Every dog breed is different, so it’s important to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle carefully.
Dogs bring so much love and energy to our lives, and owning one can be such a rewarding experience. However, bringing a dog into your life is also a big commitment and there’s lots to think about before you do. 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.
If you own a dog, you may already know that certain breeds will suit some lifestyles better than others. However if you're considering getting a canine companion you may want to research which breeds would be best suited for you. Our Breed Selector Quiz is a great place to start.
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!
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
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