The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, slightly longer than they are tall and with a gentle, noble expression. The coat is medium/long, glossy and thick with ample feathering on the chest, stomach and backs of the legs.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some 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
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

The Irish Water Spaniel is a strong, intelligent dual-purpose hunting dog with a natural instinct to please. An active and energetic companion, the Irish Water Spaniel may be reserved with strangers but is loyal to those he knows. The breed requires regular exercise, and his hypoallergenic coat looks best with occasional brushing and trimming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Irish Water Spaniel has webbed feet, which help him to excel at swimming.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel, Bog Dog

The need-to-know

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

A hunter of small game with excellent stamina in the field, the Sussex Spaniel has a massive, rectangular body with large, low ears and an outstanding nose. Although this breed has a somber, serious expression, he is friendly and lively. The Sussex Spaniel has an even temperament and is devoted and gentle around the house. His thick coat, which can be flat or wavy, should be brushed weekly.

DID YOU KNOW? The Sussex Spaniel originated in the 18th century and was one of the first 10 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club when it was formed in 1884. The breed’s name is derived from Sussex, England, home to the first Sussex Spaniel kennel established by Augustus Fuller.

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
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

A hardworking, versatile hunter, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a solid, muscular dog with a strong nose and webbed feet. He is gentle, loyal and sensitive, making him an excellent companion. Nicknamed the “Velcro dog,” the Welsh Springer Spaniel is happiest when close to his family. A jolly, athletic breed with great stamina, he should be vigorously exercised daily, and his flat, feathered coat needs to be brushed weekly.

DID YOU KNOW? This ancient hunting breed traces back as far as 7000 B.C. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was named for his “springing” action upon discovering game when hunting.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Welsh Springer, Welsh Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Starter

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Extra 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
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

A robust, medium-sized dog, the Spanish Water Dog has a curly, woolly coat that can be corded when long, or kept clipped short. They are strong and muscular and as their name suggests, love getting wet and are well suited to swimming and retrieving from water.

The need-to-know

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

A massive, powerful dog, the Saint Bernard was originally bred to rescue freezing, stranded travelers during snowstorms in Switzerland. The breed has two coat varieties: Shorthair and Longhair. He has a gentle temperament, making the noble, intelligent Saint Bernard a superb companion and devoted family dog. This breed drools heavily, and his coat sheds frequently, requiring regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The breed was named after Saint Bernard de Menthon, the patron saint of mountaineers and skiers.

ALSO KNOWN AS: St. Bernhardshund, Bernhardiner, Alpine Mastiff

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• 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

Sweet-tempered, highly intelligent and extremely courageous, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in 19th-century England. An affectionate breed, the Stafford is especially fond of children. His strength and determination require an owner who can work with him in a firm but gentle manner. This active, agile breed needs daily exercise, and his powerful jaws benefit from sturdy chew toys. His coat needs only a quick brushing once a week.

DID YOU KNOW? The Staffordshire Bull Terrier had his beginnings in England centuries ago when the Bulldog and Mastiff were closely linked, eventually giving way to the smaller, more agile breed.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Staffy, Staff, Stafford, Staffy Bull, Nanny Dog, Staffy Dog

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• 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

The Swedish Lapphund is medium-sized and has typical spitz characteristics – a thick, stand-off coat, a bushy tail that can curl over the back, and prick ears. The coat comes in bear-brown, black, brown or black and brown. Rectangular in shape, he is longer than he is tall, with adult males standing at 45-51cm and adult females at 40-46cm. Adults weigh 19-21kg approximately.

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
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Swedish Vallhund is a hardy herding dog with a long, muscular body and short, stocky legs. He can have a full curled tail, stub tail or no tail. Alert and confident, the Swedish Vallhund is an excellent watchdog and protector without being overly aggressive. He is steadfast, spirited and sweet, making the breed a good family companion. This active, athletic dog requires ample daily exercise.

DID YOU KNOW? An ancient breed developed to herd cattle and sheep, the Swedish Vallhund originated more than 1,000 years ago during the Vikings era in Sweden. This dog was previously known as the “Vikingarnas Hund,” or the “Viking Dog.” The Swedish Vallhund has been featured on postage stamps in Sweden, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Mali, Russia, and Tajikistan.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Some 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

An extremely independent, intelligent breed, the Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog with a massive, wedge-shaped head originally bred to guard families and property. He is courageous, loyal and patient. The breed can be strong-willed, so leashes or fences should be used during exercise. The Tibetan Mastiff sheds his heavy, double coat once a year and requires frequent brushing at that time.

DID YOU KNOW? This territorial guard dog originated in China as early as 1100 B.C. After living in isolation in the Himalayan Mountains, the breed developed into the Tibetan Mastiff we know today. In Tibet, the breed is known as “do khyi,” meaning “home guard.”

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• 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

Happy, assertive and highly intelligent, the Tibetan Spaniel has been a prized companion in his native Tibet since 1100 B.C. Small, alert and active, Tibetan Spaniels are outgoing and friendly but may be aloof with strangers. Moderate exercise is suggested, and weekly brushing is needed for the breed’s double coat.

DID YOU KNOW? Tibetan Spaniels were nicknamed “little lions” by Buddhist monks, which gave them great prestige as lions were sacred.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Simkhyi

The need-to-know

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

A companion dog developed over 2,000 years ago, the Tibetan Terrier was bred to withstand Tibet’s extreme climate and difficult terrain. Highly intelligent, sensitive and mischievous, the Tibetan Terrier is a loyal, affectionate family dog. Positive, patient training and regular exercise are recommended, and the breed’s profuse, thick coat requires weekly grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? Not actually a terrier, the Tibetan Terrier was named because of his terrier-like size.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Tsang Apso, Dokhi Apso

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
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog