Every breed comes with its own little personality — the energy, the quirks, the way they love their people. Here I’m gathering breed guides that go beyond the basics: size, temperament, exercise needs, grooming, and health things worth knowing, written for anyone trying to understand the dog in front of them (or the one they’re dreaming about).
And of course, every dog is an individual. A breed can tell you a lot, but it never tells you everything.
Quick breed comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the breeds I’ve written about so far. Every dog is different, so think of this as a starting point, and read the full guide before deciding.
| Breed | Size | Exercise needs | Grooming | Shedding | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy (up to 7 lb) | Low to moderate | High (hair keeps growing) | Low | Daily tooth brushing matters |
| Maltese | Toy (under 7 lb) | Low to moderate | High (long silky hair) | Low | Watch for tear stains and knee problems |
| Pomeranian | Toy (3–7 lb) | Low to moderate | Moderate to high (double coat) | Moderate | Ask a groomer before shaving the double coat; watch knees and windpipe |
| Dachshund | Small (mini up to 11 lb, standard 16–32 lb) | Moderate | Low to moderate (3 coat types) | Low to moderate | Protect the back with ramps and a healthy weight |
| Shih Tzu | Small (9–16 lb) | Low to moderate | High (long double coat) | Low | Flat face: watch the eyes and hot weather |
| Bichon Frise | Small (12–18 lb) | Moderate | High (trim every 4–6 weeks) | Low | Can be prone to bladder stones; keep fresh water handy |
| French Bulldog | Small (under 28 lb) | Low | Low | Moderate | Heat and breathing care |
| West Highland White Terrier | Small (15–20 lb) | Moderate | Moderate to high | Low to moderate | Skin allergies are common |
| Poodle | Toy to large (3 sizes) | Moderate to high | High (regular grooming) | Low | Very smart; may get bored without enough activity |
| Korean Jindo | Medium (30–50 lb) | High | Moderate (brush during seasonal sheds) | Moderate to high | May need secure fencing and patient training |
| Golden Retriever | Large (55–75 lb) | High | Moderate to high | High | Cancer risk is higher than average |
| Labrador Retriever | Large (55–80 lb) | High | Low to moderate | High | May be food motivated; watch their weight |
All breed guides
- Korean Jindo: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
A Korean national treasure, a dog who walked 300 km home, and two Jindos who tried out for the LAPD. Here is the surprising story of the Korean Jindo. - Bichon Frise: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
A king wore them in a basket around his neck, street performers taught them tricks, and two won Westminster. Here is the surprising story of the Bichon Frise. - Shih Tzu: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Bred to look like little lions in China’s imperial palace, nearly lost after 1949, and rebuilt from just 14 dogs. Here is the surprising story of the Shih Tzu. - Pomeranian: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Pomeranians once weighed up to 50 pounds, two of them survived the Titanic, and one queen shrank the whole breed. Here is the surprising story of the Pom. - Dachshund: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Built to face badgers underground, renamed “liberty hounds” in World War I, and chosen as the first Olympic mascot. Here is why Dachshunds are built the way they are. - Maltese: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Ancient Greeks painted them on vases, people once used them as living hot-water bottles, and one Maltese inherited $12 million. Here is the surprising story of the Maltese. - Yorkshire Terrier: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Yorkies started as rat catchers in English mills, nearly every one traces back to a dog named Huddersfield Ben, and a four-pound Yorkie named Smoky became a World War II hero. Here is their story. - Poodle: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Poodles are actually German water dogs, their famous haircut started as hunting gear, a team of them once ran the Iditarod, and they are one of Korea’s favorite breeds. Here is the real Poodle story. - Golden Retriever: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Goldens were carefully planned on a Scottish estate, a famous Russian circus myth about them turned out to be false, and today 3,000 of them are helping scientists fight cancer. Here is the full story. - French Bulldog: History, Health, and Surprising Facts About Life With a Frenchie
Frenchies actually started with English lace workers, got their bat ears from an angry American fan club, and one even sailed on the Titanic. Here is their story — plus the honest truth about their breathing and health. - Labrador Retriever: History, Personality, Health & Surprising Facts
Labs don’t actually come from Labrador — and a quarter of them may be genetically wired to feel hungrier. The surprising history, the ‘why’ behind their bodies, health facts, and true stories about America’s favorite family dog. - West Highland White Terrier: Personality, Size, Lifespan, Grooming, Health & Fun Facts
Westies look like storybook teddy bears, but inside is a brave, clever, slightly bossy terrier. Here’s everything to know — personality, grooming, the health issues vets see most, and fun facts you probably didn’t know.