Size

Toy –anything within the AKC- toy group or 12 pounds or under full-grown. 

Small – between 10 and 25 pounds full- grown.  

Medium - between 25 and 45 pounds full-grown. 

Large – between 45 and 90 pounds full-grown.

Giant – 90 pounds and up full-grown.

Shedding

None or light– hypoallergenic - these breeds have hair instead of fur. They are considered the best choice for those who have allergies or do not want fur around the house.

Low – these breeds shed less than most other dogs but are not considered hypoallergenic.

Average– these breeds are normal shedding. They are neither high nor low shedding.

High – owners of these breeds must be prepared for fur around the house. 

Seasonal - these breeds shed, but only seasonally. During shedding season, it is usually considered “high-shedding”.

*Hypoallergenic does not mean people cannot be allergic to these breeds. All dogs have dander and saliva that may be a source of an individual’s allergies. “None or light” shedders will still lose hair similar to how people lose hair.    

Grooming

   *all breeds need regular bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.

Minimal – Some to no brushing is required to avoid mating. Regular brushing will help keep unwanted fur from around the house. No clipping of the coat required.   

Needed – Brushing or clipping is needed to prevent matting of coat.

*More information for a specific breed should be provided in the breed’s description.

Training  

Not easy - All dogs are trainable, yet more time and persistence has to be spent with these breeds.

Normal - These breeds are easily train with a diligent trainer and thrive with the attention training provides a pet. 

Easy – These breeds train easily.

Very easy - These breeds are very intelligent and training can be a breeze. Often the breeds are known for excelling in agility competitions.  

Barking

Vocal - these breeds tend to bark. Often the breed was bred for something that required use of vocals. Usually these breeds make good watch dogs.   

Average - These breeds tend to bark when they hear an unfamiliar noise or become excited.

Low - These breeds are not known for barking.

Children

Not Recommended – Not considered a good choice for children.  

Older – Good with older or considerate children that will treat the animal with respect.  

Young Exposure – Good with children when raised with them since puppyhood.  

Good – Good family pets for all ages.

Other Pets

Not Recommended – Not considered a good choice for homes with other pets.

Young exposure – Usually good with other pets as long as they are introduced to them during puppyhood. 

Good – Usually good with other pets. 

Exercise

Minimal – these breeds do not require much exercise. They tend to be small in size and do well in apartments.

Moderate – Okay with short walks and room to move around the house. These breeds tend to be smaller in size and okay with apartment living providing the pet is given enough exercise.    

Regular – Most breeds need regular exercise. Daily walks will be sufficient in most cases. 

Heavy – Regular and heavy exercise are needed for these breeds. A fenced in yard is recommended but not necessary providing enough daily physical stimulation is given.