Dog & Cat Breed Profiles

Affenpinscher

The "monkey terrier" — a small wire-coated German breed with a famously mischievous face.

3–6 kg 12–15 years

Airedale Terrier

"King of the Terriers" — largest, used in WWI as messenger dogs.

23–32 kg 11–14 years

Akita

Powerful, dignified Japanese guardian. Loyalty legend (Hachiko). Experienced owners only.

32–59 kg 10–14 years

Alaskan Malamute

The big freight-hauler of the Arctic. More powerful than a Husky, equally challenging.

32–43 kg 10–14 years

American Bulldog

A powerful, athletic working bulldog — much larger and more agile than the English Bulldog, with…

27–55 kg 10–12 years

Australian Cattle Dog

Tough Australian cattle drover, blue or red speckled. Tireless and intensely loyal.

15–22 kg 12–16 years

Australian Shepherd

Striking, intelligent working dog. Needs serious exercise and a job. Ideal sport partner.

16–32 kg 12–15 years

Basenji

The "barkless dog" — a cat-like African sighthound that yodels instead of barks.

9–11 kg 13–14 years

Basset Hound

Long-eared, low-slung scent hound. Mellow, stubborn and slightly comical.

20–29 kg 12–13 years

Beagle

Compact, sociable, scent-driven hound. Cheerful family dog with a serious nose.

9–14 kg 12–15 years

Bearded Collie

A bouncy, shaggy Scottish herding dog — "Beardie bounce" describes both the gait and the personality.

18–27 kg 12–14 years

Belgian Malinois

Elite police, military and protection-sport dog. NOT a beginner family pet.

18–36 kg 12–14 years

Bernese Mountain Dog

Gentle giant Swiss farm dog. Devoted family companion — sadly short-lived.

36–52 kg 7–10 years

Bichon Frise

Cheerful little fluff cloud. Hypoallergenic, family-friendly, long-lived.

5–8 kg 14–15 years

Bloodhound

World's best nose. Used in human tracking — court-admissible evidence in many jurisdictions.

36–50 kg 10–12 years

Border Collie

Widely considered the most intelligent dog breed. Needs a working life or sport.

14–22 kg 12–15 years

Border Terrier

One of the most family-friendly terriers — bred to keep up with horses.

5–7 kg 12–15 years

Boston Terrier

Cheerful "American Gentleman" in a tuxedo. Compact, friendly and surprisingly trainable.

5–11 kg 11–13 years

Bouvier des Flandres

Belgian cattle drover and WWI messenger dog. Powerful, intelligent guardian.

32–54 kg 10–12 years

Boxer

Powerful, playful family dog. Stays puppy-like for years and adores children.

25–32 kg 10–12 years

Brittany

A medium-sized French gun dog — combines pointer + spaniel ability, with an eager-to-please family temperament.

14–18 kg 12–14 years

Brussels Griffon

A tiny, characterful Belgian "monkey-faced" toy breed — full of personality and Old World charm.

3–5 kg 12–15 years

Bull Terrier

Egg-headed, comical, playful clown. Tough exterior, soft heart.

20–30 kg 12–13 years

English Bulldog

Calm, affectionate, low-energy companion. Significant brachycephalic health concerns.

18–25 kg 8–10 years

Bullmastiff

Calm, powerful guardian — bred to apprehend poachers without injuring them.

45–59 kg 7–9 years

Cairn Terrier

Plucky Scottish terrier made famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz.

6–7 kg 13–15 years

Cane Corso

Italian working mastiff. Powerful, devoted protector — only for experienced owners.

40–50 kg 9–12 years

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The older of the two Corgi breeds — longer, with a full tail and slightly calmer…

11–17 kg 12–15 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Sweet-natured royal lap-spaniel. Affectionate, easy and brilliant with families — but watch for heart disease.

5.5–8 kg 9–14 years

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

America's state dog of Maryland. Tougher and more independent than the Lab.

25–36 kg 10–13 years

Chihuahua

Smallest dog breed in the world — bold, devoted, surprisingly long-lived.

1.5–3 kg 14–17 years

Chow Chow

Lion-maned ancient Chinese guardian. Independent, dignified, often aloof.

20–32 kg 8–12 years

Clumber Spaniel

The largest of the spaniels — a slow, dignified retriever favoured by British royalty for centuries.

25–39 kg 10–12 years

Cockapoo

Cocker Spaniel × Poodle cross — affectionate, low-shed, family-friendly.

5–11 kg 13–15 years

Cocker Spaniel

Cheerful sporting spaniel. Beautiful coat, sweet temperament, real exercise needs.

12–15 kg 12–15 years

Dachshund

Bold, comical and full of personality. Long backs need careful protection.

7–14 kg (standard), 4–5 kg (mini) 12–16 years

Dalmatian

Spotted carriage dog famous from 101 Dalmatians. Athletic and high-energy.

20–32 kg 11–13 years

Doberman Pinscher

Sleek, intelligent, loyal guardian. Needs an experienced active home.

27–45 kg 10–13 years

English Setter

A gentle, beautiful gun dog with a flecked "belton" coat — high energy, low aggression, devoted…

20–30 kg 11–13 years

English Springer Spaniel

Cheerful, athletic gun dog. Brilliant family dog with a serious need for exercise.

18–25 kg 12–14 years

Field Spaniel

A rare English working spaniel — quieter than a Cocker, more elegant than a Sussex, devoted…

16–23 kg 12–14 years

Finnish Spitz

Finland's national dog. Fox-like Spitz used to bark up game birds.

11–16 kg 13–15 years

Flat-Coated Retriever

Glossy black or liver retriever. "Peter Pan" of dogs — eternally puppy-like.

25–32 kg 8–10 years

French Bulldog

Small, charming, low-exercise — perfect city companion. Significant breed health risks to be aware of.

8–13 kg 10–12 years

German Shepherd

Highly intelligent, loyal, trainable working dog. Needs an experienced owner with time for training.

22–40 kg 9–13 years

Giant Schnauzer

Powerful working schnauzer used as police and military dog. Not for novices.

25–48 kg 10–12 years

Glen of Imaal Terrier

A rare, low-slung Irish terrier — calm by terrier standards, stubborn, and devoted to family.

14–18 kg 12–15 years

Golden Retriever

The classic golden family dog — sweet-natured, loyal, easy to train and devoted to children.

25–34 kg 10–12 years

Gordon Setter

The heaviest and most loyal of the setters — a black-and-tan Scottish gun dog with serious…

20–36 kg 10–12 years

Great Dane

Gentle giant — one of the largest dog breeds. Famously sweet despite imposing size.

50–82 kg 7–10 years

Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)

A majestic white livestock guardian — calm at home, fearless in the field, with a thick…

45–60 kg 10–12 years

Greyhound

45 mph couch potato. Surprisingly low-energy at home — sprinters, not marathoners.

27–32 kg 10–13 years

Havanese

National dog of Cuba. Affectionate, hypoallergenic and brilliant with families.

3–6 kg 14–16 years

Irish Setter

Glamorous mahogany gundog. Joyful, energetic and famously slow to mature.

25–32 kg 12–15 years

Irish Water Spaniel

A curly-coated water retrieving dog — the "clown of the spaniel family" with a bald rat-tail…

20–30 kg 10–12 years

Irish Wolfhound

The tallest of all dog breeds — a gentle giant with deep Irish roots, used historically…

48–70 kg 6–8 years

Italian Greyhound

Miniature sighthound. Elegant, fragile, surprisingly fast.

3.5–5 kg 14–16 years

Jack Russell Terrier

Compact, fearless and tireless. A working terrier in a small package — not a toy dog.

6–9 kg 13–16 years

Keeshond

Dutch barge dog with a magnificent fluffy coat and "spectacles" face markings.

15–20 kg 12–15 years

Kerry Blue Terrier

The national terrier of Ireland — bright, devoted, with a famous slate-blue non-shedding coat.

15–18 kg 12–15 years

Komondor

A massive Hungarian livestock guardian with white corded coat — calm at home, fearsome with intruders.

40–60 kg 10–12 years

Labradoodle

Lab × Poodle cross. Friendly, athletic, often (but not always) low-shedding.

15–30 kg 12–14 years

Labrador Retriever

America's favourite family dog: friendly, trainable, energetic and great with children.

25–36 kg 10–14 years

Lakeland Terrier

A bold, tough little terrier from the Lake District — used to protect sheep from foxes…

7–8 kg 12–16 years

Leonberger

Lion-like German giant. Gentle, family-oriented, sadly short-lived.

41–77 kg 7–9 years

Bouvier des Flandres

A massive Flemish cattle drover — versatile working dog, devoted family guardian.

32–50 kg 10–12 years

Lhasa Apso

Sacred Tibetan watchdog. Long-coated, alert, affectionate with family.

5–8 kg 12–15 years

Maltese

Tiny, elegant lapdog with a flowing white coat. Devoted and brave for their size.

3–4 kg 12–15 years

Manchester Terrier

An elegant, smooth-coated terrier from Manchester — once the most popular dog in Victorian England.

5–10 kg 14–16 years

English Mastiff

Massive ancient guardian — calm, dignified, affectionate. Among the heaviest dog breeds.

54–104 kg 6–10 years

Miniature Schnauzer

Spirited little terrier with a famous beard. Hypoallergenic and family-friendly.

5–9 kg 12–15 years

Newfoundland

"Nanny dog" — sweet, gentle giant bred for water rescue. World-class with kids.

45–68 kg 9–10 years

Norfolk Terrier

Smallest working terrier. Drop-eared, friendly, family-oriented.

5–6 kg 12–15 years

Norwegian Elkhound

An ancient Scandinavian spitz — bred to hunt moose alongside Vikings, now a hardy family companion.

20–25 kg 12–15 years

Norwich Terrier

Erect-eared sister breed to the Norfolk. Sturdy, friendly, alert.

5–6 kg 12–15 years

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Smallest retriever — bred to lure ducks within range by playing.

16–23 kg 12–14 years

Old English Sheepdog

Iconic shaggy "Dulux dog" sheepdog. Affectionate, family-friendly, high-grooming.

27–45 kg 10–12 years

Papillon

Tiny "butterfly-eared" dog. Surprisingly athletic and one of the smartest toy breeds.

2–5 kg 14–16 years

Pekingese

Ancient Chinese imperial lap dog. Dignified, independent, brachycephalic.

3–6 kg 12–15 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Royal favourite — short legs, big personality. Athletic herder despite their stature.

9–14 kg 12–14 years

German Shorthaired Pointer

Versatile hunting dog and tireless athlete. Brilliant family dog for active homes.

20–32 kg 12–14 years

Pomeranian

Tiny, fluffy, vivacious. The smallest of the spitz breeds — bold and full of attitude.

1.5–3.5 kg 12–16 years

Poodle (Standard)

Hypoallergenic, highly intelligent, athletic — and significantly under-rated as a serious working dog.

20–32 kg 12–15 years

Portuguese Water Dog

Athletic Portuguese fishing dog with a hypoallergenic curly coat. Obama's dog Bo.

16–27 kg 11–13 years

Pug

Charming, comical lap dog. Significant brachycephalic health concerns to budget for.

6–8 kg 12–15 years

Puli

A Hungarian herding dog with corded "dreadlock" coat — striking appearance, sharp working dog underneath.

11–16 kg 10–15 years

Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees)

White Pyrenean livestock guardian. Calm, nocturnal-watchful, deeply protective.

38–60 kg 10–12 years

Rhodesian Ridgeback

"African Lion Hound" with a famous ridge of hair on the back. Powerful, independent, devoted.

32–41 kg 10–12 years

Rottweiler

Powerful, confident guardian. Devoted to family — needs an experienced, consistent owner.

35–60 kg 8–10 years

Rough Collie

The "Lassie" Collie. Gentle, devoted, brilliant family dog.

20–32 kg 12–14 years

Saint Bernard

Famous Swiss alpine rescue dog. Gentle, patient, extraordinary with children.

64–82 kg 8–10 years

Saluki

An ancient royal sighthound from the Fertile Crescent — elegant, dignified, with phenomenal speed.

18–27 kg 10–17 years

Samoyed

White Arctic spitz with the famous "Sammy smile". Friendly, fluffy and demanding to groom.

16–30 kg 12–14 years

Schipperke

A small, fox-faced Belgian "little captain" — fearless watchdog of Flemish canal boats for centuries.

3–8 kg 13–15 years

Scottish Deerhound

A gentle, elegant giant sighthound — Sir Walter Scott called them "the most perfect creature of…

34–50 kg 8–11 years

Scottish Terrier

Dignified, independent Scottish terrier — the "Scottie". Famously serious for a small dog.

8–10 kg 11–13 years

Chinese Shar-Pei

Iconic wrinkled Chinese guardian. Aloof, independent, with serious health concerns.

20–30 kg 8–12 years

Shetland Sheepdog

Smaller cousin of the Rough Collie. Bright, sensitive, brilliant at agility.

6–11 kg 12–14 years

Shiba Inu

Fox-like Japanese spitz. Bold, independent, famously cat-like and clean.

7–11 kg 13–16 years

Japanese Spitz

A small fluffy white spitz from Japan — looks like a miniature Samoyed, cheerful family companion.

5–10 kg 12–14 years

Shih Tzu

Affectionate Tibetan lapdog. Beautiful coat, charming temperament, manageable exercise needs.

4–7 kg 10–16 years

Siberian Husky

Stunning, athletic and notoriously challenging. A working sled dog in a pet body.

16–27 kg 12–14 years

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Irish all-purpose farm dog with a soft, wavy, hypoallergenic coat.

14–18 kg 12–14 years

Spinone Italiano

A wire-haired Italian pointing dog — patient, sociable, with characteristic shaggy beard and eyebrows.

27–39 kg 12–14 years

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

"Nanny dog" of the UK — affectionate, brave, brilliant with children. Often misunderstood.

11–17 kg 12–14 years

Standard Schnauzer

Original German farm-and-yard guardian. Mid-sized, hypoallergenic, alert.

14–20 kg 13–16 years

Sussex Spaniel

A long, low, mellow English spaniel — the dog that gives gun dogs a relaxed reputation.

16–20 kg 11–13 years

Tibetan Mastiff

Ancient Himalayan livestock guardian. Independent, nocturnal, fiercely territorial.

45–73 kg 10–14 years

Tibetan Terrier

Not actually a terrier — a 2,000-year-old Tibetan companion + good-luck mascot with a profuse double…

8–14 kg 12–15 years

Vizsla

Hungarian "velcro dog" — affectionate, athletic, brilliant family hunting companion.

20–30 kg 12–14 years

Weimaraner

"Grey Ghost" of dogs — striking silver coat and serious working drive.

25–40 kg 11–14 years

Welsh Springer Spaniel

The smaller, redder, calmer cousin of the English Springer — a beautiful red-and-white Welsh gun dog.

16–25 kg 12–15 years

Welsh Terrier

Looks like a miniature Airedale — wiry, hypoallergenic, with classic terrier confidence.

9–10 kg 12–15 years

West Highland White Terrier

Compact, white, alert Scottish terrier — the iconic "Westie".

7–10 kg 13–15 years

Whippet

Smaller cousin of the Greyhound. Athletic, gentle, and famously affectionate.

8–18 kg 12–15 years

Wire Fox Terrier

Spirited, intelligent fox-hunting terrier. The original "Asta" of the Thin Man films.

7–9 kg 12–15 years

Yorkshire Terrier

Tiny, bold and famously long-lived. Hypoallergenic coat needs daily care.

2–3 kg 13–16 years

Abyssinian

One of the oldest known cat breeds. Athletic, curious, "the clown of the cat world".

3–5 kg 13–15 years

American Shorthair

America's working cat. Sturdy, healthy, easy-going, brilliant with families.

3.5–7 kg 15–20 years

Bengal

Wild-looking, athletic, demanding. Bred from Asian Leopard Cat × domestic — needs an active home.

3.5–7 kg 12–16 years

Birman

Sacred Cat of Burma. Calm, devoted, with white "gloved" paws and blue eyes.

3–6 kg 13–16 years

Bombay

Mini "panther" — jet-black coat, copper eyes and a Burmese-like devoted nature.

3.5–5 kg 12–18 years

British Shorthair

Calm, dignified, plush-coated. The classic "British Blue" cat.

3–7 kg 12–17 years

Burmese

Sweet-natured, dog-like cat. Affectionate and people-oriented.

3.5–6 kg 15–18 years

Chartreux

France's national cat. Quiet, plush blue-grey "smiling" cat. Often confused with British Shorthair.

3–7.5 kg 12–17 years

Cornish Rex

Slender, ultra-curly cat. Athletic, sociable and warm to the touch.

2.5–4.5 kg 11–15 years

Devon Rex

Pixie-faced curly-coated cat. Elf-like, playful, often well-tolerated by allergy sufferers.

2.5–4.5 kg 9–15 years

Egyptian Mau

Spotted natural breed from Egypt. Fastest domestic cat, deeply bonded with their family.

3–5.5 kg 12–15 years

Korat

Ancient Thai "good luck" cat. Silver-blue coat, peridot-green eyes.

2.7–4.5 kg 15–19 years

Maine Coon

Gentle giant of the cat world. Dog-like temperament, magnificent coat, big personality.

4–9 kg 12–15 years

Manx

Tailless cat from the Isle of Man. Sturdy, dog-like, affectionate.

3.5–5.5 kg 8–14 years

Munchkin

Short-legged cat — controversial breed due to dwarfism gene. Playful and affectionate.

2.5–4 kg 12–15 years

Nebelung

Long-haired Russian Blue. Quiet, elegant, often allergy-friendly.

3–7 kg 15–18 years

Norwegian Forest Cat

Sturdy Scandinavian longhair. Mythological "skogkatt" of Norse legend.

4–9 kg 14–16 years

Ocicat

Spotted cat that looks wild but is fully domestic — created from Siamese, Abyssinian and American…

3.5–7 kg 12–18 years

Oriental Shorthair

Siamese in 300+ colours and patterns. Talkative, slim, intensely social.

2.5–5 kg 12–15 years

Persian

Glamorous longhair. High grooming demands and brachycephalic health concerns.

3–5 kg 12–17 years

Ragamuffin

Cousin of the Ragdoll. Calm, plush, available in any colour or pattern.

4–9 kg 12–16 years

Ragdoll

Famous for going limp when held. Affectionate, dog-like, brilliant with children.

4.5–10 kg 12–17 years

Russian Blue

Quiet, elegant, often well-tolerated by allergy sufferers. Long-lived and undemanding.

3–5 kg 15–20 years

Savannah

Hybrid of Serval and domestic cat. Striking, athletic, demanding — restricted in some places.

3.5–11 kg 12–20 years

Scottish Fold

Owl-faced cat with folded ears. Sweet temperament — but the gene that folds ears causes painful…

3–6 kg 11–15 years

Selkirk Rex

Curly-coated "sheep cat" with a calm, family-friendly temperament.

4–7 kg 14–17 years

Siamese

Talkative, intelligent, intensely bonded. The vocal aristocrat of the cat world.

2.5–5 kg 12–15 years

Siberian

Russian forest cat — sturdy, friendly, surprisingly hypoallergenic.

3.5–8 kg 12–18 years

Singapura

World's smallest cat breed. Sepia-toned, big-eared, deeply affectionate.

2–3.5 kg 11–15 years

Snowshoe

Pointed cat with white "snowshoe" feet. Affectionate Siamese cousin.

3.5–5.5 kg 14–19 years

Sphynx

Hairless, warm, intensely social. Not low-maintenance despite the lack of fur.

3.5–5 kg 8–14 years

Tonkinese

Burmese × Siamese cross. The talkative, playful "Tonk" combines the best of both.

2.5–5 kg 12–16 years

Turkish Van

Ancient Turkish breed famous for loving water. Athletic, affectionate, distinctive markings.

3–9 kg 12–17 years