Dog Breed Selector

About the Briard

For centuries, the brave, loyal Briard guarded and herded sheep in rural France. This large, muscular breed has a strong protective instinct and an excellent memory. Briards can be willful but also are trainable and eager to please. The breed has a distinctive appearance with his bushy eyebrows, shaggy beard and luxurious wavy coat. The Briard needs extensive grooming, including daily brushing, to prevent matting.

Did you know
Some credit Marquis de Lafayette with introducing the Briard to America, but Thomas Jefferson also imported the breed. During World War I, the Briard was the official French army dog, helping carry supplies and find wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

About the British Shorthair Cat Breed

The British Shorthair is an easygoing feline. She enjoys affection but isn’t needy and dislikes being carried. She’ll follow you from room to room, though, out of curiosity. British Shorthairs aren’t lap cats, but they do enjoy snuggling next to their people on the couch.

Temperament

As they age, British Shorthairs become increasingly sedentary, however males are often more rambunctious than the reserved females. They get along well with gentle and respectful children and don’t mind cat-friendly dogs.

Characteristics

British Shorthairs are round all over, with a broad chest and strong legs. Their coats are short, thick and plush. Eye color depends on coat color, but you can expect British Blues to have gold eyes and those with point coloring to have blue eyes. Other eye colors range from golden to copper.

Lifespan

12 to 17 years

Colors

Although their coats come in almost every possible color and pattern, the most popular color is blue (gray). These cats are sometimes referred to as British Blues.

Shedding

Your British Shorthair may experience seasonal shedding in the spring and fall, so brush regularly during those periods to remove loose hair. Outside of those seasons, weekly brushing will suffice.

Health

Although the breed is free from many genetic diseases that plague other breeds, British Shorthairs are susceptible to gingivitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hemophilia B. Obesity is another concern, as this cat loves to eat and leads a relatively sedentary lifestyle.

Choosing the Best Food for British Shorthair Cats

Due to their inactivity, particularly as they age, weight gain is a concern for British Shorthairs. To keep yours at a healthy weight, choose a cat food formulated for weight management, such as Pro Plan Weight Management Formula or Purina ONE Healthy Metabolism. Follow the feeding guidelines based on your cat’s age and weight or consult with your veterinarian for additional guidance.

To explore other products for your British Shorthair, see our Product Selector.

Choosing the Best Food for British Shorthair Kittens

Like many other medium to large cat breeds, the British Shorthair takes at least 3 years to fully mature. They only need kitten food specially formulated with all the nutrients essential to their growth and development during their first year of life, however. A kitten food like Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula or Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula will provide your British kitty with everything she needs to live a long and healthy life.

History

As the oldest breed in England, the British Shorthairs are thought to have descended from domestic cats imported from Egypt, accompanying the Romans when they invaded Great Britain in 43 AD. They grew in popularity during the Victorian era, when stricter breeding standards were implemented. In the early 1900s, the British Shorthair was crossed with the Persian, introducing a longhair gene.

After both World Wars, the breed was nearly extinct. Thanks to cross-breeding, British Shorthairs were revitalized. In 1967, the American Cat Association accepted the breed. It wasn’t accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) until 1979 and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) a year later. The breed is now recognized by all cat associations.

Facts

• Two of the most famous fictional cats are British Shorthairs: Puss in Boots and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
• British Shorthairs were the only pedigreed cats exhibited at some of the earliest cat shows. 

About the Brittany

The Brittany is a hearty hunting dog skilled in pointing and retrieving game. Strong, quick, agile and alert, the Brittany is good-natured and friendly, making him a loving companion. The breed has a dense, feathered coat that protects him in the field and requires regular grooming. This energetic breed needs vigorous daily exercise and thrives with an active outdoor family.

Did you know
The Brittany originated in the French province of Brittany, where the breed was first shown in 1896. Paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry from the early 1700s show a liver-and-white dog believed to be a Brittany pointing partridge.

About the Brussels Griffon

A sturdy Belgian breed, the Brussels Griffon is known for his almost human expression. 

Temperament

Brussels Griffons are lively, intelligent and sensitive, and do not like to spend long hours alone. They are excellent watchdogs, with personality and devotion that makes them a charming companion for adults. 

Active indoors, the Brussels Griffon can live comfortably in an apartment but still needs daily walks.

Characteristics

Members of the Toy group, Brussels Griffons are distinguished by their almost human faces. With their large eyes, short muzzles, and scruffy beards and mustaches, they look like comically serious little men. 

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Colors

The Brussels Griffon’s coat can be beige, black, black and tan, or red. 

Shedding

Brussels Griffons can be either rough or smooth coated. 

Smooth-coated Griffons shed seasonally, usually for a week or two in spring and fall, and should be brushed daily during these times. This, plus an occasional bath will keep smooth-coated Griffs well groomed. 

Rough-coated Griffons do not shed. Their coat, with the exception of their trademark beards, are usually clipped short by their owner or a groomer. 

Health

Brussels Griffons are generally healthy dogs, thanks in part to responsible breeders who screen for issues such as heart problems, cataracts, patella luxation and hip dysplasia. Because of their flat faces, Griffons usually snore and can be prone to breathing problems in hot or humid weather. 

Best Dog Food for Brussels Griffon Dogs & Puppies

As a toy breed, Brussels Griffons may find the specialized nutrition and smaller kibble of a toy breed or small breed dog food beneficial. For Griffons who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula. 

Brussels Griffon puppies should eat a toy breed or small breed puppy food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.  

History

The Brussels Griffon breed as we know it today was developed in Brussels in the early 1800s, by coachmen who bred sturdy little terrier dogs to control the rat populations in their horse stables. Generally these dogs were similar to Affenpinschers, and were known as griffons d’ecurie or “wire-coated stable dogs.” 

While the breed lineage of the Griffon can’t be traced (due to a lack of written breeding records), there is speculation that the Pug, English Toy Spaniel, an old Belgian breed called the Brabancon, and even the Yorkshire Terrier could be among his ancestors. 

The Griffon’s rise in society, from the stables to the royal court, occurred thanks to Henrietta Maria, Queen of the Belgians. The dog-loving ruler became smitten with the breed, securing it a place in the lap of luxury, and in history. 

Suddenly Griffons were de rigueur among members of the Queen’s court and upper classes, and further breeding refinements created dogs with smaller bodies and more humanlike faces. The breed’s celebrity went beyond Belgium’s borders, bringing Griffons to England and America. 

The Brussels Griffon was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1910. Thanks to the efforts of American and British breed enthusiasts, this breed was able to survive the two world wars that destroyed so much of its population.

Facts

• A Brussels Griffon was featured in the 1997 hit film, “As Good As It Gets,” starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

About the Bull Terrier

Known as the clown of dogs, the Bull Terrier is a playful and affectionate charmer who thrives on human companionship. 

Temperament

The Bull Terrier is robust and spirited, and always ready for a frolic. He loves children, but obedience training is necessary, and care must be taken to avoid overstimulation around younger children. 

Friendly and affectionate, this energetic, well-muscled breed needs daily exercise.

Characteristics

This robust Terrier group breed is muscular and big-boned, with a unique, egg-shaped head accentuated by pointed ears and small, mischievous eyes. Powerful and agile, they walk with a cheerful gait that showcases their outgoing personality. 

A happy Bull Terrier is one who receives early socialization with dogs and people, loving but firm training, lots of exercise and of course, time with his favorite people. A properly nurtured Bull Terrier is the most loving, loyal companion a family could want. 

Lifespan

12 to 13 years

Colors

Bull Terriers sport two types of coats: white; or any other color (including brindle), either solid or with white markings.

Shedding

The Bull Terrier is a seasonal shedding breed. Giving his short, flat coat a weekly brushing will help to remove loose hair and dirt.

Health

While kidney and heart issues can be associated with the breed, responsible breeders test for these issues, and should test puppies for potential hearing issues.

Best Dog Food for Bull Terrier Dogs & Puppies

Bull Terriers generally do well on a quality adult dog food that's rich in calcium. For Bull Terriers who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula. 

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

History

Bull Terriers were first bred in 19th century England. Surprisingly, an ancestor of this affable breed, the Bulldog, was originally bred for the gruesome pastime of bull baiting, which involved Bulldogs attacking a staked bull as spectators bet on the outcome. 

Although blood sports with animals were outlawed in the 1830s, enthusiasts took their activities underground, and dogfighting became the sport of choice. 

When Bulldogs proved too slow to compete effectively in the dogfighting pit, the process of crossing them with quick and spirited Terriers began. One of the breeds that resulted from this process was the Bull Terrier.

Once dogfighting was also banned in Britain, the Bull Terrier became a fashionable companion for young gentlemen of the mid-1800s. 

Further breeding increased the pleasantness of the Bull Terrier’s temperament. The breed became part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885 and has been a much-loved American pet since. 

Facts

• Bull Terrier crosses of various sizes and colors became popular as sporting dogs in the early 1800s. 
• The Bull Terrier loves games with a ball or other toys, and all sorts of outdoor activities. 
• Bull Terriers do not bark unless there is a good reason. According to the AKC, when a Bull Terrier barks, you should pay attention. 
• President Theodore Roosevelt owned a Bull Terrier named “Pete.”
• Other Bull Terrier celebrities include General George Patton’s dog Willy; Rufus, the 2006 Westminster winner; and Bullseye, the Target mascot.

About the Bulldog

Bulldogs are a popular breed known for their lovable disposition and charming wrinkles. Resolute and courageous, this breed is an excellent family companion, requiring minimal grooming and exercise.

Temperament

Bulldogs are friendly and courageous, with a happy disposition.

Characteristics

Bulldogs may look gruff, but these kind and courageous dogs make loyal companions.

Although the Bulldog isn’t toy-breed sized, their 50 pounds of wrinkles won’t stop them from curling up in your lap for a good cuddle. Though their mellowness can be mistaken for laziness, Bulldogs enjoy brisk walks and other activities.

Bulldogs are sweet, devoted and aim to please, making them fun to train. Many Bulldogs love to chew, so having plenty of tough toys is a must. They also enjoy games of tug-of-war.

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Colors

Bulldogs’ color combinations range from red to white to fawn to fallow, or any combination of those. Their patterns and markings may include brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, black tipping and a minimal amount of black in piebalds.

Shedding

Bulldogs require minimal grooming but do go through periods of heavy shedding. Perform an all-over brushing 2 to 3 times a week to keep them looking their best and keep his wrinkles clean and dry to avoid infection or irritation.

Health

Bulldogs are prone to overheating and should not be left out in the hot sun without access to shade and water.

Best Dog Food For Bulldogs

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Bulldog, it’s important to take his unique breed traits into consideration to maintain his ideal body composition.

Food for Bulldogs can include:

• Pro Plan Complete Essentials Dog Food
• Purina Dog Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend
• Beneful Originals

Best Dog Food For Bulldog Puppies

When choosing a food for your Bulldog puppy, remember puppies of any breed have specific nutritional needs during their time of development. A formula containing DHA nourishes brain and vision development and antioxidants support their developing immune systems to 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 SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Puppy

History

Bulldogs were created in the 13^th century during King John’s reign in England. They were created for the “sport” of bullbaiting where a staked bull would fight a pack of dogs for spectator amusement. These ancient Bulldogs were a ferocious dog with huge jaws that appeared impervious to pain.

Finally, in 1835, the sport was banned and soon the Bulldog was crossed with other breeds to create the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and other bull-type terrier breeds for underground fighting. Bulldogs faced extinction, but admirers of the breed transformed them from fighter to companion. By 1886, the new Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Bulldog is the national symbol of England, sharing similarities with the jowly, tenacious Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Facts

• Presidential Bulldogs include Warren Harding’s “Oh Boy” and Calvin Coolidge’s “Boston Beans”.
• The Bulldog's name comes from the breed’s historical connection with bullbaiting, a popular medieval European sport (now illegal).
• He made his cartoon debut in the Hanna-Barbera animated film series, “Tom and Jerry” in 1942.
• Bulldogs originated in the British Isles and are also known as English Bulldogs.
• Yale was the first U.S. University to declare a mascot—the Bulldog—known throughout the school's history as “Handsome Dan.”
• University of Georgia also uses a Bulldog named “Uga” as their mascot. He sits in an air-conditioned doghouse on the sidelines at football games.
• The Bulldog is also the mascot for Mack Trucks and the Marine Corps.

About the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff’s history began in 19th-century England where he was developed to keep large estates and game preserves free of poachers. Fearless and confident yet sweet-natured and docile, the breed makes a great family companion. Natural guardians, Bullmastiffs do not bark much and require minimal exercise and grooming. For a large dog, the Bullmastiff does well in an apartment as well as a house.

Did you know
A Bullmastiff called “Mac” starred in a Honda Odyssey Super Bowl commercial in 1999.

About the Burmese Cat

The Burmese thrives on companionship with her humans and other cats. Like her Siamese ancestors, she enjoys conversation, but has a much softer, sweeter voice.

Temperament

She’s energetic, curious and playful well into adulthood and loves interactive toys and learning new tricks. She loves to give and receive attention, so expect her to follow you around, sit on your lap and snuggle next to you in bed. Guests will be surprised by her outgoing, dog-like nature.

Characteristics

Their compact body is solid and muscular with a rounded head and sweet, expressive eyes. Their ears are medium sized, with rounded tips that tilt slightly forward.

Lifespan

10 to 16 years

Colors

The original Burmese cat was sable, a solid, dark brown color. Newer lines of Burmese come in several other shades, including blue, champagne and platinum, and some associations even permit tortoiseshell, lilac and red to be shown. Sable kittens’ coats darken as they mature and all colors have green or golden eyes, depending on their coat color.

Shedding

Shedding is minimal and weekly brushing will keep your Burmese cat’s coat healthy and shiny by removing loose hair and redistributing skin oils.

Health

Burmese cats are prone to gingivitis and are sensitive to anesthesia. Other diseases and deformities have been seen in the breed, including:

• Corneal dermoid
• Orofacial pain syndrome
• Congenital peripheral vestibular disease
• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Hypokalemic polymyopathy
• Flat-chested kitten syndrome
• Kinked tail
• Elbow osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• And more

Choosing the Best Food for Burmese Cats

When it comes to feeding your Burmese cat, choose a complete and balanced cat food like Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula to support her playful and active nature. Indoor cats may need a specially formulated food to help maintain a healthy weight and control hairballs, so Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Indoor Turkey & Rice Formula may also be a good choice.

To explore other products for your Burmese, see our Product Selector.

Choosing the Best Food for Burmese Kittens

Your Burmese kitten needs a complete and balanced kitten food with all the nutrients essential to her growth and development. During her first year, select a kitten food like Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula to support her maturation into adulthood.

History

Dr. Joseph Thompson brought the first Burmese cat to America in 1930. Her name was “Wong Mau” and she was bred with Siamese cats. Through selective breeding, Thompson was able to achieve the sable coat color and isolate it for further breeding.

The breed was registered with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1936, but registration was suspended in 1947 because Siamese cats were still being used in breeding programs. Once this practice was eliminated, registrations resumed in 1953. The Burmese cat was accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979.

Facts

• The Burmese cat resulted from a cross of the Siamese with the “copper cat” of Burma (present-day Myanmar).
• They may have been kept by priests in temples and palaces.
•  The Burmese was one of the original breeds accepted by TICA.

About the Cairn Terrier

A spirited little dog bred to root small animals, such as fox, rats and otter, from their lairs, the Cairn Terrier is known for his tenacity. A quick learner, the Cairn instinctively likes to dig and chase small animals. This terrier has a compact body and broad head with a bushy topknot and eyebrows. His shaggy, medium-long coat needs weekly brushing and some trimming or stripping, as well as monthly bathing.

Did you know
The Cairn Terrier is named for the rock dens that foxes and badgers lived in throughout the Scottish countryside. These terriers would squeeze down the cairns and bark to alert the farmer if they found game. The best-known Cairn Terrier is “Toto” from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” The dog’s real name was “Terry,” and though this Cairn played a male role, Terry was a female.

About the Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog dates back to Biblical times when he guarded the Israelites’ herds and flocks in the Land of Canaan. While loyal and loving with his family, the Canaan Dog is highly territorial and suspicious of strangers. He is best suited as a one-person or one-family companion. The Canaan Dog has a harsh, double coat that protects him from extreme temperatures and does not require much grooming.

Did you know
During World War II, Dr. Rudolphina Menzel trained more than 400 Canaan Dogs to work as mine detectors for Middle East forces. In 1965, Ursula Berkowitz of Oxnard, Calif., imported four Canaan Dogs that helped establish the breed in the U.S.

About the Cane Corso

Noble, majestic and powerful, the Cane Corso is a property watchdog and large-game hunter, as well as an affectionate family dog.

Temperament

The Cane Corso is an affectionate and intelligent dog.

Characteristics

At a glance the Cane Corso may appear intimidating, but he is all heart and responds to love and rewards far better than harsh corrections. He is intelligent, loyal, eager-to-please and versatile.

Cani Corsi are also a protective breed, so early and proper socialization with people, children and other dogs is key. Once socialized properly, these dogs will bond closely with children.

These big dogs need a lot of exercise, and not just a walk will do. A brisk mile in the morning and again in the evening will keep this muscular breed in shape. Cani Corsi were bred to work and are happiest when they have a job to do.

Many Cani Corsi compete in agility, obedience, dock diving, protection sports and tracking events.

Lifespan

9 to 12 years

Colors

The Cane Corso’s coat comes in black, black brindle, chestnut brindle, fawn gray, gray brindle and red. They may also have a black or grey mask on their face.

Shedding

The Cane Corso has a short, double-layered coat. His undercoat sheds throughout the year, with a spike in the spring. Weekly brushing during shedding season will remove dead hair before it falls out.

Health

Cani Corsi are prone to hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, demodex mange and eyelid abnormalities. Because of their large, deep chests, they are also susceptible to bloat.

Best Dog Food For Cane Corso

Since Cane Corso can weigh far more than 50 pounds at maturity, choose a large or giant breed formula to support their joint health and mobility and maintain their ideal body condition.

These foods include:

• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Large Breed Formula
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Giant Breed Formula
• Purina One SmartBlend Large Breed Adult Formula

For an active Cane Corso, consider a formula with a protein-to-fat ratio to meet their activity level. Formulas like Purina Pro Plan SPORT 26/16 can help maintain lean muscles.

Best Dog Food For Cane Corso Puppies

Like other puppies, your Cane Corso puppy will have specific nutritional needs to aid in their growth and development during their first year of life. Choose a formula containing DHA to nourish brain and vision development and antioxidants to support their developing immune system. A large breed-specific puppy formula can also help support the joint health of your growing puppy.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:

• Beneful Healthy Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Large Breed Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow Large Breed

History

The Cane Corso is a working dog, belonging to the subcategory of working breeds called mollosers. This type of dog was bred by an ancient Greek tribe who needed the giant, big-boned guard dogs.

At the height of the Roman Empire, the breed was brought back to Italy from the Greek Islands and bred to native Italian breeds. These offspring were likely a cross between the modern Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff. The ancestors were fearless dogs who would charge enemy lines with buckets of flaming oil strapped to their backs.

During the 5^th century, Italians and their dogs found themselves out of work. The breed was adapted to civilian jobs like wild boar hunting, farming, livestock droving and guarding. In fact, they became a staple on farms and in pastures along the Italian countryside. Constant economic and political upheavals, along with mechanized farming, reduced the Corsi to near extinction.

In the 1970s, a band of farmers came together to revive the breed, and The Society of Amorati Cane Corso was formed in 1983. The first Cane Corso came to America in 1988. The breed wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2010.

Facts

• The Cane Corso has been featured in many paintings, including those by Bartolomeo Pinelli.
• The breed’s coat is short, coarse, thick like a cow’s and waterproof.
• The Cane Corso comes from Italy.
• “Cane” is Italian for dog and “Corso” is from the Latin word “Cohors” meaning protector.
• Cane Corso is pronounced “cah-ney cor-soh.”
• The plural of Cane Corso is Cani Corsi.

About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Even-tempered, loyal and affectionate, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi originally was used as a drover and farm dog in Cardiganshire in 1200 B.C. Mostly a companion dog today, the Cardigan is small but capable of great power, speed and endurance. This breed can adapt well to city or country life if provided daily exercise. His double coat requires regular brushing.

Did you know
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi were regarded officially in England as two types of one breed until 1934, when they were recognized as distinct breeds.