A field guide to dog breeds

Meet the buddy
who's going to be
with you
through it all.

An illustrated guide to dog breeds, built for people making real decisions. If you're choosing between a spaniel and a shepherd, or just trying to understand what you've already brought home, start here. Facts from the AKC, FCI, and standard veterinary references. The art is ours.

Breeds
Groups
Verified against
AKC · FCI · UKC
Six dogs — two Cocker Spaniels, a Doberman, a black Cavapoo puppy, a Bernedoodle, and a white Husky — sitting together in a sunny wildflower meadow

Chapter one

Which breed fits your life?

Answer thirteen honest questions. We'll match you to the top five breeds from our library — with the reasons, and with the reasons against.

Question 1 of 7

Chapter two

The library

Every breed we've drawn, alphabetized. Search by name or trait, or jump to a letter.

Chapter three

What we read

A field guide is only as good as its sources. Every breed's temperament, size, and life-expectancy range in this book is drawn from the following.

  1. 01

    The Complete Dog Book

    American Kennel Club (AKC), 21st edition — official breed standards, group classifications, temperament descriptions.

  2. 02

    FCI Breed Nomenclature

    Fédération Cynologique Internationale — the international registry recognizing 360+ breeds across ten groups.

  3. 03

    UKC Official Breed Standards

    United Kennel Club — parallel standards and total dog philosophy for working and companion breeds.

  4. 04

    The Merck Veterinary Manual

    Merck & Co. — breed-specific health predispositions and typical lifespan data.

  5. 05

    The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

    Juliette Cunliffe — origin histories, coat and grooming particulars, cross-referenced with breed clubs.