Our community of pet experts and fellow owners are here to support you and your dog with advice about health, behaviour, nutrition and more.
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Every dog breed is different, so we're here to help by sharing all the information you need on the most popular ones.
Owning a dog is a big commitment with lots to think about. Here you can learn about each breed's temperament, exercise and grooming requirements as well as common health conditions they're prone to.
Throughout history dogs have been referred to as 'man's best friend' and in the 2018 Petplan Pet Census 46% of the UK agreed that their dog was their best friend. The most popular dogs in the UK have changed significantly through the last 100 years as different historical events and changing lifestyles have influenced our decisions, so use our dog breed timeline to explore these trends.
When caring for any dog it's important to consider that breed's susceptibility to illnesses. In 2018 we paid out £39 million just for the top 5 most claimed for conditions. Some breeds though can be more susceptible to specific conditions than others. For example brachycephalic breeds, like the Pug and Bulldog have short noses and flat faces, which means they can develop breathing problems. There are also health issues that can occur in any dogs, such as lumps and bumps, arthritis, skin allergies and disorders, joint issues, otitis and epilepsy. Our dog breed guides can show you what illnesses we see most often for particular breeds.
Over centuries dogs have been bred and domesticated for different purposes. While today most dogs in the UK are just pets, the different dog breeds can generally be categorised into seven different groups. These different groups are mainly based on the breeds' history and their original purpose, but while many dogs are no longer used in this way, these groups can be useful to get an idea of particular breeds' traits and why they might behave the way they do.
Pastoral dogs such as the Border Collie were originally bred to herd sheep and cattle, and to help move stock to the market. As such they have a strong natural instinct to herd, and often have a thick weatherproof double coat.
Dogs in this group
Working breeds were developed to perform tasks such as guarding and rescuing. They are physically and mentally tough, but require careful training to respect their owner as 'pack leader
Dogs in this group
Originally bred for looks and companionship these are quite often lapdogs. They are usually small, attractive and extremely faithful, making them charming, loyal companions. However, some will be placed in this category just for theirsize.
Dogs in this group
Gundogs were bred to flush out, locate or retrieve game shot down by hunters. They are usually highly trainable, keen to please and have a balanced, pleasant temperament.
Dogs in this group
The word terrier comes from 'terra', meaning 'earth', as these dogs were bred tocontrol vermin, pursuing them below ground. They tend to be fun but feisty, and love to chase!
Hounds fall into two key categories: those that hunt by scent and those that hunt by sight. The former tend to be more outgoing e.g. beagle, while the latter are longer-legged and more agile e.g. Greyhound.
Dogs in this group
The Utility group is diverse, including a range of breeds that don't automatically fall into the other six more defined groups. They can range in size quite dramatically from Poodles to Shih-Tzu's but all these dogs were originally bred for a specific purpose now no longer needed.
Dogs in this group
Watch our video comparing even more dog breeds
You might want to know what the smartest and most trainable dog breeds are - Labradors are known for their intelligence and loyalty, while the Cockapoo was bred to have an even temperament. Do you want a miniature dog like a Miniature Schnauzer that could fit in a small apartment or a huge dog such as a St. Bernard that is good with kids?
If you're looking for a cuddly lap dog that is also extremely hypoallergenic, a Bichon Frise could be for you. Keen runners might want a canine that can match their pace, such as a German Shepherd or Border Collie, which is also one of the cleverest of the dog breeds. For those looking for a family-friendly dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was designed to be a companion and is greatwith kids. If you're worried about not having much space, little dogs like the Chihuahua and Miniature Dachshund are perfect for city living.
With the proper care and attention, dogs make loving and loyal companions. Explore our Pethood section for tips and advice on how to train your new canine friend, covering everything from basic commands to crate training and dog recall.
Here you'll find our top tips and inspiring stories to support you and your pet every step of the way.
Our community of pet experts and fellow owners are here to support you and your dog with advice about health, behaviour, nutrition and more.
Get dog advice
Making the move from dog lover to dog owner is exciting but can be a big change. Making sure you understand what it involves will help you decide if it’s the right decision for you.
Getting a dog
Rehoming a dog can be a really rewarding experience as you help to give them a permanent home. Find a rehoming centre near you.
Rehome a PetWe’re on hand to help with our useful insurance guides.
Making sure your dog is healthy is always front of mind. Dog insurance can help ensure you get to choose the right treatment for your dog without worrying about the cost.
Dog Insurance
With a new puppy, getting insurance might not feel like a priority but with our 40 years protecting pets we know that it’s a vital part of dog ownership and getting it early helps give them comprehensive protection for life.
Puppy Insurance
It doesn’t matter how old or young your dog is – an accident or illness could happen at any time. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have dog insurance from the moment you take them home.
When to get dog insuranceWe'd like to make life a little easier with these self-service options
At Petplan we aim to make claiming on your pet insurance stress free. That's why we settle 90% of claims within 5 working days. To make a claim, simply follow the link below.
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My Petplan is a self-service area where you can make a claim and access your policy information securely whenever you choose.
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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.
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