This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Illinois. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.
#39 in United States, #1 in Illinois, #1 in Chicago
Chicago
An all breed foster based rescue saving dogs from our local open access shelters.
"This rescue pulls animals straight from our most dire shelter environment, CACC, and has a focus on helping local Chicago..."
— nicole b.
Volunteer / foster
"Dark Horse Dogs takes the “unadoptable” pitbulls, often ill and long term at Chicago Animal Control. My foster was a..."
— rebecca m.
Volunteer / foster
#55 in United States, #2 in Illinois, #2 in Chicago
Chicago
CCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in our city. CCR has saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs while also finding their forever homes! Traditionally, these animals were automatically euthanized at area shelters. However, today, Chicago Canine Rescue exists to give many of these animals a second chance, too! CCR assists the animals that are the MOST vulnerable in our city ‚the dogs that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. We are committed to each dog who comes into our care and won't stop providing for them we find their perfect family! Though we are just one of many rescues in Chicago, our dogs are one in a million and we are committed to leaving no dog behind!
"CCR is a great facility that cares so much for their animals. They take time to do thorough vetting of..."
— amy w.
Adoptee
"I adopted both my dogs from CCR. CCR is committed to leaving no dog behind and providing them the immediate..."
— jean t.
Adoptee, Supporter
#78 in United States, #3 in Illinois, #3 in Chicago
Chicago
Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.‚Ñ¢) has been promoting adoptions and care for cats and dogs. C.A.R.E. is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our Adoption Center opened in the Summer of 2018 and is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL. C.A.R.E. offers a combined adoption center and foster home model to better serve the needs of homeless animals as well as potential adopters and the community. C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383). Our Philosophy
"C.A.R.E puts animals well being first. All dogs and cats receive loving care from volunteers and staff. If I wanted..."
— marjorie g.
Volunteer / foster
"Caring, responsible, safe haven"
— debbie h.
Adoptee
#80 in United States, #4 in Illinois, #1 in Naperville
Naperville
We're a foster based animal rescue with the overflow of animals kenneled in our facility.
"Project Hope is a wonderful organization. They rescue code red dogs and animals that no one wants."
— cindy k.
Volunteer / foster
"Love this rescue, fostering for them, and believing in their mission!!"
— jackleen s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#80 in United States, #4 in Illinois, #4 in Chicago
Chicago
One Tail at a Time began in 2008 as a small grassroots effort and has since evolved into a pillar of Chicago's animal welfare community. As of 2024, One Tail at a Time has rescued more than 11,300 animals, hosts a bustling pet adoption and foster program, community outreach initiatives in partnership with top human service organizations in our city, and leads the Chicagoland Rescue Intervention & Support Program, a local rescue coalition that is the only operating shelter diversion program at Chicago's largest intake shelter.
"One Tail at a Time is the best rescue in Illinois because they not only support animals in need, but..."
— stephanie c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member, Supporter
"OTAT is a great high volume rescue that is supportive to their volunteers, fosters, adopters, community and most importantly the..."
— susan f.
Volunteer / foster
#91 in United States, #5 in Illinois, #5 in Chicago
Chicago
We give companion animals the best chance at the life they deserve through rehabilitation, foster care, adoption and community support that keeps pets with the people who love them.
"This is one of the best shelters in the Evanston area. I volunteer at this location and I see the..."
— jessica g.
Volunteer / foster
"EAS does amazing work! They not only take in all dogs from the local community, but they also provide social..."
— lauren p.
Volunteer / foster
#92 in United States, #6 in Illinois
Quad City Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC) was established in 1977 and has been dedicated to a no-kill philosophy. Located in Milan, Illinois, QCAWC is the only full service no-kill animal shelter in the Quad Cities and surrounding area. Operating solely on donations, QCAWC serves the Iowa ‚Illinois Quad Cities and surrounding counties. Every family deserves to have a pet; unfortunately not all families have the same resources. QCAWC offers low cost spaying and neutering. Along with spaying and neutering QCAWC has a low cost, high quality clinic open to the public every Wednesday and the first Saturday of every month. These unique services give families the opportunity for affordable veterinarian care. Last year, 2023, our clinic surgically altered over 4,500 companion animals. We also operate a mobile vet van that offers low cost, high quality mobile wellness to make prevention care more accessible. In our own communities, each year thousands of pets are left homeless to fend for themselves. The QCAWC accepted and re-homed over 1,500 companion animals in 2023 and more than 500 pet parents visited our pet food pantry. QCAWC carries on the tradition of educating our young people to be humane and compassionate to all beings, knowing that kind acts can influence us all. QCAWC partners with schools throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding area to provide quality educational programs to teach young people that treating all living beings with kindness, compassion, and respect is the most responsible way to live. Our school presentations emphasize proper pet care, bite prevention, animal safety and the pet overpopulation. The QCAWC presents humane educational programs to schools in both Illinois and Iowa. The impact of our programs in the community not only could save an animals life, but could save a child's life by teaching them how to avoid being bitten by a dog. We are committed to remaining a no-kill and continually strive to improve our programs and enhance our efforts to control the pet population and service our community.
"This really is the greatest shelter around. They are so generous and caring. They let the rescue I volunteer with..."
— amy h.
Supporter
"The Quad City Animal Welfare Center is the best animal rescue in the Quad Cities (IL & IA). The people..."
— erica s.
Adoptee
#96 in United States, #7 in Illinois, #6 in Chicago
Chicago
Felines & Canines is located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. Our focus at F&C is to place safe, social and loving dogs and cats into permanent loving homes. We are best known for our exceptional care for both our animals and adopters, ground breaking program for FIV-positive cats, and creation of our nation's very first rescue and relocation facility - Felines & Canines Rescue Center.
"Felines and Canines saved my life. We adopted our girl in July of 2021. In the last year, I had been..."
— desi t.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
"F&C is the most incredible rescue helping here in Northern AL. Their Hunter Stephenson Rescue center in Owen's Cross Roads..."
— karl z.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#97 in United States, #8 in Illinois, #7 in Chicago
Chicago
Wright-Way Rescue is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless pet euthanized in the Midwest each year through an adoption program, community education, promotion of spaying and neutering, and a veterinary medicine program.
"Great people doing great things for hurt, abandoned and unwanted dogs."
— margie m.
Adoptee
"I have seen some bad abuse situations, and Wright Way ALWAYS goes the extra mile to save these animals. ..."
— jackie m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#97 in United States, #8 in Illinois, #7 in Chicago
#2 in rottweiler
Rottweiler
Chicago
We specialize in Rottweiler senior hospice care. Every now and then a puppy sneaks in. We work with high kill shelters to safe those that nobody else will come for. We also are very active in Aruba trying to help with the street dogs. We are rather small scale, but work very hard for every dog we take on.
"I have never met anyone who has a deeper love and devotion to dogs as Anja does. She truly dedicates..."
— jaci s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I adopted a Rottweiler about 4 years ago. Anja put a lot of effort in getting him ready to be..."
— sheri l.
Adoptee
#98 in United States, #9 in Illinois, #8 in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago Animal Care and Control is equipped with a complete medical complex, full laboratory, radiology, and surgical capabilities for the care of its animals. Chicago Animal Care & Control veterinarians daily evaluate and treat the animals housed in the center.
"CACC is filled with incredible volunteers working tirelessly to save the most vulnerable lives of chicago"
— annie k.
Supporter
"As a dedicated volunteer at the shelter, I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary lengths the staff and fellow volunteers go to..."
— lauren b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#98 in United States, #9 in Illinois, #8 in Chicago
Chicago
Anti-Cruelty is more than a shelter. We are a comprehensive animal welfare organization whose mission is to build healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together. From our humble beginnings in 1899, we are now at the forefront of animal welfare and humane education. From our open door philosophy to our commitment to find a home for every adoptable animal we provide compassionate care for any animal in need.
"Wonderful, kind and always willing to go the extra mile for animals"
— jenny i.
Supporter, Fan
"These rescues go above and beyond for their animals and their communities!"
— ly.
Supporter, Fan
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #2 in Naperville
Naperville
MCP Rescue is a Chicago based animal rescue that finds Forever Homes for the overlooked, abused, neglected, in need, at risk dogs (and cats). We believe every animal is an individual with their own idiosyncrasies, gifts, likes and dislikes, just like humans. MCP is the opposite of a revolving door type of Rescue model. We may not have the large numbers monthly but we have a return rate lower than 3% and we know where our dogs are and how they are. 85% of the dogs we bring into our Pack are considered true underdogs and harder to adopt, whether they be of Pitbull types dogs, XL breeds, bonded pairs, seniors, major medical, or hospice.
"MCP Rescue Pack is a foster based rescue that takes in so many of the huge medically urgent dogs as..."
— amy b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #9 in Chicago
Chicago
Animal Care League is a limited admission shelter located in Oak Park. We help homeless cats, dogs and other small animals by providing them food, shelter, medical attention and love until we can find them a loving home. As a not-for-profit 501¬©3 organization, we depend on the generosity of our communities to help us meet our goals of finding new homes for as many animals as possible each year. If you are in interested in helping, please visit our ‚Supporting the ACL page.
"Animal Care League takes great care of all the animals that end up there. It has a strong network of..."
— olivia j.
Fan
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #9 in Chicago
Chicago
Hinsdale Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization operating the Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center, providing innovative care and adoption services for all animals, including those that are harder to place. We educate, advocate, and adopt out pets, acting as a voice for animals who depend on people for their care. We nurture the human-animal bond through community outreach and progressive programming, to help ensure the compassionate treatment of all animals.
"Hinsdale humane society is amazing! They do so much for our animals with so little resources"
— annette a.
Fan
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #2 in Naperville
Naperville
ALIVE Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in March 2008 as a rescue and safe haven for animals. From March 2008 through November of 2012, we ran operations solely through the use of our foster homes. In November of 2011, we signed a lease for a building (The Little Barn) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. For nearly one and a half years, we rehabbed and re-designed the original structure, preparing it to become our first adoption center. On May 5th, 2013, we opened The Little Barn, celebrating this accomplishment with dozens of our donors, volunteers, and the animals we rescued. In June of 2019 we closed The Little Barn and opened our new Adoption Center ("AC") in Chicago's West Loop. We remained at the AC through the pandemic and closed those doors in January of 2022. On October 5, 2020, we broke ground on The Big Barn, a new location that will help us save more homeless pets.
"I fostered and adopted my dog through alive rescue. They are an amazing rescue helping dogs in the city of..."
— shawna p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #9 in Chicago
Chicago
To build No Kill communities ‚starting with a No Kill Chicago ‚that respect and value the life of every cat and dog. To end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education. To transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.
"PAWS Chicago has an incredible medical center that can take on the most complicated cases, a team behind every animal..."
— ellie f.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #2 in Naperville
Naperville
K9s4U Dog Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue organization founded by a group of friends committed to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and dire situations and placing them into their FUREVER homes. We are a foster-home based rescue and rely on donations and fosters to help us in our mission to save as many dogs as we can. Thanks to our wonderful fosters and the donations we've received, we have saved the lives of more than 5,700 dogs since we began.
"We have rescued two dogs from this amazing rescue organization. I super fan of the work they do and want..."
— pam m.
Adoptee
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois, #9 in Chicago
Chicago
Caring Animal Rescue Inc. is an incorporated, non-profit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(2) no-kill International rescue organization dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse, and neglect of domesticated animals. Caring Animal Rescue Inc. is run entirely by compassionate like-minded individuals who volunteer their time and resources to help save the lives and care for these animals. We have two locations: Chicago, IL and Cairo, Egypt.
"I volunteer as a cat/kitten foster for CARE. This wonderful all volunteer organization has placed lots of cats and..."
— kathe w.
Volunteer / foster
#99 in United States, #10 in Illinois
C.A.R.E. for P.E.T.S. is committed to raising funds to benefit the pets in underserved areas of Winnebago County. Funds directly support pet retention efforts, health and vaccine clinics and spay / neuter programming. With your support, we can provide community programs to keep pets in their loving homes and decrease the number entering the shelter. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated
"CARE’s staff and volunteers do an exceptional job helping dogs and cats find their forever homes. I’ve been impressed by..."
— jeanne k.
Volunteer / foster
An all breed foster based rescue saving dogs from our local open access shelters.
CCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in our city. CCR has saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs while also finding their forever homes! Traditionally, these animals were automatically euthanized at area shelters. However, today, Chicago Canine Rescue exists to give many of these animals a second chance, too! CCR assists the animals that are the MOST vulnerable in our city ‚the dogs that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. We are committed to each dog who comes into our care and won't stop providing for them we find their perfect family! Though we are just one of many rescues in Chicago, our dogs are one in a million and we are committed to leaving no dog behind!
Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.‚Ñ¢) has been promoting adoptions and care for cats and dogs. C.A.R.E. is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our Adoption Center opened in the Summer of 2018 and is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL. C.A.R.E. offers a combined adoption center and foster home model to better serve the needs of homeless animals as well as potential adopters and the community. C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383). Our Philosophy
We're a foster based animal rescue with the overflow of animals kenneled in our facility.
ALIVE Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in March 2008 as a rescue and safe haven for animals. From March 2008 through November of 2012, we ran operations solely through the use of our foster homes. In November of 2011, we signed a lease for a building (The Little Barn) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. For nearly one and a half years, we rehabbed and re-designed the original structure, preparing it to become our first adoption center. On May 5th, 2013, we opened The Little Barn, celebrating this accomplishment with dozens of our donors, volunteers, and the animals we rescued. In June of 2019 we closed The Little Barn and opened our new Adoption Center ("AC") in Chicago's West Loop. We remained at the AC through the pandemic and closed those doors in January of 2022. On October 5, 2020, we broke ground on The Big Barn, a new location that will help us save more homeless pets.
MCP Rescue is a Chicago based animal rescue that finds Forever Homes for the overlooked, abused, neglected, in need, at risk dogs (and cats). We believe every animal is an individual with their own idiosyncrasies, gifts, likes and dislikes, just like humans. MCP is the opposite of a revolving door type of Rescue model. We may not have the large numbers monthly but we have a return rate lower than 3% and we know where our dogs are and how they are. 85% of the dogs we bring into our Pack are considered true underdogs and harder to adopt, whether they be of Pitbull types dogs, XL breeds, bonded pairs, seniors, major medical, or hospice.
We are a 501(c) licensed Rescue that is 100% volunteer and foster based. We welcome all small breeds of all ages. However, we focus on special needs, medical, senior, and hospice dogs. Especially, but not limited to, Chihuahuas. Our rescue was named after the dog who started this passion, our beloved Chihuahua, Deeby. He was small, but mighty, and like all dogs left this world far too soon. We continue to fulfill our rescue mission in his honor.
Great Pyrenees Rescue of Central Illinois (GPRCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization licensed by the state of Illinois. We are dedicated to rescuing and re-homing Great Pyrenees and are funded completely by public donations. GPRCI is based in Bloomington, Illinois but also has a limited number of foster homes throughout central and southern Illinois.
We are a nonprofit Humane Society dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. We are focused on helping make the world around us a better, happier place. With the help of our tireless staff, we organize fundraisers, community-building events, and in-depth training sessions for our volunteers. We are proudly a No-Kill animal shelter! Only calling in a vet for euthanasia in extreme cases, where it is in the animals best interest.
Welcome to the 2024 Illinois Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Illinois chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Illinois dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
We require adoption applications, home checks, vet references, and meet and greets with the entire family.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.