Skip to content
PetariumPetarium

Animal section

Dogs

Domestic dogs: breeds, training, health and daily care.

Illustration of a golden retriever and a wire-haired terrier sitting together

Species profiles

Standardised husbandry data for each animal in this group.

Canis lupus familiaris

Domestic Dog

The dog is the most behaviourally varied domestic species on earth. Choosing well means matching the individual dog's energy, sociability and handling needs to your own daily life.

Lifespan 8–16 years, shorter in giant breeds · Care complexity 3/5

Dog breeds

Breed tendencies are averages, not guarantees. Individual animals vary widely.

Full breed database →
Labrador RetrieverGerman Shepherd DogGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogBorder ColliePoodle (Standard)BeagleDachshundBulldogRottweilerYorkshire TerrierSiberian HuskyShih TzuBoxerCavalier King Charles SpanielAustralian ShepherdShetland SheepdogGreat DanePembroke Welsh CorgiDoberman PinscherMiniature SchnauzerBernese Mountain DogShiba InuBoston TerrierCocker SpanielJack Russell TerrierMalteseGreat PyreneesWeimaranerSaint BernardPugWhippetChihuahuaBelgian MalinoisHavaneseEnglish Springer SpanielAkitaVizslaNewfoundlandBasset Hound

Guides for this group

Care, health, behaviour and nutrition reading.

Family at a kitchen table comparing illustrated cards of a dog, cat, rabbit and goldfish beside a floor plan and calendarBefore getting a pet

How to Choose the Right Pet for Your Life

A structured way to match an animal to your household, budget, schedule and housing — before emotion makes the decision for you.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Illustrative article cover for Pet-Proofing and Preparing Your HomeBefore getting a pet

Pet-Proofing and Preparing Your Home

A room-by-room checklist for making your home safe before the animal arrives, rather than after the first accident.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-19

Illustrative article cover for The First 24 Hours With a New PetBringing a pet home

The First 24 Hours With a New Pet

Calm, quiet and predictable beats exciting. What to do — and what to resist doing — on day one.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-19

Owner weighing a measured portion of cat food beside a water fountain while a cat waits on a matDaily care

Building a Daily Care Routine That Actually Sticks

Predictable routines reduce stress for animals and make it far easier to notice when something is wrong.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Illustrative article cover for Caring for a Senior PetLong-term care

Caring for a Senior Pet

Ageing is not a disease, but it changes what good care looks like. Practical adjustments for older dogs, cats and small animals.

Petarium Editorial · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-07

Illustrative article cover for Quality of Life, Hospice Care and Saying GoodbyeEnd-of-life care

Quality of Life, Hospice Care and Saying Goodbye

Compassionate, practical guidance on assessing quality of life, palliative options, euthanasia decisions and grief.

Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07