Types of Dogs: All Breeds From A-Z
12 Dog Breeds You've Probably Been Mispronouncing All Along
Creativebird/Getty Images Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-itz-QUEENT-lee)Even if you master the "xoloitzcuintli" pronunciation, you probably won't see this rare dog breed walking down the street. But if you do, the itz is pronounced "eats." Luckily, this doggo has a fetching nickname that's perfectly acceptable to say: xolo, pronounced "show-low." The xolo is a popular dog breed in Mexico known for its temperament and signature hairless, hypoallergenic coat.
"A xoloitzcuintli is a goofy, playful breed that likes to be with their family," says dog groomer Caitlin Wright, who has owned a xolo herself. Although they're devoted to their family, xolos learn how to be sociable by interacting with humans and animals outside the family. They come in toy, miniature or standard sizes and are generally hairless, but some have coats. And while their lack of hair means sunscreen is a must with prolonged sun exposure, xolos don't need a ton of products to keep their skin healthy. "I find they actually have more skin issues when more lotions and potions are used," says Wright.
Bigandt_Photography/Getty Images Kooikerhondje (COY-ker-HUND-che)The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA breaks down the "kooikerhondje" pronunciation so you can say it effortlessly: "koy-ker-hun-juh." Practice it a few times and you'll be able to say it with conviction. But if your mind goes blank, you can stick to their fun nickname: kooiker, pronounced "koy-ker."
Similar dog breeds have similar markings, but this duck-hunting dog from the Netherlands has easily identifiable large, black-tipped ears that sharply contrast its reddish-orange and white coat. Friendly, lively, cheerful and easy to train, the kooiker is a sensitive and loving companion that weighs 20 to 30 pounds and is about 15 to 16 inches tall. And while many pure breeds have a genetic condition or two to be aware of (the kooiker has several), remember that it doesn't always mean they'll be diagnosed with something horrible. "Patella luxation, cataracts, Von Willebrand disease, epilepsy, polymyositis and hereditary necrotizing myelopathy can occur in this breed, but your veterinarian can screen for those," says Amber Karwacki, DVM, a veterinarian at Heart+Paw in Philadelphia.
Samoyed (sam-a-YED)Don't feel embarrassed if you've been saying the "Samoyed" pronunciation wrong. Many people say "sa-MOY-ed," but according to the Samoyed Parent Club of America, you should say "sam-a-YED," with an emphasis on the last syllable.
A super cute Russian dog breed named for the Samoyedic people of Siberia, it was bred for pulling and herding jobs in brutally frigid temperatures. Today, Samoyeds are adored for their plush, snowy white coat and that famously cute doggy smile. You're likely to hear adoring fans call them "Sammy."
"Energetic and active, Samoyed dogs are independent and calm," says Dr. LeHoullier. "They are affectionate and gentle, but also need space and room to run." Sammies grow 19 to 24 inches tall, weigh 35 to 65 pounds and shed a lot. They're a talkative bunch and will let you know what they're thinking—quick to join other Sammies in a good ol' howling fest of melodic tunes.
5 Dog Breeds This Veterinarian Says He'd Never Own — And Why
(NEXSTAR) — No matter how experienced you are with pet care, getting a new dog can be intimidating. And depending which canine organization you ask, there are several hundreds of dog breeds in the world — how do you know which is the right one for you?
It's not an easy question. In fact, it might be easier to narrow down dogs you don't want first.
So we asked one of TikTok's premier veterinarians, Ben Simpson-Vernon, also known as Ben the Vet, to elaborate on some of the dog breeds he wouldn't own or recommend. While the U.K.-based vet underlines that these are only his opinions, the reasons why these breeds were singled out generally has to do with the animal's welfare and not personal grievances.
These are the breeds he discussed.
Chow Chow"I'm sure there are some nice ones but I just find they often don't have a very nice temperament. They can be really aloof," says Simpson-Vernon. "And they're often very aggressive at the vet."
The Chow Chow has appeared on several "most dangerous" dog breed lists, including Forbes' 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds, at number 7. As of 2016, Forbes reported the breed accounted for 10 fatal attacks since 1982, in addition to 60 maimings.
This shouldn't mean that Chow Chows are "bad" dogs, just that they are likely not a good fit for every family or every lifestyle. The American Kennel Club explains Chow Chows, which average around 45-70 pounds, lean more toward being watchdogs that prefer to be on their own versus with other dogs.
Additional problems Simpson-Vernon cites include:
Lastly, Simpson-Vernon jokes: "And their purple tongues are a bit unnerving." (See below).
Chow Chow on grass (Getty Images) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel "Unfortunately, I have to name the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel," says Simpson-Vernon. "They are the loveliest dogs and if I was gonna pick a dog breed for myself, it would be the Cavy — if it weren't for all of their health issues."
These health issues include:
Simpson-Vernon makes a note, which will be discussed at length below, that breeding dogs who have high probabilities of disease or health problems is "not fair" to these dogs and should be considered.
A purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog without leash outdoors in the nature on a sunny day. (Getty Images) Dachshund It's impossible not to love the weiner dog, properly known as a Dachshund. Simpson-Vernon laments that though these "sausage dogs" have terrific personalities, some very common (and painful) back problems make Dachshunds less desirable for some owners.
"The main reason Dachshunds are so prone to back problems is because the majority of them have a cartilage defect called chondrodystrophy," he tells Nexstar. "This gives them their short legged body shape — but the defect also means that the cartilage in the discs in their spine commonly become diseased over time, eventually making them more likely to herniate (slip)."
He says that though this degeneration of the discs isn't fully preventable, there are things owners can do to delay the effects. This includes reducing how much your Dachshund is jumping, in addition to avoiding them becoming overweight, which exacerbates disc issues.
Treatment for Dachshund back issues will depend on the severity but can range from rest and medication to spinal surgeries.
Simpson-Vernon adds: "Again, they have fantastic personalities but there's too much potential for heartbreak."
22nd July 1965: A dachshund with back problems using a special trolley whilst he recovers from a slipped disc. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) Shar-Pei Their wrinkly faces may be immediately endearing but upon further analysis, their wrinkles (achieved through selective breeding) are actually the source of a variety of health issues for this breed.
"They even have a disease named after them called Shar–Pei fever," says Simpson-Vernon.
Shar-Pei Fever, also known as Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF), is a chronic auto-inflammatory disorder that causes recurring fever and swelling. More seriously, the genetic condition can cause protein accumulation in the body, leading to organ failure.
Additionally, the Chinese-originated breed's wrinkles contribute to a variety of other issues, including parasite infection, lip-fold pyoderma (a skin infection caused by excessive moisture in the folds of the lower jaw), and painful/odorous skin diseases.
Simpson-Vernon adds: "There are people breeding Shar-Peis with less exaggerated wrinkles but most of them are still too wrinkly. Most of the Shar-Peis that I see have loads of health issues."
Shar Pei dog (Getty Images) French bulldog, bulldog or a pug These are Simpson-Vernon's top pick for dogs he'd never own.
"Basically any flat-faced dog," says Ben the Vet. "Society has normalized the fact that these dogs snorting means that they can't breathe very well."
The types of dogs with these faces are called brachycephalic, according to the Humane Society of the United States. This means breeds like pugs and bulldogs have shortened skulls and their air and windpipes are often obstructed because, basically, everything is packed into a small space.
In addition to breathing issues (which causes the animals to snort), these dogs can suffer from similar skin fold issues that vex Shar-Peis, not to mention:
"The fact that over half of them have to have a cesarean to give birth is enough of an ethical issue for me to never want to have one," he says. "If you're OK with that, that's fine. But for me, personally, it's not very fair."
Black French Bulldog relaxing on a green field, socializing with a pug (Getty Images) Picking the "right" dog Off the very top, Simpson-Vernon's top tip for picking the "right" dog is not rushing into any decisions, since a dog will be a part of your life for a long time. He offers a few pieces of advice for prospective owners:
Finally, as mentioned many times above, ethical treatment and care of dogs is among Simpson-Vernon's top priorities in his career and in his use of social media.
"I got into TikTok because I was frustrated seeing so many dogs falling ill or needing treatment for highly breed-specific health problems and wanted to try to spread some awareness of their problems," he says.
Among the organizations/causes he links to on his Ben the Vet TikTok page is a Change.Org petition started Oct. 15, which aims to demand mandatory breathing tests for bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs. The petition, which is around 1,500 signatures short of its 10,000-signature goal, would be directed to the chairman of the Kennel Club in the U.K.
The vet explains that he hopes his use of TikTok — and his advocacy — help combat some of the "misinformation, bad trends and harmful content" he sees in the online pet health space.
He concludes: "When I became a vet, I swore an oath to protect animal welfare and I see my social media content as an extension of this."
32 Reasons To Love Labradors
Labrador sitting on the ground outside.
Since 1991 the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog in the US every year bar one, according to the American Kennel Club. (And even in its year off, it came second). In Britain, too, it holds the number one spot as most popular pedigree breed. They appeal to a wide variety of people, as there are so many different reasons to love Labradors Retrievers.
The breed, which originates on the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in northern Canada, was initially used as a working dog to help fishermen retrieve their nets, and lost lines, and pull carts loaded with fish. It was further developed across the pond in England, where its retrieving skills were much admired by the sporting gentry. The Earl of Malmesbury gave the breed its name, and the first breed club was officially founded in 1916.
As its fans know, the Labrador is a pretty perfect all-round breed: whether as a gentle family companion, a working gundog or guide dog.
32 reasons to love Labradors 1. Labradors come in three coloursThree different coloured Labradors
Labradors officially come in three colors – black, yellow and liver/chocolate. Don't worry, fox-red fans, yellow can range from light cream to orange (termed fox-red), while livers range from light to dark. A very small amount of white is permitted on the chest or pasterns.
And not only are there three colors available, but you can get all three in one litter. How's that for a variety pack?
2. Labradors love water and are great swimmersLabrador swimming
There are few sights more joyful than a Labrador splashing about in a river. Due their heritage as a fisherman's working dog, Labradors typically love water, and their webbed toes help them be great swimmers.
3. Labradors are intelligentLabrador with glasses reading book
The significance of a high canine IQ is debatable, but Labradors are a smart breed. They are ranked the seventh most intelligent breed according to the canine researcher Stanley Coren (who measures instinctive, adaptive and working canine intelligence), which puts them in the top 3.7% of all breeds.
4. Labradors make brilliant assistance dogsAssistance dog Labrador on stairs
The Labrador Retriever is now the top breed being trained as guide or assistance dogs for the blind, handicapped or elderly – thanks to their trainability, intelligence, kindness and caring nature.
5. A Labrador's double coat keeps them cozyBlack Labrador in the snow
You don't have to worry too much about your Labrador catching a chill. He has a fabulous double coat: a short, thick layer and a water-resistant undercoat, meaning he can cope with icy water and harsh winters, without the need for extra clothing.
6. Labradors are a family favouriteLabrador with family and girl taking selfie
Labradors make excellent family dogs because they are kind, gentle yet strong, energetic yet easy-going and love companionship. They are known to be good with children and not easily flustered or overwhelmed.
7. Labrador longevitySenior Labrador
For a relatively large dog (officially they are medium-sized in height, but their strong, sturdy build can make them seem larger), they are comparatively long-lived, averaging 10–12 years.
8. Labradors have bundles of energyTwo Labradors running outside
We're not sure if this is a plus or a minus, but as a general characteristic, a high-energy dog is a lot of fun, a great walking companion and that exuberant love of life can rub off on their humans. What's not to like?
9. Look into a Labrador's eyes...Black labrador eye
Anyone who falls under the spell of the deep brown pools of their eyes will be entranced forever. They will win you over, bewitch you and become your most loyal friend.
10. Labradors are actually quite fastfox red labrador running fast
This might come as a surprise given that a Labrador is not built like a Greyhound. However, a fit and athletic Lab can run up to 30mph – without the fragility of the speedy sighthound breeds.
11. Labradors show devotion to their tribeYellow Labrador outside front door
They are family-oriented and are staunchly loyal to their human pack. Although they are not aggressive, they will protect their tribe like a faithful bodyguard.
12. Labradors love to pleaseLabrador puppy being trained to lift paw by girl
They say that a Labrador is born half-trained (and a spaniel dies half-trained), which gives you some indication of how biddable and trainable they are. Labradors love to please their handler, learn commands and lap up good training.
13. They have soft mouthsBlack lab with teddy in his mouth
You may not be sure why this is such a virtue – but if you've ever tried to remove an inappropriate item from a dog's mouth when they don't want to let go, you'll know how handy this asset is. Labradors were bred to retrieve prey without biting down into the flesh, so they were able to bring the duck, pheasant, rabbit, for example, back to the handler in pristine condition. This means a lab has exceptional control of his jaw muscles so that he doesn't maul everything that goes near his teeth.
14. They're braveYellow Labrador sniffing out explosive
Labradors are used in the police and military to sniff out explosives, drugs and other sources of danger. And they will protect their own pack with equal care – though probably not with aggression.
15. Labradors don't need intensive groomingLabrador being brushed
For a dog with a thick double-coat, their grooming needs aren't too extensive. Yes, their coat sheds, but a good brush once a week will suffice and their hair doesn't tangle. They don't need expensive trips to the salon for clipping and combing.
16. They make great search and rescue dogsLabradors as search and rescue dogs
The breed is a natural in being trained to find people, such as missing persons, lost hikers, stricken climbers, avalanche victims and so on. Due their excellent sense of smell, great trainability and desire to work with humans, they are ideally suited to search and rescue work.
17. Therapy dogs are most commonly LabradorsLabrador as therapy dog being hugged
Due to their outgoing but gentle nature, Labradors are popular as therapy dogs. Interacting with friendly dogs has wonderful health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, slowing the heart-rate and regulating the stress hormones. As Labradors are naturally blessed with a calm and trainable demeanor, they are often trained to work in care homes, hospices, special schools, disaster recovery areas and other locations to help vulnerable or isolated people.
18. Labradors are good with other petsLabrador sniffing rabbit friendly
Labs are known to get along well with other dogs in the home – and even pets of different species. It's always best to introduce new dogs when they are young, or in a neutral space to avoid any territorial instincts. However, a Lab is normally just happy to welcome another member into the family!
19. Labradors are surprisingly agileLabrador in agility tube
While collies are the supreme dog agility breed, Labradors have impressive agility for a dog with a larger frame. Naturally an athletic working breed, Labradors excel in agility classes where their trainability and desire to listen to their handler's commands comes to the fore. In 2013, the first Lab won the American Kennel Club's national agility title.
20. Labradors are the choice of presidentsLabrador with US flag and bandana
Sully, a yellow Labrador retriever service dog for disabled military veterans, was the choice of former US president George HW Bush during the last six months before he died in 2018. He attended his funeral, drawing international attention.
Chocolate Lab Buddy and Seamus were President Bill Clinton's pets, while President Vladimir Putin used to have a black Lab called Konni.
21. They have the royal seal of approvalYellow Labrador wearing crown
Prince William's childhood dog was a black Lab going by the name of Widgeon (a duck). The dog was given to William by his mother, Princess Diana, shortly before she died.
King George V owned and bred Labradors, under the Wolferton affix, which used to win at the prestigious British dog show Crufts, while King George VI kept yellow ones.
The late Queen's first dogs, Sabre and Snare, were her first working gundogs – black Labs, and she continued to breed under the Sandringham prefix. Her daughter the Princess Royal is also a fan of black Labs and keeps them at her estate in Gloucestershire.
22. They're the perfect size for a dogBeautiful standing chocolate brown labrador
Not too big, not too small, just right. The breed specifics are height at the withers for a dog of 22½ to 24½ inches; for a bitch 21½ to 23½ inches. Approximate weight of dogs and bitches in working condition: dogs 65–80lb; bitches 55–70lb. This makes it a medium-sized dog, perfect for nearly everyone.
23. They don't enrage the neighboursLabrador barking and playing
Labradors aren't needy. Although they can bark, they rarely do so excessively. They aren't typically yappers, whiners or nuisance barkers, and they don't usually howl. This should put you in good books with your neighbours.
24. Everyone loves a LabLabrador with girl having cuddle
They are the most popular dog in so many countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Israel and New Zealand – and for 31 years of the past 32 years – the US. Millions for dog owners can't be wrong.
25. Labradors are perfect for a cuddleYellow Labrador puppies
If you have ever seen the "Andrex Puppy", an adorably soft and fluffy yellow Lab puppy used to advertise Andrex (Kleenex Cottonelle) brand of toilet tissue, you'll know just how ridiculously cuddle-some these pups are. They simply demand snuggling.
26. A Lab doesn't mind who looks after themLabrador out walking with lady
This is a great asset for when you want to go on holiday and leave your Lab with someone else. As the key to their heart is their stomach, as long as they are well fed and exercised, any sort of company will do. While of course they love their own pack, they slot well into any other, being so friendly and self-confident. The story goes of a Lab who went missing in a park, and was reunited healthy and well a fortnight later with his owner, having had a jolly time with a taxi driver who picked him up as as stray and fed him mince and crisps!
27. A Lab is always up for anythingLabradors outside tent, camping
Due to their heritage as a working dog, a Labrador is always keen for sport. They never turn their nose up at a walk in the pouring rain, a 20-mile hike, retrieving a ball from icy water or a week's camping in clement weather. And they will always wag their tail and ask for more. They are the ultimate yes-dog.
28. A Labrador's constantly wagging tail is really rather specialLabrador wagging tail
A hallmark of a Lab is their "otter tail", which is thick and tapers gradually towards the tip. They don't have much feathering (unlike the Golden Retriever), but their tail is covered in a dense fur, like an extension of the fur on their body. This rounded appearance gives the name "otter tail" as it resembles an otter's and – like that semi-aquatic mammal – it also helps them to swim well, used as a rudder in the water.
29. You rock their worldLabrador licking man, friendly
Every time you step back inside your home, you are assured of a hero's welcome. Labradors are naturally super-friendly to everyone, but most of all their master, who will be greeted like a long-lost best friend whenever he returns home – even if he's only popped out for a pint of milk.
30. Labradors are cuteBrown Labrador puppy with rubber duck
Look up cute dog and what do you get? A screen full of Labrador puppies. Need we say more. All the more impressive given that they don't fit in your pocket – in fact they hardly fit on your lap, not that they care...
31. Labradors are never fussy eatersLabrador puppies eating
This breed typically eats anything and everything (so make sure you don't leave the lovingly prepared family boeuf bourguignon within striking distance). The way to their heart is through their stomach. So no worrying about what they will and won't eat, whether you'll keep the weight on them, whether they'll finish their dinner. They will.
32. A Labrador will boost YOUR fitnessLady running on beach with yellow Labrador
These dogs are high-energy working dogs who require plenty of exercise each day. Adult Labradors should have up to two hours' exercise today, though this can be split. This is a decent workout for the average person, so most Lab owners (with fit, athletic pets) are in great shape. Of course, you can play fetch at the riverbank if you need to take a break...
Did you enjoy this article? Check out which are the friendliest dog breeds around.
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