Almost all breeds of dogs were developed over time to help humans in their work and daily life. Although most dogs are now companions and do not need to work, you should learn about what job your intended breed was developed to do. This will help you understand the innate behaviour for that breed and whether you are able to give your dog a happy, healthy life that is appropriate for that breed.
Purebred dogs make up around 75% of the 9-million-strong dog population in the UK, and within that there are 221 breeds to choose from.
Although many dogs will lead very healthy lives, all dogs have potential health problems. There are often DNA tests or screening schemes to help breeders avoid producing puppies with health conditions. Puppy buyers should research any tests and screening schemes that are relevant to the breed they are considering. Find out more in our Breeds A to Z.
Each breed sits within one of seven groups: Working (typically those bred to be search and rescue or guard dogs) Over the centuries these dogs were selectively bred to become guards and search and rescue dogs. Arguably the Working group consists of some of the most heroic canines in the world, aiding humans in many walks of life, including the Boxer, Great Dane and St Bernard. This groups consists of the real specialists in their field. Pastoral (herding dogs, usually associated with working cattle and sheep) The Pastoral group consists of herding dogs that are associated with working cattle, sheep, reindeer and other cloven-footed animals. Usually this type of dog has a weatherproof double coat to protect it from the elements when working in sever conditions. Breeds such as the Collie family, Old English Sheepdogs and Samoyeds. Gundog (dogs that were originally trained to find and/or retrieve game) Dogs that were originally trained to find live game and/or retrieve game that had been shot and wounded. This group is divided into four categories – retrievers, spaniels, hunt/point/retrieve and pointers and setters – although many of the breeds are capable of doing the same work as the other sub-groups. They make good companions, their temperament making them ideal all-round family dogs. Toy (small companion or lap dogs) The Toy breeds are small companion or lap dogs. Many of the Toy breeds were bred for this capacity although some have been placed into this category simply due to their size. They should have friendly personalities and love attention. They do not need a large amount of exercise and some can be finicky eaters. Hound (breeds historically used for hunting, either by scent or sight) Breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or by sight. The scent hounds include the Beagle and Bloodhound, and the sight hounds include breeds such as the Whippet and Greyhound. Many of them enjoy a significant amount of exercise and can be described as dignified, aloof but trustworthy companions. Terrier (dogs originally bred and used for hunting vermin) Dogs originally bred and used for hunting vermin, ‘Terrier’ comes from the Latin word terra, meaning earth. This hardy collection of dogs was selectively bred to be extremely brave and tough, and to pursue fox, badger, rat and otter above and below ground. Dogs of Terrier type have been known here since ancient times, and as early as the middle ages, these game breeds were portrayed by writers and painters. Utility (miscellaneous breeds, mainly of a non-sporting origin) This group consists of miscellaneous breeds of dog mainly of a non-sporting origin including the Bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita and Poodle. The name ‘Utility’ essentially means fitness for a purpose and this group consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch, most breeds having been selectively bred to perform a specific function not included in the sporting and working categories. Some of the breeds listed in the group are the oldest documented breeds of dog in the world.
For every breed of pedigree dog, there is a breed standard. This is a picture in words that describes the breed in detail, including what a healthy dog of that breed should look like, how it should move and what their character, needs and behaviour are likely to be.
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1 What are the benefits of owning a KC registered dog?
For one thing, you know that your dog will display the defined characteristics of the breed, in both looks and temperament. This will tend to make life with the dog easier, as you will be able to predict various key attributes – its dietary and exercise needs, the approximate age and size it is likely to reach, and any illnesses to which the breed is particularly predisposed.
Knowledge of the latter, for example, will help you to select the best dog insurance thats right for you. After all, this will depend partly on what conditions, and of what severity, are likely to affect your dog at various stages of their life with you.