Muscular dog breeds
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Muscular dog breeds have various reputations depending on the individual breed. It can make some potential dog adopters avoiding them altogether, but providing the right information about the physicality and temperament of muscular dog breeds is key in providing the right home for all dogs.
Muscular dog breeds will have some specific needs in terms of exercise, socialization with other dog breeds and general health concerns. It is not only the largest dog breeds which are muscular, smaller breeds are some of the most muscular canines you can find. Most muscular dog breeds have short hair, but this doesn't mean they don't need extra care to look after their physical attributes. Keep reading to find out more helpful info and interesting facts.
Muscular dog breeds will have some specific needs in terms of exercise, socialization with other dog breeds and general health concerns. It is not only the largest dog breeds which are muscular, smaller breeds are some of the most muscular canines you can find. Most muscular dog breeds have short hair, but this doesn't mean they don't need extra care to look after their physical attributes. Keep reading to find out more helpful info and interesting facts.

Bred in the 19th century to catch rats and mice on farms and other commercial properties, the Manchester Terrier is a relentless hunter. They have a lot of energy and are very brave, but also have an affable character and become close to their human family, including the little ones. If you like small...

The best designer dogs combine two of the best dog breeds in the world into one magnificent super dog that offers the best of both words. The Shepadoodle is one of those perfect hybrid pups, and you can probably guess its parentage from the name alone. Inherently smart, easy to train, and eager to please,...

The Alabai dog is one of the oldest extant dog breeds in the world. It is a dog native to Central Asia that was originally used to protect livestock and other property. They were able to do so due to their strong temperament and great courage. Today, they are still used as a guard and defense dog in working...

The Mudi is a dog breed native to Hungary that has traditionally been used for herding cattle. Their great intelligence and ability to adapt have allowed these dogs to be used in different tasks and disciplines over the years. However, their populations in the world are scarce and they are a difficult...

The Pharaoh Hound or Kelb tal-Fenek is a medium-sized, short-haired dog breed characterized by its elegant and athletic stance. It is a hunting dog that originally came from the island of Malta. Today, it is even considered the Maltese national breed. In spite of its lack of widespread distribution, the...

The Kuvasz dog is a very old breed of dog bred in Hungary, where it was originally used as a cattle dog. It is a large, imposing, intelligent, deeply loyal yet demanding working dog with impressive size and strength. The Kuvasz was bred for centuries as a guard dog, but has gained popularity in recent...

The Gordon Setter is characterized by being a medium to large dog and is a member of the Sporting or Gundog groups. They have tan or light brown spots on the muzzle, chest, lower edge of the legs and the eyes. They have long ears and a well-balanced muscular body. It is a noble and affectionate dog, which...

If you love dogs that look like wolves, then you will be fascinated by the Tamaskan breed. The Tamaskan dog is a great working dog and, as such, has an athletic appearance. Tamaskans are often confused with other dogs such as the Northern Inuit and the Czechoslovakian Wolfhound, but they are completely different...

The Majorero dog is a native dog breed of the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary archipelago, where it is popularly known as the Bardino dog. This breed has been used as a guard and herding dog for more than six centuries. But it was only at the end of the last century that the Royal Canine Society...

The Black Mouth Cur, also known as the Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth cur or Yellow Black Mouth Cur, is a breed of dog from the southeastern United States. Since their origin, they have been used as a hunting and guard dog, although they are becoming increasingly kept as companion animals. They can become...

The Canary Mastiff, also know as the Presa Canario and previously as the Dogo Canario, is a Mastiff type dog breed from the Canary Islands. These dogs descend from the old majorero dogs that existed in the archipelago during pre-Hispanic times (i.e. before the 14th century). At that time, these great...

The American English Coonhound dog originated in the United States after the introduction by settlers of hunting dogs on the continent. The breed arose when trying to find a dog that was used to hunt raccoons at night and foxes during the day. In addition to their great hunting skills, the American...

Irish Wolfhounds is one of the most loved and appreciated Irish breeds. Its history is ancient yet well-known as it was already mentioned by Julius Caesar in the comments on the Gallic War. At that time they were valued for their combat skills, especially for the ferocity with which they attacked their...

The Old English Sheepdog, also known as the English Bobtail, is a large dog with a square-shaped body and with a long and abundant coat that covers the entire body. If you're thinking of adopting an Old English Sheepdog, this breed sheet is perfect for you!
In this AnimalWised breed sheet, we're going...

The Finnish Spitz is a lively nordic dog breed with a curled up tail and a fox-like faced. These dogs make great companion dogs thanks to their intelligence and friendly character.
In this AnimalWised breed sheet we're going to tell you everything you need to know about the Finnish Spitz breed. You'll...

The Bloodhound, also known as St. Hubert's dog, is originally from Belgium. This dog breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world and are known for being very good guardians and companions.
If you're thinking of adopting a Bloodhound, keep reading this AnimalWised breed sheet. We'll go through their...

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are cute, small and friendly dogs. They're part of the Terrier family as they are a mix from the Bedlington Terrier and Skye Terrier. If you're thinking of adopting one of these dogs, you've come to the perfect place!
In this AnimalWised breed sheet, we're going to tell you...

What do you get when you cross a Yorkshire Terrier with a Chihuahua? You get this adorable dog breed called Chorkie. They are not only small and cute dogs but also very easy to care for.
Are you thinking of adopting a Chorkie? Read this AnimalWised breed sheet to learn about this breed. We'll go through...

The Leonberger is a giant dog breed originally from Germany. These dogs are calm, quiet and a little stubborn. Nevertheless, thanks to their great intelligence, they are also easy to train. These dogs were originally working dogs, however, nowadays they make great companion dogs for active people.
Are...

The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog from Mechelan, Beligium. Although they were originally working dogs, they are now used as companion dogs thanks to their strong loyalty and intelligence. If you're thinking of adopting a Belgian Malinois, this is the perfect breed sheet for you.
In this AnimalWised...

The English Springer Spaniel dog is a smart and active dog from the Spaniel family. These dogs are perfect for active families that live in a house or large apartment. English Springer Spaniels will be very loyal and affectionate with their families. If you're thinking about adopting an English Springer...

The Australian Shepherd breed is a medium-sizes, agile and intelligent dog. Due to its energetic and hard-working character, They make great working and companion dogs. These dogs need a large space to meet their energetic needs and a loving family as they are also very affectionate and loyal.
In this...

The Brittany Spaniel is a french dog from Brittany, France. They were originally hunting dogs but nowadays they make a loving dog companion for active families. They are also considered excellent in canine sports.
In this AnimalWised breed file, we are going to go through this breed so that you can...

Hovawart dogs are known for being energetic, well-tempered, loyal dogs that are perfect for families with children. These medium-large dogs even get along with other pets and make great watchdogs.
If you're interested in adopting a Hovawart dog, keep reading this AnimalWised breed sheet where we go...

Tosa Inu, also called Japanese Mastiff, is an imposing, beautiful and faithful dog. This large dog can be reserved with strangers but they are very tender and loyal to their human companion.
If you are thinking of adopting a Tosa Inu dog, it will be essential that you inform yourself about their character,...

The Chow-Chow dog is probably one of the most popular dog breeds from China. In northern China they are referred to as “Songshi-Quan”, which means “puffy-lion dog”. Although they are known for their beautiful and puffy coat, their most distinctive feature is the color of their tongue, which is blue....

In the most rural environments of the Spanish countryside we find the historical breed, the Spanish Mastiff. Considered the largest dog in Spain, they are known for their incredible physique. They're also known for their guarding skills. However, nowadays the Spanish Mastiff makes an excellent animal companion,...

Originally from Central Africa, the Basenji is one of the oldest extant dog breeds. They are intelligent dogs with a balanced temperament. They also have two peculiar characteristics: they never bark and the females get into heat only once a year. Although they don't bark, this does not mean that the Basenji...

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a cheerful and positive dog. They're perfect for active and dynamic people. It is very important that you previously inform yourself about their education, care and needs if you are thinking of adopting a dog with these characteristics.
In this AnimalWised breed sheet,...

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, robust and muscular dog with many folds in their skin. They are also known for their great loyalty, their powerful temperament and physical strength. This is why they were formerly used for war and as guard dogs. Nowadays, they are great pets. This is especially true...

The Xoloitzcuinti dog, also known as the Mexican hairless dog or Xolo, is originally from Mexico. In Mexico, the Xolo is highly valued and even considered somewhat of a living archaeological jewel, since this dog breed was a companion of the Aztecs more than 7,000 years ago. This dog is also known worldwide...

The Italian greyhound is the smallest of all greyhounds, and one of the oldest companion dogs.
Although occasionally used for hunting small animals, its main use was always as a companion dog. It was also used (and is still used) in dog races, but never as much as its older relative, the greyhound.

The Irish red setter, also known simply as an Irish setter, is considered one of the most beautiful and glamorous dogs. This is mainly due to its slender figure and its silky reddish fur.
Although originally a hunting dog, its undeniable beauty has gained it popularity among dog shows and canine enthusiasts.
Are...

A Rough Collie, also know as the long-haired Collie, is a very well-known shepherd dog. Due to its beauty and good character, this dog has become one of the most appreciated breeds among show dogs and pets. It is also known in simple as a Collie (although there are varieties) or, erroneously, as Lassie.
In...

The Cardigan welsh corgi is a small dog that used to be used to help shepherds in Whales. This breed is a close relative to the Pembroke welsh corgi. This breed is very loyal to its family. They are very intelligent and easy to train.
If you want to know more about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, take a look...

The greyhound or English greyhound is the fastest dog in the world, able to reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. This in fact makes it one of the fastest animals in the world. This breed are therefore the most favourite greyhound breed for greyhound races that are still currently held. This...

The beauceron, also known as the french shorthaired sheperd, shepherd of Beauce or Berger de Beauce is a sheepdog of French origin. There is very little information about this breed in Europe and the rest of the world. It is an intelligent and active dog, capable of developing all kinds of exercises,...

The short-haired collie, or smooth collie, is practically the same as the long-haired collie, the only difference being the length of the coat. This dog is not as well known as its longhair counterpart.
The difference in the coat presents a perfect adoption option for people who love Collies but don’t...

The Vizsla, or hungarian pointer, is a dog that has excelled in hunting for years. Fortunately, nowadays, it is a dog that stands out for all kinds of activities and exercises. Its fine nose and great fondness for water makes this dog an excellent companion for dynamic and active people.
Are you wanting...

The Alaskan Malamute, is a breed of dog native to the Arctic and is considered one of the longest-living breeds in the history of sled dogs. Its imposing and demanding presence gives off a mistaken impression of its real character.
Its appearance is similar to that of a wolf. For this reason, this breed...

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their adorable appearance and the fact that they are Queen Elizabeth II's favorite dogs have turned these hard-working herding dogs into canine royalty. Although their cute looks may make you believe they are easy-going family dogs,...

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, and also one of the most popular in numbers. It's also known as "Labrador" or simply "Lab". This breed originated in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, in Canada. These dogs are noble, beautiful and highly intelligent, and they...

The Boxer is a German working breed of the molosser type, descending from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser and Old English Bulldog. They are medium-sized dogs that were originally used as guardians, but nowadays they are extremely popular as companions.
These dogs were first bred in Munich, Germany, in a breeding...

The American Pit Bull Terrier or APBT was first bred to help in farm work, although they were soon made to participate in bloodsports and dogfights. They are tenacious dogs, and although there are stronger breeds, they are very powerful.
Although American Pit Bull Terriers have been trusted companions and nanny...

The English Bull Terrier is a breed of dog known for the unique shape of its head and its small triangular shaped ears. There are two variants of the breed: the Bull Terrier and the miniature Bull Terrier. They were developed in Britain as a both a fighting and show dog.
If you are thinking of adopting...

The miniature Bull Terrier is literally a miniature replica of the Bull Terrier. This breed was developed to control of rat infestations. It is a magnificent pet and a suitable companion for house or apartment.

German shorthaired pointers are multifunctional hunting dogs. They are able to perform tasks such as collection and tracking. That is why they are very popular among hunters.
Despite a somewhat unknown origin, we do known they are very intelligent and loyal dogs. This breed needs a large dose of daily...

The miniature schnauzer or zwergschnauzer is a small, cheerful, loyal and bearded dog. Although its size does not exceed 35 centimeters it is a very brave and dynamic dog. It is the miniature version of the schnauzer.

The Akita Inu is a canine breed from Japan, Asia. This breed is considered as a national treasure to its people. This breed has been an object of veneration for its country. In Japan, Akita Inus symbolize good health, prosperity and good fortune. Hachiko, is an Akita Inu famously remembered for his loyalty...

The American Akita is a variant of Akita Inu from the northern and mountainous regions of Japan. The American strain of this breed is known simply as the akita. This variant of the breed appears in all kinds of colors unlike the Japanese akita. This breed is commonly known for being very resistant to...
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