AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular breed of dog and can have an intimidating appearance for those who do not know this dog’s actual personality. In reality, these dogs make for very affectionate family pets and are highly trainable. A real people pleaser, this dog loves to be given responsibilities and thrives in an active role.
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Nicknamed the Aussie, this dog breed is a working dog at heart, and works well herding animals on a farm. In a typical family situation the Aussie is very affectionate with great all round stats when it comes to relationships with both humans and other dogs, as well as also being highly intelligent.
BASSET HOUND
The Basset Hound is one of the most dog and kid friendly breeds around, thus making it a great family pet. Originally bred for hunting small game like rabbits, this distinct dog has a long body and short legs, making it perfect for scurrying around in small places like rabbit holes. It’s important to keep an eye on your Basset Hound when out and about, as they like to hunt for prey and explore wherever they go.
BEAGLE
The compact beagle is a small game hunting dog that can be hard to train due to it’s constant need to hunt for prey, however when properly cared for this dog makes for an excellent family pet. A friendly little pooch to humans and other dogs alike, just don’t let them around small animals where possible!
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
The Bernese is a big working dog that originates from the mountains of Switzerland, hence it’s long coat that protects it very well from the cold. This hard working dog needs an owner with lots of energy and would much rather be outdoors exploring than holed up in an apartment.
BICHON FRISE
The Bichon Frise is a cute, fluffy little dog that could easily be mistaken for a child’s toy. Great for first time owners and more suited to an indoor living environment, this little dog is incredibly affectionate and friendly to both it’s owner and strangers alike.
BLOODHOUND
This big, droopy faced dog is both highly active and intelligent, and as the name suggests, has a strong sense of smell, making them highly suitable for search and rescue work. This dog is very friendly towards all humans and other dogs, but does need space to stretch it’s legs and burn off all that excess energy.
BORDER COLLIE
The Border Collie hails from the border between England and Scotland and is still widely used as a herding dog on farms. This breed is highly agile, intelligent and energetic, and will certainly thrive with an owner that exhibits the same traits. Very much a companion dog for the avid walker or outdoors person, this really is a dog for life that will quickly become part of the family.
BOSTON TERRIER
The Boston Terrier used to be bred as a fighting dog, but today has a very different personality. This lively and affectionate dog is very strong for it’s size due to it’s stocky build. Boston Terriers are generally fun loving dogs that enjoy play and mischief, and will thrive in an environment where it’s owners also like having fun, playing games and getting into trouble.
BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
The Bouvier is a big herding dog with a distinct long coat, who’s ancestral tendencies can be seen today in the way they like to move objects around and protect those closest to them. This big dog needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy, so it’s essential that the owner is very active with outdoor space readily available to be explored.
BOXER
The Boxer is a strong, muscular breed of dog who has a set of assets that makes for a great guard dog. They can seem intimidating to outsiders, but they are very loyal and friendly once introduced to new people. They’re not an outdoor dog, but do require a lot of both physical and mental stimulation.
BRITTANY
The Brittany is a high energy hunting dog that requires exercise and stimulation to keep healthy and sane. They are very friendly around humans and make for a great family pet. Just keep them away from birds as they will be chasing them around the garden in no time if left to their own devices!
CAIRN TERRIER
The Cairn Terrier was originally bred as a hunting dog that would keep the farm clear of vermin and pests, but today makes for an affectionate pet that thrives in a family environment. It’s tendencies to bark and dig cannot be trained out of this dog, and is something to bare in mind if you’re looking to own one of these dogs.
CATAHOULA LEOPARD
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a hard working dog that hails from the swamps of Louisiana, and thrives in the marshy environment with help from it’s webbed feet. With the need for a lot of exercise, this dog requires an active owner. When properly trained and exercised this dog makes for an excellent companion.
CAVAPOO
The Cavapoo is a cross breed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. They make for brilliant pets as they are highly trainable and a great all rounder. The health issues they faced when they were first bred are now mostly gone, but it is something to bare in mind when shopping for your very own Cavapoo.
CHIHUAHUA
The Chihuahua is a small and charismatic dog that requires a lot of attention from it’s owner, but when treated well makes for a great companion for the metropolitan dog owner. A dog that doesn’t see it’s small size as a limitation, they do need to be reigned in sometimes so as not to get into too much trouble.
CHOW CHOW
The Chow Chow is a very distinct looking dog with a long coat and a lion-like mane. This dog was originally bred in China and would have once been a pet of Chinese Emperors. It’s important to note that the personality of this dog is not like most other breeds, and tends to be aloof and would rather be left alone than fussed over.
COCKAPOO
As the name suggests, the Cockapoo is a cross breed between a Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. It’s appearance will be appealing to those who want a small and cute dog, and they are great around the house as an affectionate, family friendly dog. As with all cross-breeds, it’s important to bare in mind the potential health problems they can face, but these issues will diminish over time with further breeding.
COCKER SPANIEL
The Cocker Spaniel is instantly recognisable due to it’s droopy ears and thick coat. Very much a people-pleaser dog, these adaptable and sensitive pooches thrive in a family environment. They have fallen victim to their own popularity as the quality of breeding varies so much due to the demand for this beautiful dog.
CORGI
The Corgi is an adorable little dog that hails from Wales and is synonymous with being the personal pet of Queen Elizabeth II. They can be great as pets, but do have an independent streak that may put off owners that require their dogs to be more subservient. They can thrive in both apartments and outdoor environments, as long as their need for exercise is met.
DACHSHUND
The Dachshund is a hound breed of dog that would have originally had the duty of hunting foxes and rabbits, but today makes for a great, versatile pet. Their tendency to hunt and chase is innate, and they are not the easiest to train, but for an experienced owner there’s plenty of joy to be had from raising a Dachshund.
DALMATIAN
The easily identifiable Dalmatian has a white coat with black spots and athletic build. They make for a great pet for an active owner and have a lot of energy to spare. This can be a put off for some people as without constant exercise they will become bored and even destructive.
DOBERMAN
The Doberman thrives as a working dog, excelling in being a guard dog and other activities that require responsibility. A mixture of many breeds, the Doberman can be prone to health problems, something to bare in mind if you’re looking into ownership. Doberman’s require an owner that can establish themselves as the alpha, as more passive owners may struggle to control this headstrong dog.
ENGLISH BULLDOG
The English Bulldog has a bloody history of fighting, but today takes on different traits, with much of it’s ancestral personality now bred out of modern Bulldogs. Whilst they are courageous and capable, they are generally not violent dogs. This stocky, muscular breed has a distinct appearance and waddle, and has become the mascot for many organisations.
ENGLISH POINTER
The English Pointer has a unique trait making it very useful as a hunting companion. On sight of prey, this dog will literally point out the location of small animals. Today, this dog makes for an excellent pet and companion who is friendly to kids and other dogs. They require a lot of exercise from an active owner, but if those needs are met, they will be a superb pet.
FOX TERRIER
The Fox Terrier was originally bred to flush out foxes and rabbits from their hiding places, but their use in this traditional role is more limited today. Fox Terriers have energy in abundance, and thus require much exercise to stay healthy. They are easy to train and generally friendly little dogs who like all aspects of play.
FRENCH BULLDOG
The French Bulldog is instantly recognisable due to it’s stocky appearance and pointy ears. This playful and intelligent dog is easy to train, but does have an independent streak that can sometimes get it into trouble. They don’t require massive amounts of exercise and can adapt to living in apartments, but daily walking is required.
GERMAN SHEPHERD
The German Shepherd is a very popular breed of dog due to being highly intelligent and capable. They take on various roles in the military as well as being great as assistance and guide dogs. They need a lot of exercise and stimulation, but are guaranteed to be a great family companion if those needs are met.
GOLDEN DOODLE
The Golden Doodle is a cross-breed between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, and varies in size from around 12 – 20 inches in height. This breed is popular due to being affectionate family orientated, as well as being an attractive, fluffy and cute dog.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
A very popular dog breed for good reason, the Golden Retriever is a friendly and tolerant dog that also is also very capable. Whether you’re looking for a devoted family pet, or need a responsible working dog, the Golden Retriever can seemingly do it all! As long as you are prepared to keep it company, you will have a faithful servant and best friend for life.
GREAT DANE
This breed of dog is a gentle giant, with fun and personality in abundance, despite it’s large stature. Being a larger working dog, exercise and play is essential for good health, but your hard work will be rewarded in spades with a kind and loving companion for your whole family.
HUNGARIAN VIZSLA
This large, athletic dog has a working ancestry as a pointer dog, but today is known more for being an extremely affectionate dog for it’s size, sticking close to it’s owner and paying back the love you give in return. These dogs need a lot of exercise daily, so an active owner is required.
HUSKY
The Husky is a large breed of dog originally hailing for Siberia, and has a wolf like appearance, with a soft, thick coat that’s perfect for enduring cold temperatures. One of the most intelligent breeds of dog, they are independently minded and confident, making them difficult to train at first. A different experience from owning different dogs, the Husky is a breed bares traits in intelligence that narrows the gap between human and dog.
IRISH WOLF HOUND
The Irish Wolf Hound really is a gentle giant, and would have originally been bred to hunt large animals like deer and wolves. Although they were used in war and hunting, today they are very lovable and friendly big dogs that do well in family environments. It’s recommended that they live somewhere with a lot of space to stretch their legs, and apartment living is generally not recommended.
ITALIAN GREYHOUND
The Italian Greyhound is one of the fastest dogs on the planet, and can reach speeds of up to 25mph. Originally bred to hunt small game, today the Greyhound makes for a loving and affectionate family member, although can be shy around strangers.
JACK RUSSELL
The Jack Russell is an energetic little dog that hails from England. Originally bred to hunt foxes, these feisty pooches have a personality of their own, and will get up to mischief and make fun for themselves if not properly looked after. They require vigorous exercise, more than just a short walk every day.
JAPANESE SPITZ
Originally bred in Japan to be a companion dog, the Spitz is a fiercely loyal pet that thrives in a family environment. They have natural watchdog tendencies and will bark at incoming strangers. They can do well in smaller living spaces like apartments, and one walk a day should be enough to keep them happy.
KING CHARLES SPANIEL
The King Charles Spaniel is a sporty little dog that loves hunting birds, running and hiking. They thrive around the house as apposed to being constantly outdoors, and require plenty of interaction to keep them happy. They will follow you everywhere you go, wagging their tail and looking for the next fun activity.
LABRADOODLE
When you cross a Doodle and a Labrador, you get a Labradoodle. They playful dogs maintain the shaggy coat of a poodle, whilst inheriting other features from Labradors. They require a moderate amount of daily exercise and grooming to stay healthy. Labradoodles tend to do well with families and other dogs, but are not ideal for apartment living.
LABRADOR
The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds, and comes in a variety of colours. They do well as loyal family pets, but also thrive when given responsibilities. An all round great dog to own, their versatility appeals to many different types of owners. As long as you can maintain their need for daily exercise, the Labrador will be your best friend.
LAKELAND TERRIER
The Lakeland Terrier comes from the Lake District in North West England and was originally bred to defend sheep herds from fox attacks. Also known as Lakies, these small yet feisty dogs are energetic and have a lot of personality. They are not the easiest to train, and require exercise and stimulation to stay happy.
MALAMUTE
The Malamute is a big, powerful dog with a lot of energy. They require an open environment with lots of exercise and challenge to keep them happy, and they also do well in cold environments. They’re extremely friendly for a large dog, and will greet any stranger as a friend. It’s essential for the owner to be very active, but if their needs for exercise are met, you have yourself a friend for life!
MALTESE
The Maltese is an elegant looking dog, with it’s long straight, white coat, but its personality doesn’t exactly match its looks. The Maltese is a vigorous dog that does well in a variety of disciplines such as tracking and agility orientated tasks. They also love companionship, so lots of attention is necessary to keep them happy.
NEWFOUNDLAND
The Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog originally from Canada. Their long, thick coat means they thrive in the cold, whereas they might struggle in warmer climates. They require vigorous exercise and open spaces to maintain their health, and love to be given responsibilities. Watch out for drooling with this dog, and Newfoundland’s are extremely slobbery.
NORFOLK TERRIER
The Norfolk Terrier is a small working dog who is fearless beyond it’s size, and tenacious and independent too. They have strong hunting tendencies, something to bare in mind if you’re looking into ownership, but will be a loving companion to you and your family if given the chance.
POMERANIAN
The Pomeranian is a distinct little dog, with a beautiful, long bushy coat. They can get noisy, especially if left alone, and require constant attention and companionship. They don’t require large spaces and would much rather spend most of their time inside, making them ideal for apartment/small houses.
POODLE
The Poodle is an elegant and proud dog with it’s instantly recognisable round tail and fluffy ears. Poodles are very playful and energetic, and whilst they don’t need a large environment to explore, they do require a lot of stimulation to stay happy.
PUG
The Pug is a strong yet very compact dog that loves having fun and being a best friend to it’s owner. They do well in smaller spaces but do have high requirements for play and attention, something to bare in mind when looking into ownership. They are very popular dogs and are perfect for a lively family who don’t mind a dog being the centre of attention.
ROTTWEILER
The Rottweiler was originally bred for manual labour duties, but also makes for an excellent guard dog. It’s important to give this breed the attention and responsibility it needs, as their personality will become unpleasant if not treated properly. Rottweiler’s reputation is somewhat mixed, largely due to owners not knowing how to properly look after them, but a well trained and socialised Rottweiler can be a great pet.
ROUGH COLLIE
The Rough Collie is a native of Scotland and would have originally been utilised as a herding dog. Whether you’re using your Collie for work responsibilities, or want a loyal companion for your family, this dog will excel at both. With friendly traits and also being very trainable, this dog adapts well to new environments, and is a great all rounder.
SCHNAUZER
The Schanuzer comes from Germany and would have originally been used as a farm dog, given many different responsibilities around the farm. They are highly athletic and agile dogs, and thrive with new responsibilities and stimulation. If their owner can keep up with their need for expending energy, they can be a great family pet and companion.
SCOTTISH TERRIER
When you think of Scottish dogs, the appearance of the Scottish Terrier may well come to mind. With it’s large nose and pointy ears, on a small frame, this dog would have originally been used to hunt vermin. Today they make a great pet, and do not have excessive needs for exercise. You may be surprised how loud this little dog can bark, and beware of them digging holes in your garden as they are constantly searching for prey to hunt.
SHETLAND SHEEPDOG
The name of this breed gives you a clear insight of where it’s from, and what it’s ancestral job would have been. The Shetland Sheepdog makes for a great family pet today, and does well in sports. They are known for being highly intelligent, one of the most intelligent breeds in fact, and are quick learners too.
SHIBA INU
The Shiba Inu is probably most well known as the face of many memes, as it’s expression takes on an almost human like form. This dog comes from Japan and would have been used as a hunting and herding dog. They are very independent and confident dogs, who have a strong will and are generally understood to be very intelligent.
SHIH TZU
The Shih Tzu is a small companion dog that thrives on human attention, and does not posses any hunting tendencies like most other breeds. They just want to be around their owners, and it is believed that they have been bred this way for thousands of years. They do well in apartments and smaller spaces, but are quite energetic and need stimulus and attention to stay happy and healthy.
SPINONE ITALIANO
The Spinone is a hunting dog with distinct droopy ears and a shaggy coat. They don’t require the same amount of exercise as most hunting dogs, which is a plus for less active owners, but they do need to be a part of a family and do not like being left alone.
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
The Staffie is a small yet energetic dog that would have originally been bred for fighting. Today they make for great family pets, but it’s important to note that they do not do well around other dogs. They enjoy taking part in just about every task, and want to be at the centre of whatever is going on in the family. They aren’t as aggressive as they look, but it is important to train and look after them correctly.
WEIMARANER
The Weimaraner is a large gun dog that would have helped in hunting large prey like deer and wolves, but today make for a loving and devoted family pet. They have energy in abundance so a very active owner is imperative to meet it’s activity needs. It’s important to note that they still have strong hunting tendencies, and will chase just about anything that’s smaller than them.
WELSH TERRIER
The Welsh Terrier is a fun loving and determined breed of hunting dog that loves taking part in activities and has loads of personality too. They have loads of energy to burn, so it’s important that owners are very active and attentive. They can be difficult to train at first, and it’s owner will be required to get creative and mix it up to train them properly.
WESTIE
The Westie is a friendly little dog that’s always on the lookout for fun and attention. They’re great all round pets but do require constant attention as they do not like being alone for long periods. They will go along with whatever task they are given, as long as the reward is within their reach.
WHITE COLLIE
The Collie is a loyal and intelligent breed of herding dog, that needs a whole lot of exercise and stimulation from an active owner. The White Collie variant has a very distinct appearance, due to it’s bright white coat, with brown and black head markings.
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny dog with a big personality. Suitable as a companion dog, Yorkie’s can live in apartments but do require lots of attention and play to stay happy. Adventurous and confident, these beautiful little dogs are extremely loving to their owner. They can be loud and anxious around strangers, something to bare in mind when going into ownership.