Choosing the right dog who will suit your needs and lifestyle may not be very easy. If you want to raise a dog, you need to consider a lot of factors like life expectancy, temperament, breed, and life conditions that you can offer them. We have already mentioned in a few articles, that pets and dogs in particular, should be assessed as individuals. However, the factors listed above are considered essential and will help you make the right decision.
Breed is an essential factor not only when you choose a dog as a pet, but also a dog as a service animal, as some breeds are likely to have a calmer temperament, be more easy-going and trainable, more or less energetic and prone to certain health conditions. In today’s article we would like to take a look at the term “breed” as a relevant element of the process of choosing a dog. Moreover, we would like to pay attention to breeds that are considered least aggressive and thus more popular compared to others.
We will keep the tradition and will put on the top position our favorite representatives of the Retriever family- The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. They are medium to large sized dogs who are welcome by most people because of their friendly personality.
1. The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the favorite choices of families with children, as they are calm, do not show signs of aggression, and have a lovely appearance. During the puppy phase they may be way too active and excited, however when socialized properly, this behavior can be easily corrected. These canines are energetic, very intelligent and have a strong physique. When trained, they can become great service dogs and fulfill various tasks like opening/closing doors, retrieving medication or dropped objects, pulling a wheelchair, guiding a person..etc, Golden Retrievers love pleasing their owners and can become quite attached to them. They are social dogs and get along with people and other animals. Do not forget to pay them attention and provide enough physical and mental exercises, as they will need them. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 – 12 years. This breed has lustrous coat that has several varieties: Dark Golden, Light Golden, Cream, Golden. The maximum weight that the adult male representatives can reach is 30–34 kg / 66-75 lbs, the maximum weight of the female representatives is about 25–32 kg / 55-70 lbs. The maximum height of this breed is about 56–61 cm / 22-24 inch for the male dogs and approximately 51–56 cm / 20-22 inch for the female dogs.
2. The Labrador Retriever
Similar to the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever is also intelligent, playful, eager to please their owners and has a lovely personality. However, there are slight differences between both Retriever representatives, that we will be happy to clarify.
The first difference is that the Labradors may be a little more energetic. Both breeds may shed twice a year- during the spring and the fall, when they change their coats. Both breads are double-coated, however, the hair of the Golden Retriever is longer and thus not recommend for people with allergies or intolerance to hair on their clothes or furniture. If this is the case, the Labrador Retriever may be the better option for you. The coat varieties of the Labrador are: Black, Chocolate, Yellow (ranges from pale yellow to fox red). The muzzle of the Labrador is wider than the muzzle of the Golden Retriever and the tail of the first one is rather pointy than fluffy. Both breads will genuinely enjoy doing any activities with you like hiking, chasing, swimming, playing interactive games...etc. If you choose one of those breeds, you need to be prepared to have a more energetic daily life. The average lifespan of the Labrador Retrievers is also 10-12 years. The maximum weight that the male dogs can reach is approximately 29–36 kg / 64-79 lbs, the maximum weight of the female dog is: 25–32 kg / 55-71 lbs. The maximum height of this breed is 57–62 cm / 22-24 inch for the males and 55–60 cm / 22-24 inch for the females.
Regardless of what breed you choose, you can be sure, that you will have a loyal companion who will always be by your side.
3. Basset Hound
Despite their look (they may look sad due to their facial features), these dogs are actually playful and easy-going. The modern variety of this breed originates from French dogs, bred in Great Britain in the 1800s as hunting dogs. This breed is very popular among families with children and seniors as well. One of their biggest advantages, along with the calm personality, is their ability to adapt to different surroundings. Hence they can adapt to apartment living as well and you do not have to worry if you do not have a wide yard to offer. These canines are loyal and friendly towards new people. Due to their short legs, they move slower compared to dogs with long legs, which makes them a good option for people who do not enjoy speed walks or deal with mobility issues. The level of shedding is rather moderate, as they are likely to shed year-around. Regular brushing and grooming will help you keep their coat intact. However, it is not difficult to maintain, as it is short and smooth. These doggies with lovely floppy soft ears (which are sometimes larger than their face) come in the following color varieties: black, white and tan (tree colored-version) or tan/lemon and white (two-colored-version). The approximate lifespan of this bread is 10-12 years. The maximum weight of the male representatives may reach 23–29 kg / 51-64 lbs, the maximum weight of the female breed representatives is 20–27 kg / 44-60 lbs. The maximum height of these canines according to the Basset Hound Club of America is 36 cm / 14 inch.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
This breed is one of the five breeds of the so-called Sennenhund-type dogs that accompanied the alpine herders and originates in the Swiss Alps. These large dogs will suit perfectly a house with a yard. If you have a farm, that would be perfect! Despite their impressive size (males can reach up to 38–50 kg / 84-110 lbs, females can reach up to 36–48 kg/ 79-106 lbs), they are calm, obedient and easy going. These dogs are patient and gentle and will be a wonderful companion for families with children. They enjoy being engaged in different types of work, they are also alert and easy-going and would be a great choice for you, if you are looking for a service dog or just for help with the household chores. A disadvantage of this breed is their level of shedding. These doggies are double-coated and shed quite a lot, especially twice a year, during the shedding season. Hence, regular brushing, at least on a weekly basis, is recommended. Their coat is tri-colored, featuring black, red and white. Their maximum height is 64–70 cm / 25-28 inch for the male dogs and 58–66 cm / 23–26 inch for the female representatives. The average lifespan of this bread is 7-8 years. A great watch dog, with a lovely temperament who will prove their loyalty to you every day.
5. Beagle
This breed of small scent hound, originally bred to hunt hares (the so-called beagling) have a strong sense of smell and wonderful tracking skills. Some resources identify the Beagles as the “primary breed used as a detection dog for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world.” We are not surprised at that, as Beagles are not only calm and friendly but really intelligent as well. They are playful, non-aggressive, and affectionate to small children, so if you have kids, this doggy will be a very good choice for you. Due to their strong sense of smell, they like exploring the surrounding and will genuinely enjoy any games featuring different smells. However, while outdoors, you may need to monitor your paw friend, as they may get distracted by a scent and walk away. These canines tend to bark and howl, which may cause you problems, if you live in an apartment. If you want to correct this behavior you may need to conduct training. Beagles are trainable, although they may be stubborn sometimes. Beagles are considered clean dogs, who do not require frequent bathing. They shed- mainly in the spring, as their coat becomes ticker in the winter, however, their coat is short and their hair will not be very noticeable. These dogs will enjoy your company and will appreciate your attention. If they feel neglected they may develop separation anxiety, so keep that in mind when you make a choice. Beagles are available in the following color varieties: tri-color or white mixed with black and tan/brown or brown/tan. Th e average lifespan of this breed is 12–15 years, the maximum weight of the male representatives is 10.0–11.3 kg / 22–25 lbs, the maximum weight of the female representatives is 9.1–10.4 kg / 20–23 lbs. The maximum height of the breed is 33–41 cm / 13–16 inch.
6. Bulldog
These muscular doggies have a pushed-in nose, that along with their wrinkled face is one of their distinguished features. These doggies are lovely and friendly creatures. Bulldogs are also very affectionate and patient towards their owners and family members. They are reported by the American Kennel Club as the fifth most popular breed in the US in 2007. These dogs can become excellent watchdogs, due to their territorial instincts, protective nature and strong physique. However, these cute flat-faced doggies do not tend to bark, but are likely to snuffle, snore and make different sounds due to their facial features. We can say that this breed is not for everyone, as some people adore them, others do not like them at all. These dogs are considered slow and lazy, which is incorrect. They may develop respiratory issues that cause shortness of breath and may need more time to recover. However, they can run fast and are likely to keep their speed for 5-10 minutes. Endurance is not their strength. Although they are not much into demanding physical activity, 30 minutes walk every day or time for exercises will keep your paw friend healthy. Along with the fact that they do not require much activity as other breeds (like Retrievers) they adapt to living in an apartment which is another benefit for people who want to raise these doggies. The approximate lifespan of the breed is 8-10 years, the average weight of the male representatives is 23-25 kg / 51-55 lbs, and of the female representatives: 18-23 kg / 40-50 lbs. Their maximum height of the breed is 31-40 cm / 12-16 inch.
7. Brittany (Spaniel)
This breed originates in a french province where its representatives were bred as gun dogs (type of hunting dogs) and had good retrieving skills. The breed was recognized in 1907 in France and approved by the AKC in 1934. Later, in 1982, the second part of the name “Spaniel” was removed. However, let’s talk about the temperament and appearance of these lovely dogs. They are very affectionate and attached to their owners. They are non-aggressive and get along with new people and other animals as well. If we have to rate their levels of energy and playfulness, we would say that they are pretty high. Their high energy is important to consider, as you will need to be active. If engaging in games, especially in fetch games and quality time of exercising, will suit your lifestyle, then this breed is a good option for you. However, if you do not have so much time to invest in playing with your dog, at least an hour per day (intensive exercising), your paw friend may become destructive and neurotic. Proper socialization at a young age is highly recommended if you decide to raise a representative of this breed. Brittanys are trainable, intelligent and learn new tasks quickly. Their level of shedding can be considered moderate. Their coat is wavy with feathering on the belly and the legs. These canines do not require a lot of grooming, however, yo may want to spend some time on a weekly basis to brush the coat of your doggy. As we mentioned above, Britannys are energetic and when left alone for too long or when they lack exercises, they can become bored and thus develop barking issues. These doggies will definitely bring positive emotions in your life and will turn you into a more active person. The coat of these dogs is available in the following varieties: orange and white, liver and white, black and white (not accepted by all countries), tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan. Their average lifespan is 12-16 years. The maximum weight that the male dogs can reach is 14-18 kg / 31-40 lbs, the maximum height of the breed is about: 47–52 cm / 19-20 inch (for the males), and 46–51 cm / 18-20 inch (for the females).
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This small-sized breed, classed in the toy group, originates in the UK, and has become the 17th most popular pure-breed in the US. The appearance of these dogs is gentle, sweet and lovely. King Charles II may have been so fascinated by these canines, that they were named after him. We are also mesmerized by the soft and silky coat of these doggies as well as by their intelligence and playfulness. They are friendly and affectionate dogs and get along with other animals and children. They are quite adaptive and will be able to get acquainted with new surrounding quickly as needed. There are trainable, and if you are looking for a Psychiatric Service Dog to provide tactile stimulation and calm you down, you will be happy to know that these canines are great lap dogs. These dogs shed moderately, not more than other dogs and require many hours of grooming. However, you still will need to invest time to maintain and brush their silky coat. They are rather quiet and you are not likely to hear a representative of this breed bark a lot. Another advantage of this breed is that they do not require a lot of exercises, but you will need to invest at least 40-50 minutes per day to walk your furry friend. You can divide the time of 45-50 minutes into several small walks of 10-15 minutes each. The color varieties of this breed are: black and tan, blenheim, ruby, and tri-colour. The average lifespan of the breed is 9-14 years, the maximum weight of the adult dog is approximately 5.9 – 8.2 kg / 13-19 lbs, the maximum height of the breed is 30 – 33 cm / 12-13 inch.
9. Rough Collie
This medium to large sized breed, that fascinates with its gorgeous long coat, originates in Scotland, and was bred for herding sheeps. Rough Collies or just Collies are intelligent and calm dogs, who can interact without problems with other dogs and children, which makes them great family dogs. If you choose a representative of this breed, you can be sure that you have welcomed home a loyal and gentle companion. These dogs socialize easily and can be easily trained as well. As they are really smart, they can learn various tricks and be able to perform different kinds of tasks. However, you will need to invest time to exercise them and pay attention to them, due to their social nature and energy. Otherwise they may succumb to their herding instinct and start herding any object that moves, thus a proper socialization at a young age is recommended. Since Collies are popular with their beautiful double-coat, you may wonder how bad these dogs shed. You need to be prepared to take care of their coat or regularly take them for grooming. Brushing on a weekly basis and bathing once a month are recommended for these dogs. Rough Collies can become great watch dogs, so you will be notified if an intruder tries to get in. The color varieties of the breed include: sable, mahogany sable, shaded sable, tri-colored, sable merle, blue merle, double merle, colour headed white, white. The average lifespan of this breed is 14-16 years, the maximum weight of the male representatives is about 20–29 kg / 44-64 lbs, the maximum weight of the females is approximately 18–25 kg / 40-55 lbs. The maximum height of the males is approximately 56–61 cm / 22-24 inch, and 51–56 cm / 20-22 inch of the females.
10. Newfoundland
Originated in Newfoundland, Canada, these dogs were bred as working dogs for fishermen. You may be captivated by their look and large size (the male dogs can reach a weight of 65-80 kg / 143-176 lbs, and a height of 71 cm / 28 inch, while female dogs can reach up то 55-65 kg / 121-143 lbs in weight and 66 cm / 26 inch in height). Despite their large size, these dogs are loving, affectionate, and very loyal. They also may want to sit on your feet unaware of their impressive size. They are not the biggest “cuddlers”, but love being around their family and are very affectionate. They are usually well-behaved towards new people and very calm. However, they will not hesitate to act, if their owner or another family member is in danger, as they can be very protective of their beloved humans. Also, these canines are very good swimmers and are quite popular for saving people from drowning. These dogs have moderate levels of energy. They can be playful, but are more often relaxed and calm. Newfoundlands do shed, but their levels of shedding are not the highest ones. However, they will need regular brushing to remove any dead hairs is highly recommended. These dogs are trainable and you may want to train your doggy while still in the puppy phase. They have deep and loud barks, and are prone to barking with or without reason. However, proper training will correct this behavior. The coat of these doggies comes in the following varieties: black, white with black patches, brown (not recognized in Canada), and grey (recognized in the US only). The maximum weight of the male representatives is 65–80 kg / 143–176 lbs, the maximum weight of the female representatives is approximately 65–80 kg / 143–176 lbs. The maximum height of the males is about 71 cm / 28 inch and of the females- 66 cm / 26 inch.
11. Poodle
These curly-coated and fluffy doggies are a breed of water dogs. They can be divided into four sub-breeds depending on the size: Standard Poodle, Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle. Although there are still disputes in regard to their origin- Germany of France, their virtues are indisputable. These canines are intelligent, trainable, loyal, and considered hypoallergenic. They are also affectionate to their family and get along with children. They can interact with other dogs as well, but you need to keep in mind that too rough play or too loud noises can make them nervous. That is why we would recommend that you train your lovely paw friend in order to make sure that contacts with other dogs will be safe and pleasant. These dogs are playful and energetic and will not enjoy being left at home. Time, invested in exercises and mental stimulation is required, if you want to become a Poodle owner. Poodles can develop bad barking habits, so you will need to correct this behavior with proper training. Poodles are one of the breeds with the lowest levels of shedding. However, you will have to brush them every week or twice a week and take them to grooming every 6-7 weeks. These canines come in many color varieties: black, white, brown, gray, blue, silver, “café au lait”, silver beige, apricot, cream and red, and patterns like: sable, parti-abstract, phantom, and brindle. The average life-span of this breed is 12-15 years, the maximum weight that can reached is: Standard — 20–32 kg / 44–71 lbs, Medium — 15–19 kg / 33–42 lbs, Miniature — 12–14 kg / 26–31 lbs, Toy — 6.5–7.5 kg / 14–17 lbs. The maximum height of the breed is: Standard — 45–62 cm / 18–24 inch, Medium — 35–45 cm /14–18 inch, Miniature — 28–35 cm / 11–14 inch, Toy — 24–28 cm / 9.4–11.0 inch.
12. Portuguese Water Dog
This breed originates in the Algarve region of Portugal and expanded to the Portugal’s coast, where it was trained to help the fishermen by herding fish into the nets, played the role of a courier between ships...etc. You may not not much about these dogs, but we will be happy to let you know that they are smart, loving and easy to train. That is why they will need a regular exercises and mental stimulation. These dogs will not enjoy spending many hours home alone. You will need either to train them to overcome any signs of separation anxiety if you travel a lot or spend many hours in the office. These canines can become great companions, especially if you have small children, and wonderful service dogs as well. They can also get along with other dogs, especially if raised together. If you are allergic to dog fur, you will be happy to know, that these dogs do not shed a lot and even when they shed, the hair is likely to stick in their curly coat. However, they require regular brushing and bathing. You may need to bathe them every week to every six weeks. These doggies can become very good watchdogs and alert you if any danger is present. They are moderate barkers and have distinctive vocalization. The lifespan of the breed is 10-14 years. The maximum weight of the males is: 19–27 kg / 42–60 lbs, the maximum weight of the females is 16–23 kg / 35–50 lbs. The maximum height of the males is 50–57 cm / 20–22 inch, of the females- 43–52 cm / 17–20 inch. Most breed representatives are colored in black, black and white, brown, or are silver-tipped.
13. Pug
This breed originates in China and was brought to Europe in the sixteenth century. It became very popular in the Netherlands and later, in the nineteenth century, very beloved by the Royal family in the United Kingdom, due to the passion of queen Victoria towards them. Pugs are also known as Dutch bulldogs. These dogs have very distinctive facial features due to their wrinkles, flat muzzle, curly tail and quite muscular body. Another facial feature of these dogs is related to their teeth- the lower teeth are slightly extended beyond the upper teeth. If you decide to raise a doggy of this breed, you should be prepared for loving family moments and games, as these canines are gentle and attached to their owners. They are also very protective of their owner. Well-behaved with family members, children and other dogs as well, you will never be bored around them. However, a disadvantage of having a Pug, that we have to mention, is their level of shedding. It is moderate to severe and depends on the age of the dog and the season as well. If you are fascinated by these dogs and do not want to give up on them, despite their high level of shedding, there is a simple solution- get a black Pug. Black Pugs are single-coated and shed less than the double-coated representatives of the breed. However, regardless of the type you chose, you will have to take care of its coat and engage in regular brushing and bathing at least once every three weeks. These lovely doggies do not tend to bark, which makes them ideal for living in an apartment. We are pretty sure, that this positive feature will also be much appreciated by your neighbors. Pugs are trainable and can learn different commands. However, they can be stubborn sometimes and you will have to be patient. They are also adaptive dogs and will manage to get used to their new surroundings quicker than other dogs as needed. This does not mean that will adapt to getting less attention from you. Pugs can develop separation anxiety like other breeds and you should keep that in mind. The average lifespan of the breed is 12-15 years. The representatives of the breed can reach up to 6-8 kg / 14-18 lbs in weight and 25-33 cm / 10-13 inches in height. Their smooth coat comes in the following color varieties: fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn or black.
14. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a sighthound dog, also known as a gazehound. These hunting dogs use much more their speed and sight while hunting, instead of their sense of smell and endurance. They have large, S-formed muscular body, tough legs and long tail. They may not seem very polite, but are actually peaceful and affectionate. They rarely bark and are non-aggressive. They are also even-tempered and tolerant to children. However, we would recommend that your supervise interactions between your paw friend and your children, as they may take advantage of his/her patience. Greyhounds are moderate shedders and you can expect to notice more hair during the seasonal shedding in the spring and the fall. Their coat is short and easy to maintain. These dogs are playful, but are not overly energetic. Although they were bred as hunting dogs, they can spend much time on the couch, which makes them a good option for people living in apartments. One hour of exercising, preferably, playing fetch games and several hours cuddling on the couch. It does sound, great, doesn’t it? Furthermore, these dogs are quite adaptive. They can be trained, but you should remember to use positive reinforcement only, especially food to keep them encouraged. Greyhounds do not tend to bark a lot. However, you may want to walk them before you go to work, so that they can spend some energy and rest during the day. Otherwise, they can get bored and develop unhealthy habits. Their approximate lifespan is 10–14 years. The male dogs reach up to 27-40 kg / 60-88 lbs, the female dogs can reach up to 25-34 kg / 55-75 lbs. The male dogs can reach 71- 76 cm / 28-30 inch in height and the female representatives can reach 68-71 cm / 27-28 inch. Despite their name, including the color “grey”, this breed’s coat has many color varieties like white, black, red, blue (gray), brindle, fawn.
15. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter or “red setter” is a breed of gundog. As we explained above, gundogs are special hunting dogs, bred to help hunters in finding and retrieving doves, ducks and quails. No wonder, that if you chose an Irish Setter for a pet or a service dog, you are likely to spend much time playing fetch with your furry friend. These canines are easy to train and very smart. We will give them 10/10 for possessing qualities like affection to their owner, family members, including kids, and towards other dogs as well. However, if you notice that their roots in hunting are very strong, you may want to train them, especially while they are still young to avoid any damages at home in the future. We would like to point out, that it may take years for these dogs to fully mature. These dogs with а lovely red coat tend to shed (moderate), and you will need to brush them 3 times a week. Please keep in mind that Irish Setters are highly energetic and require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. If you are more into a “lazy” lifestyle, these dogs will not be suitable for you. Irish Setters can be very alert, but they are non-aggressive. They love their human’s attention and once they feel ignored, they may express their disappointment though barking and chewing. You may be interested to know that the ancestors of the modern Irish Setter were not colored in solid red, but rather red and white. Color varieties of mahogany and chestnut are likely to appear. The presence of black on the coat of the Irish Setters is deemed taboo at shows. The average lifespan of this breed is 12-15 years. The maximum weight of the male representatives is 27-32kg / 60-71 lbs, of the females- 24-29 kg / 53-64 lbs. The maximum height of the breed is 58-67 cm / 23-26 inch of the males Female: 55–62 / 22-24 inch.
16. Great Dane
This wonderful breed, that impresses with its size, originates in Germany, where it was breed for hunting. The ancestors of these dogs are known from the Middle Ages. The Great Dane is another breed, that may instills fear in some people due to its large size, but is beloved by many, who discovered how affectionate and gentle these dogs actually are. They develop a strong bond to their owners and get along with children, which makes them great companion and family dogs. They can also cooperate with other dogs, especially if raised together. However, some representatives of the breed may show aggression towards other dogs, if they are unfamiliar. You may want to train your lovely paw giant some basic manners, as due to their size they may be a little uncoordinated, especially in small apartments. The level of energy of this breed, similarly to other large breeds, is rather low. They may be more energetic during their puppy phase, but adult dogs are rather calm and a bit lazy. Of course, you still need to invest time in regular walks., but you need to be careful and not overexercise your paw friend. Moreover, you need to be careful with their bones, as the bone structure of the breed fully develops at the age of 8-12 months. If you would like to train your paw friend, you should wait until he/she gets at a suitable age for that. These gorgeous large dogs have a smooth and short coat, that sheds moderately. Luckily for those of you who like this breed, it does not require a lot of grooming. You may want to brush them a few minutes every week in the direction their coat grows. The Great Danes are not known as barkers, however, if they bark, they have a very loud and deep bark. Their level of intelligence is considered average, however, they have good hunting instincts and manage to learn for themselves. Actually, they are likely to be a bit of underestimated. The average lifespan of this breed is 8-10 years. The maximum weight of the adult male dogs is: 54–90 kg / 119-198 lbs, and 45–59 kg / 99-130 lbs. The maximum height of the male representatives is about 76–86 cm / 30-34 inch, and 71–81 cm / 28-32 inch of the females. Depending on the standard 5 to 6 coat colors can be accepted at shows: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Harlequin, Mantle, Blue.
17. Vizsla
This breed originates in Hungary and its name means a “searcher” / “tracker” in Hungarian, due to the hunting purposes it was bred for. You may have noticed its adorable shiny and sleek coat that makes them appear so elegant. These doggies are very gentle and attached to their family. They are suited to children and get along with other dogs as well. These canines are great companions and can become wonderful family dogs. If you raise them with other dogs or even cats, you are not likely to experience any problems. However, if you raise animals like rabbits or birds, the hunter instincts of your paw friend may show up. Vizslas are energetic, playful and active dogs. You will need to provide your doggy with a lot of exercises and interactive games. Of course, like most dogs, Vizslas get calmer when they become adults. Moreover, it always depends on the dog as an individual. You will be happy to know that these canines are not known as shedders. They shed rather low to moderate. However, you still can brush your doggy’s gorgeous coat with a soft brush to keep it maintained and remove all the dead hair. Vizslas are intelligent dogs and require both physical and mental stimulation. If neglected, they can become excessive barkers. Due to their intelligence and willingness to please their owners, they are very trainable. If you decide to train your paw friend, you should be patient, consistent and gentle. Moreover, these canines are very adaptive. The average lifespan of the breed is 12-15 years. Their maximum weight of the male representatives is 20–29 kg / 44-64 lbs, and 18–25 kg / 40-55 lbs of the females. The maximum height that the males can reach is 56–64 cm / 22-25 inch and 53–61 cm / 21-24 inch for the females. Vizslas’ coats come in the following color varieties: Golden Rust, Golden, Red Golden.
18. Papillon
This super cute and lovely breed with butterfly-like looking ears is one of the oldest of the toy spaniels group. A Papillon (“butterfly-eared”) whose ears are dropped, is called Phalene (“moth”). These doggies can become great family dogs, as they are affectionate and attached to their owner and other family members. They get along with children, but we would recommend that you supervise their interaction, as small breeds can get easily injured. These dogs require a gentle approach and attention. Although they are of a small size, they are very trainable and will enjoy performing different tricks for you. You do not have to worry when you are around other animals, as Papillons can get along even with cats. However, proper socialization is always recommended. Papillons shed low to moderate and their lovely silky coat can be easily managed through regular brushing. These doggies are friendly and social, and are not known as barkers or nervous dogs. They are adaptive and open to new people. Papillons will enjoy any extra playtime, especially outdoors, that you can invest. The approximate lifespan of this breed is 13-15 years. The maximum weight that adult males can reach is 3.6-4.5 kg / 8-10 lbs, the maximum weight of the female dogs is about 3.2-4.1 kg / 7-9 lbs. The maximum height of the breed is 20-28 cm / 8-11 inch. The color varieties of the Papilons’ coat are: white, black and white, sable, red and white, fawn and white, white and chocolate.
19.Bergamasco Shepherd
This breed originates in the Alpi e Prealpi Bergamasche and was bred as herding dogs for cattle and sheep. The coat of these dogs is their distinguishing feature- it is long and tick and appears as mats, that constantly grow during the dog’s life. These dogs bond with their owners and family members and can be great family dogs. Also, they can get along with other dogs, unless they consider them a threat. These dogs are non-aggressive, but can become protective of their family, thus they become excellent watchdogs. You will be happy to know that these doggies are hypoallergenic. You do not have to brush them or bath them more than 4-5 times a year. Also, the representatives of this fluffy breed are patient, calm and sensitive. They are quite trainable and have an average level of playfulness and energy. You may need to spend 30-60 minutes per day of exercising, walks and play sessions. These dogs may bark occasionally. The approximate lifespan of the breed is 13–15 years and its coat comes in two colors -merle or black. The maximum weight of the male representatives is about 32–38 kg / 71–84 lbs, the maximum weight of the females is approximately 26-32 kg/ 57-71 lbs. The maximum height that the male adult dogs can reach is 58-62 cm / 23-24 inch, the maximum height of the females is 54-58 cm / 21-23 inch.
20. Whippet
Whippets who are also known as Snap Dogs, are a sighthound breed that originates in England and descends from Greyhounds, which explains their visual similarities. Whippets are gentle and generally quiet dogs, very affectionate to their owner, family members, including children and are well-behaved towards other dogs as well. We can say that they are natural family dogs. Whippets are short-coated and have a moderate level of shedding. They do not shed as much as breeds with heavier coats. You need to be careful with their skin, as it is thin and thus more vulnerable. Since these doggies do not bark a lot, they are not likely to become good watchdogs. Whippets are adaptive dogs and can get used to apartment living. However, they are energetic and if you do not exercise them regularly, they may become disruptive. The average lifespan of these canines is 12-14 years. The maximum weight that the adult dogs can reach is about 9-18 kg / 20-40 lbs, the maximum height of the males is approximately 47-51 cm / 19-20 inch (international), 47–57 cm /19–23 inch (North America), the maximum height of the female dogs is about: 44–47 cm / 18–19 inch (international) and 44-55 cm / 18-22 (North America).
