Skip to main content

Library

Breed Characteristics

  • Photo of Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is truly an American dog, developed for the dedicated hunter, come fair weather or foul. Chessies love water sports including boating, swimming, retrieving, and dock diving.

  • Photo of Chihuahua

    The smallest member of the dog world, the Chihuahua has a giant personality to make up for his tiny size. Bright, alert and a little bit saucy, the companionable Chi wants to be with you, perched on your shoulder, resting in the crook of your arm, or carried in your purse.

  • Photo of Chinese Crested Dog

    One of the most unique and striking-looking dogs, Chinese Cresteds resemble pint-sized stallions. Lively and friendly, they keep faces washed with kissing. Like all Toy breeds, they were bred for loving companionship, and they carry out their job well.

  • Photo of Chinese Shar Pei

    The Chinese Shar-Pei tends to present one face to his family and another to the world at large. To the latter, the dog behaves in a calm, dignified and aloof manner; with his family, the dog will lighten up and tap into his inner clown.

  • Photo of Chinook

    Playful, dedicated and eager to please, they'd make lousy guard dogs. They are calm, non-aggressive, and would rather hang out with their owners than run too far away in open areas.

  • Photo of Chow Chow

    To the uninformed, the Chow Chow may bear a greater resemblance to a bear or a lion than to a dog. However, those in the know understand that this ancient, aristocratic breed makes a fine companion - especially for people who would rather not have a Velcro dog.

  • Photo of Cirneco dell’Etna

    Cirnechi are friendly, affectionate, and loyal – but they're also independent and incredibly intelligent. Although they're only moderate energy dogs, they need plenty of mental stimulation in order to be happy.

  • Photo of Clumber Spaniel

    Nobody would call him "slender," but when he trots down the street with that funny rolling gait, his short legs and wide body doing their best to keep up the pace, he makes everybody smile. The stockiest spaniel, the Clumber is also the most easygoing - in fact, one of the most low-keyed of all sporting dogs.

  • Photo of Cocker Spaniel

    Cocker Spaniels, as one of the most popular breeds, suffered a bad reputation for a few years because of poor breeding practices by some eager for a dollar, but these dogs are now safely secure as a treasured family pet once again. Their cheerful "ready-to-go-when-you-are" demeanor makes them great companions.

  • Photo of Collie

    Gentle, graceful and sweet, the Collie wags her tail gently whenever approached. Eyes seem to smile their welcome. They're willing to do the same chore again and again, only asking a loving touch in thanks.