Whippet
Staffordshire Bull terrier
"Staffordshire Bull Terriers are such an all round amazing dog. There is nothing they can't do. They have such a bad reputation and it is so unjustified. They are the most loving loyal breed ever, they are almost human! The perfect example of why you shouldn't judge a book by the cover. Wouldn't and couldn't ever be without one."
"They're great with everyone & very friendly. Not too big or too small. Gorgeous looking & keep owners fit because of all the exercise they need."
"I can identify with being short But seriously, I'm totally in love with every single one I've met (and that's probably 30+ individuals, not all related).
They can be silly and serious in equal amounts and they're such charming dogs. I wouldn't call them the easiest, but they give a whole lot of love and enthusiasm to whatever they do. They're quick learners and little show-offs. Plus the tails. The tails are epic.
Russ as an individual is just the love of my life. He has his issues (and so do I!) but I've never felt a dog was more "for me" than him. And visiting his breeder is like going to a second home full of smiling faces and wagging tails."
"Loving, gorgeous, a mahoosive personality in a tiny body, a mix of a real dog who rolls in mud and a diva who doesn't mind being dressed up."
Corgi (Pembroke)
Pomeranian X Spitz
Indie the Border Collie
A Question of Breeds
Thinking of getting a dog? There's such a variety of breeds to choose from, and it can be quite confusing trying to find your perfect match! It's important you know what you're getting into, and what characteristics you're looking for in a dog. To help you decide, I've asked some people to tell me their favourite type of dog, and why they love them so much.
Key:
Large Dog
Medium Dog
Small Dog
Intelligence*
Grooming
*The intelligence of a breed is subjective and difficult to measure, if you feel your breed has been wrongly classed, leave us a message below.
What's important to consider when choosing a breed?
"Temperament has to be the foremost...then size. There's no use getting a big dog if you only live in a small home!"
"Temperament, health testing, breed/size that's fits with my lifestyle."
"Temperament is 100 % important to me, 90 % looks, size depends on the breed, I like boys and they are normally bigger, but I quite like my little bitch as well!"
"Temperament with children & cats to fit in with my family, least breed related health issues, size/strength that I feel I can manage, trainability as first time owner, level of exercise that I'm able to manage."
Most popular breeds in the UK:
1) Labrador
2) Cocker Spaniel
3) English Springer Spaniel
4) German Shepherd
5) Staffordshire Bull Terrier
6) Border Terrier
7) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8) Golden Retriever
9) Pug
10) Boxer
Vulnerable breeds in the UK:
Bloodhound
Smooth Collie
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Deerhound
English Toy Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Irish Red and White Setter
Manchester Terrier
Otterhound
Clumber Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Irish Wolfhound
Greyhound
Cavalier King Charles
"Probably one of the most loyal, sometimes aloof and grossly misunderstood breeds. Gentle natured unless in chasing mode, these incredible dogs are often tossed aside for no other reason than they can't run fast enough or catch enough rabbits. This was the case with my lovely boy George. A failed racing dog, he was lucky enough to come into rescue. I was the chosen foster carer and as he refused to leave my side, he lives out his senior years with me, on his special made bed."
Border Collie
"Far from being easy, my two have been the most difficult dogs to train but they have taught me far more than I could have imagined, made me a better dog trainer and really taken me on a journey. They are (too) clever, sensitive and completely bonkers."
"I have always and will always love Border Collies. They are bright, sensitive, loyal and loving (which does describe most dogs, but I have always had a special love for the bc). They're beautiful to look at, they usually learn quickly, and they just want to please. To me they are perfection. I think when you even love a dog's "faults", that shows a true love of the breed (ie herding, chasing, lunging)."
Rescue Dogs
"The dogs that I have in the family are rescue and there's always something special about that, not only giving a dog a new chance but their backgrounds are a mystery. I have a rescue Bichon and at my dad's have a Collie cross something which makes him look like a collie but with tiny legs. Makes him a special little thing."
"They are the true kings of the toy dogs they constantly want to serve you loyalty and love 24/7 , they are a perfect size and if brought up correctly are always well mannered and friendly to everything 4 legged or 2 legged , all purpose breed that can run and work all day and chill and relax the next."
Springer Spaniel
"They are just so much fun and always have something to be happy about and just make everyday bright (I know every dog does this I have a beagle and a cross breed as well as my 2 springers. I love them all dearly but I have a real soft spot for a springer) "
