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Welcome to The Canine Information Library,
the first on-line encylopedia
where canine breeds are organized
by meaningful and popular criteria rather than
by the traditional dog breed categories.
The Canine Information Library does not follow the usual breed group classification system used by most kennel clubs and canine reference books. Instead, within our on-line dog encyclopedia dog breeds are grouped based on criteria that are most likely to be helpful to prospective dog owners, such as the dog's size, function, temperament, child-friendliness and breed requirements.
Dog breeds by Size
A dog's size is the number one criteria for many people when choosing a dog breed. However, apart from certain health issues related to a breed's size the groups of large-sized dogs and small-sized dogs are not as homegeneous as they may seem at first sight. One can find just as many dogs with a laid-back or energetic temperament among the larger dogs as among the smaller sized dogs. Similarly, not all small sized dogs are necessarily suitable for living in an apartment or for families with children (see further).
Dog breeds by owner's lifestyle and needs
When choosing a dog, important things to consider are your family's specific needs and lifestyle, the available space, available time (grooming and exercise) and your activity level. The traditional breed groups are not always coherent and may contain individual dog breeds with varying characteristics, which is often misleading for prospective buyers. Small sized companion dogs, for example, do not necessarily all make good apartment dogs or ideal pets for families with small children. Nor are dog breeds that are easy to obedience train automatically also the cleanest dogs.
Dog breeds by Temperament and breed requirements
The Canine Information Library is our humble attempt at ensuring that more dogs end up with the owners they deserve. The dog breeds are presented in an objective, unbiaised way, with possible restrictions and requirements, so that our visitors and prospective dog owners can make sure their home is the one best suited to their future dog. With so many different dog breeds out there, it would be unfair to expect from any dog that it lives in conditions and behaves in way that is incompatible with its true temperament and personality.
The
Canine Information Library 2003-2011 © All rights reserved by CanineInformationLibrary.com and Caninebreeds.bulldoginformation.com.
Original idea, design and development by C. Marien-de Luca. Photos of upper right corner (from left to right) Husky pup and European wolf cub by Eric Isselée, Bordeaux dog with ball by Paul Cotney. No part of Bulldoginformation.com and Canininformationlibrary.com may be copied, distributed, printed or reproduced on another website without the owner's written permission.
Dog breeds by Origin and Genealogy
A number of breeds that share common characteristics in body structure and temperament due to their common ancestry. For the Molosser breeds it are: substantial bone growth, impressive stature, a short square muzzle with massive jaws, overgrowth and thickening of the skin, a smooth coat.
All Molosser dogs are versatile dogs, characterized by their immense courage, loyalty towards their owner, and a strong sense of territory.
The Bulldog breeds owe their heritage to Bull and Mastiff type canines of indefinite origin, which were used to guard, control and bait bulls, hence their name. They are characterized by a large head, strong, square build, shortened muzzle, strong and undershot jaws, which ensures a strong and efficient bite.
Bull-and-terrier Breeds are descended from crosses between different types of British Terriers (White English Terrier, Manchester Terrier) and ancient Bulldogs. They combine the muscle power and tenacity of the ancient Bulldogs with the agility and stamina of the terriers, without being hyper-active as most terrier breeds.
The ancient fighting dog breeds that were once bred for fighting, for serving as war dogs of for the hunting or big game. Dog breeds descended from these breeds usually make very loyal, courageous dogs, some of which are also excellent guard dogs. Their character is often dominant and tenacious.
The hair of dogs possess three kinds of pigments, black, brown and red that can occur in every combination or dilution possible. The dog's fur can be solid in color or particolored (pied, brindle, roan, merle, tricolored, etc.). The coat colors considered here are either functional (or were so historically) or unusual.
Dog Breeds by Distinctive feature
Uncommon, Symbolic and Extinct Dog Breeds
Complete Dog Breed Lists (alphabetical, by country)
We have created these sections and sub-sections based on criteria that are most likely to be helpful to prospective dog owners to find the dog breed that best suits their family. Of course, these criteria are not always mutually exclusive. That is why some dog breeds will be represented in more than one subsection.
Other Canids (Wild Canids and Primitive Dogs)
Sneeze-Free Dog Breeds:
Allergy Management And Breed Selection for the Allergic Dog Lover
(Paperback)
by Diane Morgan
In-depth breed profiles of 21 hypoallergenic dogs, including grooming needs, personality traits, activity levels, health issues, and trainability.
Also includes information on treating allergies, including at-home remedies and recent medical breakthroughs, as well as tips for controlling and managing the home environment.
More information:
The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World
(Hardcover)
by Bonnie Wilcox, Chris Walkowicz
More information:
Home
Dog Breed Finder
Dog Breeds A to Z
Shepherd Dogs
Belgian Shepherds
Terriers
Small Molossers
Toy Dogs
Bichon Breeds
Bulldog Breeds
Molosser Breeds
Hunting Dogs
Flock Guard Dogs
Water Dogs
Designer Dogs
Swiss Mountain Dogs
Laika Breeds
Sled Dogs
Guard Dogs
Hairless Dogs
Hypoallergenic Dogs
Ridgeback Dogs