The Best Breed For You

Affenpinschers belong to the toy breed family and are affectionately known as the "monkey dog". If you're looking for a dog that doesn't shed a lot because you don't want the mess, this may be the breed for you, but if you're allergic to dander, it's recommended that you first test your tolerance with a few visits before making a commitment to own an Affenpinscher.

Many people with severe allergies to pet dander have success with owning this breed. Other than whiskers and eye brows, this dog is completely free of body hair. The American Hairless Terrier also comes in three size varieties (just like the poodle) to suit any taste or lifestyle: toy, miniature and standard.

A Basenji is not for everyone. They are a high energy breed that can be very discouraging if you like a submissive sort of dog. But if you're looking for a clean dog that loves to play, A Basenji may be just the best breed for you... and we can help you decide! Learn as much as possible about everything Basenji right here.

A Bedlington Terrier is a little more laid back than a few other terriers we could mention. They still need lots of play time and regular exercise to keep boredom at bay, but if you don't mind a daily walk, he adapts well to apartment life. This being said, a Bedlington Terrier is not perfect for everyone. This breed requires regular grooming which can be expensive. More on the Bedlington Terrier coming soon!

A Bichon Frise is a toy breed. They have a thick coat of wavy hair, but no undercoat. On top of being virtually hypoallergenic, Bichons have few inherent health problems and get along great with other pets. Click here for more information.

This breed loves to run and jump and can make a great companion for the right family. If you're considering a Border, why not consider adoption? There is, no doubt, a Border Terrier near you in need of a loving home. Rescue dogs are 100% the same and just as loveable as a dog from a pet shop or breeder! Check petfinder.com to find one in your area who needs you.

If you're considering a Boston Terrier, a reputable breeder is a must in order to avoid a puppy mill dog. A carelessly bred Boston Terrier can have many, many health related issues and several temperament related issues. That being said, Boston Terriers have their own unique charm. They love family life and generally do very with children.

The Brussels Griffon is a toy breed who loves to please. Most train very easily, especially when a breeder is chosen wisely. There are also many benefits to adopting this particular breed... and most all breeds for that matter. An adult dog adopted through rescue is already housebroken, out of the chewing phase, his temperament is already apparent and any health issues would already be known... Learn more about Griffons by clicking here.

Bull Terriers loves to chew! This breed of dog will eat almost anything... and just because he can't swallow something doesn't mean he won't try. Strong Terrier traits can make training this breed difficult. Bull Terriers are high energy and fit best into families where someone can be home with him most of the time.

A Cairn Terrier is a small to medium sized breed from the Terrier group. Cairns are known for being great with children and have minimal maintenance requirements. Learn more about Cairns by clicking here.

Cavaliers are even-tempered, loyal and blend well into family life. They are also tolerant of well-behaved children. Finding a reputable breeder is of utmost importance, however. Virtually 100% of all Cavs suffer due to a specific heart valve condition which does eventually kill the majority of them. Early on-set of this disease can be avoided by careful breeding. Learn more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

A Chihuahua is a big dog that comes wrapped in a tiny package. for the lovers of this breed, their idiosyncrasies are endearing, but this is not the breed for everyone. Although they learn new tricks easily and love to please, they are among the hardest dogs to housetrain. Patient and gentle training will go a long way with any breed, and Chihuahuas are no exception.

Both varieties of Chinese Cresteds have regular maintenance needs. While the powederpuff needs regular brushing and regular trips to see the groomer, the hairless isn't without her own needs. Hairless Chinese Cresteds need sunscreen in the summer months because her skin can burn just as our does. She will also need her own wardrobe. Dog clothes will keep her warm through every season, even in the summer. Learn more about Chinese Cresteds here.

Cocker Spaniels do quite well in most living situations and even adapt well to apartment life. When properly socialized they get along well with other pets and even well-behaved children. Their popularity goes without saying. This, however, is not a good thing for the breed in general. Oppurtunistic breeders are over-producing Cocker Spaniels for the sake of profit. Learn all the ways to avoid purchasing sick or ill-tempered Cocker Spaniel here.

English Bulldogs are comical dogs and most have have really good dispositions. They are noisy little dogs, creating constant sounds from both ends. I wouldn't recommend sharing a bed with an English Bulldog unless you happen to be a heavy sleeper. They are prone to suffer with breathing difficulties and the shorter their snout, the worse it gets for an English Bulldog.

A Smooth Fox Terrier would not be recommended for people with small children or other small animals. They aren't known to tolerate children, especially children under about the age of 7... and they see other small animals as prey. They also needs large doses of daily exercise. I would not recommend a Fox Terrier for apartment dwellers, except for maybe very active apartment dwellers who could give the dog at least one hour or rigorous exercise daily.

Wire Fox Terriers are basically the same as their smooth coated cousins. They have most of the same personality characteristics, but come with the extra responsibility of needing regular grooming. Both breeds are exceptional escape artist with high levels of energy and an inate instinct to hunt and chase.

French Bulldogs are quick learners... When they want to be! A dog who doesn't want to do something can be amazingly stubborn. Just ask a French Bulldog owner. On the up side, they are great listeners! By that I mean that French Bulldogs are extremely devoted and love very little more than they love the company of their people.

A Havanese is generally a very easy going and laid back dog. As with any breed, early socialization is helpful, but for the most part a Havanese gets along well with other house pets and is very tolerant of well-behaved children. Havanese are also an intelligent breed that do well in obedience, however they are still a toy breed so housetraining could be a little more difficult. Learn more about the Havanese.

Italians greyhounds are fast and he'll prove it if you choose to walk him without a leash. Being in the business of dogs, I notice this breed far too often in canine amber alerts and the 'lost' sections of newspaper classifieds. Extreme shyness is only one of the things that might send him bolting and lots of early socialization can help to alleviate that. There is a lot more to Learn about the Italian Greyhound!

JRT's are extremely alert, energetic and eager to please. They learn new tricks very easily. They also do very well in agility trials.Jack Russell Terriers are also easily found in shelters and with rescue groups. Irresponsible dog owners are the main reason for this. There is sure to be a Jack Russell Terrier near you who needs you. Check out our adoption page for resources to help you in your seach.

This is a very "people friendly" breed. They love the company of their owner, but because they're delicate, they're not idea for people with small children. Chins are full of personality and aren't known to be 'yappy'. So... If you don't mind a high maintenance dog and the grooming expenses that come with one, a Japanese Chin makes a great lap warmer!

The thick, non shedding coat of the Lhasa apso is very high maintenance and requires frequent brushing, clipping, trimming, etc. to keep from becoming matted. Regular attention should also be given to nails, teeth, ears and pads

The hair on this little dog is pretty high maintenance, but still non shedding. The Maltese is a toy breed and because of her fragility, she is not right for every household. Learn more about the Maltese and her specific needs by clicking here.

Manchester Terriers have many of the common Terrier traits. They are curious, love to chase and love the company of their people. This breed is not overly shy when it comes to strangers and generally gets along well with other pets when socialized Properly. More on the Manchester Terrier coming soon!

Miniature Bull Terriers loves to chew! This breed of dog will eat almost anything... and just because he can't swallow something doesn't mean he won't try. This is a high energy dog with a strong chasing instinct. A Bull Terrier fits best into a family who can be home with him most of the time.

Min Pins are curious dogs with a lot of energy. These dogs definitely need leashes in public places or when taken on walks. Strong curiosity along with an inate chasing instict causes these little dogs to go missing all too often. Consider adopting a Miniature Pinscher and Click Here to learn why it's a good idea!

Miniature Poodles are notorious for their love of people and are even great with well-behaved children. Poodles come in several colors, as well as sizes and they are easily and readily adoptable. Who says a purebred dog has to cost a fortune? Adoption saves lives! Learn more about Miniature Poodles here first.

Papillons aka The Butterfuly dogs. Gentle, easy going papillons are also athletic and intelligent... A great combination for obedience and agility trials and they're not slouches in family life either. Papillons make great pets and do well in either country or city living. Our Papillon page will be up soon! But for now, Here is some information on how to find a papillon near you in need of rescue!

Awww, the Pekingese. Who couldn't love a face like that? Well... anyway. Pekes are what I call, "one person dogs". If you're a one dog kind of person then you might consider a Peke. They make excellent watch dogs and excellent lap warmers! As always, we hope you'll consider adoption and if you do, here are some other great qualities that might suit you... a dog that is already housebroken, already out of chewing phase, his or her temperament will already be apparent (no worries over incompatability that way) and best of all, already housebroken! Oh, did I already say that? Well, it's true! Learn more about the Pekingese.

Scottish Terriers are in the same family as West Highland White Terriers. Like Westies, they don't lose hair excessively, but there is a minimal amount of shedding. If you're looking for a medium sized dog who doesn't leave a huge mess on your furniture, a Scottie may be the one for you.

We can't say enough good things about Shelties! Really, what's not to love?! They are generally laid back and easy going dogs that are very easily trained and could get along well in almost any normal, functional household. However, all of these great qualities are actually a disadvantage to Shelties. By this, I mean, these highly sensitive, beautiful dogs are commonly bred in puppy mills. Learn more about Shetland Sheepdogs and how to avoid a puppy mill dogs before you bring one home.

Shih Tzus make great family pets, but like many other small breed dogs they are extremely puppy mill prone. Learn as much as you can about how to avoid a sick or diseased puppy mill Shih Tzu and (at the same time) help put an end to puppy mills by adopting. Learn more by clicking here!

The Silky is small, but sturdy little dog. At first appearance may look like a Yorkie, but there are a few distinctions between the two dogs. A silky is much studier that it's more fragile cousin, the Yorkie, for one. Chance, the dog in the picture to the left was recently adopted from the Quincy, IL Humane Society. More proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a purebred dog!

Tibetan Terriers are always up for a rousing game of fetch and always anxious to perform tricks (in exchange for treats, of course!). They are high energy dogs that thrive on attention. Boredom, on the other hand, can be a catalyst that sends this breed into very destructive behavior. we liken this personality trait to that of a teenager. Show him lots of love, keep him occupied and stimulated and your home will be a much happier place... for everyone. More on the Tibetan Terrier coming soon!

All dog that are dubbed with a two word name (if the second word is terrier) should be a red flag for peace-loving, bird watching, tranquility lovers in general. Welsh Terriers are true terriers. If you choose a Welsh Terrier, be prepared for an active, curious dog who might like to bark at and chase after the occasional squirrel... or every squirrel... or bird... or whatever. They are active and high energy. Of course, the right person, who has time to train and properly socialize this dog, will be rewarded with a great family pet that can get along well with children.

Westies are a medium sized dog from the terrier family of breeds. They are considered to be a non-shedding breed, but this does not necessarily mean hypoallergenic. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Westie around the world in need of loving homes. These dogs are not damaged goods. Most of the time when a animal turns up in a shelter it's the fault of the owner, not the dog. Learn more about Westies.

Yorkies are from the toy family of breeds, but please disregard the hype about size when it comes to Yorkshire Terriers. There is technically no such thing as a tea-cup Yorkie. This is an invented term used by irresponsible breeders to market tiny dogs and sell them for ridiculous prices. Be warned that these super tiny (so-called 'tea-cup') dogs usually come with a lot more risk, including more health problems and much, much higher risk of injury. Smaller does not mean better. Learn more about Yorkshire Terriers.