Selected breeds of nonsporting dogs

name origin height in inches* dogs (bitches) weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) characteristics comments

bichon frise Mediterranean region 9–12 (same) N/A small, sturdy body; white, loosely curled coat that resembles powderpuff; plumed tail depicted in paintings by Francisco de Goya

Boston terrier U.S. 15–17 (same) 15–25 (same) compact body; short tail and head; brindle, seal, or black with white markings one of the few dog breeds that originated in the U.S.

bulldog England 13–15 (same) 50 (40) medium-sized; low-slung body; large head with protruding lower jaw originally bred to fight bulls

Chinese shar-pei China 18–20 (same) 45–60 (same) medium-sized; loose skin and wrinkles covering head, neck, and body; broad muzzle dates to about 200 BC; originally a fighting dog

chow chow China 17–20 (same) 45–70 (same) powerful, square body; large head; blue-black tongue one of the oldest recognized dog breeds; rough- and smooth-coat varieties

Dalmatian Croatia 19–23 (same) 50–55 (same) white with black or liver-brown spots; strong, muscular build puppies are born solid white and develop spots as they age

keeshond The Netherlands 18 (17) 55–66 (same) stand-off coat, thick around neck; plumed tail curled on back; small, pointed ears national dog of Holland; named for 18th-century Dutch patriot

Lhasa apso Tibet 10–11 (slightly smaller) 13–15 (same) small-sized; heavy, straight coat that extends over eyes; well-feathered tail carried on back token of good luck in ancient China

poodle (standard) possibly Germany minimum 15 (same) 45–70 (same) small, square body; dense, curly coat often clipped in a variety of patterns national dog of France; also toy and miniature varieties

schipperke Belgium 11–13 (10–12) maximum 18 (same) cobby body; docked tail; black coat; foxlike face considered one of the best house dogs

*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram