With free agency, the NFL Draft, OTAs and minicamps in the rearview and training camps not starting until the end of July, we have officially entered the dog days on the NFL calendar.
But we’re not doggin’ it here at Yardbarker, where our NFL writers tapped into their inner hound to compare the Dolphins, Jaguars, Colts and other AFC teams they cover to one of man’s best friends.
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | Weimaraner | Quarterback Josh Allen might have “Golden Retriever energy,” but Buffalo’s high-powered offense — a unit that has ranked in the top six in scoring in each of the past four seasons — aligns more with the Weimaraner’s energetic personality. Additionally, the Weimaraner enjoys letting off steam, reminding some of us of the Bills Mafia.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Vizsla | This Hungarian breed is known for being one of the world’s fastest dogs, which is a perfect match for the Dolphins, whose skill-position players more closely resemble an Olympic track team. Last season, the Dolphins had eight of the top 20 fastest ball-carriers in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Poodle | Much like the Patriots, the Poodle enjoyed a two-decade-long dynasty, as it was the most popular dog breed from 1960-82, per the American Kennel Club. However, similar to New England, the Poodle has experienced a fall from grace in recent years and is no longer in the top five for most popular dog breeds.
NEW YORK JETS | Pomeranian | Known for being one of the loudest breeds, the Pomeranian is prone to frequently barking — just as the Jets often talk the talk in the offseason. And because the Jets own the longest active playoff drought in major North American sports (13 seasons), it’s only fitting to compare them to one of the more harmless breeds. — Colum Dell
AFC West
DENVER BRONCOS | Lhasa Apso | The Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed that has served as a sentinel for palaces and monasteries in the Himalayans, so it’s a good fit for Denver, the Mile High City. However, like the Lhasa Apso, it’s clear the Broncos aren’t a big dog, especially after missing the playoffs for eight straight seasons.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | This breed is named after King Charles II of England. It’s fair to say the Chiefs have become NFL royalty, winning three Super Bowls over the past five years.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Bullmastiff | Nicknamed “The Gamekeeper’s Night Dog,” the Bullmastiff was bred to protect the estates of English aristocrats in the mid- to late 1800s. Raiders three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby could be described as fierce, similar to this strong guard dog, although this team as a whole is more bark than bite after a 14-20 record over the past two seasons.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | Irish Setter | The American Kennel Club notes Irish Setters are super-energetic, much like new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh coached at his alma mater, Michigan, from 2016-23, helping the Wolverines snap a 26-year national title drought. After going 5-12 last season, L.A. hopes Harbaugh sparks another turnaround. — Clark Dalton
AFC North
BALTIMORE RAVENS | Rottweiler | Butchers bred this dog purely for performance as it is one of the largest and most powerful breeds. With an emphasis on nastiness and physicality, the Ravens intimidate their opponents with similar characteristics — especially on defense, which ranked sixth in yards allowed last season.
CINCINNATI BENGALS | German Shepherd | According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are one of the more popular breeds over the past five years — just as the Bengals have been one of the most popular teams since drafting QB Joe Burrow in 2020 (five prime-time games, three afternoon Sunday games in 2024). The breed is known for its intelligence, speed and strength, must-have characteristics for Cincinnati in the NFL’s toughest division.
CLEVELAND BROWNS | Bulldog | This is a bit of a layup as the Browns’ alternate logo is a bulldog, but it is fitting. Like the breed, Cleveland has proved to be “impervious to pain” after making the playoffs last season with five different starting quarterbacks and losing lead back Nick Chubb to injury in Week 2.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | Great Dane | Great Danes have been around for more than 400 years and were “prestigious” as guardians in the 18th century. The Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC and one of the most respected (league-record-tying six Super Bowl titles), although most of their success came ages ago. — Aaron Becker
AFC South
HOUSTON TEXANS | Siberian Husky | Known for their strength, speed, athleticism and stamina, Siberian Huskies display outward traits that could easily apply to the Texans. Houston has players who can dominate at the line of scrimmage (OT Laremy Tunsil, DE Danielle Hunter, DE Denico Autry), outrun the opposition (WRs Nico Collins, Tank Dell, CB Derek Stingley Jr.) and make freakishly athletic plays (QB C.J. Stroud, WR Stefon Diggs, DE Will Anderson.)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Whippet | Quick, agile and all about the thrill of the chase, Whippets — much like the Colts — are competitive and adaptable. Neither like to ruffle any feathers, and both are considered low-maintenance compared to their respective dog breeds or the other teams in the AFC South.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | Chihuahua | A breed that is loud, feisty and tries to intimidate strangers, Chihuahuas often act much bigger than they actually are. That’s quite fitting for a team like the Jaguars, who think of themselves as division front-runners nearly every season yet usually fail to deliver on their preseason chest-puffing.
TENNESSEE TITANS | Jack Russell Terrier | When people think of Jack Russell Terriers, words like energetic, fearless, adventurous and assertive are often used. JRTs are known to enjoy chasing, training and being active — all hallmarks of the new-look Titans under first-year head coach Brian Callahan and second-year general manager Ran Carthon. — Michael Gallagher