The UK Kennel Club currently recognises 221 breeds. These are split into seven breed groups;
• Gun dogs
• Hounds
• Pastoral
• Toy
• Terrier
• Working
• Utility
Gun dogs
Examples: Labradors, golden retriever, cocker spaniels, red setter, springer spaniel, German pointers.
There are various types of gun dogs:
Retrievers retrieve the fallen game and return it to owners.
Spaniels find the game and flush it out. Most spaniels can also retrieve the game.
Pointers and setters locate the game (usually from further afar than spaniels), and they freeze to alert their owners so the guns can get closer.
Their natural instincts are to pick up objects (so they tend to be quite mouthy dogs, especially retrievers. This can result in puppies that are more prone to chewing). The other natural instinct is to sniff sniff sniff! All. Day. Long.
Typical personalities:
Active and need to be both physically and mentally stimulated
Not bothered by mud and rain
Bred to work closely with humans so tend to be friendly and social. Without training this socialbility leads to ‘rude’ behaviour like jumping up, licking faces, etc.
great family dogs
Hard wired retreiving behaviours lead to dogs putting everything in their mouth. Also very greedy dogs
Great for training
Hardy and robust
You’ll be a great gun dog owner if;
You love the outdoors in all weathers
You don’t mind muddy paw prints
You love an overly affectionate dog
You want a dog who’ll join you all of life’s adventures
Hound dog
Examples: greyhound, bloodhound, bassethound, beagle, dashshund.
Hound dogs were developed to help humans hunt on horseback. There are two types of hound dogs: sighthounds, who use their sight, and scent hounds, who rely on their amazing sense of smell.
Sighthounds are fast sprinters who love to run and chase. Although they tend to be reasonably calm indoors, If you own one of these dogs, you’ll need to keep them well exercised, as they do love a good run and tend to chase small fast objects.
Scent hounds follow trails over long distances and absolutely love to use their noses. Scent games are a must for training and play if you own one of these dogs.
Their natural instincts are to chase (sighthounds) and follow scent (scenthounds)
Typical personality:
Great recall… until they scent / see something they want. Then, their ears switch off as they are very single-minded.
Quite independent.
Scent hounds: active. Also tend to have a ‘dog smell’.
Sight hounds: lazy but can run for hours at a time. Typically clean and quiet.
You’ll be a great hound owner if:
You want a calmer dog who also loves to be out and about
You enjoy spending time doing training - and are very patient!
You have an area you can safely let these dogs off lead.
Pastoral
Examples: border collie, German shepherd, Belgian shepherd, rough collie, corgi.
These dogs have been bred to herd, move, and sometimes protect livestock, including sheep, cattle, goats, and even reindeer! They are intelligent and active dogs, who love to have a job to do.
It is their instinct to stalk, chase and herd. This can result in ‘nippy’ puppies (and nippy adults if they aren’t trained).
Personality:
Always active and on the go
Need a job to do
Love being near owner - not very independent
Hardy but can be sensitive
Struggle with boredom - high maintenance
You’ll be a great pastoral dog owner if:
You love to be out and about and are very active
You enjoy training and have a lot of time for it.
You want your dog to have a job.
Toy
Examples: Bichon frise, caviller King Charles spaniel, chihuahua, pug, Yorkshire terrier.
Toy dogs were bred not to work, but to be companions. They are small and love to be cuddled up on their owners lap!
Due to them not being bred to work, they have very little predatory instincts. Instead, they like to be close to their human. Some toy breeds were bred from working dogs, such as some terriers. Therefore they may still have some predatory drive, but it is less so than other breeds.
Personality:
Affectionate and like to be cuddles
Low exercise
Very social with humans but can be aloof with other dogs
Typically have separation issues due to their close bond
Tend to be more difficult to toilet train
You’ll be a great toy dog owner if:
You don’t enjoy long walks
You spend a lot of time at home
You enjoy a dog who gives you constant attention
You have a smaller property
Terrier
Examples: border terrier, Jack russel, Lakeland terrier, west highland terrier, fox terrier.
Terriers have been bred to kill vermin, such as rats and mice, both above and below ground. Typically they are smaller, but with large personalities!
It is their instinct to dig, chase, and if the opportunity arises, kill prey.
Personality:
Active and alert
Can be barky
Fun - always up for adventure
Independent, hardy, and robust dogs
Can be destructive - both shredding / ripping and digging
You’ll be a great terrier owner if:
You enjoy a variety of walks, both on and off lead in different places
You Have a smaller property but still want an active dog
You don’t mind noisy dogs
You Enjoy playing with your dog
You don’t need a dog to be ‘cuddly’
Working
Examples: boxer, Great Dane, Doberman, Rottweiler, mastiff.
Working dogs have been bred to work a variety of jobs, including guarding, sledging, and rescue.
Typically, their instinct tends to depend on their job. For example, guarding dogs will be alert and cautious of strangers. Sledding dogs will be prone to pulling on lead.
Personality:
Strong and determined
Active
Enjoy training but can be on their terms
You’ll be a great working dog owner if:
You are an experienced owner
You have a secure and large garden
You enjoy training, walking, and socialising
You don’t mind barking.
Utility
Examples: French bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita, schnauzer, Tibetan terrier.
These are dogs that don’t fit into any of the other groups. This doesn’t mean their odd-dogs! It actually means that they have been bred for very specific and sometimes unusual jobs. Because of this, sizes, coat types, personalities and temperments vary.
Because of this, you’ll need to do research into the individual breed.
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