The "A" list of dog breeds

This is the list of dog breeds all beginning with the letter A.

1) Affenpinscher

Small dog breed *

AKC > Toy Group *

Descending > from Germany *

Life Span > 12 to 14 years *

Height > 9 to 12 inches *

Weight > proportionate to height *

Grooming > weekly brushing and occasional trimming *

The Affenpinscher was bred in central Europe to control the rat population and did just as good job as the house cat. They are good with other pets as long as they are raised with them. They are generally good with children. Depends on his timing and his mood if he wants to be trained that day or not. He is stubborn and full of pride, though he is intelligent and can learn. They are very active but can live in an apartment if he is taken out for daily walks. They need early socialization to other dogs. They make a good watch dog and carry a good bark, though sometimes he might feel too friendly to be on guard. They are out for mischief, proud, yet sensitive and a charming busy body.

1) Afghan Hound

Medium dog breed *

AKC > Hound Group *

Descending from > Afghanistan *

Life span > 12 to 14 years *

Height > 25 to 27 inches *

Weight > 50 to 60 pounds *

Grooming > frequently brush and bathe his fine silky hair *

This dog was bred to hunt large prey such as deer, antelope wolves and snow leopards. Today, these dogs are companions, admired for their grace, beauty and flashy style. They love and are loyal to their family and good with children but they are nervous around unpredictable situations and or very small children. They are wary of strangers and may chase new comers away, like cats and dogs, off of their property. They are not completely obedient and are harder to train as they are skeptical of human requests. A fence will help control this dog from his natural instincts to hunt, although they are very relaxed indoors. Rabbits must hop fast to get away from this breed.

1) Airedale Terrier

Medium dog breed *

AKC > Terrier group *

Descending from > England *

Life span. 10 to 14 years *

Height > 25 to 28 inches *

Weight > proportionate to height *

Grooming > brush his dense wirey hair daily and clip every 2 months *

This dog was bred for hunting, working, agility and obedience. Underneath his tough hair, they are sweet, loyal and protective to their family but reserved with other people and other dogs. They are great with children and like nothing better than to play with them. They are spunky and need regular exercise. They respond best to firm, consistent training.

1) Akbash

Large dog breed

Descending from > Turkey *

AKC > rare group *

Height > 35 inches *

Weight > 120 or more pounds *

Grooming > brush as needed *

This dog was bred to guard people and livestock from grizzly’s, black bear, wolves and coyotes. They can also make a wonderful family pet if they are raised as one. They need a large yard for consistent exercise for the size dog they are. They respond best to firm, consistent training.

1) Akita

Large dog breed

AKC > Working group *

Life span > 12 to 14 years *

Height > 30 inches or so *

Weight > proportionate to height *

Grooming > brush twice a week, daily during shedding season.

This amazing looking dog was bred to work, hunt large game and surprisingly some bred them for fighting purposes. Today he is bred to serve as a police dog, guard dog, family pet or serve as a guide dog for the blind. Some say the breed is stubborn so firm training is suggested. They are athletic and need a lot of exercise. They enjoy human companionship.

1) Alaskan Klee Kai

Small dog breed

AKC > rare group *

Descending from > USA *

Life span > 10 to 13 years *

Height > up to 17 inches *

Weight > 10 to 25 pounds *

Grooming > brush frequently, bathe as needed *

This extremely rare breed is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. Because of the smaller numbesr and careful breeding of this dog, they have few health concerns. They are active, a great companion, great personality and full of curiosity, alertness and loyalty. They love to share their energy and affection with their family. They are very energetic, need a lot of exercise and make a great watchdog

1) Alaskan Malamute

Large dog breed

AKC > Working group *

Descending from > USA *

Life span > 10 to 14 years *

Height > 22 to 28 inches *

Weight > 75 to 85 pounds *

Grooming > brush weekly 8

The Alaskan Malamute was bred to track large game and as a pack and sled dog able to transport heavy loads over rough terrain, it has also done several other jobs such as family pet, guard dog and even a nanny to small children at times. This large breed needs daily exercise and loves the winter months but has adapted to warmer climates. Regular consistent training is suggested. He sheds heavily. He is affectionate and friendly, which means he is not likely to be a good watchdog but his size might detour strangers. He is very playful with children.

1) American Bulldog

Large dog breed

Descending from > USA *

AKC > Rare *

Lifespan > 11 to 12 years *

Height > 20 to 27 inches *

Weight > 60 to 125 pounds *

Grooming > brush weekly *

Born in America, the bulldog was bred to guard early settlers, ranches and farms and chase away feral pigs. Today these dogs are sturdy, athletic and friendly, yet capable of protecting their family if needed. He is a powerful dog and needs a lot of exercise, he likes to run so a lot of space is good for this dog. This is not a hard dog to train. Bulldogs love their family and love children but they do not realize their own strength so supervision when playing with children is best. He needs extensive socialization early and often to best tolerate other dogs and cats.

1) American English Coonhound

Medium dog breed

Descending from > USA *

AKC > Hound group *

Lifespan > 11 to 12 years *

Height > 23 to 26 inches *

Weight > 40 to 65 pounds *

Grooming > brush weekly *

Many regard this dog as a hunting companion, as it retains strong instinct to trail raccoons, fox and other game as it was originally intended for. The breed is affectionate and friendly but fearless and energetic. Regular exercise is a must for this dog. He is eager to please and easy to train.

1) American Eskimo

Small dog breed

Descending from > Germany *

AKC > Non sporting group *

Lifespan > 15 to 16 years *

Height > 9 to 19 inches *

Weight > proportionate to height (1 to 2 pounds per inch) *

Grooming > brush twice a week during shedding season, otherwise brush weekly *

This dog was bred for beauty and agility. He actually made a fine circus performer. He is friendly yet suspicious of strangers so he makes a pretty good watchdog. This dog is very intelligent and independent. Training is easy with this breed. This dog will infinitely test his owners’ patience and creativity. He is a busy breed and needs regular activity for his brain and body. His prey drive is rather strong so he is not best where there is a bunch of other “little critters” in the house. He is commonly friendly to other dogs, affectionate to his family and highly playful with children.

1) American Foxhound

Large dog breed

Descending from > USA *

AKC > Hound group *

Lifespan > 12 to 13 years *

Height > 21 to 28 inches *

Weight > 60 to 75 pounds *

Grooming > brush weekly *

This dog descended from English hounds imported to America in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. He was bred for competitive field trials and fox hunting on trails or in packs. This family pet should be trained and socialized at an early age. He needs plenty of space for exercise, they are highly active. His bell-like voice will alert you to visitors so he makes a good watchdog. A fence is needed because he will always follow his scent- hound nose.

1) American Pit-bull Terrier

Medium dog breed

Descending from > USA *

AKC > Rare

Lifespan > 10 to 12 years *

Height > 18 to 22 inches *

Weight > 30 to 60 pounds *

Grooming > brush, trim nails and clean teeth weekly *

This product of the American melting pot is the true success story. A bull dog terrier cross that made its way out of the fighting pits and into the hearts of dog lovers. He was bred to serve many functions such as herding livestock, eliminating rats and in the house he played with children and sat with his owner by the fire. He has long been admired for his tenacity, courage, agility and spirit. He is a loyal, strong and energetic companion. He is a great family pet but also excels in herding, bomb detecting, therapy, search and rescue and obedience. They are definitely not looking for trouble but will not back down from it either. He is friendly with children but supervision is best because of his power and strength. Early training and socialization with other people and dogs is essential and will result in a calm loving dog. A big yard with a fence is good for this dog as he needs regular exercise. He is wary and sometimes unfriendly to new dogs coming into his house.

1) American Staffordshire terrier

Medium dog breed

Descending from > USA *

AKC > Terrier group *

Lifespan > 12 to 14 years *

Height > 17 to 19 inches *

Weight > proportionate to height *

Grooming > occasional grooming *

This is a truly “made in America “dog. He was bred for an all-around helper for hunting, farming and guarding. He is a strong and dependable dog who openly displays his courage and loyalty. They are wonderful companions. Today he is too friendly to be a guard dog. He is active and needs space to exercise daily. He will alert you of new visitors and will chase away new dogs. He is fairly easy to train, he thrives to de obedience work. Early socialization is critical. They are typically good with children, but given his strength, supervision is suggested when playing with small children.

1) American Water Spaniel

Medium dog breed

Descending from > USA *

AKC > sporting group *

Lifespan > 10 to 12 years *

Height > 15 to 20 inches *

Weight > 24 to 45 pounds *

Grooming > Weekly *

This dog was bred to spring and retrieve waterfowl but it is an all-around shooting dog that will bring in rabbits, grouse, quail and pheasant. His charm and trainability make him an excellent hunting companion, a great family pet and a great watchdog. His temperament is great. He is sweet and has also been used as a therapy dog at convalescent homes. He is active and needs three to four walks or exercises daily.

1) Anatolian Shepherd

Large dog breed

Descending from > Turkey *

AKC > Working group *

Lifespan > 10 to 13 years *

Height > 27 to 30 inches *

Weight > 80 to 150 pounds *

Grooming > brush daily during shedding season, otherwise brush weekly *

This fiercely, loyal guard dog is used to protect sheep in its country of origin, Turkey. The reliable Australian Shepherd is possessive toward its family, property and livestock. He is quick to learn and is very gentle with his family, close friends and children, strangers should be properly introduced. Socialization at an early age is important. He is very versatile in his work; he performs well in the military, search and rescue, obedience, therapy work and as assistance dogs. They are athletic and have been seen clocked at 35 mph, so a large fenced yard is appropriate for this dog.

1) Australian Cattle Dog

Medium dog breed

Descending from > Australia *

AKC > Herding group *

Lifespan > 10 to 13 years *

Height > 17 to 20 inches *

Weight > 35 to 45 pounds *

Grooming > brush daily during shedding season, otherwise brush weekly *

This dog was originally bred to heel cattle in Australia’s rough outback, but it is also an excellent family pet. This dog is sturdy, compact, and tough working with strength, stamina and endurance. They are eager companions for children. They are intelligent and easy to train. They have a natural desire to please. They are excellent in obedience and in the show ring. They are excellent watchdogs and love to play with children. These high energy dogs need plenty of exercise daily.

1) Australian Shepherd

Medium dog breed

Descending from > Australia *

AKC > Herding group *

Lifespan > 14 to 16 years *

Height > 18 to 23 inches *

Weight > 35 to 65 pounds *

Grooming > daily during shedding season, otherwise brush weekly *

This dog has been well known in the livestock industry in the U.S. for more than a century. This is a much loved breed in the U.S. He is a working dog, he likes exercise and should be walked or exercised several times daily. They make wonderful pets if their exercise needs are met. They are good with children and make excellent watchdogs. They are very smart dogs and can learn just about anything so training should begin early.

1) Australian Terrier

Small dog breed

Descending from > Australia *

AKC > Terrier group *

Lifespan > 12 to 14 years *

Height > 10 to 13 inches *

Weight > proportionate to height *

Grooming > brush weekly, trim ears and feet as needed *

The Australian Terrier is an efficient rat eliminator and a good watchdog. He is also an entertaining pet. He needs two to three walks or exercises daily. This endearing companion enjoys his family and children.

Azawakh

Medium dog breed

Descending from > West Africa *

AKC > Rare *

Lifespan > 12 to 14 years *

Height > 23 to 30 inches *

Weight > 33 to 55 pounds *

Grooming > brush and groom as needed *

This breed needs early socialization to other dogs and people or he finds it difficult to adjust to new situations. He bonds strongly to one single person or an entire family. This is a highly intelligent dog who needs an occasional run for exercise. He tends to be reserved. He has an aloof manner and temperament. He is not especially the greatest for play with younger children.

That is the "A" list of dog breeds, i hope it is helpful when choosing to pick a pet for your family. Please remember to always keep in mind that a pet is for the rest of it's natural life so make sure you are ready to take on all it's responsibility for the next 15 years or so. Also if you are looking for a fury friend, be sure and look at the best family pet here.