Browse 287+ AKC-recognized breeds with temperament profiles, care requirements, health data, and cost estimates.
There are over 340 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), organized into 7 groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Herding, and Non-Sporting. Each group reflects the breed's original purpose — from retrieving game to herding livestock to companionship. Choosing the right breed means matching energy level, grooming needs, trainability, and size to your home and lifestyle. Family-friendly breeds like the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever top adoption lists for good reason — patient, trainable, and gentle. Apartment dwellers tend to do better with lower-energy breeds like the French Bulldog or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Use the filters below to narrow by breed group, size, and key traits.
Showing all 287 breeds
Friendly · 10–12 yrs
Confident · 9–13 yrs
Alert · 13–16 yrs
Outgoing · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Active · 12–15 yrs
Active · 10–18 yrs
Friendly · 8–10 yrs
Agile · 10–18 yrs
Active · 10–18 yrs
Loyal · 8–10 yrs
Fun-loving · 10–12 yrs
Friendly · 10–12 yrs
Clever · 12–16 yrs
Affectionate · 11–15 yrs
Playful · 10–12 yrs
Friendly · 10–12 yrs
Dignified · 10–14 yrs
Intelligent · 10–12 yrs
Good-natured · 7–10 yrs
Friendly · 7–10 yrs
Affectionate · 12–14 yrs
Energetic · 10–13 yrs
Affectionate · 10–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Gentle · 10–14 yrs
Playful · 10–14 yrs
Friendly · 11–13 yrs
Sweet · 7–10 yrs
Also known as 'Shelties,' these small herding dogs resemble miniature Collies and are known for their intelligence and trainability · 12–15 yrs
Intelligent · 14–16 yrs
Patient · 10–12 yrs
Lively · 12–16 yrs
Bright · 12–14 yrs
Intelligent · 12–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Smart · 12–15 yrs
Charming · 13–15 yrs
Gentle · 8–12 yrs
Courageous · 6–10 yrs
Gentle · 12–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Gentle · 10–12 yrs
Assertive · 10–12 yrs
Charming · 14–16 yrs
Good-Natured · 12–13 yrs
Friendly · 10–13 yrs
Gentle · 12–15 yrs
Devoted · 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 10–10 yrs
Confident · 14–16 yrs
Affectionate · 10–13 yrs
Gentle · 10–12 yrs
Affectionate · 11–13 yrs
Affectionate · 7–9 yrs
Energetic · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 14–16 yrs
Alert · 12–16 yrs
Affectionate · 10–14 yrs
Friendly · 11–14 yrs
Affectionate · 12–15 yrs
Playful · 12–13 yrs
Affectionate · 14–16 yrs
Loyal · 8–12 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Gentle · 10–12 yrs
Affectionate · 5–8 yrs
Affectionate · 12–15 yrs
Alert · 13–15 yrs
Fearless · 12–16 yrs
Confident · 12–15 yrs
Adaptable · 10–12 yrs
Playful · 14–15 yrs
Faithful · 8–11 yrs
Dignified · 8–12 yrs
Courageous · 6–8 yrs
Outgoing · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–15 yrs
Affectionate · 13–18 yrs
Clever · 12–14 yrs
Charming · 15–19 yrs
Alert · 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 10–12 yrs
Confident · 12–16 yrs
Friendly · 12–18 yrs
Independent · 13–14 yrs
Affectionate · 12–15 yrs
Fearless · 13–16 yrs
Loyal · 11–13 yrs
Cheerful · 8–10 yrs
Affectionate · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 9–9 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Affectionate · 15–16 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–15 yrs
Affectionate · 15–17 yrs
Friendly · 10–15 yrs
Confident · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 7–9 yrs
Affectionate · 9–14 yrs
Charming · 10–12 yrs
Confident · 12–14 yrs
Courageous · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Affectionate · 12–15 yrs
Sociable · 10–12 yrs
Upbeat · 11–13 yrs
Friendly · 13–15 yrs
Friendly · 13–15 yrs
Dignified · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–17 yrs
Affectionate · 12–13 yrs
Bold · 13–15 yrs
Friendly · 13–15 yrs
Intelligent · 10–12 yrs
Playful · 12–15 yrs
Gentle · 10–17 yrs
Confident · 9–11 yrs
Playful · 13–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Gentle · 10–12 yrs
Bright · 12–14 yrs
Fearless · 12–16 yrs
Smart · 12–14 yrs
Happy · 12–15 yrs
Smart · 12–15 yrs
Smart · 11–12 yrs
Independent · 10–12 yrs
Confident · 12–12 yrs
Spirited · 15–17 yrs
Agile · 15–17 yrs
Courageous · 12–14 yrs
Gentle · 10–12 yrs
Energetic · 14–16 yrs
Smart · 12–13 yrs
Easy-Going · 10–12 yrs
Affectionate · 11–15 yrs
Loyal · 13–18 yrs
Loyal · 11–16 yrs
Even-Tempered · 12–15 yrs
Mellow · 10–12 yrs
Loyal · 12–13 yrs
Courageous · 11–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Confident · 12–15 yrs
Sweet · 12–13 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Energetic · 12–13 yrs
Family-Oriented · 11–14 yrs
Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. · 12–14 yrs
Playful · 12–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Alert · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 11–13 yrs
Gentle · 8–11 yrs
Playful · 12–13 yrs
Loyal · 10–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Confident · 10–12 yrs
Loyal · 10–12 yrs
Alert · 12–14 yrs
Confident · 12–15 yrs
Eager · 10–14 yrs
Gentle · 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 15–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Confident · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 10–12 yrs
Gentle · 10–15 yrs
Sweet · 11–12 yrs
Independent · 12–15 yrs
Independent · 13–15 yrs
Courageous · 12–14 yrs
Confident · 12–15 yrs
Friendly · 13–15 yrs
Affectionate · 12–15 yrs
Even-Tempered · 10–13 yrs
Affectionate · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 13–15 yrs
Clever · 12–15 yrs
Independent · 11–13 yrs
Independent · 13–15 yrs
Affectionate · 10–13 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Smart · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–15 yrs
Reserved · 10–15 yrs
· 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 10–12 yrs
Friendly · 12–16 yrs
Playful · 12–14 yrs
· 12–15 yrs
Independent · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 12–14 yrs
· 12–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 10–12 yrs
Courageous · 11–13 yrs
Devoted · 13–15 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
Confident · 12–16 yrs
Gentle · 8–10 yrs
Intelligent · 12–13 yrs
Loyal · 10–14 yrs
Friendly · 11–13 yrs
Affectionate · 10–16 yrs
Loyal · 13–14 yrs
Courageous · 10–14 yrs
Loyal · 15–15 yrs
Loyal · 11–14 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Alert · 14–14 yrs
Fearless · 14–17 yrs
Confident · 9–11 yrs
Intelligent · 11–14 yrs
Alert · 10–14 yrs
Friendly · 10–14 yrs
Energetic · 10–12 yrs
Loyal · 10–14 yrs
Independent · 12–13 yrs
Affectionate · 10–12 yrs
Independent · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 13–13 yrs
Playful · 12–16 yrs
Friendly · 12–15 yrs
· 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 9–13 yrs
Energetic · 13–16 yrs
Loyal · 12–13 yrs
Friendly · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 10–12 yrs
Affectionate · 10–12 yrs
Loyal · 10–13 yrs
Friendly · 10–12 yrs
Smart · 12–12 yrs
· 12–15 yrs
· 12–15 yrs
Agile · 12–15 yrs
Intelligent · 10–13 yrs
Alert · 12–15 yrs
Intelligent · 16–16 yrs
Affectionate · 10–14 yrs
Friendly · 8–10 yrs
· 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–14 yrs
Fearless · 10–12 yrs
Loyal · 10–15 yrs
Alert · 10–14 yrs
Versatile · 12–14 yrs
Energetic · 11–13 yrs
Dignified · 12–15 yrs
Loyal · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 11–13 yrs
Intelligent · 13–15 yrs
Gentle · 10–12 yrs
Affectionate · 12–15 yrs
Agile · 14–17 yrs
Loyal · 12–14 yrs
Courageous · 10–12 yrs
· 15–20 yrs
Loyal · 12–15 yrs
Faithful · 11–13 yrs
Affectionate · 12–14 yrs
Affectionate · 14–14 yrs
Friendly · 14–14 yrs
Gentle · 10–13 yrs
Confident · 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 12–14 yrs
Courageous · 12–13 yrs
Independent · 10–12 yrs
Intelligent · 12–14 yrs
Intelligent · 13–15 yrs
Playful · 12–14 yrs
Playful · 14–16 yrs
Fearless · 10–12 yrs
Alert · 12–15 yrs
Sociable · 12–15 yrs
· 12–14 yrs
Loyal · 12–15 yrs
Friendly · 9–15 yrs
Every one of our 287 dog breed profiles, listed alphabetically. Browse the full database or jump to a letter.
The right breed for your neighbor may be completely wrong for you. Four factors determine fit more than any others.
High-energy breeds — Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies — need 1–2+ hours of vigorous exercise daily. Under-exercised, they develop destructive behaviors. If you walk 30 minutes a day, choose a low-energy breed like a Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, or French Bulldog. Energy level is the single biggest predictor of owner satisfaction.
Long-coated breeds like the Afghan Hound, Maltese, or Poodle require professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($50–$150 per session). Double-coated breeds like the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever shed heavily twice a year. Short single-coated breeds like the Beagle or Boxer are the lowest maintenance. Budget $50–$800/year for grooming depending on coat type.
Every breed has predispositions. Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier) are prone to breathing difficulties and surgical costs of $1,500–$5,000. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers carry higher hip dysplasia risk. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels frequently develop mitral valve disease. Knowing these risks upfront helps you budget for pet insurance and preventive care.
Apartment living favors calm, quiet, low-shedding breeds. Houses with yards work for nearly any breed but are required for high-energy working dogs. Some breeds — particularly Livestock Guardian Dogs like the Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherd — are unsuitable for urban environments entirely. Check local breed restrictions if you rent, as many landlords restrict specific breeds by name.
Dog breeds are organized into groups based on their original purpose and characteristics.
Feisty, independent dogs originally bred to hunt vermin. Full of personality and tenacity — best for owners who appreciate a dog with opinions.
Active retrievers, spaniels, and pointers bred to work alongside hunters. High energy, friendly, and trainable — great for active families.
Sight and scent hunters built for endurance. Hounds range from couch-loving Basset Hounds to relentlessly active Greyhounds.
Large, powerful breeds trained for guarding, pulling, or rescue. Loyal and capable, but require experienced owners and firm boundaries.
Intelligent working dogs bred to control livestock. Exceptionally smart and obedient, but need mental stimulation and daily exercise.
Small companion breeds that thrive on human affection. Ideal for apartment living, though many have surprisingly spirited personalities.
Go beyond breed browsing — compare breeds side-by-side, estimate costs, explore care guides, or identify a breed from a photo.
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles consistently top family-friendly breed rankings. These breeds combine patience, gentle temperament, and sturdy build to handle the unpredictable movements of young children. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Boxers are also excellent choices for families. The most important factor is early socialization — any breed raised well with children from puppyhood adapts better than an adult dog introduced later.
French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are well-suited to apartment life. Size alone does not determine apartment suitability — energy level matters more. A calm Great Dane can thrive in an apartment, while a high-energy Border Collie will struggle even in a large house without daily off-leash exercise. Look for breeds with low-to-moderate exercise needs and low tendency to bark.
According to the AKC's most recent registration data, the French Bulldog has been the most registered breed in the US for consecutive years, followed by the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle. Popularity reflects a combination of family suitability, trainability, and size — all five top breeds are known for adaptability across different household types.
Purebred dogs offer predictable size, temperament, and health tendencies — useful when you know exactly what traits you need. Mixed breeds often benefit from hybrid vigor and have lower incidence of breed-specific genetic conditions. The most important consideration is matching energy level and grooming needs to your lifestyle, not the pedigree status. Both purebreds and mixed breeds available through rescues or shelters are equally capable of being wonderful companions.
Border Collies, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers are consistently ranked as the most trainable dog breeds, driven by high intelligence, eagerness to please, and food motivation. Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds also train quickly. Ease of training depends on the individual dog's drive and the handler's consistency more than breed alone. Dogs bred for independent work — hounds, terriers, huskies — can be highly intelligent but less inclined to follow commands on cue.
The average cost to own a dog in the United States ranges from $1,500 to $9,900 per year depending on breed size and health needs. The primary expenses are food ($300–$900/year), veterinary care ($200–$2,500/year), grooming ($50–$800/year for professional grooming), and pet insurance ($360–$840/year). Large breeds with higher food consumption and breeds prone to genetic health conditions — like French Bulldogs or Dachshunds — trend toward the higher end of this range.
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