Breed directory

Dog Breeds A to Z: Size, Life Span and Personality

Choosing a breed is about matching a dog's energy, size and needs to your life. This table compares the breeds we cover, using American Kennel Club breed standards for size and typical life span.

Every dog is an individual, and mixed breeds and shelter dogs make wonderful pets too. Click a guide below for history, care and health notes.

A yellow Labrador Retriever running outdoors

A yellow Lab on the move: Ataman62, CC BY-SA 3.0

Breed comparison

Ranges cover males and females; source: AKC breed pages.
Breed	AKC group	Height	Weight	Life span	Good to know
Beagle	Hound	13 to 15 in	20 to 30 lb	10 to 15 yrs	Scent hound, loves to sniff and bay
Bernese Mountain Dog	Working	23 to 27.5 in	70 to 115 lb	7 to 10 yrs	Gentle giant, loves cold
Border Collie	Herding	18 to 22 in	30 to 55 lb	12 to 15 yrs	Needs lots of work and play
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Toy	12 to 13 in	13 to 18 lb	12 to 15 yrs	Affectionate lap dog, heart checks
Dachshund	Hound	5 to 9 in	11 to 32 lb	12 to 16 yrs	Protect the long back
French Bulldog	Non-Sporting	11 to 13 in	Under 28 lb	10 to 12 yrs	Heat sensitive, flat face
German Shepherd	Herding	22 to 26 in	50 to 90 lb	7 to 10 yrs	Loyal, needs training and a job
Golden Retriever	Sporting	21.5 to 24 in	55 to 75 lb	10 to 12 yrs	Friendly family dog
Labrador Retriever	Sporting	21.5 to 24.5 in	55 to 80 lb	11 to 13 yrs	Outgoing, loves food and water
Pembroke Welsh Corgi	Herding	10 to 12 in	Up to 30 lb	12 to 13 yrs	Big dog in a small body
Pomeranian	Toy	6 to 7 in	3 to 7 lb	12 to 16 yrs	Fluffy, bold, needs dental care
Poodle (Standard)	Non-Sporting	Over 15 in	40 to 70 lb	10 to 18 yrs	Smart, low-shedding coat
Samoyed	Working	19 to 23.5 in	35 to 65 lb	12 to 14 yrs	Smiling face, heavy shedder
Shiba Inu	Non-Sporting	13.5 to 16.5 in	17 to 23 lb	13 to 16 yrs	Independent, cat-like
Siberian Husky	Working	20 to 23.5 in	35 to 60 lb	12 to 14 yrs	High energy, escape artist