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A native dog of Germany and originating from the beginning of the 20th Century, the Dachshund were bred as "earth" dogs and were developed for flushing badgers, hares and rabbits from their lairs. Although a hound by name, they are generally categorised as terriers because of the role they fulfil. Today, most fill the role of companion dogs and are one of the most easily recognisable dog breeds.

The average life expectancy for a Miniature Dachshund is 13 to 17 years, with a weight range of 8-11lbs and standing between 7" and 10" at the shoulder. 

Thought to originate from the Middle Ages, this breed has filled the role of protector, hunting dog, retriever, herder and more recently companion dog. Made more popular by the US Film Industry, they have in recent years been the subject of unscrupulous breeders, but do not seem to have suffered major problems in spite of this. Named after the Adriatic region of Dalmatia, the breed is thought to have originated in India.

The average life expectancy for an Dalmatian is 12 to 15 years, with a weight range of 50-60lbs and standing between 20" and 24" at the shoulder.

Originating in Great Britain from the beginning of the 19th Century the breed is thought to have existed for centuries, prior to it actually being named. According to who you listen to, the Dandie Dinmont is a derivation of either the Skye Terrier, the Bedlington or the Otter Hound. Whatever its true heritage, it is the least combative of the Terrier breeds and is a safe, reliable breed which makes a true companion.

The average life expectancy for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 18-24lbs and standing between 10" and 13" at the shoulder. 

A German tax collector Louis Dobermann developed the breed by using the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Weimaraner as the principal bloodlines, at the beginning of the 19th Century. They are a highly successful breed in terms of companionship and in all aspects of security work Unscrupulous breeding has resulted in unwanted personality traits in certain bloodlines, but the majority are sound, reliable canines.

The average life expectancy for a Dobermann Pinscher is 11 to 13 years, with a weight range of 65-90lbs and standing between 25" and 28" at the shoulder. 

Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux has existed for hundreds of years in its native country. Thought to be a derivation of the early English Mastiff crossed with other European Mastiff breeds to produce a more powerful and ferocious dog. Its popularity was helped by a starring role in the film "Turner & Hooch" starring Tom Hanks. Its primary role was as a boar and bear hunter and as a cattle herder.

The average life expectancy for a Dogue de Bordeaux is 10 to 12 years, with a weight range of 80-100lbs and standing between 24" and 28" at the shoulder. 

There are 3 distinct varieties of the Dutch Shepherd dog, the short-haired, long-haired and the rough coated. Along with the German and Belgian Shepherd breeds, these dogs are thought to have existed for hundreds of years, working as herding, guard and companion dogs. Changes in land use and agricultural processes led to a decline in shepherd dogs and the breed was safeguarded by the foundation of a breed club in 1898. Nowadays, the breed is used for herding, guarding, search/rescue, drug detection, law enforcement and as a companion

The average life expectancy for a Dutch Shepherd Dog is 12 to 14 years, with a weight range of 65-85lbs and standing between 22" and 26" at the shoulder.