Pets and Animals |

Best dog? Vote among the sweet 16, from German shepherds to labradoodles

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The Yorkshire terrier was bred to perform a very important task in Great Britain -- killing rats. You'd never guess by that sweet little face, but these dogs can be fierce.

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The Siberian husky is a favorite for a sled tog team, but they also make great family pets, with a little training.

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Pugs have been increasingly popular for a number of years, partly based on some Internet sensations. Their perpetually puzzled faces and sad eyes have captured many hearts.

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The poodle is considered the second most intelligent dog breed, but America probably loves them more for their looks.

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The Pembroke Welsh corgi, popular with Queen Elizabeth and California Gov. Jerry Brown, were bred as herding dogs and that's what they might have stayed if British royalty hadn't taken a liking to them and changed how the world viewed them. The corgi ranks No. 1 for intelligence.

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There's not much the Labrador retriever can't do. It is prized as a guide and service dog, a police dog, used in search-and-rescue, and is popular with hunters. The Lab also is a family favorite.

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The adorable yorkipoo is a cross between the equally adorable Yorkshire terrier and the poodle. The dog has the poodles brains and the Yorkshire's boldness.

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The Shih Tzu originated in the Tibetan Plateau before becoming a traditional dog of China. The long, fast-growing coat is often styled to include a topknot on the head.

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The schnoodle is a cross between a schnauzer and poodle, and is about as cute as they come. They make good lap dogs and therapy animals.

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The rottweiler's original job was working for butchers in Germany, herding cattle and pulling carts of meat. They are powerful, loyal dogs that are intelligent and loving.

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The first puggle -- a cross between the pug and a beagle -- was born in the 1980s and their popularity has been growing. They are good with children and very affectionate. Like the beagle, they are good at scenting things and jumping, and they have the curiosity of a pug.

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The pomeranian also was a favorite among British royalty. Queen Victoria had a particularly small pom, which led breeders to create smaller and smaller versions of this cheery little dog. Today's poms are about half the size they were in the 1800s.

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The Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and the miniature poodle. These small dogs are packed with personality, and they love nothing more than being with their person.

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The Maltese Shih Tzu mixed breed doesn't have a cute name with poo or doodle in it, but it does have a stranglehold on cuteness. The combination of qualities from both breeds makes it perfect for those who want a lap dog with a little attitude.

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The labradoodle is a mix of a Labrador retriever and various types of poodles, standard, miniature and toy. The dogs gained popularity as hypoallergenic guide dogs, but they also are prized for their sweetness, cuteness and, if you can believe it by looking at this face, as fighting dogs because they also are powerful and have amazing stamina.

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The Great Dane was originally called the German boarhound, but world tensions and eventual war led to the renaming of this gentle giant.

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The Goldendoodle is cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, bred to create a service dog for people with allergies to pet dander (poodles don't shed). The popularity of the goldendoodle set off a wave of other poodle mixes and the rise of so-called designer dogs.

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The golden retriever may be the nation's favorite family dog, and its intelligence and adaptability also make this breed a popular service dog.

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German shorthaired pointer is another dog that was bred for hunting, specifically water fowl as they have webbed feet, but they have found a loving place as a family dog.

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The German shepherd is another dog that has found a number of occupations beyond what it was bred for -- herding sheep and cattle. They now often work as police and military dogs, search and rescue, and as service dogs.

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The French bulldog has become a popular bundle of energy and cuteness. They are descended from the bulldog, crossed with French "ratter" terriers, giving them plenty of attitude.

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The English springer spaniel is an affectionate and excitable dog that was bred for hunting. The name "springer" comes from their ability to stalk birds and flush (also known as spring) game birds into the open. They're just as happy on your lap.

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Doberman pinschers are described as highly intelligent, alert and tenaciously loyal. They often are given the job of guard dog, but there's a big, loving heart behind the fierce countenance.

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The dachshund, with its long, lean body, originally was used to drive badgers from their holes. Now, they mostly drive the blues away from our hearts when we watch one scampering on the lawn.

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The cocker spaniel was originally bred to hunt American woodcocks, but the image of hunter was changed in most American's hearts when Disney released "Lady and the Tramp," Lady being a cocker spaniel.

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The Cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. They tend to be agile, love a good dip in the pool, and like lots of company.

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The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the canine family, but its personality and bravado are much greater than its size.

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Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a friendly, sweet dog that needs its people around at all times.

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The English bulldog is an icon for British pluck, and was among the first dogs to set foot in America, arriving with their colonial owners. This dog won't give up on you.

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The Boston terrier is known as an American Gentleman as the breed originated in the United States in the 1800s. Bravery and loyalty are hallmarks of this breed.

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The beagle is a superb scent hound, but it also is loyal, lovable and a bit of a scamp. There's a reason why the beagle is Charlie Brown's dog.

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Australian shepherd is loyal, protective and an excellent herding dog. The dog also makes a great addition to the family, but he feels like he needs to earn his keep.