papillon vs Pomeranian: two tiny toy breeds with very different coats and trainability
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi: one tail tells most of the story
- Pomeranian vs Chihuahua: a shrunk down spitz against the world's smallest breed
- Pomsky vs Pomeranian: a Husky look scaled down against the real, tiny original
- Portuguese Water Dog vs Standard Poodle: two curly coated water retrievers
- Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Vizsla: two lean athletes with different temperaments
- Saint Bernard vs Newfoundland: an Alpine rescuer against a Canadian one
- Samoyed vs American Eskimo Dog: two white spitz breeds, two very different backstories
- Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier: two Highland terriers, different personalities
- Shetland Sheepdog vs Rough Collie: family resemblance, different scale
- Shiba Inu vs Basenji: independence without the barking
- Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso: a palace favorite's friendliness against a monastery sentinel's watchfulness
- Shih Tzu vs Pekingese: comparing two flat faced companion breeds
- Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Malamute: built for speed against built for hauling
- Siberian Husky vs Samoyed: a sled racer's speed against a herder's fluffy white smile
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Goldendoodle: two low shedding, high grooming companions
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully: a classic terrier against a modern companion breed
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier: same roots, different scale
- Standard Poodle vs Labradoodle: the original water retriever against its own cross
- Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: the same brain, one size category apart
- Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: two versatile pointers with slightly different intensity
- Weimaraner vs Vizsla: two velcro gundogs with near identical energy
- West Highland White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier: Highland cousins with different coats
- Whippet vs Greyhound: the same sprinting build at two different scales
- Whippet vs Italian Greyhound: a working sighthound next to a lap sized companion
- White Swiss Shepherd vs German Shepherd: shared roots, a different coat and temperament
- Wire Fox Terrier vs Smooth Fox Terrier: one shared personality, two different coats
- Yorkshire Terrier vs Biewer Terrier: same silky coat family, different color story
- Yorkshire Terrier vs Maltese: a mill town ratter's confidence against two thousand years as a lapdog