The Breed MatchDog and cat breed profiles, lists and quizzes
Independent, practical guides to 387 dog breeds and 75 cat breeds: how big they get, how much exercise and grooming they need, which health issues to ask about and who each breed really suits. Not sure where to start? Take one of our two quizzes.
Dog Breeds387 breeds with profiles
Popular Dog Breeds
French BulldogSmall · 18–28 lb
Labrador RetrieverLarge · 55–80 lbGolden RetrieverLarge · 55–75 lb
German Shepherd DogLarge · 50–90 lb
DachshundSmall · 11–32 lb
PoodleMedium · 4–71 lbSee the most popular dog breeds
Dog Breeds by Category
Find a Breed That Fits Your Life
Choosing a dog or cat is a decision for the next ten to twenty years, so it pays to look beyond photos. A breed tells you a lot about what daily life will be like: how much exercise or play a pet needs, how it copes with time alone, how much grooming the coat takes and which health issues are common. Our profiles describe all of that in plain language, and every breed page has a quick check that compares the breed with your home and schedule.
Start with your routine
Be honest about your time on a normal workday. A high-energy herding dog or an athletic Bengal needs far more than a quick walk or a few minutes with a toy.
Look past the looks
Coat, size and face shape bring real care needs. Long coats mat, flat faces can mean breathing problems, and giant dogs live shorter lives.
Meet before you commit
Spend time with adult animals of the breed, ask breeders about health tests, and consider a rescue. Every dog and cat is an individual.
Dog or Cat? A Quick Comparison
Both make great companions, but they fit different lives. These are typical differences; individual breeds vary a lot, which is exactly what our profiles and quizzes help you sort out.
| Dogs | Cats | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily activity | Walks and play every day, from about 30 minutes for calm breeds to two hours or more for working breeds | Short play sessions, often 10 to 30 minutes a day, plus climbing and scratching spots |
| Time alone | Most dogs need company or a midday break on long workdays | Many adult cats handle a workday alone if they have enrichment |
| Training | Needs consistent training, house-training and socialization | Usually litter-trains easily; many breeds can learn tricks |
| Space | Depends on size and energy; some breeds suit apartments well | Most breeds adapt well to indoor and apartment life |
| Grooming | From weekly brushing to professional grooming every few weeks | Short coats need little; long-haired breeds need regular brushing |
| Lifespan | Roughly 10 to 15 years; small breeds tend to live longer than giant breeds | Often 12 to 18 years, many indoor cats live even longer |
| Allergies | No breed is allergen-free; low-shedding breeds may be better tolerated | No breed is allergen-free; some produce less Fel d 1 allergen |
Still unsure? Take the dog breed quiz or the cat breed quiz and compare the results.
How We Build Our Breed Profiles
Every profile starts with the official breed standards of the major registries: the American Kennel Club, The Kennel Club in the UK and the FCI for dogs, and TICA, the CFA, FIFe and the GCCF for cats. We add information from veterinary sources such as VCA, the PDSA and the Cornell Feline Health Center, and from breed clubs.
The trait bars on each page score the same qualities for every breed on a scale from one to five, so you can compare breeds fairly. The quizzes use those scores to match breeds to your answers. We are independent: we do not sell animals and we are not affiliated with any breeder or registry. Read more about us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog breeds are there?
It depends on who is counting. The American Kennel Club recognizes about 200 breeds, while the FCI, the international federation of kennel clubs, recognizes more than 350. Our dog guide covers 387 breeds and popular crosses, including many that are rare outside their home country.
How many cat breeds are there?
Far fewer than dog breeds. TICA recognizes more than 70 cat breeds and the CFA about 45. Most pet cats are not a specific breed at all but domestic shorthairs or longhairs of mixed ancestry, and our cat guide explains those too.
Are there hypoallergenic dogs or cats?
No dog or cat is completely allergen-free. The allergens sit in saliva, skin flakes and urine, not only in hair. Breeds that shed little, or cats that produce less of the Fel d 1 protein, are often better tolerated, but people react differently, so spend time with the breed before you commit.
What is the best breed for a first-time owner?
Look for a breed with moderate energy, an easygoing temperament and simple grooming. Our lists of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and the best cat breeds for first-time owners are a good starting point, and the quizzes narrow it down to your home.
Should I get a mixed breed or a shelter pet instead?
Often, yes. Mixed-breed dogs and domestic cats from shelters make wonderful companions, and an adult animal comes with a known personality. Breed profiles still help, because they explain the traits a shelter dog or cat may have inherited.