Breed Specific Behaviors
Cats
Oriental-type: cats such as the Siamese, Devon Rex, and Oriental Shorthair are playful, inquisitive, athletic, and very talkative.
Persian-type: mellow, loving cats who do best in a quiet, stable environment.
Maine Coon-type: large robust cats such as Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, and American Shorthairs are friendly, easy-going, and “dog-like” in behavior and temperament.
Dogs
Scenthounds: Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and such follow their noses so getting their attention and training can be difficult. They have a moderate activity level and are generally good family pets. Can be vocal.
Sighthounds: dogs such as Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and Afghan Hounds are laid back indoors but active outdoors. They have a high prey drive and must never be allowed off-leash. Generally quiet dogs; sensitive to environmental changes.
Terriers: Parson Russell Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Scottish Terriers, and all other terriers were bred to hunt rodents so they are active and tenacious. Their independent nature can make them difficult to train. They are vocal, like to dig, and don’t always do well with other dogs.
Setters and Retrievers: hunters’ companions such as Gordon Setters and Labrador Retrievers either flush or retrieve fowl. They are energetic, silly, friendly, and slow to mature. They are physical and clownish in play. Though they like kids they may not be the best choice for young children due to the risk of injury.
Spaniels and Pointers: dogs such as American Cocker Spaniels, Brittanys, Weimaraners and German Wirehair Pointers are high-energy, usually intelligent, and fairly independent. They can be difficult to train and many are not tolerant of children.
Toys: Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and other small breeds were created simply to be lap dogs. They are affectionate with their family but can be wary of strangers. They are very difficult to train (obedience and housetraining). Require little exercise.
Herding breeds: Known for being highly intelligent, dogs such as Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Welsh Corgis will keep you on your toes. They require very active owners and work every day. Usually aloof and not a good choice for children as they nip heels.
This is just a handful of groups. To find out about other breed-type behavior, consult the books The Illustrated Guide to Cat Breeds by Alan Edwards and Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Breeds by Desmond Morris.