Breed Guides

Breed Profile – The Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terriers are listed as a ‘vulnerable native breed’ by the Kennel Club in the UK, in 2018 there were only 139 Kennel club registrations and this number has been decreasing since 2010 (254 registrations). The reason for their decline in numbers isn’t fully understood but may be due to the increasing popularity of other…

Wolf Breeds

There’s an increasing trend in ownership of dogs that resemble wolves. It’s thought the Game of Thrones is partly to blame, with its popular Direwolf pups, but sadly not all owners have been able to provide the right homes for these independent, athletic dogs, Dogs Trust reported that between 2010 and 2018 the numbers of…

English Cocker Spaniel Image

Breed Profile – English Cocker Spaniel

This good-natured gundog breed is just as popular as a family pet as it is a working dog. Read on to find out more about the rather odd history of the English Cocker Spaniel. History of Breed: Spaniel-type dogs have been around for at least 500 years as is evident in art and literature. Originally, spaniels…

Breed Profile – Wire Fox Terrier

In our latest breed profile we find out more about the Wire Fox Terrier. This distinctive terrier breed has a bold character that needs a firm, positive hand. History of Breed: Although the Smooth Fox Terrier was the earliest to be recognised as a breed, the Wire Fox Terrier overtook the Smooth in the 20th century…

image of dachshund puppy

Breed Profile – Dachshund

This German scent hound breed may be small, but what the Dachshund lacks in size it makes up for in character. Our latest breed profile focuses on the ‘sausage dog’ with the excellent nose.  History of Breed: The word ‘dachshund’ literally translates as ‘badger dog’ in German, although in their native country they are referred to…

Breed Profile: English Mastiff

One of the oldest and largest dog breeds, the English Mastiff is a guard dog that can be surprisingly gentle. This dog is not for the faint-hearted though. A breed this big needs a big home and has a big appetite too. History of Breed: There is some confusion over the Mastiff breed and the term…

Breed Profile – Clumber Spaniel

Our latest breed profile looks more closely at the Clumber Spaniel, a breed that had some prominence at this year’s Crufts. The steadiest of the spaniels, this gundog breed has a loveable nature to match its mournful ‘take me home’ expression. History of Breed: The Clumber Spaniel has an intriguing history with several theories as to…

Breed Profile – German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog, or GSD, is famous for it’s herding, tracking and guarding abilities. Read on to find out more about this versatile, working breed from Germany. History of Breed: Formerly known as the Alsatian in the UK, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in the late 19th century, making it a fairly new…

Shar Pei image courtesy of Ruth Neil.

Breed Profile – Shar Pei

An intriguing Chinese breed is the focus of this breed profile. Bred to guard, fight and hunt, the Shar Pei actually has an affectionate nature. Their interesting coat is their unique characteristic.   History of the Breed: Also known as the Chinese Shar Pei, this interesting breed originated in China as a guard, fighting and hunting…

Breed Profile – Golden Retriever

One of the most easily recognisable breeds in the UK, the Golden Retriever is a gundog with boundless enthusiasm. Friendly, loyal and full of fun, the breed makes a great family dog.  History of Breed: The first Lord Tweedmouth developed the Golden Retriever at his Guisachan estate. With the improvements in firearms, there was a requirement…

siberian husky breed guide

Breed Profile – Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a spitz-type breed of dog with a reputation as the lightest and fastest sled dog. Given plenty of exercise to burn off all that energy, they also make calm, loyal companions too. History of Breed: Originating in northeastern Siberia, the Siberian Husky is also known as the Chukchi sled dog. This name…

irish wolfhound dog

Breed Profile – Irish Wolfhound

The tallest dog breed in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is a sight hound with an interesting history. Whilst it might be the biggest, it’s also one of the gentlest and certain to increase your food bill! History of Breed: As its name suggests, the Irish Wolfhound was developed in Ireland to hunt wolves. It’s Irish…