Discover the most popular dog breeds

Every dog breed is different, so it’s important to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle carefully.

Getting a dog is always exciting, but there’s plenty to consider when choosing the breed that’s right for your lifestyle.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with expert dog behaviourist Nick Jones and vet Brian Faulkner to bring you essential information about each breed’s temperament, exercise and grooming requirements as well as common health conditions they're prone to.

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

From family favourites to perfect city dogs, browse our breed profiles for expert advice on temperament, health conditions, exercise requirements and more.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

useful description of image if informative and not decoration only.

Puppy training and care

With the right care and attention, dogs are loving and loyal companions. Explore our puppy advice section for tips and tricks on giving your puppy the best start in life.

Get puppy advice

Dog breed selector quiz

Whether you have an idea of which breed of dog you'd like or you're open to options, our dog breed selector is here to help you choose your ideal canine companion.

Take the quiz

Dog advice

Our community of pet experts and fellow owners is here to support you and your dog with advice on health, behaviour, nutrition, and more.

Get dog advice

Rehome a pet

Rehoming a dog can be a really rewarding experience. Find a centre near you.

Rehome a pet

Things to consider before getting a dog

Making the move from dog lover to a dog owner is exciting, but it can be a big change. Here are some top tips to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Getting a dog

What breed suits your lifestyle?

Each and every breed comes with its own unique needs. Some dogs need a lot of exercise and training, while others might require daily grooming. Many dog breeds also have specific charateristics and traits which affect how well they thrive in different environements. To help you understand the best breeds to fit into your routine, we’ve compiled a few examples of lifestyles and a few of the breeds that might be a good match.

Active owners

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits and are looking for a companion, the Border Collie – with its stamina, intelligence and agility – is a good choice. But this herding breed will also require a lot of mental stimulation and time commitment from its owner. The confident Golden Retriever and the personable Cockapoo are also great choices for people who will enjoy getting out and about with their dog.

City dwellers

Certain breeds, such as the Shih Tzu and Dachshund are more suited for city living due to their compact size. They also don’t have the high exercise requirements of more active breeds. If you’re looking for a larger breed, the laid-back Greyhound could also suit an urban lifestyle, as they are happy to relax at home once their walk is over.

Full time workers

It’s possible to have a dog if you work full-time, but you’ll have to be well organised. Many dogs can be trained to stay at home but some breeds, such as the self-assured Border Terrier or the independent Shiba Inu, fare better than others. However, no matter the breed, no dog shouldn’t be routinely left alone for longer than four hours at a time so think carefully about the commitment that getting a dog involves.

Families

When choosing a family pet, it’s important to find a breed that will easily fit in, especially if you have children or other pets. Labradors are playful, obedient and get on well with children and other animals, but they do need plenty of exercise so are best suited to active families. Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also make friendly, playful companions who love people.

Allergy sufferers

Whilst their big, fluffy coats might suggest otherwise, the low-shedding Bichon Frise and Poodle are good choices for those with allergies or sensitivities to animal dander. The Miniature Schnauzer’s low-shedding wiry double-layer coat also makes it a good choice for allergy-prone owners and these dogs require less grooming than their softer-haired counterparts.

First timers

For first-time owners it’s ideal to start with an easy to train, low maintenance breed. Low-energy Greyhounds are known to be one of the easiest dogs to take care of, whilst Golden Retrievers and Labradors are gentle, fun-loving and amenable to training. For those looking for a smaller breed, Border Terriers are alert and playful and the Bichon Frise is a good-natured breed, ideal for owners who enjoy brushing a dog.

7 summer healthcare tips for senior dogs

Wondering how to keep your senior dog cool and calm in the heat? Look no further than this summer guide...

Do dogs eat less in summer?

Do dogs lose appetite in summer? Here’s what you need to know about your dog’s eating habits...

How to plan a staycation with your dog

Planning a holiday but don’t want to leave your dog behind? A dog-friendly staycation is the perfect solution.

Grass seed injuries in dogs

Find out what to do if you find grass seed in your dog’s paws, eyes, ears or other common areas.

Dog health - 3 reasons to trust your instincts

An ageing dog needs to be monitored carefully to spot any new health issues early. Here are the signs to watch out for.

Is your dog happy?

From wagging tails to zoomies, here’s how to recognise the signs of a happy dog.

How to clean your dog’s teeth

Caring for your dog’s teeth contributes to their overall health, as well as helping to fight gum disease.

How to give your dog a health check

Brian Faulkner shares some easy health checks to help you spot any dog health problems early.

petplan team member holding a dog and standing next to a petplan poo bag station

Petplan Poo Bag Stations

Learn more about Petplan's Poo Bag Stations and where you can find one!

How your dog can help your health

Dogs can be the perfect workout partners to get you moving. Here are some fun ways to keep fit together.

Do dogs need winter coats?

Here’s how to tell if your dog should wear a coat, and how to choose the right type.

Do dogs need to eat more in winter?

Here’s everything you need to know about your dog’s eating habits during the colder months.

A guide to winter walks

Take a winter walk with your dog and explore different trails around the UK.

6 things your senior dog would like to tell you

From joint care to anxiety, here are a handful of things your older canine companion wants you to know…

Do dogs need winter coats?

Here’s how to tell if your dog should be wearing a coat, and how to choose the right type.

All dog advice

Protect your pet with dog insurance

When you bring a dog into your life you’re accepting responsibility for their long term health and wellbeing. Dog insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary care but it is important to compare cover carefully as not all dog insurance is the same.

A brown dog with a red leash sits among colorful autumn leaves

What does pet insurance cover?

And what are the common exclusions when taking out pet insurance

Covering pre-existing conditions the right way

Not all pre-existing condition cover is the same

How much does pet insurance cost?

Find out what factors affect the price of your pet insurance

Why you should get dog insurance?

Covering expensive vet bills and other benefits of dog insurance

Get a dog quote

Every pet deserves Petplan

We are pet specialists and have an unrivalled knowledge of pet health unlike many other insurers. That's why we've designed our policies to cover as many conditions as possible, and are able to pay 97% of all the claims we receive.

Get a quote

Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.

Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.

Dog breeds

Every dog breed is different, so it’s important to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle carefully.

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

Puppy training and care

Dog breed selector quiz

Dog advice

Rehome a pet

Things to consider before getting a dog

What breed suits your lifestyle?

Active owners

City dwellers

Full time workers

Families

Allergy sufferers

First timers

Dog advice

Related articles

7 summer healthcare tips for senior dogs

Do dogs eat less in summer?

How to plan a staycation with your dog

Grass seed injuries in dogs

Dog health - 3 reasons to trust your instincts

Is your dog happy?

How to clean your dog’s teeth

How to give your dog a health check

Petplan Poo Bag Stations

How your dog can help your health

Do dogs need winter coats?

Do dogs need to eat more in winter?

A guide to winter walks

6 things your senior dog would like to tell you

Do dogs need winter coats?

Protect your pet with dog insurance

What does pet insurance cover?

Covering pre-existing conditions the right way

How much does pet insurance cost?

Why you should get dog insurance?

Every pet deserves Petplan