Cat Breed Selector

About the Collie

Graceful, swift and strong, the Collie has been a favorite of shepherds in Scotland and England for centuries. A highly intelligent and protective breed, the Collie is particularly affectionate with children, making him a loving family dog. There are two varieties: The Rough-Coated Collie has a beautiful, long coat, and the Smooth-Coated Collie has a short, dense coat. Both types need moderate exercise.

Did you know
The earliest illustrations of Collies are found in The History of Quadrupeds by Thomas Beswick dated around 1800. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, sparking interest in the breed among the wealthy elite. The Collie was made famous in the 1950s on the television show “Lassie.”

About the Corgi

The Corgi is a low-set herding dog that also makes an agreeable house dog. There are two distinct breeds of Corgis: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Temperament

The Corgi is affectionate, loyal, smart and alert.

Characteristics

The Corgi is whip-smart, so their owners should be, too. They’re loyal and obedient, easily trained and can adapt to many living situations. Corgis are especially fond of kids and are agreeable with other pets.

Corgis make better exercise buddies than they appear, as they were originally bred to drive livestock. They’re fast, powerful and have impressive endurance. Their herding background means they also love having a job. Corgis are a vocal breed and vigilant guardian with a “big dog” bark.

They love the outdoors and thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Many Corgis are good at agility, obedience, herding and tracking activities.

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Colors

The Corgi’s coat comes in a variety of colors, including black and tan, fawn, red, blue merle, brindle, grey, liver, red merle, sable merle, white merle and sable.

Shedding

Corgis have a double coat that sheds daily. Shedding increases during late spring/early summer.

Health

Corgis may experience health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and degenerative myelopathy.

Their “long and low” body style also makes them susceptible to back issues. As they age, you may need to assist them in jumping down off the bed or couch and be careful with stairs.

Best Dog Food For Corgis

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Corgi, it’s important to take his or her unique breed traits into consideration. Since Corgis are an active breed, choose a food formulated to maintain their energy levels and ideal body condition.

Dog Foods for Corgis:

• Purina Pro Plan SPORT Active 26/16
• Purina Dog Chow Complete Adult
• Purina One SmartBlend Adult

Best Dog Food For Corgi Puppies

When choosing a food for your Corgi puppy, remember puppies of any breed have specific nutritional needs during their time of development. A formula with DHA nourishes brain and vision development and antioxidants support their developing immune system so they thrive during their first year of life.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing Corgi puppy:

• Beneful Healthy Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Puppy
• ALS PP Sport 30/20
• ALS PP Sport 26/16

History

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire, Wales, and is the older of the two Corgi breeds. In fact, they’re the oldest of all British breeds.

Cardigans are thought to have been brought from Central Europe to Wales by the Celts around 3,000 years ago, and Corgis were driving Welsh herds 1,000 years ago.

During the dog’s long history, Cardigans have worked as an all-around farm dog, hunting partner, family protector and athlete. Their low-to-the-ground profile allows them to nip at the heels of cattle and avoid getting kicked, making them a great herding breed. They also serve as a flock guardian at night.

Pembroke Corgis came to Britain in 1107, when Henry I invited a community of weavers to live and work in southwestern Wales. This community of master craftsmen brought with them the dogs they bred to herd cattle and sheep.

Cardigans and Pembrokes were at one time interbred, until they were recognized as separate breeds after 1934.

Facts

• You can tell the difference between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi by looking at their ears and tails. Cardigans have rounded ears and long tails, whereas Pembrokes have pointed ears and naturally bobbed tails.
• The world’s most famous Pembroke Corgi fan is Elizabeth II, who got her first Pembroke, Dookie, in 1933.
• The Cardigan springs from the same line of dogs as the Dachshund.
• The Pembroke is the more popular of the two Corgis.

About the Cornish Rex Cat Breed

Bat-eared, big-eyed and wavy-coated, the Cornish Rex has a distinctive look and exceptionally silky coat due to not having guard hairs like other breeds. This active cat has a small, whippetlike body and loves to climb, leap and sprint. With kittenlike antics that last a lifetime, this feline likes to be where the action is. The Cornish Rex is perfect for those who want a cat to participate in their family life.

About the Coton de Tulear

Characterized by his fluffy, cottonlike coat, the Coton de Tulear is a bright and charming little dog that thrives on human companionship. His name is derived from the French word “coton,” meaning “cotton,” and the port of Tulear in Madacasgar, where the breed originated. He has a knack for performing tricks, and his sweet, smiley expression conveys his happy, personality. The Coton de Tulear’s soft, supple coat should be brushed several times a week.

About the Curly-Coated Retriever

An excellent hunting companion, the Curly-Coated Retriever has a gentle temperament that makes him an ideal family dog. Loving with children and eager to please, this breed is a protective watchdog. The robust, athletic Curly enjoys swimming and needs vigorous daily exercise to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. His short coat requires minimal care and occasional baths.

Did you know
The Curly-Coated Retriever descended from the 16th century English Water Spaniel, Retrieving Setter and the Irish Water Spaniel. The Curly became popular in New Zealand and Australia after the breed was imported there from England in 1889. The Curly-Coated Retriever was introduced in the U.S. in 1907.

About the Dachshund

Dachshunds are lively little characters known for their short legs and distinct long bodies. Nicknamed “wiener dogs”, this funny and vivacious breed was originally developed in Germany more than 300 years ago to hunt badgers.

Temperament

The Dachshund packs a bold personality in a small body. Known as independent, brave and a little stubborn, dachshunds also feature a comical and endearing nature that has earned them devoted followers.

Characteristics

Dachshunds are gregarious (and often hilarious!) companions. Independent, stubborn and surprisingly fierce, these little dogs are the quintessential “big dog in a small dog’s body.” Don’t let their loud bark fool you, though. These funny little dogs are loyal and attached to their families. They are good with other pets, especially other Dachshunds, and make ideal house dogs.

Due to their stubborn and independent nature, Dachshunds are challenging to train. The key is patience, consistency and positive, reward-based training. Additionally, they need daily walks and playtime, as loneliness and boredom can bring out undesirable behaviors like excessive barking.

Lifespan

12 to 16 years

Colors

The most common colors of Dachshunds are red, black and tan, and tan. The breed features a wide range of solid colors and color combinations, however, including: chocolate, black, cream, wild boar, wheaten, chocolate and cream, chocolate and tan, blue and tan and fawn and tan. Additionally, their coats can feature patterns like brindle, dapple and sable. 

Shedding

The Dachshund is available in three different varieties denoted by coat type: smooth coated, longhaired and wirehaired. Overall, Dachshunds are considered moderate shedders, however, longhaired Dachshunds may require more frequent brushing.

Health

Dachshunds are a generally healthy breed, but they are at risk for back injuries, particularly when overweight. Like most dogs with drop ears, keep the ears clean to prevent infections.

Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Dachshund, keep his unique breed traits in mind. Since Dachshunds are small dogs, a small breed dog food or a weight management formula can help him maintain his ideal body condition.  

• Bella Natural Bites
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Small Breed
• Purina Pro Plan Essentials Small Breed
• Purina Pro Plan Small Bites
• Purina Pro Plan Weight Management
• Purina Dog Chow Little Bites for Small Dogs

Best Dog Food For Dachshund Puppies

When choosing a food for your Dachshund puppy, remember puppies of all breeds have specific nutritional needs through their first year. A formula with DHA nourishes brain and vision development and antioxidants will support their developing immune system so they grow into healthy adult dogs.

• Beneful Healthy Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Small Breed Puppy

History

The Dachshund originated in Germany in the middle ages, and was a popular badger hunter in the 1600s. Aptly named, the word Dachshund comes from the German word dach, or “badger”, and hund, which means “dog.” 

The Dachshund’s elongated body, short legs and sharp claws made them ideal diggers and underground hunters who could navigate the long, subterranean burrows of their prey. Once a badger was found, the unusually loud bark of the Dachshund alerted their above-ground hunting partners of their catch.

Today, you may still catch a Dachshund digging furiously, or attempting to pursue prey. Because their ancestors pursued fearsome, scrappy badgers, the breed inherited the courage to take on larger, fiercer opponents. This means they aren’t easily intimidated – even by much bigger dogs.

Facts

• The Dachshund is the 13th most popular of the 194 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 
• “Dachshund” means “Badger Dog” in German.
• Despite their small size, Dachshunds make good watchdogs due to their surprisingly loud bark. 
• The breed’s long, low body was developed to navigate narrow underground badger tunnels.
• The Dachshund is a national symbol of Germany. 
• Though their history may go back as far as 600 years, the Dachshund wasn’t officially recognized by the AKC until 1885.

About the Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is the original coach dog, well known for riding proudly atop a fire engine or running with a carriage. Dalmatians are both smart and muscular, with stamina to keep up the pace.  

Temperament

This highly intelligent breed thrives with a loving family, who will find them to be clever, affectionate and devoted pets. 

Dalmatians were originally bred to guard horses and coaches, and that watchdog instinct is still present in the breed today. They are high-energy dogs that need daily exercise and are great companions for runners and hikers. 

Characteristics

Although a Non-Sporting breed, Dalmatians are muscular, high-endurance athletes with powerful hindquarters that propel them effortlessly. Of course, the Dalmatian’s most striking characteristic is his unique, spotted coat. 

Lifespan

10 to 13 years

Colors

The Dalmatian’s short, sleek coat always stands out, with black- or liver-colored spots on a white background. 

Shedding

Dalmatians do shed, but occasional baths and weekly brushing will help remove dead hair and reduce shedding. 

Health

Overall, Dalmatians are healthy, active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them happy (and out of trouble). 

This breed can be prone to deafness, which is minimized by responsible breeding. Kidney stones are another concern.  

Best Dog Food for Dalmatian Dogs & Puppies

Because of their energy level, Dalmatians may benefit from a food for active dogs. For Dalmatians who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula. 

Dalmatian puppies should eat puppy food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.  

History

There is some dispute about the Dalmatian’s origins. Images of spotted dogs running alongside chariots have been found on painted walls in Egyptian tombs. We do know that by the early 1800s the breed had become linked to the region called Dalmatia, which was located in Central Europe along the Adriatic Sea. 

The Dalmatian’s occupation was “coach dog.” His job was to run alongside horse-drawn coaches, and guard them while they were unoccupied. 

From the caravans of the wandering Romani people, to the well-appointed carriages of British nobles, to the horse-drawn fire engines of the 1800s, Dalmatians have performed this function throughout history, establishing themselves in their role. 

Today, Dalmatians can even be seen accompanying the famous Budweiser Clydesdales as they journey along parade routes. 

Facts

• Dalmatians are born pure white, with their spots appearing around 7 to 10 days later.
• The English have a close relationship with this breed. Their nicknames for Dalmatians include English Coach Dog, the Carriage Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog and the Spotted Dick. 
• Just like each person’s fingerprints, the pattern of spots on each Dalmatian’s coat is unique. 
• Even though they are no longer needed to guard today’s fire trucks, Dalmatians are still kept as mascots at many firehouses. 

About the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Developed on the border of England and Scotland in the 1700s to hunt otter and badger, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is best known today for his companionship. This breed is an excellent guard dog but may be aggressive with other dogs and animals. Gentle, affectionate and loyal, the Dandie is particularly good with children.Professional trimming or stripping is necessary to maintain the rough double coat.

Did you know
Once popular with gypsies, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier also was a favorite of Queen Victoria. The breed is named for the character Dandie Dinmont in Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 novel, “Guy Mannering.” In the book, Dandie Dinmont had six terriers.

About the Devon Rex Cat Breed

Because of her curly coat and her tail, which wags when she is happy, the Devon Rex is sometimes called a poodle who purrs.

Temperament

An extraordinarily social cat, the Devon Rex is a wonderful family pet who gets along well with cats and cat-friendly dogs. She loves being with her people and learning new tricks.

Highly intelligent and active, this pixie-like breed is charmingly mischievous and playful. Devon Rex cats are also outstanding jumpers—so if you’re looking for her, look up!

Characteristics

Described by some cat fanciers as the pixie of the cat world, the Devon Rex has a dainty, impish face, large, inquisitive eyes and oversized ears to match. Her whiskers and eyebrows are short.

Her small but athletic body is covered by a coat that is wavy to curly.

Lifespan

9 to 15 years

Colors

Devon Rex cats can have coats in a variety of colors, patterns and shadings. Colors include white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lavender, cinnamon and fawn, as well as other colors and shadings.

Shedding

The Devon Rex is a low-shedding cat breed. Her delicate coat requires only occasional gentle grooming to keep it healthy and to reduce any shedding. Due to their short, thin coat, this breed may require an occasional bath to reduce buildup of sebaceous oils.

Health

Generally a healthy breed, Devon Rex cats can be at risk for issues including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation and hereditary myopathy, a condition that affects muscle function.

Best Cat Food for Devon Rex Cats & Kittens

Devon Rex cats will generally thrive on the nutrition of a quality adult cat food. For those who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula.  

Devon Rex kittens should eat a kitten food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development. 

History

The story of the Devon Rex began around 1960 in Devon, England. Here, a feral tomcat with a curly coat sired a litter of kittens with a feral tortoiseshell queen adopted by cat fancier Beryl Cox.

One of the kittens in the litter was curly coated, just like the sire—the result of a rex mutation, a genetic variation in mammals that causes soft, curly fur. Miss Cox named the kitten Kirlee.

Miss Cox learned that another cat with rexed hair, named Kallibunker, had been born 10 years earlier in Cornwall. This was the last known rexed kitten born in England, so she allowed the Cornwall breeders to buy Kirlee, to help them produce more.

Attempts to breed the two cats didn’t produce more curly-haired kittens. After further breeding exploration successfully produced more rexed cats, breeders discovered that the Cornwall and Devon cats didn’t share the same rex genotype.

The two different genotypes produced two slightly different rexed cats. Unlike the Cornwall rexed cat, the Devon rexed offspring had coats with tighter curls, missing or stubby whiskers, and huge ears situated lower on their heads.  

The breeds were eventually recognized as two distinct entities, the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex.

All Devon Rex cats can be traced back to Kirlee, their original ancestor.

Facts

• Originally, it was thought that Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cats shared the same spontaneous genetic mutation responsible for their curly coats. When breeders realized that the cats had separate genetic variations, they began referring to the Cornish Rex as Gene I Rex and the Devon Rex as Gene II Rex.
• Social and entertaining, Devon Rex cats are terrific therapy pets.

About the Doberman Pinscher

The brave and intelligent Doberman is both a loyal and affectionate family dog and watchful guard dog.

Temperament

Doberman Pinschers are playful and intelligent dogs, despite their often undeserved aggressive reputation. With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, the Doberman makes an excellent and affectionate companion.

A properly socialized Dobie is good with both children and other pets, though children must also be taught how to safely interact with him.

As an energetic breed, the Doberman needs plenty of exercise. He’ll enjoy going on long walks, runs or hikes with you and playing in a fenced-in yard.

The Dobie is smart, so he learns quickly. This can make training easy initially, but he can get bored, so you’ll need to find ways to keep the sessions interesting. Because he’s a physically strong and strong-willed dog, proper training is essential to ensure he becomes a good canine citizen.

Characteristics

The Dobie is muscular and athletic, with a sleek and regal appearance. Traditionally, their tails are docked and ears cropped. Dobermans have short, sleek coats.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

When most people think of Dobermans, they think of the traditional black coat with rust markings.

Doberman coats can come in an array of colors, though, including black, blue, red, or fawn with rust markings. The rust markings are usually above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, chest, legs, feet and under the tail.

Shedding

The short Dobie coat sheds moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.

Health

Doberman Pinschers are a healthy breed overall. A primary concern, as with other deep-chested, large dogs, is bloat. Other genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy are also possible.

Responsible breeders screen for medical conditions that could affect the dog’s health.

Best Dog Food for Doberman Pinscher Dogs & Puppies

Because Dobermans are such an active breed, you may want to feed yours a high protein dog food to support his energy levels.

A Doberman puppy will need a quality puppy food for the first year of his life to help him grow and develop into a healthy dog. For information on how much or when to feed your Doberman dog or puppy, explore our feeding articles here.

History

The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany toward the end of the 19^th century. The breed is named for Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who bred the dogs to serve as protectors as he made his collection rounds.

Dobies soon earned a reputation as working dogs and were used by the police and military as early as World War I. They also worked as therapy and service dogs.

Dobermans made their way to the U.S. in the early 1900s and were registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America formed in 1921 and the dog is still considered one of the most popular working breeds in America.

Facts

• The U.S. Marine Corps used Dobermans during World War II.
• Louis Dobermann didn’t keep records of the breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher, but some of its likely ancestors include the Rottweiler, German Pinscher and the Black and Tan Terrier.
• A life-size, bronze Doberman statue known as “Always Faithful” stands guard in Guam, overlooking the war dog cemetery at the U.S. Naval Base there.

About the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, muscular French breed with an instinct for guarding. Though the breed’s appearance can be intimidating, he is a gentle companion with a patient, calm temperament. Fiercely loyal and devoted, he is an excellent guard dog. The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for drooling and snoring but is easy to care because he requires minimal grooming and moderate exercise.

Did you know
A Dogue de Bordeaux named “Beasley” appeared as the slobbery but loveable “Hooch” in the 1989 film, “Turner and Hooch,” starring Tom Hanks. Throughout history, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been a guardian, hunter and fighter. He was trained to bait bulls, bears and jaguars, hunt boars, herd cattle, and guard homes.

About the Egyptian Mau Cat

The Egyptian Mau is fiercely devoted to her humans and vocally shows signs of happiness and affection by meowing in a pleasant voice. She’ll also slowly swish her tail and knead with her front paws. She loves to display her hunting skills by chasing and retrieving a toy. As a moderate- to highly active breed, you may find her on top of your refrigerator or bookshelves.

Temperament

Egyptian Maus also love playing with water and are smart enough to learn how to turn on the faucet. Despite her high energy levels, she adores curling up in your lap for a snuggle session. She’s great with playful children and other cat-friendly pets who can keep up with her active and energetic lifestyle, though reserved and wary around unfamiliar guests.

Characteristics

A wedge-shaped, but soft head sits atop her muscular body. The forehead features an “M” shape, and her cheeks have “mascara” lines, all of which create a slightly “worried” look. Medium-to-large ears top the wedge-shaped head. Her spots range from small to large and vary in shape. The hind legs are longer than the front and she has small, delicate feet. Her tail is long and banded with a dark tip.

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Colors

The Egyptian Mau’s spotted coat comes in 3 different colors: silver, bronze or smoke, which is black-tipped, pale silver fur. The breed can come in several other colors, including solid black, blue silver, blue spotted, blue smoke and solid blue, but they aren’t allowed in the show ring. In addition to their unique spots, Maus also have large, uniquely colored eyes in what many refer to as “gooseberry green”.

Shedding

As with most cats, Egyptian Maus shed moderately, but weekly combing removes loose hair.

Health

Although both pedigreed and mixed-breed cats face genetic and non-genetic health risks, responsible breeders do their best to develop healthy cats. The Egyptian Mau is a generally healthy feline, with the only predispositions for disease including urolithiasis and pyruvate kinase deficiency.

Choosing the Best Food for Egyptian Mau Cats

Their active lifestyle requires a complete and balanced cat food to support her energy levels day to day, such as Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Grain Free with Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals. Egyptian Maus, like many other cats, often don’t drink enough water, so you may want to supplement her dry kibble with a wet cat food like Purina ONE True Instinct Chicken Recipe in Gravy to help increase her total water intake.

To explore other products for your Egyptian Mau, see our Cat Product Selector.

Choosing the Best Food for Egyptian Mau Kittens

Egyptian Mau kittens, like other breeds, have specific nutritional needs throughout their first year of life. To ensure your Egyptian Mau gets plenty of essential nutrients to support her growth and development, select a complete and balanced kitten food like Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula.

History

Although the breed’s exact origins aren’t known, ancient Egyptian texts and paintings dating back to 1550 BC depict spotted cats worshipped by the Egyptians. Although the breed was recorded in Europe prior to World War II, the war nearly wiped out the Egyptian Maus. Natalie Troubetskoy, a Russian princess, was gifted a silver female kitten while living in Rome.

She named her “Baba”, and when she moved to the U.S. in 1956, Baba and her two kittens tagged along. To ensure the breed’s survival, Troubetskoy developed a standard and began breeding the Egyptian Maus. The breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers Federation in 1968, followed by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1977 and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979. It’s recognized by most associations today.

Facts

• “Mau” is the Egyptian word for cat.
• The Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted domestic cat, meaning the unique markings were not created through human manipulation.
• Egyptian Maus are the fastest domestic housecat. They’ve been clocked running at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.