An excellent bird dog and swimmer, the Flat-Coated Retriever has a friendly personality and ever-wagging tail, making him an outstanding family pet. This intelligent, gentle breed is easily trained. The Flat-Coated Retriever has a puppy-like exuberance throughout his life. An active breed, he needs vigorous daily exercise and minimal grooming for his feathered coat.

DID YOU KNOW? The Flat-Coated Retriever’s ancestors include the Newfoundland, English Setter, as well as sheepdogs and spaniel-like water dogs. A fairly popular breed prior to World War I, the Flat-Coated Retriever was overtaken in popularity by the Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., the Golden Retriever is a sturdy, athletic dog known for his intelligence and eager-to-please attitude. The Golden Retriever is patient, kind and loves everyone. His keen nose makes him an excellent hunting companion, and his gentle nature suits him well for therapy work or being a service dog for the disabled. The Golden needs daily exercise and regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a “Yellow Retriever” with a now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel found on his estate. Later, the Irish Setter and Bloodhound were integrated into the breed. Three Golden Retrievers were the first dogs to achieve an AKC Obedience Champion title.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Retriever

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

Friendly, gentle, intelligent and eager to please, the Labrador Retriever is an ideal hunting companion and family dog. Developed in 19th-century Newfoundland as a water dog, the Labrador Retriever has a stable temperament and a kindly, outgoing nature. He is highly adaptable and trainable and thrives with active owners. His dense, water-resistant coat sheds seasonally and needs regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2011, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to American Kennel Club Dog Registration Statistics.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Labrador

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

Highly intelligent, alert and outgoing, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever breed. Developed in the 19th century to lure, toll and retrieve waterfowl, this energetic breed is an ideal companion for active families. He is agile, quick and determined with a desire to work and please. An affectionate and loving companion, the Toller is patient with children. He has a soft, low-maintenance coat.

DID YOU KNOW? "Tolling” is a Middle English word meaning to “lure or decoy game.” Tolling dogs draw waterfowl within the range of a hunter by alternately playing along the shoreline and hiding. Waterfowl become curious and swim in closer to shore to better observe him.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Yarmouth Toller, Tolling Retriever, Little Red Duck Dog, Little River Duck Dog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Basic training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

A versatile, athletic hound, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is distinguished by a ridge that runs down his back where the hair grows opposite the coat. This loyal, courageous and intelligent breed is an exceptional companion and watchdog. Sociable and affectionate, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an innate desire to be close to his human companions. His sleek, glossy coat sheds lightly and requires minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also called the African Lion Hound because the breed originally was used to hunt lions in South Africa.

ALSO KNOWN AS: African lion dog, African lion hound

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A descendent of Roman drover dogs, the Rottweiler was selectively bred by the Germans for his herding and guarding instincts. Calm, confident and courageous with great intelligence and a willingness to work, the Rottweiler loves people but does not welcome strangers without proper introduction. Rottweilers need obedience training and socialization as well as daily exercise. Their coats require minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Rottweiler’s name was derived from a German town, das Rote Wil.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

An avid hunter with great strength and endurance, the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds. This sighthound originally was used by the Arabs to bring down gazelle. Graceful, independent and loving, the Saluki does best with daily exercise. Salukis can be coated, with feathering on the legs, or smooth. They shed little but need weekly brushing and occasional bathing.

DID YOU KNOW? Salukis were held in such high esteem in Egypt that their bodies were often mummified like those of the Pharaohs.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Slougui, Arabian Greyhound, Arabischer Windhund, Sloughi Moghrebi, Arabian Sighthound, Levrier Marocain, Persian Greyhound

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

An ancient Siberian sledge dog bred to herd and guard reindeer,, the Samoyed is characterized by his hefty, weather-resistant coat and signature smiling black lips. This working breed thrives on having a job to do. A perfect companion for families with children, he is kind, gentle and devoted. The highly intelligent, active Samoyed needs daily exercise and will retain his puppy-like playfulness throughout his lifetime.

DID YOU KNOW? A team of Samoyeds accompanied Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen on his quest to discover the South Pole in 1911. The Samoyed’s gene pool contains no wolf or fox blood, distinguishing this dog as a primitive breed.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Nenetskaya Laika

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

Curious, confident and faithful, the Schipperke originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium. Protective of family and property, the breed is an excellent house dog with a fondness for children. An active breed, the Schipperke benefits from obedience classes and should receive regular exercise. The Schipperke’s harsh coat sheds several times a year but needs only weekly brushing and an occasional bath.

DID YOU KNOW? Schipperke is Flemish for “little captain.”

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Small dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A German farm dog bred to guard livestock and catch vermin, the Standard Schnauzer has a hardy, athletic body marked by a bearded nose and bushy eyebrows. A natural protector, this territorial breed is an excellent watchdog. The lively Standard Schnauzer needs several brisk walks daily, and his coarse, lightly shedding coat should be brushed regularly to avoid mats and stripped at least twice a year.

DID YOU KNOW? The Standard Schnauzer is the original and oldest of the Schnauzer breeds, which includes the Miniature and Giant Schnauzers. The breed’s name is derived from the German word “schnauze,” which means “muzzle.”

ALSO KNOWN AS: Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer, Wirehair Pinscher

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Affectionately called the “Scottie,” the Scottish Terrier is a compact, sturdy vermin hunter noted for having short legs and a shaggy beard. Charming and gentle, he takes pride in being a beloved pet and loves to be near his human companions. The playful, spirited Scottish Terrier needs plenty of leashed walks or fenced exercise. His hard, dense coat requires brushing twice a week and clipping every other month.

DID YOU KNOW? Breeder John Naylor imported the first two Scotties, “Tam Glen” and “Bonnie Belle,” in 1883 to the U.S. The Scottish Terrier is the only breed to live in the White House under three presidents. Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a male named “Fala,” Dwight D. Eisenhower had two Scotties called “Caacie” and “Telek,” and George W. Bush owned a male named “Barney.” King James VI was a big fan of the Scottish Terrier, thus the breed became popular in Scotland during his reign.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Aberdeen Terrier, Scottie

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Bred to hunt badger, otter and fox, the Sealyham Terrier is a proud, determined dog with a compact, sturdy body distinguished by his bushy beard and mustache. This cheerful, charming breed has an unexpected loud bark for a small dog. Although less energetic than other terriers, the Sealyham Terrier requires daily brisk walks. His lightly shedding, wiry coat needs to be brushed twice a week and trimmed once a month.

DID YOU KNOW? Developed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, West Highland White Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Sealyham Terrier was created by Capt. John Edwards at his Sealy Ham estate in Haverfordwest, Wales, from where the breed takes its name.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Welsh Border Terrier, Cowley Terrier

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids