Dog Breed Selector

About the Black Russian Terrier

Created after World War II, the Black Russian Terrier is one of the newest breeds in the world. Bred to be a powerful guard dog, this breed has a sharp sense of smell and double coat to protect him from harsh climates. Highly intelligent, the Black Russian Terrier is used by the Russian military. This easily trained breed needs moderate exercise, and his ruffled double coat requires extensive grooming.

Did you know
The Red Star military kennel in Moscow developed the Black Russian Terrier to be part of the Soviet Union’s national security force. Seventeen breeds were used to create the Black Russian Terrier including the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, and Newfoundland.

About the Bloodhound

With his keen scent ability, the Bloodhound is used worldwide as a tracking dog in criminal searches and rescue efforts.

Temperament

The Bloodhound’s extraordinary sense of smell makes him an unequaled hunter, and finder of people who are lost or hiding. 

A Bloodhound on the scent is relentless. When not following his nose, he is an affectionate and easygoing companion who enjoys the company of both adults and children. 

Characteristics

Bloodhounds are members of the Hound group. The breed has a distinctive look due to abundant loose skin that hangs in deep folds around the head and neck. 

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

The Bloodhound’s short coat can be black and tan, liver and tan, or red. 

Shedding

The Bloodhound’s coat sheds seasonally, and requires only weekly brushing. To avoid doggy odor, this breed needs to be bathed regularly. 

Health

The Bloodhound is a healthy breed, but like any large, deep-chested breed, they can be susceptible to bloat. Led by their noses, they are known for eating anything in their path—so owners need to be careful to keep things they shouldn’t ingest out of their reach. 

Owners need to check daily for infection in their Bloodhounds’ ears, and wipe their dogs’ faces to keep the skin wrinkles clean and irritant-free. Bloodhounds do drool, so wiping up is also a reality of Bloodhound ownership. 

Best Dog Food for Bloodhound Dogs & Puppies

Bloodhounds may benefit from a large breed dog food. For Bloodhounds who need help with weight maintenance, consider a healthy weight formula. 

Bloodhound puppies should eat a large breed puppy food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.  

History

The Bloodhound breed that we know was perfected about a thousand years ago in Western Europe.

These dogs were part of hunting packs meticulously bred by wealthy monasteries of England and France. 

It was this careful maintenance of the breed’s bloodline that gave the Bloodhound its name. They were known as “blooded hounds,” which means “of aristocratic blood.” 
The Bloodhound’s exceptional scenting ability has earned this noble breed well-deserved recognition as unparalleled trackers. Once he has caught the scent, the Bloodhound will tirelessly follow it to the end. 

This supernatural ability to track the scent of humans has made the Bloodhound an invaluable resource for police departments and search-and-rescue operations. There isn’t a man-made scenting device that can outperform the nose of the Bloodhound. 

Facts

• The Bloodhound’s name refers to the pure-blood breeding of this hound. 
• Bloodhounds are such accurate trackers that they have produced evidence that has been accepted in a court of law.
• The Bloodhound is able to pick up a scent from only one or two skin cells.
• The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Bloodhound breed in 1885. 

About the Bluetick Coonhound

The muscular, athletic Bluetick Coonhound is an excellent tracker skilled in treeing raccoons and other small animals. Like many coonhounds, the Bluetick is named for his coat color, which has a dark blue spotted pattern. Highly intelligent, this breed is a loyal, affectionate companion that gets along well with children and other pets. His low-maintenance, glossy coat needs occasional bathing and grooming.

Did you know
The state dog of Tennessee, the Bluetick Coonhound is also the official mascot of the University of Tennessee.Bluetick puppies are born mostly white except for large, dark patches. Their ticking develops a few weeks later.

About the Boerboel

The Boerboel historically served as a farm dog in 17th century South Africa, but today this strong, muscular, working breed is an excellent guard dog and loyal family companion. Intelligent, calm and confident, the Boerboel gets along well with children and other pets, but because he is a dominant dog, he requires structured, firm training. He has strong protective instincts and a willingness to please. Grooming is minimal for the Boerboel’s smooth, shiny coat.

About the Bombay Cat

The Bombay is an easy-going, yet energetic cat. She does well in quiet apartments where she’s the center of attention as well as in lively homes with children and other pets. She’ll talk to you in a distinct voice, and you’re likely to find her in the warmest spot in your home, whether that’s in the sunlight from a window or curled up under the covers in bed with you.

Temperament

Bombays are smart and learn tricks quickly, so keep them entertained by teaching them new tricks and providing them interactive toys to play with.

Lifespan

12 to 16 years

Colors

Bombays have a dramatic and deep black coat. The black coat is dominant, but occasionally a litter produces a sable-colored kitten, and some associations permit these kittens to be registered as Burmese. Bombay eye color ranges from gold to copper.

Characteristics

Aside from her black coat, the Bombay resembles the Burmese. She has a larger and longer body, however, and longer legs. Her rounded head is topped with straight, wide-set, medium-sized ears and she has a medium-length tail.

History

Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, KY, began developing the breed in the 1950s by crossing a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized the Bombay in 1978 and it’s recognized by all cat associations today. Although outcrossing to black American Shorthairs and sable Burmese is still permitted, it’s done infrequently due to the breeds’ differences in body type.

Facts

• The Bombay was bred to resemble the black leopard found in India. Horner named the breed for the exotic port city where this wild feline is found.
• Many Bombays are entirely black, including their paw pads, which isn’t a common trait in other black cats.

Shedding

The tight-knit coat of Bombay cats means they shed very little. Regular petting and semi-weekly brushing removes loose hair and maintains the coat’s shine.

Health

One genetic disease Bombay cats carry a risk for is a craniofacial defect sometimes seen in newborn kittens. Responsible breeders do their best to avoid breeding cats who carry the gene for this fatal defect, however. Bombays may also be more prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, excessive tearing of the eyes and respiratory issues due to their flat facial structure.

Choosing the Best Food for Bombay Cats

Your Bombay has a denser build than most cats, and her black satin coat hides weight gain well, so it’s crucial to monitor her food intake. To help your Bombay kitty maintain a healthy weight, consider a weight management cat food formula such as Purina Cat Chow Adult Healthy Weight or Purina ONE Healthy Metabolism.

Choosing the Best Food for Bombay Kittens

Bombay cats develop more slowly than other breeds and may not reach full maturity until they are 2 years old. To support your kitten’s growth and development during this time, feed her a complete and balanced kitten food like Purina Kitten Chow – Nurture or Purina ONE Healthy Kitten.

To explore other products for your Bombay Cat or kitten, see our Product Selector.

About the Border Collie

Prized for his intelligence, herding instinct and working ability, the Border Collie is a hard-working dog that also makes an affectionate pet for active families. Although he is a bit of a workaholic, he loves to settle down and cuddle when the work is done.

Temperament

Border Collies are affectionate, smart and energetic.

Characteristics

The Border Collie is a brilliant dog who is agile, balanced and durable.

As a herding dog, they are a high-drive, high-energy breed, which means they require a little more than just a walk around the block for exercise. Border Collies love to have a job to do, but if they don’t work they require vigorous exercise. The perfect companion to this intelligent breed is an active person.

Border Collies are easy to train and excel in herding events, obedience, agility, rally and tracking competitions. They also enjoy sports like flying disc and flyball.

Don’t be surprised if this lively dog herds everything they see – from other animals to people – it’s in their nature.

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Colors

Border Collies’ coats come in a variety of colors including black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, white lilac, red, red merle, sable, sable merle, seal and slate. They can also have tan points, white markings or be white ticked.

Shedding

The Border Collie breed has two different kinds of dense, weather-resistant double coats: Rough and smooth. The rough coat is medium length and feathered, while the smooth coat is shorter and coarser. Both types shed seasonally and should be brushed one to two times a week.

Health

Generally, Border Collies are a hardy and healthy breed, but as with every breed, they are prone to some health issues.

Border Collies can experience hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and trapped neutrophil syndrome. A responsible breeder will screen for these conditions.

Best Dog Food For Border Collies

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Border Collie, it’s important to take his unique breed traits into consideration. Since Collies are an active breed, they may benefit from sport formulas to maintain their energy levels and ideal body condition.

Food for Border Collies can include:

• Purina Pro Plan SPORT 26/16
• Purina Dog Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend
• Beneful Originals

Best Dog Food For Border Collie Puppies

When choosing a food for your Border Collie puppy, remember puppies of any breed have specific nutritional needs during their early developmental years. A formula containing DHA nourishes brain and vision development while antioxidants support their developing immune system so they thrive during their first year of life.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:

• Beneful Healthy Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food

History

The Border Collie’s history dates back to the Roman Empire when the Romans conquered Britain. During this time, the Romans brought their own livestock and herding dogs. These sturdy dogs remained a fixture in Britain long after the Roman Empire dissolved.

Soon after, Viking raiders invaded Britain, bringing their own breed of smaller, spitz-type herders. As the breeds were crossed, a more compact and agile herder was produced, perfect for working stock in the hilly, rocky highlands of Scotland and Wales.

Over time the Border Collie became known as the world’s greatest herder with their sweeping outruns, stealthy crouching and creeping and explosive bursts of focused energy.

Facts

• The Border Collie grew popular in the 19^th century when Queen Victoria became a fan of the breed.
• The world “Collie” is a Scottish word used to describe sheep dogs.
• The Border Collie was first classified as the “Scotch Sheep Dog”.
• The breed was featured in the hit movie, “Babe”, alongside a talking pig.
• The 18^th century poet laureate of Scotland described the essence of the Border Collie as “honest” and “faithful”.

About the Border Terrier

A persistent worker with great agility and endurance, the Border Terrier was bred in the 18th century to protect farm stock along the border of Scotland and England. An admirable hunter that learns quickly and responds well to obedience training, the breed makes a good-tempered, affectionate family companion. An active dog, the Border Terrier does best with a job and when well-exercised. His water-resistant coat requires regular brushing and biannual stripping.

Did you know
Famous Border Terriers in film include “Puffy” from "There's Something About Mary" and “Baxter” from "Anchorman."

About the Borzoi

A graceful, elegant sighthound, the Borzoi was bred hundreds of years ago in Tsarist Russia. With his extreme speed, agility and courage, he excelled as a hunter of wolves, foxes and hares. An affectionate family dog, the Borzoi needs daily exercise. His lustrous coat requires regular brushing and bathing.

Did you know
The Disney films “Lady and the Tramp” and “102 Dalmatians” feature Borzois.

About the Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are a well-mannered breed known as “The American Gentleman.” They are an affectionate companion who enjoys being close to their family.

Temperament

The Boston Terrier is friendly, bright and amusing.

Characteristics

Boston Terriers are known as The American Gentleman and for good reason. Not only does their coat resemble a tuxedo, but they are also a proper, well-mannered breed. These canines also have a natural gift for comedy.

The Boston Terrier makes a great urban pet, being sturdy, portable and people-oriented.

Some Boston Terriers love to run and play to let off steam, while others are fine with one brisk walk a day. These feisty little dogs can get frustrated and bored when left alone for too long. They prefer playing a game of fetch with their beloved human. Some enjoy canine sports like agility, obedience, flyball and rally.

When training, remember Boston Terriers are quite sensitive, so focus on giving praise and gentle correction.

Lifespan

11 to 13 years

Colors

Most Boston Terriers are black and white, but their coats can also be brindle or seal with white markings.

Shedding

The Boston Terrier’s sleek, fine coat sheds minimally.

Health

The Boston Terrier’s eyes can cause problems for the breed, so check them daily for redness or irritation. They can also experience patellar luxation and, like other flat-faced breeds, can have a hard time breathing in excessive heat or humidity.

Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Boston Terrier, it’s important to take his or her unique breed traits into consideration. Since Boston Terriers are on the small side, a dog food formulated for small breeds is a smart choice to maintain their ideal body condition.

These foods include:

• Bella Natural Bites
• Purina Pro Plan Small Breed
• Purina Dog Chow Little Bites for Small Dogs

Best Dog Food For Boston Terrier Puppies

When choosing a food for your Boston Terrier puppy, remember puppies of any breed have specific nutritional needs during their time of development. A formula containing DHA helps nourish brain and vision development. It should also contain antioxidants to support their developing immune system and help them thrive during their first year of life.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:

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

History

In 19^th century England, crossing terriers with bull-type breeds became popular, as dogs who excelled at pit fighting were all the rage. In Liverpool one of the cross breeds between a Bulldog and now-extinct White English Terrier was named “Judge.”

Judge became the patriarch of the Boston Terrier when he was sold to an American and moved to Boston. Overtime the breed transformed from the bulky fighter of Judge’s time to a smaller, sweeter companion dog.

The first Boston Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1893.

Facts

• The Boston Terrier was originally called the American Bull Terrier.
• After the Civil War, it was developed as a fighting dog.
• The breed originated in America.
• Boston Terriers resulted from a cross between an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier.
• The Boston Terrier has been the official mascot of Boston University for nearly 100 years.
• In 1979, it was named the official dog of Massachusetts.

About the Bouvier des Flandres

The sturdy, rugged Bouvier des Flandres originally was bred to herd cattle near the Belgian town of Flanders. His name means “cowherd from Flanders,” but along with herding, the breed performed farm jobs such as drafting and guarding. With his calm, gentle temperament, this breed is a loving family companion The Bouvier needs frequent grooming to strip his rough, shaggy coat and plenty of exercise.

Did you know
The slow-maturing Bouvier des Flandres reaches adulthood at 2 to 3 years of age. During World War I, the Bouvier served as message carriers and cart dogs carrying wounded soldiers.

About the Boxer

Although the Boxer was bred for dog fighting and hunting big game, the breed now thrives on human companionship. With a patient and protective nature, Boxers make excellent family dogs.

Temperament

The Boxer is a spirited, energetic breed. As such, he needs daily exercise. Long walks, runs or play time in a fenced yard will help him stay physically fit.

As a highly intelligent dog, he’s a skilled problem solver and may find repetitive training boring. Early socialization and training is critical for this powerful breed, however.

Although he’s patient and protective of children, he’s wary of strangers and fearless when threatened.

Characteristics

Boxers have an athletic build and a wrinkled, expressive forehead when alert.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

Standard breed colors are fawn or brindle with white markings.

Shedding

The Boxer’s short coat requires little grooming and sheds on occasion.

Health

Boxers have a risk for various health conditions, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, thyroid deficiencies and certain cancers. Responsible breeders screen regularly for such conditions to help develop a healthy breed.

Additionally, Boxers do not do well in extreme heat or cold, so be mindful of this when exercising a Boxer outdoors.

Best Dog Food for Boxers & Boxer Puppies

An adult Boxer will thrive on a high-protein dog food to support his high energy levels and active lifestyle. Boxer puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food to support their growth and development.

History

Boxers were developed in 19^th century Germany, but their ancestors date back to 2,500 BC. The breed is thought to have descended from the medieval Bullenbeisser, a German large-game hunter of bison, bear and wild boar.

By 1865, big-game hunting died out, leaving the Bullenbiesser unemployed. That’s when German dog fanciers began developing what we recognize today as the Boxer.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered its first Boxer in 1904. Boxers grew in popularity after Bang Away won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in the 1950s. Since then, the breed has sat firmly in the top 10 most popular breeds in America.

Facts

• Boxers were one of the first breeds trained for police work in Germany.
• The breed gets its name for the way they play or defend themselves with their front paws.
• Boxers are related to almost every other type of bulldog.

About the Boykin Spaniel

An enthusiastic hunter, the Boykin Spaniel also is an affectionate dog that loves to be with people and other animals. With his cheerful temperament, the Boykin is particularly excellent with children. This energetic breed needs lots of exercise and thrives with an active family. The Boykin’s feathered coat ranges from flat to wavy and requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Did you know
The Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina. The first Boykins were bred from two strays owned by L. Whitaker Boykin, for whom the breed is named. An excellent retriever of upland game and water fowl, the Boykin Spaniel is also a good turkey hunting dog.