Dog breeds
Dog breeds A–Z 🐶
Honest, plain-English guides to 36 popular UK dog breeds — what they’re really like to live with, how much exercise and grooming they need, how they fit with families, and the kit that suits them. Use them as a starting point, not the last word: every dog is an individual.
toy breeds
ChihuahuaThe world’s smallest breed — devoted, sassy and perfect for flats, but not the easiest with young children.PomeranianA lively, fox-faced toy dog with a luxurious coat — bold and fun, but tiny and quite vocal.Yorkshire TerrierA tiny, feisty toy terrier with a big personality — ideal for flats but delicate around small children.
small breeds
Bichon FriseA cheerful, low-shedding companion that’s a popular choice for allergy-conscious, flat-dwelling owners.Border TerrierA hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.Cavalier King Charles SpanielA gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.CockapooA hugely popular Cocker × Poodle crossbreed — friendly, lower-shedding and great with families.DachshundA bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.French BulldogA compact, easy-going companion that suits flats and modest exercise — but with serious health considerations.Jack Russell TerrierA small dog with a huge personality — bold, clever and bursting with energy and prey drive.Miniature SchnauzerA smart, spirited and low-shedding companion that adapts well to flats but likes to have its say.PugA charming, comical lap dog that’s content in a flat — but a flat face brings real health considerations.Shetland SheepdogA small, brainy herding dog — the "Sheltie" is devoted, highly trainable and excels at agility and obedience.Shih TzuA friendly, low-energy companion bred purely for company — perfect for flats if you keep up the grooming.West Highland White TerrierA confident, friendly little terrier — the "Westie" is hardy, characterful and adaptable to smaller homes.
medium breeds
Australian ShepherdA brilliant, energetic herding dog that excels at sport and work — but needs a busy, committed owner.BeagleA merry, pack-loving scent hound — sociable and great with kids, but ruled by its nose.Border CollieThe ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.BulldogA placid, affectionate companion that’s happy with gentle walks — but burdened by serious health issues.Cocker SpanielA merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.English Springer SpanielA tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.Siberian HuskyA stunning, independent sled dog built for endurance — beautiful, but a real handful for the unprepared.Staffordshire Bull TerrierAffectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.WhippetA gentle, quiet "sofa sprinter" — happy to lounge at home between short bursts of explosive running.
large breeds
BoxerA bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.DobermannA sleek, athletic and intensely loyal guardian — highly trainable, but a serious commitment for active owners.German ShepherdA loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.Golden RetrieverGentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.GreyhoundThe ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.Hungarian VizslaAn affectionate, high-octane gundog known as the "velcro dog" for its need to be by your side at all times.LabradoodleA friendly Labrador × Poodle crossbreed — sociable, often lower-shedding, and a popular family choice.Labrador RetrieverThe UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.RottweilerA powerful, confident guardian that’s calm and devoted in the right hands — but needs an experienced owner.Standard PoodleOne of the most intelligent breeds — elegant, low-shedding and eager to learn, with high grooming demands.
giant breeds
Not sure which breed suits you?
Answer a few questions about your home, time and activity levels and we’ll suggest breeds that fit.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue.