The quick guide to some popular dog breeds

 

Anyone who knows me, would also know I love dogs! This is a quick read reference guide to 50 popular dog breeds, which also has some excellent photos to help you recognise the breeds if you see them. From this book you can then go on elsewhere to learn more about these many and varied dog breeds which people have welcomed to live with us in our homes, all across the world.

I have also included a small selection of photos of a few of the dogs who I have been fortunate to have shared time on this earth with. To me they are part of my family, and like children to me. Not always a poplar view by some non-dog lovers I know, but to those of us who love dogs, they will know exactly what I mean. I apologise for the quality of some of these images, as some are pre-digital age scans of older photos.

This book is dedicated to all my dogs who over the years have lived with my family, but especially to Herbert, who was my doggy companion for many years, and is also the father of several of my other dogs.

Whilst the author has tried hard to ensure the information contained in this book is correct and accurate he nor the publisher cannot take responsibility for any loss or damaged caused by the use of the contents of this book. All information and images are either in the public domain, or are owned by the author.

Afghan Hound

 

Is a tall and slender dog, with ears that lie flat to the head. With a long silky coat, these are affectionate and sensitive, dignified and loyal. Often the colour of sand, but a range of colours may be seen.

 

 

Airedale Terrier

 

A large terrier which has a long flat head and a harsh wiry coat (which is tan with black markings). Physically, it has a deep chest. Loyal and intelligent, they are courageous, protective and loyal dogs.

 

 

Akita

 

This is the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. It has a strong and muscular body. Akita’s are good swimmers with thick double coats. Colours include brindle, pure white, red and sesame. It is generally an affectionate dog.

 

 

American Staffordshire Terrier

 

An agile, stocky, muscular dog for its size, the American Staffordshire Terrier is good-natured, happy, confident and stable. Highly protective of both owners and their property, they need a firm, consistent, confident owner who will show leadership.

 

 

Bassett Hound

 

Bassett’s have loose-fitting skin, with long ears and a long body, big paws and a short, hard, shiny coat. They are well-behaved, with a devoted, peaceful, gentle nature. They have a friendly temperament, enjoy family life and are mild but not timid.

 

 

Beagle

 

A hardy small hound which usually has a tri-coloured coat but can be seen in other colours as well. Their coat is sleek and short, and this is a curious dog which loves everyone. With a wagging tail they are gentle, sweet, calm and loving.

 

 

Bichon Frise

 

Charming puffballs, with a double coat which is loosely curled and virtually hypo-allergenic. Usually all white, its tail curls right over its back. Bichon’s love human company and have an independent spirit, and an affectionate and intelligent nature - They just love everyone!

Bichon’s are the breed of dog which I have had personally for many years. In total I have had eight Bichon’s live with us. Generally the breed standard / puff ball haircut they have is to show them off at dog shows. But as my dogs are pets they are generally cut a lot shorter for comfort, as opposed to showing. Having said that the blood line in my dogs is from a long line of pedigree and famous show winners, but we love them just as they are! Here is a small selection of photos of my dogs, just to indulge myself, as well as show you the reader.

 

 

Bloodhound

 

A powerful massive hound with drooping ears, loose wrinkled skin and a long muzzle. It has a mournful but dignified expression. Mild mannered, patient and loveable, they make a good-natured companion.

 

 

Border Collie

 

Bred for their working ability and intelligence. They are responsive and excel at agility and obedience. The Border Collie can have either course or sleek hair.

 

 

Boxer

 

With a compact, powerful, muscular body, the Boxer often has a fawn, white or brindle coat. It is high spirited, loyal and intelligent, and its name comes from the fact it likes to use its front paws to do just about everything!

 

 

Bull Terrier

 

Can be seen with a pure white, black, black brindle, red, fawn or tri-colour coat and are easy to groom. Eyes are small and close-set and these make excellent watch dogs.

 

 

Bulldog

 

Amongst the gentlest of dogs, very affectionate and dependable. Its coat comes in many varieties except black, and is easy to groom.

 

 

Cairn Terrier

 

At birth, its coat colour is hard to predict as it continues to change for many years. Cairns have Fox-like looks and good bone structure. This dog is loyal, merry, loveable and adapts well to change.

 

 

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

 

Small erect ears and round feet, Corgis are good with children and are intelligent and loving, making the perfect family companion.

 

 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

 

An affectionate tail-wagger, the King Charles has a slightly wavy silk coat which can vary in colour. Easy to train, they are descended from the King Charles Spaniels shown in many paintings from the sixteenth century onwards.

 

 

Chihuahua

 

One of the smallest breeds in the world! Chihuahuas have an apple-shaped head, dark eyes, and a short, pointed muzzle. This dog is lively, loving and quick to learn.

 

 

Chinese Shar-pei

 

The origin of the Shar-pei is uncertain; however pottery dating back to 206bc suggests the breed has been around since. They are a very loving a loyal dog, active dominant and brave.

 

 

English Cocker Spaniel

 

This name originally comes from the word woodcock, the bird which they were bred to hunt many years ago. English Cocker Spaniels are fantastic with children, intelligent, energetic and very loving.

 

 

Rough Collie

 

One of the world’s most popular breeds - perhaps with a helping hand from movie-star Lassie! A noble, highly intelligent dog who is gentle, easy to train and loyal. Dogs from this breed have received the Ken L Ration hero award five times.

 

 

Dachshund

 

Elongated muscular dog with short legs, often referred to as a ‘sausage dog’. Clever, curious and affectionate, their coats should be sleek and shiny.

 

 

Dalmatian

 

The character Cruella De Vil’s favourite black and white spotted dog! The breed became popular in the 1800’s as a carriage dog, trotting alongside the horses and guarding the coach. They are playful, happy, full of energy and stamina and love to play with children.

 

 

Doberman Pinscher

 

Developed in Germany in the 1860’s, the Doberman Pinscher is an elegant, muscular dog and has been bred ever since as a guard dog. Dobermans are always loyal and are surprisingly easy to train.

 

 

Finnish Spitz

 

With its fox-like looks and playful, friendly characteristics, this dog makes a great family companion. Being the national dog of Finland, the Spitz is mentioned in several patriotic songs.

 

 

Golden Retriever

 

A loyal, loving, patient and intelligent dog. They make good watchdogs and are easily trained. Golden Retrievers are often used as guide dogs due to their passive, loyal and reliable nature.

 

 

Great Dane

 

A dog who loves people of all ages, the Great Dane is patient, kind and playful. Their size and loyalty make them the perfect watchdog.

 

 

Greyhound

 

One of the fastest dogs in the world, greyhounds can reach up to 40mph and are widely known for their track racing. They are sensitive, sweet and loyal.

 

 

Irish Setter

 

The Irish Setter started life named the Irish Red Setter and was red and white. Now, after careful selective breeding, its coat comes in rich shades such as mahogany and chestnut. Its tall muscular legs mean the Irish Setter is energetic and loves long walks.

 

 

Irish Wolfhound

 

One of the tallest breeds in the world, dating back as far as the 1st century A.D. The Irish Wolfhound stands strong and proud. They are loyal, warm-tempered, thoughtful and greet everyone as a friend.

 

 

Labrador Retriever

 

Once known as the “St John’s Dog” Labradors are some of the best family companions, due to their peaceful nature and loyalty, and are gentle, easily trained and love children.

 

 

Lhasa Apso

 

The name derives from the Tibetan city of Lhasa, where, for more than two thousand years they were only bred by holy men and nobles. They guarded temples with their fine sense of hearing and were considered sacred. They are small, lively and totally devoted.

 

 

Mastiff

 

One of the heaviest dog breeds, the Mastiff breed almost became extinct at the end of World War II due to meat rationing! The Mastiff is very large and muscular, good with older children and is sometimes used for police, military and search and rescue work.

 

 

Newfoundland

 

Due to their webbed feet, perfect for swimming, they are known for their outstanding water rescue and many owe their lives to members of this breed. They also have an outstanding temperament, are courageous trustworthy and intelligent.

 

 

Old English Sheepdog

 

The Old English Sheepdog were used in the 19th century for agricultural work and sheared each spring. Their hair was then used to make warm clothing and blankets. They are gentle, faithful and protective.

 

 

Papillon

 

Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, they are one of the oldest breeds with a history dating back as far as 700 years ago. A friendly and intelligent dog who loves being cuddled.

 

 

Pekingese

 

The Chinese believed this breed warned away bad spirits and commoners were made to bow to them. 1893 saw Britain’s first Pekingese arrive in the country.

 

 

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

 

Only recognized as a separate breed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi about 70 years ago, they are obedient, protective, highly intelligent and devoted dogs.

 

 

Pointer

 

The pointer has only existed for roughly eight years. It is believed to be mix of: the foxhound, bloodhound, bulldog, Newfoundland, the setter and the greyhound. These dogs are perfect for hunting but make loyal, affectionate companions.

 

 

Pomeranian

 

Developed in Pomerania and originally descended from the Spitz breed. These dogs are tiny and fluffy, eager to learn and make a wonderful companion.

 

 

Poodle

 

Descended from a nearly extinct water hound, its name is believed to have come from the German word ‘Pudel’ meaning ‘the one who plays in water’. The poodle is loving and lively, and enjoys being part of a family.

 

 

Pug

 

The pub is believed to have originated in Asia before 400 BC. The Pug can be seen in many sixteenth century paintings by ‘Hogarth’. They are perky, playful and charming and very sensitive to tones of voice.

 

 

Rottweiler

 

It is thought that the Rottweiler descended from the Italian Mastiff, in the 1800’s the breed became almost extinct until the early twentieth century due to enthusiastic breeders. They are calm, courageous and make excellent guard dogs.

 

 

Saint Bernard

 

Extremely gentle, very tolerant, loyal and obedient. They are believed to be an ancient breed founded in 1980 AD and descended from the Tibetan Mastiff.

 

 

Samoyed

 

An active, strong dynamic dog. It has a thick coat to protect it against the Arctic cold.

 

 

Scottish Terrier

 

With a compact coat as hard as bristles, it can be black, brindle or wheaten in colour. Its large nose gives it a thoughtful look. It is loveable, brave and alert, and can be stubborn – but still makes a great watchdog. These are friendly, easy-going, devoted dogs, who are highly intelligent.

 

 

Shih Tzu

 

An alert and playful small dog, with a double coat of long outer hair and woolly undercoat. With a big personality it is happy and hardy. The Shih Tzu loves to be with people and makes friends easily.

 

 

Siberian Husky

 

Compact, strong working dogs with coat colours which range from black to white. With a thick woolly undercoat, the outer coat is softer. Playful, sociable and easy going, they can also be docile, being good with strangers and children.

 

 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

 

Very strong for their size, the Bull Terrier is a powerful and muscular dog. Living life at full speed in terms of work and play, these dogs are obedient, courageous, and affectionate. They possess plenty of stamina and need a lot of exercise.

 

 

Standard Schnauzer

 

A medium-sized rugged dog with a long beard, busy eyebrows and whiskers. Schnauzers usually have a solid black coat, but this may also be a salt and pepper colour. They are clever, playful and intelligent.

 

 

West Highland White Terrier

 

A hardy, compact terrier, with an uncurled all-white coat. Westies have bright, deep eyes with a penetrating gaze. Robust and friendly, they love companionship and are lively and self-assured.

 

 

Whippet

 

Whippets have a fine dense coat which can be many different colours. Slender and graceful - but hardy - Whippets are docile, intelligent, and lively. They are affectionate and devoted companions.

 

 

Yorkshire Terrier

 

With a long, fine, silky coat, this little dog is clever, brave and loyal. Whilst affectionate, they can also be highly excitable.