Dog Breed Categories
Browse our comprehensive collection of dog breeds by category. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly companion, a working dog, or a specific size or temperament, our categorized guides will help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Working Dog
149 breedsDiscover 149 working dog dog breeds including Affenpinscher, Afghan Hound, African Hunting Dog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Intelligent
93 breedsDiscover 93 intelligent dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, Akbash Dog, American Bully, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Affectionate
54 breedsDiscover 54 affectionate dog breeds including Alaskan Malamute, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Alert
52 breedsDiscover 52 alert dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, Akita, American Eskimo Dog (Miniature), and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Friendly
48 breedsDiscover 48 friendly dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, Akita, Alaskan Husky, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Loyal
48 breedsDiscover 48 loyal dog breeds including Akbash Dog, Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Playful
37 breedsDiscover 37 playful dog breeds including Affenpinscher, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Gentle
33 breedsDiscover 33 gentle dog breeds including Alaskan Husky, American Bulldog, Basset Hound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Working
30 breedsDiscover 30 working dog breeds including Akbash Dog, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Energetic
29 breedsDiscover 29 energetic dog breeds including Alaskan Husky, American Bulldog, American Water Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Sporting
26 breedsDiscover 26 sporting dog breeds including American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Bracco Italiano, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Active
25 breedsDiscover 25 active dog breeds including Affenpinscher, Australian Shepherd, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Fearless
24 breedsDiscover 24 fearless dog breeds including Appenzeller Sennenhund, Beauceron, Border Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Protective
23 breedsDiscover 23 protective dog breeds including Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, American Eskimo Dog (Miniature), American Eskimo Dog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Trainable
23 breedsDiscover 23 trainable dog breeds including Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Hound
22 breedsDiscover 22 hound dog breeds including Afghan Hound, American Foxhound, Azawakh, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Independent
21 breedsDiscover 21 independent dog breeds including Afghan Hound, Akbash Dog, American Foxhound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Herding
21 breedsDiscover 21 herding dog breeds including Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Kelpie, Australian Shepherd, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Lively
20 breedsDiscover 20 lively dog breeds including Appenzeller Sennenhund, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Bearded Collie, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Confident
19 breedsDiscover 19 confident dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, Alaskan Husky, American Bulldog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Terrier
19 breedsDiscover 19 terrier dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Companionable
19 breedsDiscover 19 companionable dog breeds including Australian Terrier, Barbet, Boykin Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Toy
18 breedsDiscover 18 toy dog breeds including Affenpinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Crested, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Loving
18 breedsDiscover 18 loving dog breeds including Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, American Foxhound, Bullmastiff, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Obedient
18 breedsDiscover 18 obedient dog breeds including American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Water Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Non-Sporting
17 breedsDiscover 17 non-sporting dog breeds including American Eskimo Dog, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Courageous
16 breedsDiscover 16 courageous dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, Akita, American Bully, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Calm
14 breedsDiscover 14 calm dog breeds including Beauceron, Boxer, Bullmastiff, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Stubborn
13 breedsDiscover 13 stubborn dog breeds including Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Reserved
12 breedsDiscover 12 reserved dog breeds including American Eskimo Dog (Miniature), American Eskimo Dog, Bullmastiff, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Happy
11 breedsDiscover 11 happy dog breeds including Afghan Hound, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Brittany, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Outgoing
11 breedsDiscover 11 outgoing dog breeds including Airedale Terrier, Cocker Spaniel (American), Dalmatian, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Devoted
11 breedsDiscover 11 devoted dog breeds including Alaskan Malamute, American Staffordshire Terrier, Basset Hound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Even Tempered
11 breedsDiscover 11 even tempered dog breeds including Australian Terrier, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Faithful
9 breedsDiscover 9 faithful dog breeds including Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Briard, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Sweet-Tempered
9 breedsDiscover 9 sweet-tempered dog breeds including American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Bull Terrier (Miniature), and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Spirited
9 breedsDiscover 9 spirited dog breeds including Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, German Pinscher, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Agile
9 breedsDiscover 9 agile dog breeds including Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Brittany, Glen of Imaal Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Quiet
9 breedsDiscover 9 quiet dog breeds including Cane Corso, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chow Chow, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Sociable
9 breedsDiscover 9 sociable dog breeds including Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel (American), Field Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Aloof
8 breedsDiscover 8 aloof dog breeds including Afghan Hound, Azawakh, Chow Chow, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Dignified
8 breedsDiscover 8 dignified dog breeds including Afghan Hound, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Strong Willed
8 breedsDiscover 8 strong willed dog breeds including American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, English Setter, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Keen
8 breedsDiscover 8 keen dog breeds including Border Collie, Bull Terrier (Miniature), Bull Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Docile
7 breedsDiscover 7 docile dog breeds including Akita, Bullmastiff, Field Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Responsive
7 breedsDiscover 7 responsive dog breeds including Akita, Border Collie, Havanese, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Dominant
7 breedsDiscover 7 dominant dog breeds including American Bulldog, Boerboel, Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka), and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Bold
7 breedsDiscover 7 bold dog breeds including Anatolian Shepherd Dog, German Shorthaired Pointer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Sensitive
7 breedsDiscover 7 sensitive dog breeds including Bichon Frise, Dalmatian, Field Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Adaptable
7 breedsDiscover 7 adaptable dog breeds including Black and Tan Coonhound, Brittany, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Patient
7 breedsDiscover 7 patient dog breeds including Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Great Pyrenees, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Attentive
6 breedsDiscover 6 attentive dog breeds including American Staffordshire Terrier, Azawakh, Belgian Tervuren, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Watchful
6 breedsDiscover 6 watchful dog breeds including Belgian Malinois, Eurasier, German Shepherd Dog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Cheerful
6 breedsDiscover 6 cheerful dog breeds including Bichon Frise, Boxer, Dogo Argentino, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Quick
6 breedsDiscover 6 quick dog breeds including Brittany, Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka), Keeshond, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Curious
5 breedsDiscover 5 curious dog breeds including Affenpinscher, Basenji, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Kind
5 breedsDiscover 5 kind dog breeds including American Foxhound, English Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Tenacious
5 breedsDiscover 5 tenacious dog breeds including American Staffordshire Terrier, Basset Hound, Border Collie, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Steady
5 breedsDiscover 5 steady dog breeds including Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Komondor, Lhasa Apso, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Reliable
5 breedsDiscover 5 reliable dog breeds including Appenzeller Sennenhund, Bullmastiff, Dutch Shepherd, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Eager
5 breedsDiscover 5 eager dog breeds including Australian Kelpie, Boykin Spaniel, English Setter, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Hardy
5 breedsDiscover 5 hardy dog breeds including Bearded Collie, Cairn Terrier, Norwich Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Familial
5 breedsDiscover 5 familial dog breeds including Bouvier des Flandres, Field Spaniel, German Pinscher, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Clever
5 breedsDiscover 5 clever dog breeds including Lancashire Heeler, Miniature Pinscher, Pug, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Clownish
4 breedsDiscover 4 clownish dog breeds including Afghan Hound, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Assertive
4 breedsDiscover 4 assertive dog breeds including American Bulldog, Cairn Terrier, Lhasa Apso, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Good-natured
4 breedsDiscover 4 good-natured dog breeds including Australian Shepherd, Pekingese, Rottweiler, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Powerful
4 breedsDiscover 4 powerful dog breeds including Bullmastiff, Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka), Giant Schnauzer, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Inquisitive
4 breedsDiscover 4 inquisitive dog breeds including Catahoula Leopard Dog, Griffon Bruxellois, Rat Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Athletic
4 breedsDiscover 4 athletic dog breeds including French Bulldog, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Brave
3 breedsDiscover 3 brave dog breeds including Akbash Dog, Australian Cattle Dog, Boxer, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Proud
3 breedsDiscover 3 proud dog breeds including Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Japanese Spitz, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Self-assured
3 breedsDiscover 3 self-assured dog breeds including Appenzeller Sennenhund, Rottweiler, Scottish Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Joyful
3 breedsDiscover 3 joyful dog breeds including Barbet, Cocker Spaniel (American), Silky Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Self-confidence
3 breedsDiscover 3 self-confidence dog breeds including Bearded Collie, Norfolk Terrier, White Shepherd, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Easygoing
3 breedsDiscover 3 easygoing dog breeds including Black and Tan Coonhound, French Bulldog, Maltese, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Trusting
3 breedsDiscover 3 trusting dog breeds including Black and Tan Coonhound, Cocker Spaniel (American), Labrador Retriever, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Territorial
3 breedsDiscover 3 territorial dog breeds including Boerboel, Bull Terrier (Miniature), Kooikerhondje, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Bright
3 breedsDiscover 3 bright dog breeds including Boxer, French Bulldog, Keeshond, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Gay
3 breedsDiscover 3 gay dog breeds including Cairn Terrier, Gordon Setter, West Highland White Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Strong
3 breedsDiscover 3 strong dog breeds including Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka), Olde English Bulldogge, Shetland Sheepdog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Vocal
3 breedsDiscover 3 vocal dog breeds including Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Pumi, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Mischievous
3 breedsDiscover 3 mischievous dog breeds including English Setter, Italian Greyhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Dutiful
2 breedsDiscover 2 dutiful dog breeds including African Hunting Dog, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Mixed
2 breedsDiscover 2 mixed dog breeds including Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, Alaskan Husky, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Cautious
2 breedsDiscover 2 cautious dog breeds including Australian Cattle Dog, Field Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Amiable
2 breedsDiscover 2 amiable dog breeds including Beagle, Tibetan Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Hard-working
2 breedsDiscover 2 hard-working dog breeds including Belgian Malinois, English Setter, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Feisty
2 breedsDiscover 2 feisty dog breeds including Bichon Frise, Scottish Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Lovable
2 breedsDiscover 2 lovable dog breeds including Black and Tan Coonhound, Norfolk Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Suspicious
2 breedsDiscover 2 suspicious dog breeds including Chinese Shar-Pei, Perro de Presa Canario, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Tolerant
2 breedsDiscover 2 tolerant dog breeds including Dogo Argentino, Harrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Charming
2 breedsDiscover 2 charming dog breeds including Pug, Shiba Inu, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Adventurous
1 breedsDiscover 1 adventurous dog breeds including Affenpinscher, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Fun-loving
1 breedsDiscover 1 fun-loving dog breeds including Affenpinscher, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Wild
1 breedsDiscover 1 wild dog breeds including African Hunting Dog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Hardworking
1 breedsDiscover 1 hardworking dog breeds including African Hunting Dog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Composed
1 breedsDiscover 1 composed dog breeds including Akita, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Receptive
1 breedsDiscover 1 receptive dog breeds including Akita, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Responsible
1 breedsDiscover 1 responsible dog breeds including Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Rugged
1 breedsDiscover 1 rugged dog breeds including Azawakh, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Fierce
1 breedsDiscover 1 fierce dog breeds including Azawakh, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Refined
1 breedsDiscover 1 refined dog breeds including Azawakh, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Excitable
1 breedsDiscover 1 excitable dog breeds including Beagle, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Determined
1 breedsDiscover 1 determined dog breeds including Beagle, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Good-tempered
1 breedsDiscover 1 good-tempered dog breeds including Bedlington Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Rational
1 breedsDiscover 1 rational dog breeds including Bouvier des Flandres, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Stable
1 breedsDiscover 1 stable dog breeds including Cane Corso, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Great-hearted
1 breedsDiscover 1 great-hearted dog breeds including Clumber Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Merry
1 breedsDiscover 1 merry dog breeds including Cocker Spaniel (American), and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
People-Oriented
1 breedsDiscover 1 people-oriented dog breeds including English Setter, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Bossy
1 breedsDiscover 1 bossy dog breeds including English Shepherd, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Cunning
1 breedsDiscover 1 cunning dog breeds including English Toy Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Boisterous
1 breedsDiscover 1 boisterous dog breeds including German Shorthaired Pointer, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Cooperative
1 breedsDiscover 1 cooperative dog breeds including German Shorthaired Pointer, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Trustworthy
1 breedsDiscover 1 trustworthy dog breeds including Golden Retriever, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Self-important
1 breedsDiscover 1 self-important dog breeds including Griffon Bruxellois, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Respectful
1 breedsDiscover 1 respectful dog breeds including Irish Terrier, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Thoughtful
1 breedsDiscover 1 thoughtful dog breeds including Irish Wolfhound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Generous
1 breedsDiscover 1 generous dog breeds including Irish Wolfhound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Cat-like
1 breedsDiscover 1 cat-like dog breeds including Japanese Chin, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Sturdy
1 breedsDiscover 1 sturdy dog breeds including Keeshond, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Benevolent
1 breedsDiscover 1 benevolent dog breeds including Kooikerhondje, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Bubbly
1 breedsDiscover 1 bubbly dog breeds including Old English Sheepdog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Opinionated
1 breedsDiscover 1 opinionated dog breeds including Pekingese, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Aggressive
1 breedsDiscover 1 aggressive dog breeds including Pekingese, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Extroverted
1 breedsDiscover 1 extroverted dog breeds including Pomeranian, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Unflappable
1 breedsDiscover 1 unflappable dog breeds including Redbone Coonhound, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Spunky
1 breedsDiscover 1 spunky dog breeds including Shih Tzu, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Diligent
1 breedsDiscover 1 diligent dog breeds including Spanish Water Dog, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Willful
1 breedsDiscover 1 willful dog breeds including Tibetan Spaniel, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Fast
1 breedsDiscover 1 fast dog breeds including Weimaraner, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Vigilant
1 breedsDiscover 1 vigilant dog breeds including Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and more. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are dog breeds categorized?
Dog breeds are categorized based on various characteristics including size, temperament, purpose (such as working, hunting, or companionship), and physical traits. These categories help potential dog owners find breeds that match their lifestyle and preferences.
Which category of dog breed is right for me?
The right category depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and preferences. Consider factors like your activity level, living space, experience with dogs, and the amount of time you can dedicate to training and care. Browse through different categories to find breeds that align with your needs.
Can a dog breed belong to multiple categories?
Yes, many dog breeds can belong to multiple categories as they may possess various characteristics. For example, a breed might be categorized as both family-friendly and good for apartments, or both working dogs and good with children.