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Retriever
Golden Retriever
Bred to retrieve shot game, Golden Retrievers often like searching and carrying things back. They need long walks, regular coat care and people who can safely handle a strong young dog.
FELLFOLIO · Dogs
Get to know dog breeds.
How active is the breed, how much grooming does it need and what shapes its temperament? The profiles explain what sharing life with these dogs involves.
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Dog breeds
Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers like retrieving, often love water and enjoy being near people. They need plenty of exercise and people who can handle them safely on lead and practise calm greetings.
Herding dog
Border Collie
A Border Collie often notices even the smallest movement. This sheepdog from the border between England and Scotland learns quickly and enjoys working with people. Living with one means making time for long walks and shared activities, as well as giving the dog enough peace and quiet to rest at home.
Sighthound
Whippet
The Whippet is a slim sighthound who enjoys running fast and often seeks close company at home. Its short coat is easy to groom, although it needs protection in cold weather. Living with one means arranging safe places to run and understanding how a fleeing animal can trigger the urge to chase.
Scent hound
Dachshund (Smooth, Standard)
The Standard Smooth Dachshund is a determined hunting dog that enjoys following scents outdoors. Walks and games with hidden treats or toys give that keen nose plenty to do. Back health deserves particular attention, as Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease.
Companion dog
Miniature Schnauzer
A sturdy small dog with a distinctive beard and an alert expression. It enjoys company but needs daily exercise and regular coat care.
Companion dog
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, playful companion that likes to be near its people. Its white curly coat sheds little, but mats without daily care.
Companion dog
Miniature Poodle
A small, agile Poodle that enjoys learning with its people. Its curls need more grooming than its low shedding might suggest.
Herding dog
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a strong working dog with plenty of stamina, a keen nose and an alert expression. It enjoys learning with its people, but daily life also calls for rest and a dependable way of handling visitors and other animals.
Companion dog
French Bulldog
Compact, playful and fond of company. A French Bulldog’s ability to breathe easily shapes how comfortably it can walk and play.
Scent hound
Beagle
The Beagle is a sturdy little scent hound with stamina, an excellent nose and a taste for company. Walks are better when there is time to sniff.
Companion dog
Chihuahua
Small, alert and active, a Chihuahua still needs daily walks and short scent games, gentle introductions and protection from rough handling.
Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small hunting dog with plenty of stamina. It likes to run and search, and needs daily exercise, scent games and recall training.
Companion dog
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate companion with a long coat. It enjoys short exploring walks and needs careful daily grooming. Its short muzzle also makes breathing and hot weather important considerations.
Companion dog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers enjoy close company and exploring on walks. Before choosing a puppy, ask for both parents’ heart results and about syringomyelia in the family. It causes fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord that can be painful.
Herding dog
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds were developed on western US ranches to herd livestock and work closely with people. In family life, they may watch bicycles or running children. Calm training at a distance helps them let movement pass.
Sled dog
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is an enduring sled dog that needs company and long outings. Wildlife scents may distract it, and some Huskies dig under fences. Allow off-lead running only in securely fenced areas; use a long line on open paths.
Companion dog
Pug
A lively dog that enjoys company. Its short muzzle can make even brief walks tiring if breathing is restricted. When meeting one, watch how it breathes at rest and after exercise.
Companion dog
Yorkshire Terrier
Small but often curious and active on walks, the Yorkshire Terrier needs daily coat care. Supervise it around young children and larger dogs to prevent accidental injury.
Working dog
Boxer
Powerful, playful and often exuberant well into adulthood, a Boxer needs exercise and practice with calm greetings. In warm weather, it needs a gentler pace.
Working dog
Rottweiler
Rottweilers often bond closely with family and are very strong. Early practice with visitors and other dogs should allow enough space for calm encounters. Daily walks and short training sessions are part of their routine.
Working dog
Great Dane
Despite its imposing size, the Great Dane is often an affectionate, playful companion at home. It needs room, and its people need to practise lead walking and greetings while the dog is still young.
Swiss mountain dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
This large Swiss farm dog likes being close to its people. Start lead training early, groom its thick coat regularly and plan summer walks for the cooler parts of the day.
Pointing dog
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an enduring hunting dog bred to find game, point by standing still and retrieve shot game. Away from hunting, it needs long outings, scent work and a practised recall around wildlife.
Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier often seeks close contact and plays with its whole body. Plan daily activity and practise calm greetings. Allow space when meeting unfamiliar dogs until you know how yours responds.
Companion dog
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is an agile, eager learner with roots in waterfowl hunting. Beneath the striking clip is a strong retriever. Family life calls for walks, shared activities and steady coat care.
Endurance and companion dog
Dalmatian
Dalmatians once accompanied carriages over long distances. Today they need plenty of exercise and reliable company. Practise walking on lead, recall and calm greetings from an early age.
Working and guarding dog
Dobermann
The Dobermann is athletic and alert, and needs daily exercise and shared tasks. Practise walking on lead, recall and calm introductions early so you can handle its strength safely.
Gundog
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a lively gundog that loves getting out with its people. Its nose finds plenty to investigate outdoors, while its silky coat calls for daily care.
Flushing and retrieving dog
English Springer Spaniel
A friendly, energetic gundog that loves using its nose and needs plenty of time outdoors with its people.
Herding dog
Australian Cattle Dog
Bred to drive cattle over long distances, the Australian Cattle Dog still notices movement quickly in family life. It needs plenty of exercise and people who will teach it to let running children and bicycles pass calmly.
Cattle dog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi brings a cattle dog's alertness into family life. It learns quickly, enjoys being on the move and leaves plenty of hair on the sofa.
Herding dog
Shetland Sheepdog
A small herding dog that enjoys working with its people. The Sheltie's watchful eyes, unmistakable voice and thick coat are as much a part of daily life as its eagerness to learn.
Northern spitz
Samoyed
The Samoyed comes from Siberia, where its ancestors pulled loads and herded reindeer. Today it needs long walks, company and daily time to brush its dense coat.
Sighthound
Greyhound
The Greyhound is built for short bursts of speed yet can be remarkably relaxed at home. Its chase instinct calls for care outdoors and a secure place to run.
Sighthound
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound that runs fast and loves to curl up near its people at home. Young dogs in particular can be injured by high jumps or rough play.
Terrier
Border Terrier
A small, hardy terrier with a strong appetite for activity. It loves sniffing, digging and games, but a whiff of wildlife can put recall to the test.
Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
A small, sturdy terrier who enjoys exploring with its people and keeps a close eye on its surroundings. The white double coat needs regular care.
Companion dog
Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny companion with plenty of curiosity. It wants to stay close to its people, explore on its own feet and have its long white coat brushed and combed every day.
Spitz
Pomeranian
Small enough to fit on a lap, the Pomeranian is often too curious to stay there for long. It needs walks, company and regular coat care.
Companion dog
Havanese
Small, agile and happiest when included, the Havanese brings plenty of play into family life. Its long coat is lovely, but it needs attention every day.
Spitz
Medium German Spitz (Mittelspitz)
Alert, lively and instantly recognisable by its full ruff, the Medium German Spitz notices what is happening around the front door and often has plenty to say about it.
Scent hound
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a sociable hunting dog that may look easygoing at home but follow a scent for a long time outdoors. Allow time to sniff on walks and keep it on lead near roads and in open areas.
Companion dog
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs often enjoy company. Their short muzzle, skin folds and heavy build can hinder breathing and movement. Before choosing a puppy, watch both parents breathe at rest and move on a walk, and ask for their health records.
Guarding dog
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large guard dog that often bonds closely with family. It needs several walks each day and early lead and visitor training so you can handle its strength safely.
Working water dog
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a powerful water-working dog that is often calm and friendly with its family. It needs space, daily coat care and people who can handle its size and dry its coat after swimming.
Rescue and working dog
Saint Bernard
A Saint Bernard often seems easygoing but needs space and safe handling. Make sure it fits in the car, and plan summer walks for cool mornings or evenings.
Hunt, point and retrieve dog
Weimaraner
The silver-grey coat and pale eyes stand out first. The Weimaraner is a hunting dog with plenty of stamina that likes to work closely with its people.
Hunt, point and retrieve dog
Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla thrives on long walks, interesting scents and being close to its people. Bred as a hunting dog, it combines stamina with a strong willingness to work with a handler.
Hunt, point and retrieve dog
Italian Spinone
The Italian Spinone is a strong Italian pointing dog with a coarse coat. It likes using its nose on long walks. Keep it on lead around wildlife until its recall is reliable.
Japanese hunting spitz
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an alert Japanese hunting spitz. Wildlife scents can distract it from recall outdoors. Let it explore on lead or in a securely fenced area, and provide calm introductions and regular coat care at home.
Toy companion dog
Papillon
A tiny, alert companion with striking butterfly ears. It can live well in a small home but still wants to walk, play and use its brain.
Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, usually called the Toller, is an active Canadian gundog. It lured ducks closer by playing along the shore, then brought shot birds back from the water. As a companion, it needs daily walks, search games and time with its people.
Companion dog
Eurasier
The Eurasier was developed as a close family companion. It is often calm indoors, happy to join outdoor life and initially reserved with unfamiliar people.
Setter
Irish Setter
The red Irish Setter searches widely for game birds. Family life with one calls for long outings, a practised recall and a chance to settle after an exciting walk.
Sighthound
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is immense and usually gentle. Its size shapes daily life, from a suitable bed to exercise, transport and veterinary costs.
Hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large hunting dog from southern Africa. It needs long daily walks and recall practice around the scents and movement of wildlife.
Giant companion and working dog
Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant, usually calm dog with an abundant coat. Life with one calls for space, long walks and a practical plan for food, transport and veterinary costs.
Tibetan companion and watch dog
Lhasa Apso
A small, sturdy Tibetan dog with long hair and an independent mind. Once an indoor sentinel, it notices noises and visitors. Its size is manageable, but maintaining the coat is a daily task.
Herding dog
Old English Sheepdog
Beneath the lavish blue-and-white coat is a strong, mobile herding dog. An Old English Sheepdog needs daily time for exercise, grooming and family life.
Scottish hunting terrier
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier was bred to hunt underground. This small, sturdy dog follows scents with persistence. Its wiry coat needs regular combing and skilled hand stripping.
Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Irish Wheaten Terrier often greets people with enthusiasm and follows interesting scents outside. Its soft coat sheds little but needs regular combing down to the skin.
Tibetan herding and companion dog
Tibetan Terrier
An agile dog from Tibet with strikingly large feet and a long double coat. Despite its name, it is not a terrier. It enjoys being near its people but also wants walks, play and room to explore.
Sled dog
Alaskan Malamute
A powerful sled dog bred for sustained work. Its thick coat, pulling strength and need for exercise shape daily life.
Setter
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a strong Scottish bird dog. It searches by scent, keeps going over long distances and stays close to its family. Expect long walks and regular coat care.
Water dog and truffle finder
Lagotto Romagnolo
This curly dog from Romagna once retrieved waterfowl and is now famous for finding truffles, edible fungi that grow underground. Long walks, scent games and careful coat maintenance make up its daily routine.
Herding and water dog
Spanish Water Dog
A versatile Spanish working dog with a woolly, curly coat. It helped herd livestock and retrieve from water. Today it needs people who will train, explore and learn how to care for its unusual coat.
Flushing spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel searched for birds while working close to people. Today it needs long walks with time to sniff and a recall practised around the distraction of birds.
Livestock guardian
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog guarded livestock independently rather than herding it. Its calm manner, size and vigilance need a home with space and realistic expectations.
Water retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
A strong, water-loving retriever with an oily, weather-resistant coat. The Chesapeake enjoys searching and bringing objects back from water, and bonds closely with its people. It may be more reserved with strangers than other retrievers.
Sighthound
Saluki
A light, enduring sighthound from the Middle East. Often gentle indoors, it becomes fast and alert to movement outside.
Working water dog
Portuguese Water Dog
A strong, agile dog from Portugal's fishing boats. It once worked on board and in the water; today it needs exercise, shared tasks and plenty of care for its curls or waves.
Herding dog
Rough Collie
The Rough Collie comes from sheep work in Scotland. Many enjoy close family life. Regular walks, coat care and a quiet place when visitors arrive are part of the routine.
Schnauzer and companion dog
Standard Schnauzer
The original Schnauzer is medium-sized, wiry and alert. Once a farm dog and rat catcher, it is now a lively companion that enjoys walks, small tasks and dependable routines.
Herding dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a smaller, weatherproof herder that enjoys company. Barking helped it work livestock and remains part of many dogs’ daily life.
Dutch decoy and companion dog
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
The Kooikerhondje once lured wild ducks into Dutch trapping channels. This small dog is lively and enjoys learning. It may need time with strangers and a well-practised recall outdoors.
Small German Pinscher
Miniature Pinscher
Small, quick and strikingly self-assured, the Miniature Pinscher comes from the German Pinscher family, which was also used to catch mice and rats. Its short coat is simple to maintain; its energy and curiosity can demand more of you.
Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is small, sturdy and curious. Its ancestors pursued small animals on British farms. Today it needs sniffing walks, secure garden fencing and practice settling again after it barks at a noise.
Herding dog
Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a cheerful, agile herder with a long coat. It enjoys walks with its people, and its dense coat needs thorough combing every day.
Herding dog
Beauceron
The Beauceron once herded and guarded flocks in France. This large, quick dog needs long outings and early practice with leads, visitors and life around children.
Sighthound
Borzoi
A very tall, lightly built sighthound with a long, easy stride. The Borzoi needs secure places to run and people who enjoy its independent nature.
Herding dog
Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund’s ancestors helped the Sámi, an Indigenous people of northern Europe, herd their reindeer. It is alert, agile and close to its people. Its dense coat needs regular care and shorter outings in hot weather.
Mountain dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful farm dog with a short, dense coat. It needs space, family contact and handling suited to its considerable strength.
Spitz and companion dog
Keeshond
A medium-sized, silver-grey spitz with an alert expression and a great deal of coat. The Keeshond likes staying close to its people and often announces visitors aloud. Its dense undercoat needs daily attention.
Spitz-type guard and companion dog
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an often quiet, independent dog from China with a dense coat and blue-black tongue. It forms close bonds with familiar people and needs time to get to know strangers. Its coat, skin and eyes need regular care and checks.
Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever enjoys searching and retrieving. Young dogs often greet people exuberantly, so daily walks and scent games go together with practising calmer arrivals.
Terrier
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier once searched Scottish stone piles for small animals. Today it brings the same energy to sniffing, digging and exploring. A practised recall and secure places to run help manage its interest in chasing.
Flushing spaniel
Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber is the heaviest spaniel: low, long and strong, with a white coat and an excellent nose. It often seems relaxed at home yet follows outdoor scents with persistence.
Setter
English Setter
A friendly bird dog in a silky, flecked coat. It ranges widely when searching, with the stamina for long walks and regular scent work.
Pointing dog
German Wirehaired Pointer
A rugged German hunting dog for field and water. Its wiry coat is practical, but its need for exercise and purposeful activity takes real time.
Sighthound
Afghan Hound
There is a fast hunting dog beneath the long silk coat. An Afghan Hound needs secure places to run and a substantial commitment to coat care.
Hound
Basenji
The Basenji rarely barks but can make yodelling sounds. Outside, it may follow a scent or moving animal at speed, so off-lead running calls for secure fencing.
Herding dog
Belgian Malinois
The Malinois learns quickly, moves tirelessly and notices small changes around it. It suits people who can make daily time for training and calm guidance.
Scent hound
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound follows scent with remarkable persistence. Often friendly and calm at home, it needs time to sniff and safe handling outdoors.
Herding dog
Briard
The Briard is a large French herding dog with a long, coarse-textured coat and an attentive nature. Exercise, consistent guidance and daily grooming all matter.
Guardian and companion
Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is an alert working breed from the Middle East. It stays close to familiar people but often watches new visitors from a distance first.
Herding dog
Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is an alert, active working dog with a striped coat known as brindle. Its short, long and rough coats differ markedly in grooming, and some health tests depend on the variety.
Pointer
Pointer
The Pointer ranges widely to find gamebirds, then stands still to show where they are. Its short coat is easy to care for, but it needs plenty of daily exercise.
Large working and guard dog
Giant Schnauzer
A strong, enduring working dog with a wiry coat and a distinctive beard. The Giant Schnauzer needs exercise, learning and close contact with its people. Its size and alertness call for calm, dependable guidance.
Scent hound
Otterhound
The rare Otterhound follows scents with persistence and often enjoys swimming. It needs long sniffing walks, secure boundaries and care for its dense coat and long ears.
Lean sighthound from the Sahel with close bonds to familiar people
Azawakh
Long legs, a narrow body and a remarkably short coat give the Azawakh its distinctive appearance. This sighthound from the Sahel can be deeply attached to familiar people while keeping its distance from strangers at first. A suitable home offers shared exercise, secure space to run and people willing to let introductions develop gradually.
Spanish sighthound combining quiet time at home with fast pursuit by sight
Galgo Español
A Galgo Español may happily spend quiet hours on a soft bed at home. Outdoors, the same dog can become instantly alert to a moving hare. This Spanish sighthound needs both relaxed companionship and safe opportunities to use its speed.
Dog with wolf ancestry, considerable stamina and demanding daily needs
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Upright ears, a pale facial mask and a grey coat give the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog its wolf-like appearance. It is a highly active dog with considerable stamina and a close bond with its family. Prospective owners should meet adult dogs and talk to experienced owners about exercise, training and time spent alone before deciding whether the breed suits their lives.
Hungarian livestock guardian with a distinctive corded coat and independent watchfulness
Komondor
Beneath the long white cords is a large, powerful dog developed to protect livestock. The Komondor watches its surroundings closely and may decide independently that something needs guarding. Owning one requires more than space and enthusiasm for an unusual coat.
Hungarian livestock guardian with a white wavy coat
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large Hungarian livestock guardian with a dense white coat. A close attachment to its people sits alongside considerable independence and watchfulness. It needs space, a secure environment and people able to plan thoughtfully for visitors, encounters and training.
Italian livestock guardian with an independent working style
Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog is a large white livestock guardian from Italy. Its work involves watching over animals and assessing possible threats independently. Suitable living conditions allow it to carry out that work with knowledgeable support. Its protective behaviour and independence call for considerable experience.
Large Russian guardian and working dog with a coarse coat
Russian Black Terrier
The Russian Black Terrier is a large, powerful guardian and working dog with a dense black coat and prominent beard. It enjoys learning alongside its people but may be distinctly reserved with strangers. Its strength, protective behaviour and substantial grooming needs call for experience and careful planning.
Powerful French companion with a watchful nature
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful French dog with a short coat and broad head. It often seeks close contact with its people and can be a watchful guardian. Its considerable strength and the health burdens associated with its build and short face deserve careful attention before acquiring one.
Turkish livestock guardian with a dark mask
Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal is a large Turkish livestock guardian with a dark facial mask and a dense, pale coat. It was bred to protect sheep from predators and make decisions while doing so. Living with one calls for plenty of space, experience and careful arrangements for visitors and encounters with other dogs.
Portuguese livestock guardian with two coat varieties
Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog comes from the Portuguese mountains, where it guarded livestock. It is a powerful, alert dog that can form a close attachment to its family while remaining reserved with strangers. Its independence and guarding behaviour should be considered when arranging its home, walks and care.
Spanish flock guardian with a deep voice
Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is a very large livestock guardian with a substantial head and a deep voice. It once travelled with migrating sheep flocks across Spain. Today it needs people who understand both its often calm manner and its readiness to guard the home.
Large Spanish livestock guardian with a white coat
Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very large Spanish livestock guardian with a white coat, coloured mask and powerful body. It is often friendly with its family while remaining alert to unfamiliar activity. Ample room, thorough grooming and calm, reliable handling are particularly important for its care.
Small Australian wire coated terrier
Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small, alert dog that enjoys getting out and exploring. Its harsh coat and distinctive neck ruff reflect a working background. At home it often wants to be close to its people, while a scent or a small animal can capture its attention outdoors.
Small English terrier with upright ears
Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier packs plenty of enthusiasm into a short legged body. This small dog with upright ears was once valued as a ratter. Walks together, scent games and friendly training suit it well today. Its harsh coat needs more attention than its compact size might suggest.
Grey Nordic hunting spitz
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy hunting dog with a thick coat, upright ears and a curled tail. It was bred to find game independently and announce its location by barking. Life with this dog should account for its love of activity, its voice and its interest in wildlife.
Norwegian herding and farm spitz
Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is a lively spitz that once herded livestock and watched over the farm. It enjoys being involved with its people and may announce changes in its surroundings with a bark. Its dense coat, enthusiasm for activity and interest in learning should be part of your plans before choosing one.
Swedish herding dog with short legs
Swedish Vallhund
Short legs, a sturdy body and an alert expression make the Swedish Vallhund distinctive. This small Swedish herding dog has plenty of energy and enjoys working with its people. Walks, learning activities and careful preventive health care deserve a place in your plans. Its dense coat needs regular brushing, especially when it is shedding.
Vocal hunting dog from Finland
Finnish Spitz
A reddish gold coat, pointed ears and a tail curled over the back make the Finnish Spitz easy to recognise. Its voice is as much a part of its history as its appearance. When hunting, it barks to indicate a bird’s position in a tree. Life with this breed calls for plans that take exercise, hunting interest and noise into account together.
Norwegian cliff hunting specialist
Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund has at least six toes on each foot. Its unusually flexible body once helped it reach puffins along steep coasts. Today it is a lively small companion whose particular health needs deserve careful attention. Anyone considering the breed should get to know it and learn about its inherited intestinal problems.
Hunting dog from Malta with a short coat
Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound comes from Malta. Large upright ears, amber eyes and a short reddish brown coat give it a distinctive appearance. This active hunting dog notices scents as well as movement. Daily life calls for secure opportunities to run, activities together and a warm place indoors.
Small scent hound from Brittany
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small French scent hound with a rough coat in wheaten to reddish shades. Its short legs can disguise considerable stamina. An outgoing nature, strong hunting interest and a love of exploring make daily outdoor time and patient training essential parts of its care.
Sicilian rabbit hound
Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a slender Sicilian hunting dog with large upright ears and a fine, short coat. Used to hunt rabbits on uneven ground, it brings keen senses and a strong interest in scent to daily life. Close companionship and thoughtful training are as much a part of its care as exercise.
Hunting hound from the Balearic Islands
Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound comes from the Balearic Islands. Its large upright ears, long legs and springy movement are instantly recognisable. This athletic rabbit hunter needs safe space to run, shared activities and people who enjoy working patiently with an independent dog.
Rough-coated scent hound from Vendée
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small French scent hound with a rough coat, a beard and a cheerful appearance. Developed to hunt through dense vegetation, it brings considerable persistence to following scents. Daily life works well when walks, scent games, coat care and patient training are all given time.
Scent hounds
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Long ears, a rough coat and a steady, tireless stride distinguish the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. This French scent hound was bred to hunt hare and rabbit. It suits people who enjoy substantial walks and can make time for grooming, scent games and patient training.
Scent hounds
English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a substantial English scent hound with a short coat. Bred for fox hunting in a pack, it brings considerable endurance and a strong interest in scent trails. Before bringing one home, you should plan for long walks, suitable canine company and a gradual introduction to household life.
Scent hounds
Harrier
The Harrier is an English scent hound, larger than the Beagle and smaller than the English Foxhound. It was bred to hunt hare alongside other dogs. For people who enjoy substantial walks and training a sociable, independent dog, it is an interesting breed with considerable care demands.
Scent hounds
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a specialist hunting dog with a short, dense coat and dark ears. Its principal work is locating wounded game. It works with concentration and forms a close bond with its person. Prospective owners should discuss training and future work with experienced handlers or the breed club early on.
German specialist for tracking injured game
Hanoverian Scent Hound
The Hanoverian Scent Hound is a powerful hunting dog developed to find injured game by following its trail. A calm manner and close bond with its handler go alongside stamina and exceptional concentration. It is best suited to people who can train it for this demanding work and provide regular opportunities to use those skills.
Italian pointing dog with a distinctive head and ground covering trot
Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is a large Italian hunting dog with long ears, a powerful body and an expressive head. It enjoys searching by scent and working with its handler. At home it can be a gentle companion when exercise, purposeful tasks and time together are dependable parts of daily life.
Hungarian pointing dog with a wiry coat and close family bonds
Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla combines the golden rust colouring of the smooth Vizsla with a firmer coat, beard and distinctive eyebrows. It is a separate Hungarian breed developed for hunting across fields, woodland and water. In family life it often seeks close companionship and needs people who enjoy exercise and shared tasks.
Small Belgian companion with a red rough coat and close family attachment
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is small, alert and happiest close to family life. A red rough coat and distinctive beard give this Belgian companion its characteristic appearance. It needs companionship, kind training and regular grooming. Breathing deserves particular attention because its short muzzle can cause health problems.
Sensitive hunting companion with a long silky coat
Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel is an active, sensitive dog that enjoys following scents outdoors and being close to its people at home. Beneath the long silky coat is an enduring hunting companion. Varied exercise, shared activities and kind training give this attentive dog plenty to enjoy with its family.
Irish bird dog with a red and white coat and considerable stamina
Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is a powerful, enduring bird dog with white and vivid red patches. It can be an affectionate family companion, but needs plenty of exercise and varied activities with its people. Its history reaches further back than that of the solid red Irish Setter.
Versatile pointing dog with a harsh coat and enthusiasm for shared work
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
With a tousled beard and bushy eyebrows, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon looks ready to emerge from the undergrowth. It was developed for versatile hunting work and enjoys both exercise and cooperation with its people. In family life, a brief walk around the block will leave much of that enthusiasm unused.
Small Chinese companion with a dense mane
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small, sturdy companion with a dense mane and a long history in China’s imperial palaces. It can be devoted to familiar people while retaining strong opinions of its own. Its short face and demanding coat care deserve close attention, even when its exercise needs seem modest.
Small Japanese companion with a silky coat
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small companion with a silky coat, a broad face and a feathered tail carried over its back. It combines lively games with a close attachment to its people. A suitable home offers gentle handling, regular grooming and careful attention to the health implications of its short nose.
German companion with a white and brown coat
Kromfohrländer
The Kromfohrländer is a medium sized companion with a white and brown coat and often a close attachment to its family. It enjoys shared outings but may prefer time to get to know unfamiliar people. Its recent breed history and small breeding population make careful puppy selection particularly important.
Large Scottish sighthound with a rough coat
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a very large, long legged sighthound with a rough coat. Adults can look remarkably quiet indoors, but need exercise and secure opportunities to run outside. Its background as a deer hunter matters around wildlife and small pets, while its size shapes everyday practical arrangements.
Large English guardian with a calm temperament and close family bonds
Mastiff
A Mastiff’s size shapes daily life as much as their temperament. At home, many are calm and affectionate and enjoy being near familiar people. They need plenty of room in the car, and caring for such a heavy dog can be difficult alone if they become unwell. Before bringing one home, you should think about who could help with transport and care.
Athletic Italian guardian with considerable strength and a need for shared activities
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso combines a powerful body with considerable agility. Developed in Italy to guard homes, families and livestock, this breed suits people who enjoy shared exercise and training and can guide an alert guardian safely through everyday life.
Calm Italian guardian with a heavy build and distinctive skin folds
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is unmistakable, with a broad head, prominent folds and a very substantial body. This southern Italian guardian forms close family bonds and is often calm as an adult. When choosing a dog, free movement and healthy eyes and skin deserve particular attention.
Independent Himalayan guardian with a dense coat and strong territorial awareness
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Do Khyi, was kept in the Himalayas to guard livestock, homes and monasteries. This independent dog has a dense coat and close bonds with familiar people. Their quiet presence comes with the alertness of a guardian who may take sounds and movement around the home very seriously.
British terrier with an egg-shaped head
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is instantly recognisable by its curved, egg-shaped head. Beneath its powerful build is an energetic, playful dog that enjoys being involved in family life. Shared activities, patient training and a home prepared for enthusiastic chewing are central to caring for it.
Small British terrier with a powerful build
Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier has its larger relative’s distinctive head in a smaller, strong body. This lively companion enjoys playing with its people and can have considerable stamina. Its size makes some arrangements easier, but regular activity and careful health screening remain essential.
Powerful American terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a compact, muscular dog that enjoys shared activity and close contact with its people. Its strength, often energetic play and possible difficulties with other dogs require thoughtful handling. Legal requirements where you live should also be checked before bringing one home.
Japanese spitz with a dense undercoat
Akita
The Japanese Akita is a large dog with a dense undercoat, upright ears and a curled tail. It can form close bonds with familiar people while remaining more reserved with strangers. Its independence and hunting instincts suit people willing to guide encounters calmly and work with it regularly.
Herding dog
Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie was bred to work sheep. Quick reactions and considerable stamina mean it may suit people who enjoy being outdoors every day and training alongside their dog.
Watchdog and companion
Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small Belgian dog with a thick collar of fur around its neck. It takes a keen interest in its surroundings and enjoys joining its people on outings. Despite its handy size, it needs shared walks and patient training, including help with alert barking.
Herding dog
Berger Picard
A rough coat, beard and large upright ears make the Berger Picard easy to recognise. This French herding dog may suit people who enjoy being outdoors and want to train patiently with an attentive dog that thinks for itself.
Herding dog
Smooth Collie
The Smooth Collie combines the slender build and characteristic head of a Collie with a short coat. This British herding dog needs shared walks, kind training and close contact with its people.
Companion dog
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small white dog with a soft coat that falls in loose tufts. It comes from Italy and is closely associated with Bologna. Life with one involves company, walks with time to sniff and careful coat care. If you are looking for a fairly quiet small dog, that daily grooming should be part of your plans from the start.
Companion dog
Coton de Tuléar
The Coton de Tuléar is a small companion dog from Madagascar. Its name refers to its soft, cotton-like coat and to the Malagasy city of Tuléar. It is known as a sociable, playful dog. That appealing appearance comes with a task that is easy to underestimate: the long coat needs thorough daily care.
Herding dog
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a short-legged herding dog with a long body, large ears and a naturally long tail. Its compact size can obscure a history of working with livestock. Shared walks and small training tasks belong in everyday life alongside a comfortable place to rest.
Pinscher
German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is a medium-sized, short-coated dog with plenty of energy and a keen interest in its surroundings. Its history includes guarding farms and catching rats. Today it needs people who enjoy being active with it and can support those quick reactions with reliable training.
Working dog
Hovawart
The Hovawart is a large, strong, long-coated dog with a history of guarding farms. Shared exercise, scent work and reliable training belong in everyday life with it. It suits people who want an attentive companion and have the time to shape a rewarding daily routine together.
Herding dog
White Swiss Shepherd
The White Swiss Shepherd is striking, with a pale coat and upright ears. Behind that elegant appearance is a large, active dog that needs shared outings, training and close family involvement. Choosing one for its colour alone misses much of what everyday care involves.
Swiss cattle and watchdog
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is easy to recognise by its tricolour coat and tightly curled tail. Behind that cheerful appearance is an attentive Swiss working dog. It enjoys activity, learns quickly and notices changes around it. This breed suits people who want to spend time outdoors with their dog every day and can help it cope calmly with visitors and events at home.
Swiss cattle and watchdog
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds, with plenty of energy for walks and activities together. Its compact body, short tricolour coat and attentive expression reflect a background in driving cattle. It likes to stay close to its people and join in their activities. Choosing one means making regular time for exercise, training and health care.
Large terrier from Yorkshire
Airedale Terrier
With its wiry coat, long head and distinctive beard, the Airedale is hard to miss. It is the largest terrier and shares much of the curiosity and independence of its smaller relatives. The breed originated along Yorkshire’s rivers, where dogs were needed for hunting on the banks. Today it suits people who enjoy being out with their dog, train patiently and make time for regular coat care.
Long-legged hunting terrier from Britain
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier is small, long-legged and built for an active life. Its ancestors accompanied fox hunts and worked underground too. The curiosity, stamina and hunting interest of these terriers matter more when choosing the breed than its convenient size. It suits people who enjoy outings with their dog and want to build recall, safe exercise arrangements and the ability to relax at home carefully.
Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a small British hunting terrier with a short coat and an energetic outlook. A good match enjoys walking and training together. Reliable recall, safe outlets for hunting interest and a home where the dog can rest after an exciting outing all deserve thought before bringing one home.
Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is easy to recognise by its rough coat, beard and watchful expression. Beneath that neatly groomed appearance is a British hunting terrier. It suits people who enjoy life with an active dog and can make room for the more demanding coat care as well as training.
Spitz and companion dog
Japanese Spitz
A white coat that stands away from the body, upright ears and a tail carried over the back give the Japanese Spitz its distinctive outline. This small companion dog needs regular walks, shared activities and coat care. Before choosing one, it is worth discussing barking, time alone and the dog’s previous experiences as well as admiring its appearance.
Companion dog
Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small companion dog with a silky coat and a long association with monasteries. Often called a Tibbie, it needs walks with time to sniff and activities with its people. At home, a quiet resting place and dependable company are important. Before choosing a puppy, take a close look at the parents’ eye examinations and health records.
Small companion dog
Löwchen
A Löwchen can look quite different with a long coat or its distinctive lion clip. Both appearances belong to the same small companion breed. Alongside its cheerful looks, prospective owners should plan for regular coat care, shared activities and dependable company.
Small companion dog
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact companion with a short coat and distinctive white markings. Its short muzzle is part of its appearance but can also compromise breathing. Before choosing one, breathing health, screening records and care in warm weather deserve as much attention as temperament and looks.
Small companion dog
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested comes with a largely hairless body or as a fully coated Powderpuff. Both varieties belong to the same small companion breed. Their care differs considerably: the Powderpuff needs attention to its long coat, while the hairless variety particularly needs skin care and thoughtful protection from sun and cold.
Pinscher-type farm and companion dog
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small, agile farm and companion dog with a short coat. Its former work catching rats helps explain why returning reliably when called and secure separation from small pets matter. Walks and scent games offer ways to spend time together and keep it occupied. It should also have a quiet place and time to rest.
American herding dog
Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd packs an active herding dog into a compact body. It learns quickly, enjoys movement and often works closely with its people. Shared activities and plenty of opportunities to rest should be part of daily life. If its size is the main attraction, it is also worth meeting the dog and seeing how it responds to movement, unfamiliar people and new situations.
Czech herding and watchdog
Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd, known as Chodský pes in Czech, is an agile dog with small upright ears and a black coat marked with brown. It often wants to be close to its people and enjoys shared activities. It could appeal to someone who enjoys long walks, scent work or dog sports and has time to involve a dog in family life.
French pointing dog
Brittany
The Brittany is a compact French gundog with plenty of energy and a keen nose. It searches for game, points and retrieves. Pointing means pausing near game it has located to show the handler where it is. Anyone considering a Brittany as a companion should take its hunting instincts as seriously as its often friendly, people-oriented nature.
German versatile gundog
Small Munsterlander
The Small Munsterlander is a versatile gundog with a brown and white coat. It searches for game in fields, woodland and water, points and retrieves. Pointing means stopping near game it has found to indicate its location. In daily life, it often wants close family companionship alongside opportunities to search and work.
Versatile pointing gundog
Large Munsterlander
The Large Munsterlander is a large black-and-white gundog bred for work in fields, woodland and water. Its jobs include finding game, indicating it by standing still and retrieving shot game. Life with this breed suits someone who enjoys careful training and regular practical work with their dog.
Versatile pointing gundog
German Longhaired Pointer
The German Longhaired Pointer is a large, long-coated pointing dog. Breeding is focused on its ability to do practical hunting work, combining field searches with tasks in woodland and water. A prospective owner should be able to provide suitable training and hunting opportunities.
Flushing and retrieving gundog
German Spaniel
The German Spaniel, also called Deutscher Wachtelhund, is a medium-sized gundog that searches for game independently, including in dense cover. Its work also involves following trails and retrieving from water. In Germany, breeding remains closely focused on hunting use.
Retrieving gundog
Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever is a large British retrieving dog with close, tight curls. It was developed to find and bring back game. Shared searching and retrieving tasks can still provide a rewarding basis for everyday life with this independently minded worker.
American flushing spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel combines a gentle expression and long, silky hair with a sporting dog’s curiosity. Many enjoy close company, unhurried sniffing and games with their people. Its manageable size suits a range of homes. Plenty of time should still be allowed for coat care, ears and an interesting daily routine.
French water dog
Barbet
The Barbet is a French water dog with a dense curly coat, a distinctive beard and an appetite for shared activities. Many seek close contact with their people and enjoy walks, searching games and trips to the water. Its sporting background and substantial grooming needs should both appeal to anyone considering the breed.
Hungarian herding dog
Mudi
The Mudi is an agile Hungarian herding dog with upright ears, a wavy coat and quick reactions. It watches closely, enjoys learning and wants plenty to do with its people. Its manageable size and relatively straightforward coat care can make daily routines easier. Exercise and training call for committed owners who can also help the dog relax around visitors and fast movement.
Hungarian herding dog
Puli
The Puli is immediately recognisable by its long corded coat. Underneath is a lively, agile Hungarian herding dog that learns quickly and watches its surroundings closely. The coat takes particular techniques and patience. For someone who enjoys training an independently minded dog and learning its grooming needs thoroughly, the Puli can be an engaging companion.
Herding dog
Pumi
Curly tufts and ears that tip forwards give the Pumi a distinctive outline. This agile Hungarian herding dog often enjoys being involved in what its people are doing. A home with shared activities, thoughtful training and time to rest can suit it well.
Herding dog
Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog comes from the Italian Alps. Its distinctive coat develops broad flocks, or flat strands of interwoven hair. Learning to care for them should be part of preparing for this breed. Shared outings and calm, understandable training also matter when living with an observant herding dog.
Herding dog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Beneath the Polish Lowland Sheepdog’s long coat is a compact, agile herding dog. Its Polish name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny, is usually shortened to PON. People who enjoy shared outings and make grooming a regular commitment may find an attentive companion in this breed. Clear, consistent teaching matters, even when the shaggy coat gives the dog a relaxed appearance.
Herding dog
Schapendoes
The Schapendoes is a lightly built Dutch herding dog with a long, slightly wavy coat. It can bring plenty of enthusiasm to walks, games and learning together. It suits people who enjoy that energy and can also commit to calm teaching and thorough grooming.
Flemish cattle and farm dog
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful dog with a rough coat, a substantial beard and a long history of helping on Flemish farms. Many are closely attached to their families and watch their surroundings attentively. Shared exercise, useful activities and thorough grooming belong in its daily routine. Its strength should be considered from the outset when training and arranging the home.
Rough-coated German companion dog
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher’s shaggy face, beard and bushy eyebrows are immediately recognisable. Behind them is a small, lively dog that enjoys outings with its people and can have ideas of its own. Flat living can suit it when walks, play and company are provided. Its rough coat needs regular attention, and its small body should be considered around children and larger dogs.
Austrian farm and companion dog
Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher is a lively farm dog. It enjoys accompanying familiar people and often barks to announce visitors. Its short to medium-length coat is relatively straightforward to maintain. Exercise, shared activities and calm guidance of its guarding behaviour require more time. Meeting adult dogs helps show whether its watchfulness and temperament could suit your daily life.
Chinese guarding and companion dog
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is a medium-sized Chinese dog with a short, harsh coat and a close attachment to familiar people. It can be reserved with strangers and benefits from familiar routines and calm guidance. Its skin folds and eyes need particular attention. Both its behaviour and the breed’s well-documented health risks should therefore be considered carefully before choosing one.
Companion and watchdog
Broholmer
A Broholmer makes an impression through sheer size. This Danish companion and watchdog often enjoys being involved in family life and needs people who can handle its strength safely. Shared walks, calm introductions to visitors and an easily accessible resting place help shape everyday life with this large dog.
Companion and watchdog
Landseer
A Landseer stands out through its size and black-and-white coat. This profile covers the European Continental Type, a separate breed. It can suit people who enjoy outings with their dog and can reliably provide the space, grooming and care arrangements a very large companion needs.
Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
An arched outline and soft, curly coat give the Bedlington Terrier a distinctive appearance. Behind that gentle look is an agile terrier with a hunting history. It can be an attentive companion when shared walks, kind training and thorough grooming are part of everyday life.
Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is small, sturdy and often keen to explore. Its ancestors worked across the rocky terrain of England’s Lake District. Today, it can suit people who enjoy shared adventures and are ready to give hunting behaviour, training and wire-coat care thoughtful attention.
Smooth-coated English terrier
Manchester Terrier
A glossy black coat, rich reddish-brown markings and a slim outline make the Manchester Terrier distinctive. This observant, active companion has a history as a rat hunter. Its short coat is relatively straightforward to maintain. Teaching it to return when called, arranging safe encounters with small animals and giving it time to settle after exciting outings need more attention in daily life.
Wire-coated Welsh terrier
Welsh Terrier
With its beard, rough coat and dark hair across its back, the Welsh Terrier resembles a small Airedale. It is a separate breed with a Welsh hunting history and an appetite for activity. This manageable-sized dog enjoys an active life with chances to search, run and explore. A suitable home provides things to do, training built through rewards and knowledgeable coat care.
Red Irish wire-coated terrier
Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier combines a red, wiry coat with long legs and a lean, strong body. Its ancestors guarded farms and worked at different hunting tasks. Today, it can suit people who enjoy activity and are happy to guide an independent dog through rewards. Grooming, managing an interest in chasing and calm encounters with other dogs deserve preparation.
Irish terrier with a soft, wavy coat
Kerry Blue Terrier
A soft, wavy coat and strong body give the Kerry Blue Terrier a distinctive appearance. Its blue-grey colour develops as it grows. Behind the groomed beard is a versatile Irish working dog that enjoys activity, shared tasks and clear guidance. The coat sheds little, but needs regular brushing, combing and skilled trimming.
Large companion with Japanese roots
American Akita
The American Akita is a large, powerful dog with a broad head, upright ears and a dense coat. It can be deeply attached to its family while being less comfortable around unfamiliar dogs. Experienced handling and thoughtful arrangements for walks, visitors and temporary care are important.
Athletic hunting companion from Thailand
Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is an athletic dog from Thailand with a short coat and a distinctive ridge of hair along its back. It can be closely attached to its family while remaining wary of strangers. Its jumping ability, prey drive and independence call for experienced care and a securely arranged home.
German scent hound developed for following game trails
German Hound
The German Hound is a lean hunting dog with long hanging ears and a tricolour coat. It was developed to follow game trails with persistence. Prospective owners should make its working role part of their plans and speak with the responsible breed club early in the process.
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