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Dog Breeds

All throughout history specific dog breeds all served a certain purpose and function. They worked on farms, as gun dogs, water dogs and so on. The Kennel Club, the oldest recognised kennel club in the world, categorises breeds of dogs into 7 distinct groups, known as The Kennel Club Groups. As of 2011, The Kennel Club recognises 211 different breeds of dog.

Whilst the breeds listed in each group may appear to be varied with very little in common, they are characterised together because they were all bred for the same specific purpose.
Discover your dog

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Suitable as first dog
Easy to train
Can be left alone
Apartment dog
Child friendly
Does not moult
Suitable as family dog
20+
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119 Breeds
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Purebred Afghan hound dog

Afghan Hound

  • Hunting dog, Easy to care for, Active, Healthy...

  • Big, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
alaskan husky in the woods

Alaskan Husky

  • Hunting dog, Active, Child friendly, Healthy...

  • Big, Long hair
puppy alaskan klee kai

Alaskan Klee Kai

  • Lively, Easy to care for, Active, Easy to train...

  • Small, Short hair, White, Orange / Mahagoni red, Black
American akita - UK

American Akita

  • Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Active, No tendency to bite

  • Big, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
American cocker spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel

  • Easy to care for, Easy to train, Child friendly, Apartment dog...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Cream...
Still searching?

Filter to find your perfect match.

Suitable as first dog
Easy to train
Can be left alone
24+
american foxhound dog breed

American Foxhound

  • Hunting dog, Tracking dog, Child friendly, Suitable as guard dog...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Cream, White...
american hairless terrier

American Hairless Terrier

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Apartment dog, Healthy...

  • Small, Hairless / Hypoallergenic, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown...
American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniel

  • Suitable as guard dog, Active, No tendency to bite

  • Medium, Long hair, Brown / Chocolate brown
Appenzeller Mountain Dog on grass

Appenzeller Mountain Dog

  • Child friendly, Suitable as guard dog, Easy to train, Healthy...

  • Big, Short hair, Black
Still searching?

Filter to find your perfect match.

Suitable as first dog
Easy to train
Can be left alone
24+
black australian kelpie

Australian Kelpie

  • Lively, Active, Easy to train, Healthy...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Australian Koolie sitting in a grassy field.

Australian Koolie

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

Australian Shepherd

  • Intelligent, Playful, Active, Easy to train...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red
Auvergne Pointer

Auvergne Pointer

  • Intelligent, Hunting dog, Copes with heat, Tracking dog...

  • Medium, Short hair, White, Black
Basenji dog UK

Basenji

  • Active, No tendency to bark

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, White...
basset hound

Basset Hound

  • Hunting dog, Child friendly, Suitable as guard dog, Playful...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Cream...
Beagle dog breed

Beagle

  • Playful, Cat friendly, Child friendly, Apartment dog...

  • Medium, Short hair, Cream, White, Fawn...
beagle harrier

Beagle Harrier

  • Tendency to drool, Hunting dog, Tracking dog, Easy to train...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White
Playful Bearded Collie

Bearded Collie

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Playful, Cat friendly...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown
Bedlington terrier dog

Bedlington Terrier

  • Lively, Apartment dog, Healthy, Intelligent...

  • Small, Long hair, Blue / Silver, Brown / Chocolate brown
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)

Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)

  • Healthy, Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Playful...

  • Big, Short hair, Black, Blue / Silver, Fawn
Bernedoodle dog breed

Bernedoodle

  • Child friendly, Cat friendly, Easy to care for, No tendency to bite...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Cream...
bernese mountain dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Child friendly, Suitable as family dog, Copes with cold, Assitance dog...

  • Big, Long hair, Black
bichon frise dog breed

Bichon Frisé

  • Child friendly, Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Healthy...

  • Small, Long hair, White
Black and Tan Coonhound UK

Black and Tan Coonhound

  • Child friendly, Healthy, Intelligent, Playful...

  • Big, Short hair, Black
Black Bolonka Zwetna

Bolonka Zwetna

  • Easy to train, Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Playful...

  • Extra small, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Border Collie - Dog Breed

Border Collie

  • Intelligent, Active, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Border Terrier dog breed

Border Terrier

  • Child friendly, Healthy, Intelligent, Playful...

  • Small, Short hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Boston terrier

Boston Terrier

  • Suitable as first dog, Easy to train, Child friendly, Apartment dog...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, White
White Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier

  • Lively, Apartment dog, Healthy, Intelligent...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Cane Corso

Cane Corso

  • Child friendly, Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Playful...

  • Extra big, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Carolina Dog sitting in a dirt road.

Carolina Dog

  • Healthy, Easy to care for, Intelligent, Suitable as family dog...

  • Medium, Short hair, Beige, Sand, Orange / Mahagoni red...
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Child friendly, Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Easy to train...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, White
Cream Cavapoo

Cavapoo

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Healthy...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Chihuahua UK

Chihuahua

  • Apartment dog, Easy to train, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent...

  • Extra small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Chow Chow dog breed UK

Chow-Chow

  • Suitable as guard dog, Hunting dog, Copes with cold, Tendency to drool...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Cirneco dell'Etna in an autumn wood

Cirneco dell'Etna

  • Hunting dog, Child friendly, Healthy, Intelligent...

  • Medium, Short hair, Fawn, Orange / Mahagoni red, White...
Continental Bulldog

Continental Bulldog

  • Suitable as family dog, Child friendly, Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog...

  • Medium, Short hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown, Cream...
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

  • Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Easy to care for, Tracking dog...

  • Big, Short hair, Blue / Silver, Sand
dachshund breed

Dachshund

  • Suitable as family dog, Tracking dog, Apartment dog, Suitable as guard dog...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Sand
Dog Dalmatian Breed

Dalmatian

  • Suitable as family dog, Active, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Big, Short hair, White
Danish Swedish Farmdog

Danish Swedish Farmdog

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Healthy...

  • Small, Short hair, White, Fawn, Black...
Elo Dog Breed

Elo

  • Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Healthy, Cat friendly...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
English Bulldog in forest

English Bulldog

  • Apartment dog, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Playful...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed

English Cocker Spaniel

  • Suitable as family dog, Hunting dog, Tracking dog, Child friendly...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
English shepherd

English Shepherd

  • Suitable as guard dog, Copes with cold, Tracking dog, Obedient...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, White, Fawn
Eurasier

Eurasier

  • Child friendly, Suitable as family dog, Easy to care for, No tendency to bite...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Black French Bulldog Dog In Green Grass

French Bulldog

  • Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, White...
German Boxer - Dog Breed UK

German Boxer

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Playful...

  • Medium, Short hair, Fawn, Sand
German Pinscher

German Pinscher

  • Healthy, Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Active...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
German Shepherd on a beach

German Shepherd

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog...

  • Big, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver

German Wire-Haired Pointer

  • Intelligent, Child friendly, Healthy, Playful...

  • Big, Short hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown
Germanic Bear Dog

Germanic Bear Dog

  • Suitable as guard dog, Calm

  • Extra big, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown...
White Giant Spitz

Giant Spitz

  • Suitable as guard dog, Child friendly, Healthy, Cat friendly...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White
Golden retriever dog breed

Golden Retriever

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent...

  • Medium, Long hair, Cream, White, Sand
Goldendoodle on lawn

Goldendoodle

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Cat friendly...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

  • Child friendly, Suitable as guard dog, Playful, Easy to train...

  • Big, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, White
Hanover Hound

Hanover Hound

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Short hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Fawn

Havanese

  • Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Suitable as family dog, Easy to train...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Hovawart Dog Breed

Hovawart

  • Easy to train, Suitable as guard dog, Suitable as family dog, Child friendly...

  • Big, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Sand
Black Italian Sighthound

Italian Sighthound

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Short hair, Black, Sand, Blue / Silver
Jack Russell Terrier dog breed

Jack Russell Terrier

  • Suitable as family dog, Tracking dog, Active, Child friendly...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, White
Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Healthy, Intelligent...

  • Medium, Long hair, Blue / Silver
kokoni

Kokoni

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Beige, Fawn...
Kooikerhondje

Kooikerhondje

  • Suitable as first dog, Playful, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Medium, Short hair, White
Labradoodle dog outdoors in nature

Labradoodle

  • Easy to train, Easy to care for, Active

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
brown, black and cream labrador retriever

Labrador Retriever

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent...

  • Big, Short hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Cream...
Laekenois

Laekenois

  • Suitable as guard dog, Tracking dog, Easy to train, Lively...

  • Short hair, Beige
Portrait of a brown lagotto romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo

  • Tracking dog, Child friendly, Healthy, Intelligent...

  • Long hair, Brown / Chocolate brown, White, Sand

Laika

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Short hair, Black, Sand, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Large Münsterländer

Large Münsterländer

  • Hunting dog, Tracking dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Big, Long hair, Black, White
Leonberger dog in nature

Leonberger

  • Suitable as guard dog, Suitable as family dog, Assitance dog, Obedient...

  • Extra big, Long hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Fawn, Sand
Malinois

Malinois

  • Suitable as guard dog, Lively, Copes with heat, Copes with cold...

  • Short hair, Sand, Fawn
Maltese dog breed

Maltese

  • Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Extra small, Long hair, White
Maltipoo

Maltipoo

  • Intelligent, Suitable as family dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Medium Poodle dog

Medium Size Poodle

  • Easy to train, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent, Suitable as family dog...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, White, Fawn...
Two Miniature American Shepherd (Mini-Aussie) dogs

Miniature American Shepherd

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown, Blue / Silver
Miniature dachshund

Miniature Dachshund

  • Hunting dog, Lively, Tracking dog, Does not moult...

  • Small, Short hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown
Miniature Pinscher puppy

Miniature Pinscher

  • Apartment dog, Intelligent, Suitable as family dog, Active...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodle

  • Suitable as first dog, Suitable as family dog, Easy to train, Lively...

  • Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver, White...
zwergschnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer

  • Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Playful, Obedient...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White

Morkie

  • Child friendly, Apartment dog, Playful, Cat friendly...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, White, Brown / Chocolate brown...
New Zealand Huntaway

New Zealand Huntaway

  • Active, Easy to train, Child friendly, Intelligent...

  • Big, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Orange / Mahagoni red...
Newfoundland dogs

Newfoundland

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Copes with cold, Intelligent...

  • Extra big, Long hair, Black, Blue / Silver, Brown / Chocolate brown
Patterdale Terrier dog in an autumn garden

Patterdale Terrier

  • Healthy, Hunting dog, Active, Child friendly...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Fawn...
Pharaoh hound

Pharaoh Hound

  • Active, Healthy, Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog...

  • Big, Short hair, Orange / Mahagoni red
Podenco Andaluz

Podenco Andaluz

  • Healthy, Hunting dog, Copes with heat, Active...

  • Medium, Short hair, White, Fawn
pomeranian puppy

Pomeranian

  • Apartment dog, Easy to care for, Easy to train, Suitable as first dog...

  • Extra small, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Poodle

Poodle

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
pug

Pug

  • Apartment dog, Suitable as first dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Blue / Silver, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Puli dog outdoors in nature

Puli

  • Healthy, Suitable as guard dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, White, Fawn
Retro pug

Retro Pug

  • Apartment dog, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Playful...

  • Small, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Dog Breed Rottweiler

Rottweiler

  • Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog, Easy to train, Child friendly...

  • Big, Short hair, Black
rough collie on the grass

Rough Collie

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent...

  • Big, Long hair, Blue / Silver, White, Sand
Laika standing in a grassy forest with shrubs and leafless trees.

Russian-European Laika

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Short hair, Black, White
Saarloos Wolfhound

Saarloos Wolfhound

  • Intelligent, Active, No tendency to bark

  • Big, Short hair, Blue / Silver, Brown / Chocolate brown, Cream...
Schipperke

Schipperke

  • Child friendly, Suitable as guard dog, Playful, Active...

  • Small, Short hair, Black
Schoodle

Schnoodle

  • Playful, Suitable as family dog, Obedient, Easy to train...

  • Hairless / Hypoallergenic, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White, Fawn
Shar pei Dog Breed

Shar Pei

  • Suitable as guard dog, Apartment dog, No tendency to run away, Calm

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Cream...
Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodle

  • Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Intelligent, Playful...

  • Medium, Hairless / Hypoallergenic, Black, White, Brown / Chocolate brown
Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

  • Easy to train, Intelligent, Playful, Cat friendly...

  • Small, Long hair, White, Sand, Brown / Chocolate brown...
Shih Tzu dog breed

Shih Tzu

  • Apartment dog, Playful, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog...

  • Small, Long hair, Black, Cream, White...
Shikoku dog breed japanese

Shikoku

  • Healthy, Child friendly, Intelligent, Suitable as guard dog...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White...
Siberian husky

Siberian Husky

  • Copes with cold, Active, Child friendly, Healthy...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Silken Windsprite

Silken Windsprite

  • Playful, Obedient, Easy to train, Apartment dog...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Skye Terrier Dogs

Skye Terrier

  • Lively, Apartment dog, Suitable as guard dog, Active...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Blue / Silver, Cream...
Small Münsterländer on the grass

Small Münsterländer

  • Healthy, Intelligent, Active

  • Medium, Short hair, Brown / Chocolate brown, White, Fawn
Smooth Collie dog breed

Smooth Collie

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Playful...

  • Big, Short hair, Brown / Chocolate brown, White, Sand
Purebred Spanish Water Dog

Spanish Water Dog

  • Intelligent, Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White
Saint Bernard

St. Bernard

  • Suitable as guard dog, Cat friendly, Child friendly, Intelligent...

  • Extra big, Long hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, White
Stabyhoun

Stabyhoun

  • Child friendly, Suitable as family dog, Hunting dog, Easy to train...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White
Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terrier

  • Child friendly, Healthy, Playful, Suitable as family dog...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
toy poodle

Toy Poodle

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Long hair, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, White, Fawn
Wäller

Wäller

  • Easy to train, Intelligent, Suitable as first dog, Healthy...

  • Medium, Long hair, Black, Beige, Sand...
West Highland White Terrier - Westie, Westy Dog

West Highland White Terrier

  • Apartment dog, Assitance dog, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog...

  • Small, Long hair, White
Westphalian Dachsbracke

Westphalian Dachsbracke

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Short hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Sand
Whippet Dog Breed

Whippet

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Suitable as first dog, Healthy...

  • Medium, Short hair, Black, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver...
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon standing in grass

Wirehaired Pointing Griffin

  • Easy to train, Child friendly, Healthy, Intelligent...

  • Medium, Long hair, Brown / Chocolate brown, Orange / Mahagoni red, White...

Yakutskaya Laika

  • Gain little weight, No tendency to bite, No tendency to bark, No tendency to run away...

  • Short hair, White, Black, Brown / Chocolate brown, Sand
Yorkshire terrier in the grass

Yorkshire Terrier

  • Apartment dog, Playful, Easy to care for, Active...

  • Extra small, Long hair, Orange / Mahagoni red, Blue / Silver

Discover your dog

Character traits (select any 5)

Suitable as first dog
Easy to train
Can be left alone
Apartment dog
Child friendly
Does not moult
Suitable as family dog
Gain little weight
Healthy
Intelligent
No tendency to bite
No tendency to bark
No tendency to run away
Suitable as guard dog
Playful
Cat friendly
Active
Calm
Lively
Tendency to drool
Hunting dog
Easy to care for
Copes with heat
Copes with cold
Tracking dog
Assitance dog
Obedient

Size

Extra small sized dog next to an average sized human

Extra small

1-4 kg
Small dog next to an average sized human

Small

5-10 kg
Medium sized dog next to an average sized human

Medium

11-25 kg
Large sized dog next to an average sized human

Big

26-44 kg
Extra large sized dog next to an average sized human

Extra big

45+ kg

Coat

Color

Black
Orange / Mahagoni red
Blue / Silver
Brown / Chocolate brown
Cream
White
Fawn
Sand
Beige

Pattern

FCI Group
Our most helpful articles
Latest articles
Dog Dog Breeds

Laika

Originating from northern Russia, the Laika has been kept by various indigenous peoples as a hunting and sled dog for millennia. Boasting a wild appearance and a brave, lively spirit, Laikas are truly extraordinary canines.

Dog Dog Breeds

Yakutskaya Laika

The Yakutskaya Laika, also known as the Yakutian Laika or Kolyma-Indigirka Laika, is an ancient sled dog breed from the Russian region of Yakutia. It is considered one of the progenitors of the Siberian Husky, which was developed using Yakutskaya Laikas imported to Alaska during its breeding development.

Dog Dog Breeds

Russian-European Laika

The Russian-European Laika is a high-spirited hunting Spitz from the forest regions of European Russia. Brave and vocal, it will track and bark at both game such as elk and bears and smaller prey like squirrels and raccoons. When given ample stimulation, it becomes a friendly, child-loving companion within the family.

Gundog Group

The gundog is a type of hunting dog used mainly to hunt birds in a variety of locations and were bred to help hunters find and retrieve game. Gundogs can be separated into three categories, depending on the dog’s hunting style. Pointing breeds were used to direct a hunter to their prey. The dogs would either ‘point’ with their noses or ‘set’ – freeze in place, to indicate to their owners that hunted game was nearby. And so, the names ‘Pointer’ and ‘Setter’ were used! Flushing dogs were trained to flush out birds and other animals from their hiding spots, making it easier for their owners to shoot or capture them. Many spaniels, like the Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel are very popular flushing dogs. It’s easy to guess what Retrieving dogs do! Retrievers were trained to collect prey and return it without damage to their owners. Types of retrievers are famous for having ‘soft mouths’ because of this!

Hound Group

Hounds are very similar to gundogs but were actually the first hunting dogs. Hounds have a powerful sense of smell, which help them sniff out and track down whatever they are hunting. Some breeds of hound are also characterised by their speed. There are three distinct types of hound, with several different breeds within each subgroup. Sighthounds or gazehounds are dogs that use their fast speed for hunting and keep their prey in sight, whilst chasing them down.  Some of the most popular breeds of sighthound are Greyhounds, Salukis and Irish Wolfhounds. Sighthounds are predominantly used in hunting foxes, deer and hares.

Scenthounds, as their name suggests, have some of the most sensitive noses amongst dog breeds. Unlike sighthounds, they are not known for their speed but they make up for it in stamina. Scenthounds, such as the Beagle, Foxhound and Basset Hound, are well-known for using their amazing noses to sniff out prey or even lost people. Many scenthounds even have jobs as sniffer dogs!

The last group of hounds are difficult to classify because they use both their sense of sight and smell when tracking.

Pastoral Group

Pastoral dogs were originally kept for working with cattle, sheep and other livestock, and were used to help herd and manage them. Because these dogs were hard-working and reliable they were ideally suited for a life of intensive work. Unsurprisingly, a lot of dogs in this breed group are called Shepherds or Sheepdogs, for example German Shepherds and Old English Sheepdogs! However not every dog in the pastoral breed group are large breeds, with more compact breeds like the Corgi, Lancashire Heeler and Shelties also being traditional dogs for herding!

Terrier Group

This group of breeds is easy to identify! The terrier is typically a small breed that is a bit of a live spark! Terriers were originally kept to hunt small animals, such as mice, rats, rabbits and even weasels. Some were even bred to be small enough to fit down holes in order to catch their prey or scare them out. Just like pastoral breeds, some terriers are still kept as working dogs today and are used to keep their homes free from any vermin.

Toy Group

These dogs are not similar breeds, but instead they serve as companions tot their owners. Toy breeds are usually the very smallest dogs and some were originally ancient lap dog breeds or smaller versions of hunting dogs or terriers. These minute breeds are full of character and range from the fluffy Bichon Frise, to the elegant Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the most classic of the toy breeds, the adorable Chihuahua!

Working Group

There are as many types of work for dogs as there are types of dogs. Lap dogs may work as therapy dogs, herding dogs may work livestock, and guard dogs may work at defence of people or property. Most dogs today are kept as pets rather than for any particular work. This group is for dog’s that are still used as working dogs, but in areas other than hunting or herding. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes work as sled dogs, which is why they are bursting with energy and love nothing more than a good run! Other muscular or large dogs, like the Dobermann, Mastiff or Rottweiler still work as popular guard dogs today. And, of course, the iconic St. Bernard is famous for alpine rescues!

Utility Group

Dogs in the utility group tend to not fit into other group’s definitions. For example, the Shih Tzu would be perfectly suited in the Toy Group, but it is considered too large! Other dogs are placed in this group because they are no longer used for what they were originally bred for. Dalmatians, with their long legs and speed, were meant to run alongside horse-drawn coaches! Bulldog’s, as their name suggests, were originally bred for bull baiting and Shar Pei’s were used as fighting dogs. Thankfully these dogs are no longer used for what they were initially bred for, so they all happily sit together in the Utility Group!