Since there is a huge range of dog breeds and sizes, each with their own personality and physical traits, it can be difficult for dog parents-to-be to choose the right kind for their household and lifestyle. Luckily, we’ve made it easier for you. Our Dog Breed Finder can help you make a decision as it allows you to explore, compare, and find the best dog breed for you.
Once you know which dog breed is perfect for your family, you can learn more about dog adoption and give a dog in need a loving, safe and warm home.
A dog breed is a specific group of dogs that share physical traits, characteristics and behaviours. Dogs are selectively bred by humans in order to retain specific qualities for reasons we look at below. Dog breeds are recognised and defined by The Kennel Club and breed organisations, who set standards for each breed regarding their size, coat, features, behaviours and temperament. If you’re thinking about enriching your life with a dog, here are 10 things to do before getting a dog.
As you can see from our Dog Finder, there is a vast diversity of dog breeds. This has manifested because over time, humans have selectively bred different types of dogs to emphasise certain characteristics for varying purposes.
Initially, dog breeds were developed for functional tasks such as hunting, guarding, herding and so forth. It was necessary for humans that dogs had specific qualities that allowed them to fulfil their jobs. For instance, hunting dogs are brave and agile, guarding dogs are alert and protective, and herding dogs are focused and intelligent.
Then society transitioned to more urban environments and dog breeds were developed for the purpose of companionship, with qualities such as being affectionate and sociable becoming more desirable. Besides this, dogs have also been bred for a number of other reasons, including geographical origins and cultural influences.
Ultimately, selective breeding by humans has played a pivotal role in shaping and standardising breeds.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s always best to check your local dog shelter first. An astounding 2.7 million animals go through the UK animal shelter each year, and 664,000 of these are dogs. By adopting a dog from a shelter, you can provide a loving home for a dog in desperate need. Adoption helps to reduce the overpopulation of stray dogs and relieves the strain on animal shelters. Dogs from shelters are often already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and have basic training, which can be extremely helpful to new dog owners, in terms of both cost and convenience.
Mixed-breed dogs also have a combination of characteristics, which ultimately makes them more special. Their appearances are more likely to be distinctive as they have a range of physical traits from different dog breeds in the UK. This is also true for their temperaments, which means mixed-breed dogs can make well-rounded and easily adaptable pets. And of course, giving a deserving dog another chance can be a rewarding experience for the both of you, and could be the beginning of a beautiful companionship. You can find a local rescue centre near you to get started.
The Kennel Club and breed organisations classify dog breeds with a thorough process that distinguishes the unique characteristics of each dog breed. By outlining the ideal physical and behavioural traits for each breed, dog organisations require specific criteria in order to ensure consistency in breed standardisation. The criteria may include the dog’s size, colour and type of coat, as well as other physical features regarding their head shape and ear placement, and alongside temperament and behaviours.
Breed registries are managed by The Kennel Club and breed organisations and are essential in maintaining breed purity and recording pedigrees. They keep documentation of each individual dog’s lineage in order to preserve their pedigree status, maintain their qualities and ensure proper records of their genetic health for responsible breeding practices.
The Kennel Club have created dog breed standards and categorised dogs into groups based on their characteristics and historical roles. By standardising dog breeds into these groups, it enables easier communication worldwide between dog breeders, competition judges and general enthusiasts. Here is a list of the classified groups:
This group was historically bred for herding cattle. Their characteristics, besides herding instincts, include intelligence and agility.
Examples: Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.
This dog breed have historic roles in herding, guarding and working. Their characteristics include strong builds and protective instincts.
Examples: Boxers and Doberman Pinschers.
Terrier dogs were originally bred for hunting and pest control, hence why their characteristics include being feisty with strong hunting instincts.
Examples: Airedale and Scottish Terriers.
Hounds were crucial for tracking scents during hunting, hence their keen sense of smell and strong determination.
Examples: Beagles and Bloodhounds.
Gundogs were used by hunters to locate game and bring them back. Their characteristics involve being agile, a strong sense of smell and retrieving instincts.
Examples: English Setter and Golden Retriever.
These types of dogs were bred for the purpose of companionship, with qualities such as sociability and adaptability being desirable.
Examples: Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.
This group is extremely mixed with miscellaneous dog breeds that are mostly non-sporting.
Examples: Akita and Shih Tzu.
When considering bringing a dog into your life, it’s important to select a dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle, living situation and activity levels. With the variety of dog breeds in the UK, you’ll need to consider the size, energy level, grooming needs and temperament of the dog you choose. This helps ensure that there’ll be a harmonious relationship between you and your canine friend, as you’ll be able to meet their requirements and expectations. You can learn more about which dog breed is best for you.
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may want to consider a high-energy dog to share your outdoor adventures with, such as an Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed lifestyle, a low-energy dog like a French Bulldog may be more appropriate. Dogs also have varying temperaments, with some dogs being more friendly and sociable, such as Retrievers and Spaniels, and others more independent such as Greyhounds.
You should also think about the size of your house and decide whether a small, medium or large dog would be best suited. It’s also important to consider how you will manage your dog’s grooming needs, as dogs with high-maintenance coats like Poodles will require regular grooming by a professional, whereas dogs with shorter coats like Beagles are easier to care for. You can learn more about how much dog grooming costs to guide you.
Ultimately, there are many factors that will influence your decision of a dog breed, and we can help on how to choose which dog is right for you so you find your ideal canine companion.
