Duncan

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

The Portuguese Water Dog have been getting their 15 minutes of fame as the First Family's dog, and it’s easy to understand why they chose this breed as their family’s companion. These cute and cuddly pups are water-loving canines that enjoy nothing more than being by your side and playing the day away. Full-grown, they typically weigh 35-60 pounds and stand 17-23 inches tall.

Portuguese Water Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. Portuguese Water Dogs are wonderful companions for adults and kids alike. They enjoy being friends with just about anyone, including other pets and animals. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

The Portuguese Water Dog need mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis. This breed loves to swim and has a great time retrieving sticks or balls from the water (hence their aquatic name). They enjoy competing in agility trials or other dog sports as well. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

The Portuguese Water Dog has a coat of dense, circular curls or gentle waves with a light sheen. The most common colors are black, brown, white, black and white, or brown and white. Parti-color white and black coats are growing in popularity too. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Portuguese Water Dogs are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Their moderate size (typically 35-60 pounds) make Portuguese Water Dogs a good fit for a home or apartment. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.