Julie,
there are several ways to shoot dogs:
1. full profile: Dobermans and German Shepherd Dogs for example. The camera is actually behind the shoulder blade and the front legs are a single horizontal plane.
2. 3/4 where the dog shows its chest and the second eye.
3. 7/8 where you see the second front leg and the second rear leg but the head might not show the second eye.

The key is knowing how the breeders/owners think their dog looks best. And it changes over the years. A few years ago, Dobermans were shot 3/4. Now, the standard is full profile (I shot the 2004 Doberman AKC National). When it comes to shooting show dogs, you need to know not only what looks good to you but what is expected in terms of angle and attitude for the owner/breeder.

Jim