A muscular, people-loving companion famous in Britain as a devoted family dog.

• People person. Staffies tend to adore humans of all sizes and greet them with full-body enthusiasm.
• Playful powerhouse. They usually love a vigorous game and put their whole heart into playtime.
• Soft with the family. Behind the muscle is typically a cuddly dog who wants to be close to their people.

A bold little hound with a big personality and a nose for adventure.

• Brave beyond size. Bred to face badgers underground, Doxies often carry themselves like much bigger dogs.
• Dedicated digger. Tunneling instincts run deep, so blankets, gardens, and couch cushions may get excavated.
• Alert announcer. Many Dachshunds take doorbell duty seriously and announce visitors with gusto.

A whip-smart herding dog who is happiest with a job, a yard, and a busy family.

• Needs a job. Aussies tend to invent their own work if you do not provide it, so puzzle toys and training help.
• Herding radar. Circling and gently steering kids, dogs, and even vacuum cleaners is classic Aussie behavior.
• Devoted teammate. They usually bond closely with their people and love learning new skills together.

A lion-maned, blue-tongued companion with a calm, cat-like independence.

• Blue-black tongue. The distinctive tongue color is a Chow trademark almost no other breed shares.
• Dignified reserve. Chows tend to be aloof with strangers and quietly loyal to their own people.
• Tidy homebody. They are usually clean, quiet, and content with moderate exercise.