Dog Breed Selector

About the French Bulldog

The large bat ears and even disposition of the French Bulldog makes the breed, or “Frenchies,” one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds.

Temperament

French Bulldogs are adaptable, playful and smart.

Characteristics

French Bulldogs are a bright, affectionate and charming breed. They don’t bark much but are alert enough to make an excellent watchdog. They don’t require a lot of exercise and enjoy the family love – whether the family is a single owner, a couple or a family. They usually get along well with other animals and love to make friends. Their adaptability and activity level makes them ideal for apartment living.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

Frenchies are a variety of colors, including combinations of brindle, cream, fawn and white.

Shedding

French Bulldogs have short coats that don't shed much.

Health

The French Bulldog has a flat face, which makes him prone to breathing problems. Flat-faced dogs are also more sensitive to anesthesia.

Occasionally, Frenchies develop conditions like cherry eyes, cataracts or entropion. Skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders are also common. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions to breed healthy French Bulldogs.

Best Dog Food For French Bulldogs

Since Frenchies are small, look for dog foods formulated specifically for small breeds to maintain their ideal body composition.

These foods include:

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

Best Dog Food For French Bulldog Puppies

When choosing a food for your French Bulldog puppy, choose one formulated with DHA for brain and vision health and antioxidants to support their developing immune system 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

History

The French Bulldog was developed by English lace makers in the 1800s who bred a toy-sized bulldog as a lap pet. During the height of the Industrial Revolution, the lace trade relocated to northern France, bringing the Bulldogs along.

Over the years, the toy Bulldog was crossed with other breeds, which is how they developed their bat ears.

The people of Paris soon discovered this adorable dog, launching the breed’s popularity as a city dweller. They were seen with their human companions at sidewalk cafes and Parisian dancehalls. Even Edgar Dega and Toulouse-Lautrec painted French Bulldogs into their artwork.

Facts

• Frenchies are a popular breed among Hollywood celebrities, including Hugh Jackman, David Beckham and Reese Witherspoon.
• The French Bulldog is, not surprisingly, related to the English Bulldog.
• The most distinctive features of the French Bulldog are his bat ears and half-flat, half-domed skull.
• Frenchies make good watchdogs.

About the German Pinscher

The muscular, powerful German Pinscher is courageous and protective, making him an excellent family watchdog. Originally bred in Germany, the German Pinscher has a strong prey instinct and likes to chase anything that moves. An intelligent, active breed, he needs vigorous daily exercise as well as companionship to avoid becoming bored and destructive. His dense, glossy coat is easy to maintain.

Did you know
The German Pinscher nearly became extinct following both World Wars. Werner Jung is credited with reviving the breed in 1958 in West Germany. Despite his name, the German Pincher is more closely related to the Schnauzer than the Doberman or the Miniature Pinscher.

About the German Shepherd Dog

Hailed as the world’s leading military, police and guard dog, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog known for his loyalty and high intelligence.

Temperament

German Shepherd Dogs are confident, courageous and smart.

Characteristics

The German Shepherd Dog is a loving, loyal and even-tempered family companion who is fond of children. They are eager to please and easy to train, which is why they are often utilized as police dogs, service dogs, agility dogs, conformation animals, obedience dogs and sentinels.

Though the German Shepherd Dog is a lovable breed, they do not give affection lightly. As a “one-man” breed, however, they display serious loyalty to their owner or primary caretaker. As a strong, powerful breed, it's important to socialize puppies with children (during the critical socialization window) to ensure they grow up to become a good family member.

As an active breed, German Shepherd Dogs require both mental and physical exercise. Many do well with activities like agility, herding, tracking and dock diving.

Lifespan

7 to 10 years

Colors

The German Shepherd Dog’s color can vary between black, tan, solid black and solid sable.

Shedding

German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense, harsh and close-lying outer coat with a softer undercoat. Their coat is easy to maintain with a quick brushing every few days to remove loose hair.

They shed more profusely once or twice a year. To control the shedding, brush them more frequently during these seasons.

Health

Some German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from myelopathy and elbow and hip dysplasia, but responsible breeders screen for those health conditions to develop the heathiest possible version of the breed.

They may also experience bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Speak to your veterinarian about the signs and symptoms of bloat.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

Because German Shepherd Dogs can weigh more than 50 pounds at maturity, opt for a large-breed dog food to support joint health and mobility and maintain their ideal body condition. You may also want to consider foods formulated for active and energetic dogs, which offer an ideal protein-to-fat ratio to maintain lean muscles.

These foods include:

• Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Formula
• Purina One SmartBlend Large Breed Adult Formula
• Purina Pro Plan SPORT 30/20
• Purina Pro Plan SPORT 26/16

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

When choosing a food for your German Shepherd puppy, select a formula containing DHA to nourish brain and vision development and antioxidants to support their developing immune system during their first year of life. A large-breed or sport puppy formula can further support the joint health of an active, growing puppy.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:

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

History

The German Shepherd Dog was first bred in 1899, when a German cavalry officer made it his mission to develop the ideal German herder. Breeders crossed various strains from across the country to create the breed we know today.

The breed became popular in the U.S. after the adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart swept theaters. The breed suffered from anti-German sentiment during and after the world wars, however.

The German Shepherd Dog developed their well-known qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth and firm authority in the sheep pasture. After the rise of modern livestock management, these traits were recognized by police and military units and the breed became the ideal K-9 partner.

Facts

• The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most popular and recognizable breeds of the American Kennel Club.
• The breed is popular in the media, portraying “Rin Tin Tin” in 26 Warner Bros. films during the 1920s and 30s, gaining worldwide fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• President John F. Kennedy owned a German Shepherd Dog named “Clipper.”
• In 1928, a German Shepherd Dog named “Buddy” was trained as the first guide dog in the U.S.
• The German Shepherd Dog was originally bred to herd sheep.

About the German Shorthaired Pointer

Highly intelligent and willing to please, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a multipurpose hunting dog with a powerful sense of smell and keen enthusiasm for work. A true athlete, the breed thrives with active families who give him regular exercise. A loyal companion and watchdog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has an even and friendly temperament. His coat sheds but requires little grooming.

Did you know
The German Shorthaired Pointer has webbed feet, which help him to excel at swimming.

About the German Wirehaired Pointer

A multipurpose hunting dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer enjoys human companionship and bonds closely with his family. An exceptional pointer and retriever, the breed is eager to please and enthusiastic to learn. Highly energetic, the German Wirehaired Pointer requires vigorous daily exercise. The breed's coat sheds lightly but is easy to maintain.

Did you know
The German Wirehaired Pointer has webbed feet, which help him to excel at swimming.

About the Giant Schnauzer

Distinguished by his bearded muzzle, the Giant Schnauzer is a robust, powerful dog originally bred to drive livestock.

Temperament

The Giant Schnauzer is a loyal and intelligent breed that loves having a job to do. A natural guard dog, he considers his most important task to be protecting his human family. 

Highly energetic, the Giant Schnauzer should be vigorously exercised daily.

Characteristics

Like their fellow Working breed group members, Giant Schnauzers are impressively large and solidly muscled. Accentuated by a distinguished beard and eyebrows, their wise and alert faces indicate a dog ready to take on the task at hand. 

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Colors

The Giant Schnauzer’s coat is either black, or pepper and salt. 

Shedding

The Giant Schnauzer is a low-shedding breed, but these dogs do have a dense, weather-resistant double coat that requires weekly brushing. The coat also needs to be clipped or stripped regularly. 

Health

The Giant Schnauzer is a healthy breed overall. Responsible breeders screen for issues such as hip dysplasia, eye disease and autoimmune thyroiditis. 

Best Dog Food for Giant Schnauzer Dogs & Puppies

Giant Schnauzers may benefit from a large breed dog food. For Giant Schnauzers who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula. 

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

History

In the mid 1800s the Giant Schnauzer was developed as a working dog to drive cattle to market. Bred up from the Standard Schnauzer, this larger version also served as a guard dog for farmers, merchants and innkeepers. 

When cattle started to travel to market by train, Giants found new roles more in line with their protector heritage, as European police dogs and military K-9s. In America they are admired not only as family guardians, but also as standout show dogs and obedience champions. 
 

Facts

• In Germany the Giant Schnauzer has a different name: Riesenschnauzer, which means “the giant.”
• Although Giant, Standard and Miniature Schnauzers are all Schnauzers, they are not simply different sizes of the same breed. Each is a distinct breed that has been developed to look like the other two. 

About the Glen of Imaal Terrier

Named after a remote region of Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains where the breed originated, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a powerful dog originally bred to go to ground after foxes and badgers. This spunky terrier is an adoring companion that likes to be near his owner but shouldn’t be trusted with noncanine pets. The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s harsh coat requires stripping, trimming and regular brushing.

Did you know
Among his many jobs, the Glen of Imaal Terrier once was used to turn spits cooking meat over a fire by paddling a large wheel that rotated the spit. With his deep bark, the Glen of Imaal Terrier sounds much bigger than he is.

About the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. This intelligent, loyal and friendly breed can fill diverse roles with ease as a family dog, therapy dog, hunting companion and guide for the blind. Good natured and beautiful, the Golden Retriever is a real crowd pleaser.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are known as world-class family dogs whose sweet, puppy-like temperament makes them a joyful playmate to people of all ages. Loyal, trustworthy and eager-to-please, these dogs are typically easy to train. Goldens are part of the Sporting Group, so they are hardworking and need (and love!) exercise to burn off energy.

Characteristics

Behind the friendly eyes of the Golden Retriever lives an intelligent mind and sweet temperament. Eager to please, Goldens are easy to train and love hearing praise when they master a new skill.

Goldens are also high-energy and can perform tasks like waterfowl retrieval for hours on end. Because they were bred to assist on the hunt, keep them well exercised and busy to avoid undesirable behavior.

Overall, this smart, outgoing and good-natured breed makes him a trustworthy leader in a number of fields. Golden Retrievers serve important roles such as search-and-rescue dogs, guides for the blind, hunting partners and beloved family dogs.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

The Golden Retriever gets his name for his beautiful and lustrous golden-colored coat. Its golden hue can range from dark to light golden, but is always a shade of gold.

Shedding

Goldens sport a thick, water-repellant double coat. They shed heavily one or two times a year, and moderately on a continuous basis. Brush your Golden Retriever a few times a week to keep shedding under control.

Health

Golden Retrievers are a generally healthy breed. Screening for elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions and certain heart diseases is recommended, however. As with other drop-eared breeds, check your Golden’s ears for infection regularly.

Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

When choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, consider his size, activity level and life stage. Without adequate exercise, Goldens are at risk of becoming overweight. You want to select a food that will help him maintain his ideal body condition long-term. Here are a few foods that we recommend for Golden Retrievers.

• Purina One SmartBlend Large Breed Adult Formula
• Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Large Breed Formula
• Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20
• Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
• Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ BRIGHT MIND Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula

Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppies

Puppies of all breeds have specific nutritional needs. Golden Retrievers are no exception. Because they may take more time to mature than smaller breeds, Golden Retrievers may need puppy food until 18 months to 2 years of age.

Look for a puppy food formula with DHA to nourish brain and vision development. Formulas with antioxidants will support a puppy’s developing immune system. Some foods you may want to consider for your Golden Retriever puppy include: 

• Purina One SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Formula
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Ride Formula
• Purina Pro Plan SPORT 30/20
• Purina Puppy Chow Large Breed Formula

History

The Golden Retriever was first bred on the estate of a Scottish aristocrat named Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth. Beginning in the 1840’s Tweedmouth began breeding his “Yellow Retriever” with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Over time, Irish Setters and Bloodhounds were also added to the bloodline.

The Golden Retriever was developed over 50 years and several generations. This “ideal gundog” was widely admired by sport hunters and show fanciers alike who instantly appreciated the Golden for his skills on the hunt, beautiful coat and sweet temperament.

Facts

• The Golden Retriever is the 3rd most popular of the 194 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 
• The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland during the reign of Queen Victoria.
• Goldens have been featured in recent TV commercials for brands like Subaru and Budweiser.
• Golden Retrievers are often successfully used in field trials, hunting and obedience competitions.
• The “Air Bud” movies feature Golden Retrievers as the stars.
• The breed was first registered with the AKC in 1925.
• Swimming and fetching are two of the Golden Retriever’s favorite activities.

About the Gordon Setter

Prized by Scottish hunters for his strength and stamina, the Gordon Setter is a dependable, eager-to-work hunter. With an easygoing temperament, he also is an excellent family companion. The heaviest of the three setter breeds and the only one with a black-and-tan coat, the Gordon Setter requires vigorous daily exercise. His slightly wavy coat needs regular grooming.

Did you know
A favorite of Duke Alexander the 4th of Gordon, the Gordon Setter was popular in Scotland in the late 1700s, when the breed was known as the black & tan setter. Although not as fast in the field as other sporting breeds, the Gordon Setter is known for his pointing accuracy.

About the Great Dane

Originally bred to hunt boar, the Great Dane is a giant dog with a loving disposition, making him an ideal family companion.

Temperament

The Great Dane is friendly, patient and dependable.

Characteristics

Great Danes make great companions because they are friendly, gentle and loving. Danes are patient with kids, provided they have been properly socialized with children from a young age, and are big people pleasers. Despite their sweet nature, they are also alert guard dogs.

Though a Great Dane may seem sedate, he does require daily exercise, whether in the form of a brisk walk or as your jogging or hiking partner. Keep your Dane leashed, as he tends to follow his nose and may take off to follow a scent.

Many Great Danes enjoy sports like agility, obedience, tracking events, weight pulls and flyball.

As previously mentioned, Great Danes love to please their owners, but they respond best to firm, consistent training methods.

Lifespan

7 to 10 years

Colors

The coat of a Great Dane comes in many different colors and combinations, including brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle.

Shedding

The Great Dane’s short and smooth coat doesn’t shed much throughout the year. They do have a shedding season once or twice a year, so daily brushing is recommended.

Health

Bloat is the most common health ailment for Great Danes. Learn to recognize the signs of this life-threatening condition and what to do if it occurs.

Other health issues that may affect the breed include eye and cardiac diseases, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis and hip dysplasia.

Best Dog Food For Great Danes

Since they are considered a giant breed, select a giant dog breed formula to support your dog’s joint health and mobility and maintain his ideal body condition.

These foods include:

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

For an exceptionally active Great Dane, 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 Great Dane Puppies

When choosing food for your Great Dane puppy, remember puppies of any breed have specific nutritional needs for proper development. A formula with DHA will nourish brain and vision development and antioxidants support their developing immune system to help them thrive during their first year of life. A giant breed-specific puppy formula can also 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 Puppy Chow Large Breed
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Giant Breed Puppy

History

The Great Dane’s origin story is mysterious. Although they are a German breed, they became associated with Denmark. At one time, German nobles used Danes for hunting ferocious wild boars. Later, the dogs became the protector of the home and family.

Facts

• The popular cartoon character “Scooby Doo” is a Great Dane.
• The name “Great Dane” is the English translation of the French name for the dog: “grand Danois” which means “big Danish”.
• The Great Dane has been a distinct breed for over 400 years.

About the Great Pyrenees

Named for the Pyrenees Mountains in Southwestern Europe, the Great Pyrenees is a majestic, faithful and affectionate guardian.

Temperament

The Great Pyrenees is smart and mellow. Bred to be independent guardians and watchdogs, the Pyr may resist obedience training. He’ll express his boredom by responding to your “heel,” “sit” and “stay” commands as slowly as possible.

Despite the Pyr’s boredom with obedience training, early puppy socialization and training is critical because of his size and territorial nature toward other dogs and strangers.

Although Great Pyrenees are not an overly active breed, daily exercise such as walks around the neighborhood or play in a fenced yard will help keep them physically and mentally fit.

Characteristics

The Great Pyrenees has a thick, fluffy double coat. His coat and his height give him a majestic, regal appearance.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

Standard colors for a Great Pyrenees are white or white with gray, badger, reddish brown or tan markings.

Shedding

The Great Pyrenees’s double-coat sheds heavily year round. The medium-long coat is weather-proof and tangle-resistant, so it doesn’t require much grooming. Brushing at least once per week will help keep shedding hair from accumulating around the house.

Health

As with other large and giant breeds, Great Pyrenees are susceptible to bloat. You may reduce the risk of bloat by feeding multiple small meals throughout the day and avoid strenuous exercise before or after meals.

Responsible breeders test for common health conditions that may affect the breed, including elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders and luxating patella.

Best Dog Food for Great Pyrenees Dogs & Puppies

This giant breed will benefit from a giant- or large-breed dog food formula. Great Pyrenees puppies should eat a large-breed puppy food for the first two years of life, as they take longer to mature than other breeds.

History

The Great Pyrenees breed is an ancient one. Pyr remains were found in fossil deposits dating back to the Bronze Age, roughly 1800 to 1000 BC.

The breed was developed to guard livestock and protect herds and flocks from predators like wolves and bears. They worked alongside shepherds and herding dogs in the mountainous region between France and Spain known as the Pyrenees.

Facts

• French royalty were fond of the Pyr, adopting the breed as French court dogs in the 17^th century.
• General Lafayette brought the first Great Pyrenees to the U.S. in 1824.
• The Great Pyrenees actually has several different names: Le Grande Chien des Montagnes, which means “the big dog of the mountains,” Le Chien des Pyrenees, which means “the dog of the Pyrenees,” or, as he is known throughout England, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

About the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The strong, muscular Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was originally bred to herd and guard livestock in the mountainous regions of Switzerland. A multipurpose working dog, this bold, social, loyal breed thrives on having a job and enjoys being included in everyday household activities. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires moderate exercise daily, and his short, dense coat needs minimal grooming.

Did you know
Commonly referred to as the “Swissy,” the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog also is nicknamed “the poor man’s horse” due to his strength that enables him to pull carts and wagons. In the late 19th century, the breed became extinct, but reappeared in the early 20th century due to the efforts of a famous dog expert, Dr. Albert Heim