Dog Breeds by Potential For Weight Gain

The Welsh Terrier embodies the classic characteristics of a Terrier: courageous, energetic, playful, and spirited. Hailing from Wales in the 1700s, these bearded dogs were initially bred for hunting, adeptly navigating small burrows and caves to flush out game for hunters. While they continue to be employed for hunting and tracking, Welsh Terriers are now more commonly treasured as family pets. They make fantastic companions for children, are excellent running partners, and are always ready to partake in any fun activity you can think of. Historically known as the Black and Tan Wire Haired Terrier due to their striking black and tan coats, these dogs are easily identifiable by their curly beards. The breed was first showcased in England in 1884 and has been a staple in dog shows ever since. When Prescott Lawrence brought them to America that same year, they quickly captured attention at the Westminster Kennel Club, thanks to their distinctive appearance and charming personalities. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1884, which led to the establishment of the Terrier Club of America shortly after. If you’re looking for a dog that will keep you entertained, bring joy to your life, and help manage pesky critters, the Welsh Terrier might be the perfect fit for you. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that they require ample exercise and can become destructive if they’re not adequately stimulated. By ensuring they remain active and engaged, you can enjoy the delightful companionship of a Terrier that will undoubtedly enhance your life.

The Affenpinscher, commonly known as the "monkey dog," gets its name from a German term that reflects its playful appearance, particularly its resemblance to primates. Initially bred for hunting rats, these dogs were also referred to as ratters. The breed originated in Germany during the 17th and 18th centuries, evolving from various small terrier breeds. Their small stature and loving disposition made them popular as lapdogs among women, leading breeders to focus on creating even smaller versions. Typically, Affenpinschers reach a height of 9 to 11 inches and weigh about 9 pounds. They have medium-length, wiry fur that comes in several colors, including belge, tan, red, silver, gray, and black. Nowadays, this breed is relatively rare and not commonly found. It is recommended to keep Affenpinschers away from households with young children, as they generally dislike being squeezed or chased.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, commonly known as the Swissy, is a gentle and affectionate breed that delights in making its owners happy. Although they are intelligent and can sometimes be a bit headstrong, their steadfast loyalty more than makes up for these tendencies. Generally, they are calm around children, other animals, and friendly guests, but they also make excellent watchdogs thanks to their sharp awareness. Originating from Switzerland, this breed has a rich history that dates back nearly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest dog breeds in the country. Originally developed for herding, guarding, and draft work, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has transformed into a versatile companion, thriving in various activities such as competitive obedience, carting, tracking, and protection.

The Dogue de Bordeaux, commonly referred to as the French Mastiff, is a sizable breed with a lineage that remains somewhat ambiguous. Typically, these dogs stand around two feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh more than 99 pounds, distinguished by their prominent heads and short snouts. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to a range of health problems, including heart disease, various cancers, and hip and elbow dysplasia, which contribute to a relatively brief lifespan of five to eight years, though some may live longer. A notable case is Beasley, a nine-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux who appeared alongside Tom Hanks in the 1989 film "Turner and Hooch" and lived for three years beyond the film's release. If not properly socialized, these dogs can display stubborn and strong-willed tendencies, reminiscent of Hooch's character in the movie. However, with the right care and attention, they can develop into loyal, tolerant, and affectionate family companions.

This energetic and vivacious breed has humble beginnings, initially bred to hunt vermin in Belgian stables. As time passed, it was interbred with the Pug, creating an endearing little companion for cab drivers. It's uncertain whether passengers were more enamored with the Griff or the drivers themselves! With its expressive face reminiscent of a Pug and a coat that can be either smooth or wiry, this breed—often dubbed the "velcro dog"—is celebrated for its steadfast loyalty, affection, playful nature, curiosity, and protective instincts, along with a strong aversion to being left alone. Nevertheless, the Brussels Griffon is prone to several health concerns, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, Chiari-like malformation (CM), syringomyelia (SM), corneal dystrophy, and hip dysplasia.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a sturdy, medium-sized breed known for its distinctive small brown eyes, short coat with multiple colors, and small triangular ears. Its sleek fur typically showcases a blend of white, tan, and black, highlighted by a soft, fluffy blaze and chest area. Among the various Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, the Entlebucher is the smallest, and some suggest it has lineage tracing back to the Mastiffs that accompanied the Romans for protection and warfare. Although the American Kennel Club officially recognized this breed only in 2011, it remains relatively rare in the United States, while it enjoys a strong following in Switzerland. Nowadays, the Entlebucher is primarily appreciated as a family pet rather than a livestock guardian.

The French Bulldog, often referred to as the Frenchie, is a small breed that originated in the 1800s, initially bred for companionship despite its lineage linked to bull-baiting and pit fighting. Hailing from Normandy, France, the French Bulldog remains a cherished pet in modern times. However, this breed is prone to several health concerns and requires a nurturing environment to flourish. Although the French Bulldog does not demand extensive exercise, it has a strong need for human interaction, stemming from its history as a companion animal. A lack of socialization can lead to undesirable behaviors in this breed.

The American Water Spaniel is a compact breed with a rich brown coat, tracing its roots back to the Midwestern United States in the 18th century. Originally developed as a hunting companion for waterfowl, pheasants, and rabbits, this breed is known for its lively and confident presence in the field, although it may show some timidity around unfamiliar people. Equipped with a double coat that effectively repels water and webbed feet, the American Water Spaniel thrives in aquatic settings, but it does need consistent grooming to keep its fur healthy and clean. Beneath its dense, curly exterior lies a strong, agile body, enabling the American Water Spaniel to gracefully jump in and out of small boats or canoes without creating a disturbance.

The Saint Bernard is a friendly and loving breed, especially known for their gentle nature with children, showcasing impressive patience and tolerance. Due to their large size, they are not well-suited for small living spaces, even though they typically have a calm disposition. Bred to withstand the severe cold of the Alps, they do not cope well in hot weather. These dogs thrive on companionship and prefer to stay indoors with their families. With a stable temperament, Saint Bernards may take longer to mature mentally and often maintain a playful, puppy-like spirit well into adulthood, making them charming companions. However, for those who prioritize cleanliness, their biannual shedding, drooling, and tendency to bring in dirt can pose challenges. They need plenty of room to move around comfortably but are not overly energetic. Training is generally easy, although they can be a bit stubborn at times. A well-adjusted Saint Bernard benefits greatly from early socialization with a variety of people and experiences.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed that emerged in the 1970s, created to be a smaller counterpart to the Alaskan Husky. These energetic, smart dogs are mainly bred for companionship rather than for labor. While they share a resemblance with their larger relatives, Alaskan Klee Kais can thrive in apartment settings, as long as they receive ample exercise and playtime. They might show signs of shyness or hesitation when encountering new people and communicate their emotions—be it fear, happiness, or sadness—through various vocal sounds.

One of the most notable features of the Chow Chow is its distinctive blue-black tongue. This breed is also recognized for its unique, stilted walking style and the lion-like "mane" that frames its neck. As a member of the Spitz family, the Chow Chow is thought to have originated in the cold northern regions of China. Throughout history, it has fulfilled various roles such as hunting, herding, pulling carts, and guarding homes. This medium-sized dog is characterized by its broad head and deep muzzle, along with small, triangular ears that perch on its double-coated neck. Chows are available in a range of colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a large dog breed distinguished by its unique wrinkled head and face. Typically, these dogs weigh around fifty pounds and stand about eighteen inches tall. There is a belief that the Chinese Shar-Pei shares a lineage with the Chow-Chow, as both breeds feature a blue-black tongue, which often causes confusion between them. Traditionally, the Chinese Shar-Pei was a multifunctional farm dog in China, employed for various tasks such as hunting, tracking, herding, and protecting livestock. Unfortunately, some people misused the breed for dogfighting, as its distinctive wrinkled skin and coarse fur were thought to hinder opponents' grip. The breed came perilously close to extinction during the Communist Revolution, but a businessman from Hong Kong played a vital role in reviving interest in the Shar-Pei among American dog lovers. In 1992, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Chinese Shar-Pei, and it has since gained popularity as one of the favored dog breeds in the United States.