Breed Guides
Breed Profile – Whippet
This breed from the hound group is the classic Northern sporting dog. Loyal and affectionate with an amazing turn of speed, the Whippet is a dog you can put your money on. History of Breed: Small Greyhounds, similar to the Whippet, have been around since the 17th century and can be seen depicted in 18th century…
Breed Profile – Basset Hound
The Basset Hound makes a great family pet and doesn’t require as much exercise as other hounds. This friendly French breed has an intelligence that belies its unfair depiction as being a bit ‘slow’. History of Breed: The Basset Hound originated in France, where monks developed the breed for hunting hare. The term ‘basset’ translates as ‘rather…
Breed Profile – Rhodesian Ridgeback
We’ve talked about this handsome breed before, but never done a proper breed guide, so it’s time to put that right. Despite an image as a fierce lion hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good-natured breed. This interesting breed with its distinctive ‘ridgeback’ needs an experienced handler. History of Breed: The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in southern…
Breed Profile – English Bulldog
The pugnacious Bulldog is the focus of our latest breed profile. Full of character and fighting spirit, it became a symbol of Britain and remains popular today. History of Breed: The Bulldog’s origins lie in the ancient ‘entertainment’ of bull baiting, which was introduced by the Normans and used short thick-set versions of mastiff-type breeds. Thankfully,…
Breed Profile – Bloodhound
The ‘Super Sleuth’ of the canine world, the Bloodhound is famous for their tracking abilities. The latest of our breed profiles uncovers more about this ancient breed with a good nose. History of Breed: The origins of this scent hound are unclear. It is thought that the Bloodhound breed was developed by the monks of Abbaye…
Breed Profile – Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog, a breed of uncertain origin, is the focus of our latest breed profile. It’s origin may be uncertain, but we do know that its distinctive coat is going to require a lot of upkeep. Grooming this breed is practically a full time job! History of Breed: The origin of this breed is…
Breed Profile – Basenji
The Basenji is a primitive hunting hound from Africa. Thought to descend from Ancient Egypt originally, this interesting breed yodels instead of barking and has a rather interesting tail! Origin of Breed: The Basenji descends from ancient breeds, making this sight and scent hound one of a group of primitive breeds. In fact, there are paintings…
Breed Profile – Great Dane
An impressive working breed, the Great Dane started out life in Germany, not Denmark as the name suggests. Owners need big homes, big gardens and big pockets to take on this giant ‘Scooby Doo’ breed. History of Breed: Originally a German hunting dog, the Great Dane’s ancestors were of a heavier build than the tall, elegant…
Breed Profile – Afghan Hound
This breed profile focuses on perhaps the most elegant of dog breeds, the Afghan Hound. Aloof and regal, yet with a lively comical side that endears them to all who meet them. Watching the Afghan class at a championship event is the canine equivalent of the Oscars red carpet, so let’s find out more about…
Breed Profile – Rottweiler
This German working breed has an unfair reputation for aggression thanks to its deep protective instinct. In this breed profile, we find out more about the Rottweiler. History of Breed: Originating in Rottweil, south west Germany, the Rottweiler was a mixture of mastiff-type breeds and sheep dog breeds. It needed to have the skills…
Breed Profile – Otterhound
This breed profile explores the water-loving Otterhound. Friendly, intelligent dogs, they are good fun to be around, but definitely come with their own particular challenges. History of Breed: The Otterhound is a vulnerable native UK breed, with only 22 puppies born in 2014. As the name suggests, the breed were originally bred to hunt otters, which is…
Breed Profile – Newfoundland
It’s Winter and it seemed like the perfect time to take a look at the Newfoundland dog breed, or Newfie to its friends. The majesty and bulk of the Newfoundland belies its playful and fun nature. Our latest breed profile focuses on this working dog with an interesting history. History of Breed: The origins of the…
