Cesky Terriers are a happy little dog that enjoys the company of children. The Cesky Terrier has something of the look of the Airedale about him with his distinctive wedge-shaped head and beard; but they have a long, silky coat and much shorter legs. The coat generally comes in various shades of grey. They were originally bred in Czechoslovakia for hunting rats and foxes. They are sweet-natured, brave and loyal, yet playful. They are intelligent and trainable but, like all terriers, can have a stubborn streak. Their natural tendency is to guard. Although a little shy, they generally get on well with all people and animals and especially well with children. They enjoy exploring outdoors but are quite active indoors too. They need regular grooming and trimming to keep the coat at the correct length. They are generally healthy but can be prone to Scotty Cramp Syndrome which causes an awkward walking movement.

The Chinese Crested is the most popular of all the hairless breeds but they actually come in two varieties, the hairless and the powderpuff. They are a small, slender dog. The hairless has hair only on their head, feet and tail whereas the powderpuff has a soft coat all over. They have large, erect ears and come in all colours. They actually originate in Africa but were brought on board Chinese trading ships to hunt vermin. They crave human companionship, are alert and affectionate. They are trainable and can be remarkably good at agility. They are very people friendly but children may need to be careful not to damage the skin of the hairless. They are generally good natured with other animals. Although active indoors, they need a good daily walk too. The hairless type do not need a lot of brushing but will need bathing frequently. The powderpuffs have a very fine coat that matts together easily so regular brushing is essential. The hairless need sun cream to protect them against sun and coats for the cold and tend to have more problems with their teeth than the powderpuffs. Both varieties can be allergic to wool.

This nimble hound can move over the difficult terrain formed by lava flows and go for hours in the heat without food or water. They are a slender but muscular, medium-sized hound with a short, glossy coat and upright ears. They come in shades of brown with white patches, particularly on the chest. They come from the Island of Etna and were bred to hunt rabbit. They are lively, intelligent and independent but also affectionate. They are particularly good at hunting, using sight and hearing as well as their sense of smell, and they enjoy physical sports like agility. They generally get on well with people and other animals but their natural instinct is to chase, they need plenty of physical and mental exercise. Their short coat is easy to maintain. They are a very hardy breed and not prone to any particular health problem.

This highly intelligent dog has many talents as showcased by the famous Lassie (of the Rough Coated type). The Collie is large and strong but lean. The ears are distinctive: they are partly upright but the ends fold forward. There are two coat types, the rough and the smooth. Smooth-coated Collies have a shorter, harsher coat with a soft undercoat. They both can come in a large variety of colours including the blue merle. They were originally bred to herd and protect sheep in Scotland but have also been successfully used in search and rescue and acting as guide dogs for the blind. They are very intelligent and highly trainable. Although loyal and naturally protective of their family, they are good natured and normally get on well with people and other animals. They need plenty of opportunities to exercise their body and brain. They are generally healthy but can be prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems. Some of them also carry the MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to some drugs.

Intelligent and lively, dachshunds are generally very sociable and affectionate, although they can be quite vocal if not trained properly. Their shape is easily identifiable, but they don't so much have long bodies as short legs. They come in 6 different varieties: - There are 3 different coat types: smooth, long and wire; - Two different sizes: standard and miniature. each coat type can be in either size. The standards should be up to 26lbs in weight, whereas the minis are 10 - 11 lbs. There are three main colours: black / tan, red and chocolate / tan although there can also be dapples and brindles too. Originally bred for hunting, the standards went to ground for badger and fox and the miniatures for rabbit and vermin. They have an excellent sense of smell so are also used for tracking wounded game. Like all hounds, they can get distracted by scents when off lead so training for a good recall is important. They need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise otherwise they can be noisy and destructive. Not naturally obedient, with persistence they are trainable and tend to respond well to food rewards. Minis can often take longer to house-train. They are very good with people and children, but are likely to chase and harm small furries, although they will generally tolerate animals they've been brought up with. It's important not to over-exercise puppies because of the strain this would put on their joints and developing bones, but once adult, they are surprisingly active for their shape and they enjoy exercise. A wire coat needs the most attention as it needs hand-stripping. The other coat types need brushing too; the long-haired varieties also requiring regular attention. They can suffer from back problems, but there is currently no preventative health test for this. It is advisable to not encourage them to run up and down stairs, or jump on or off furniture because of the stress this can put on their spine. There is an eye condition in the minis called cord1 PRA which breeders should use a DNA test for. Mini Wires should be DNA tested for Lafora Disease, a form of epilepsy. For the most up-to-date health information and advice for buyers and owners, please visit www.dachshundbreedcouncil.org.uk.

This cheeky little terrier enjoys being the centre of attention. They are a little dog with a long body and short legs. The head is quite large for the size of the dog with close hanging ears and a distinctive top knot of soft hair. They have a soft undercoat with harsher top coat which comes in shades of pale grey (pepper) or shades of pale brown (mustard). They actually get their name from a character in a book and come from the border between England and Scotland where they were used to kill vermin. Essentially, they are playful, intelligent, bold and affectionate but like all terriers, have a stubborn streak. They enjoy human company and are good with children, they can be trained to get on well with other dogs and cats but their terrier nature makes them less trustworthy around small mammals. Although active indoors, they need a good daily walk too. They need to be brushed regularly, plucked twice a year and taken for professional grooming occasionally too. Generally healthy, they can be affected by spinal issues due to their elongated body and there are some instances of cancer and hypothyroidism. The breed can also suffer from glaucoma and the breed clubs recommend that Dandies are tested throughout their lives.

Dobermanns have a bad press, but with the right training these can be good family dogs and even be used as therapy dogs. The Dobermann is a medium-sized, muscular dog. The short, glossy coat is often black with distinctive tan markings on the head, chest and legs but the base can be other colours too. They are said to have been bred by German Tax Collector Louis Dobermann to help him with his work. Subsequently they have proved a valuable assistant to the police. Dobermanns are natural guarders and need strong leadership. They are very intelligent and trainable and can do well at obedience. They can be trained to be good with children and strangers and to tolerate other animals. Dobermanns have great strength and stamina and need plenty of exercise. Their short coat is easy to care for. They are prone to cervical spondylitis, certain blood disorders, skin problems, bloat, hip dysplasia and heart problems.

The English Setter makes a fine looking and affectionate companion. The English Setter is an impressive looking dog with quite a deep chest, long, silky ears and a silky, white coat with flecking in another colour called "belton". They are a lean but strong gundog with an elegance of movement. They were bred to help hunters on shooting expeditions. The term "setter" refers to the crouching stance when they find game. They are calm and quiet and very trainable. They tend to be good with strangers and excellent with children and they generally get on well with other animals. Although quite inactive indoors they have a lot of stamina and will need plenty of outdoor exercise. It is not too difficult to keep the silky coat in good condition. It just requires regular brushing and occasional trimming. They are prone to hip dysplasia and mast cell tumours and the females are prone to false pregnancies.

The Entlebucher is a popular family dog in Switzerland. They are the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs. All four have the same sort of markings: mainly black with tan and white in particular areas. The Entlebucher's coat is close, harsh and shiny with a thick undercoat. They are a squarish, sturdy dog. Their origins are uncertain but they were used as a cattle herding and general farm dog in Switzerland. They are faithful, people-friendly, intelligent and eager to please. They tend to get on well with all people and other animals. They are agile and need regular outdoor exercise. Their coat is quite easy to maintain with regular brushing. There are no known health problems.

The Eurasier is a calm, even-tempered dog that forms a very close bond with their family. They are a medium-sized, balanced spitz style dog that comes in a variety of colours. They have a double coat with a thick undercoat and long outer hairs, although the hair is shorter on the head and front legs. Unusually, their tongue may be pink, blue-black or spotted. The Eurasia is quite a recent breed having been developed in Germany, in the 1960s, to combine the best qualities of the Chow Chow and Wolfspitz and, later, the Samoyed with the intention breeding a companion dog. They are dignified, affectionate, gentle, intelligent, easy to train and very people-oriented. They are watchful of strangers but never aggressive and are vigilant but friendly to other dogs. They need a good amount of exercise and the thick coat needs regular brushing. There are no known health problems.

The Finnish Spitz was not named the "barking bird dog" for nothing. They were bred to bark and even take part in barking contests. There is something fox-like in their appearance. They have a a foxy face and reddish colouring. Their body is muscular and square and their impressive tail curls up and over the body in typical spitz fashion. The double coat is typically spitz too with a dense undercoat and rather harsh top coat. They originally came from Russia but are now the national dog of Finland. They were used to hunt small game and would alert the hunter with a yodelling bark. They are friendly, loyal, lively, intelligent and brave. They tend not to be fully mature until about 3 or 4 years old. They generally get on well with people and children and with the right training, they will get along with other animals. They need plenty of exercise, especially outdoors. Their coat is fairy easy to maintain but they shed heavily at certain times of the year. There are no known health problems.

The Foxhound is a large and very energetic hunting dog. They have a wide head with large, brown eyes and a long muzzle. Their short and dense but glossy coat is usually a combination of black, tan and white. They were bred in the UK for tracking and hunting in packs, and with their great stamina, they work well with hunters on horseback. In the UK this breed is still most often found in kennelled packs, and is not widely kept as a pet. The Foxhound loves to run and likes to 'bay' rather than bark, but can be stubborn so patient and continuous training is needed. Excellent with people, particularly children, this breed accepts leadership well but training requires patience. They prefer being with other dogs, and are generally good with other household pets, but are likely to take off if they pick up an interesting scent whilst off the lead. Once they have reached adulthood, until they are around 6 years old, this dog can run at speed for many hours at a time, so they need a lot of daily exercise in the form of long and brisk walks or runs. They are easy to groom with a comb or firm brush. There are no known health problems.

German Pinchers make an excellent watchdog and decent family pet once they know what the rules are. They are a medium-sized, tall terrier with a head shaped like a blunt wedge. Their smooth, glossy coat is normally black and tan. They originate from Germany where they were used on farms as an all round worker: herding, guarding, destroying vermin; but also as a family pet. "Pincsher" is the German word for Terrier and the German Pinscher displays many typical terrier characteristics. They are brave, lively, determined and intelligent and respond well to obedience training. They can be taught to get on well with strangers but they have a strong urge to protect. The same goes for other dogs but they don't back down from a challenge and have a tendency to chase non-canines. This breed needs a lot of exercise, hey have a lot of energy and stamina. Their coat needs little grooming and there are no known health problems.

For a country-living family with a healthy outdoor life, especially if they love to go hunting, the German Pointer is hard to beat. They are a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog. The German Pointer actually comes in three coat types, the shorthaired, the longhaired and the wirehaired. All coat types come in combinations of liver, white and black. Wirehaireds are between the Short and Longhaireds in terms of size. Their coat is more weather repellent and helps to protect them against prickly undergrowth; it is about 4cms long and gives them a rather bearded look. They were bred in Germany for hunting so had to be good at tracking, pointing and retrieving across both land and water, but they were also bred to be a family pet and watchdog. Affectionate, intelligent and eager to learn, they are very trainable and excel at gundog work but also at obedience and in the show ring. They are happiest when they have a job to do and are normally good natured with all people and animals. They are extremely energetic and need plenty of opportunity to run and swim on a regular basis. The coat is fairly easy to groom but does need occasional stripping. They can be prone to eye and ear problems and skin cancers but are usually a healthy breed because breeders are encouraged to have breeding stock hip scored and eye tested. When looking for a puppy the questions about health testing should be asked of the breeder.

The German Spitz breed loves to be the centre of attention and will "dance" for it, standing on their hind legs. They have the typical spitz look: thick undercoat with a harsher long top coat, curled tail over their back and a slightly wolf-like face; but their eyes are larger than most spitz breeds and they come in a wider variety of colours. There are two sizes recognised by the kennel club: Klein (small) and Mittel (medium-sized) but they have the same overall shape and character. The medium-sized German Spitz was used as a herding dog but the small variety is more of a companion breed, similar to the Pomeranian. They are a busy and inquisitive dog and are happy to please as long they have firm leadership, they make a good companion for an older person. They love human attention and can be trained to get on well with strangers, children and animals. Although quite active indoors, they enjoy regular daily walks. They need regular brushing to prevent matting but there are no known health problems.

The Giant Schnauzer makes an imposing guard dog but with the right training can be a lovable pet. They are a large, powerful, square-looking dog with straight front legs, a straight back and a rectangular-shaped head. Their head also has a beard and whiskers. The coat comes in two colours, black and 'salt and pepper' and is hard and wiry with a soft undercoat. They come from Germany and were originally used to herd cattle but have since proved useful for the police and armed forces. These dogs are very protective, loyal, intelligent and trainable but they need a firm, consistent approach and plenty of exercise. They can be wary of strangers so need to be socialised with people and animals from a young age. They can be difficult to manage if not given sufficient opportunity to expend their excess energy. Their dense undercoat needs regular grooming and the top coat needs clipping and stripping. They are prone to cancer, especially toe cancer, bloat, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

When they're not enjoying family life, the Gordon Setter is the perfect one-to-one hunting companion with excellent scenting skills. They are slim but quite substantial with a long muzzle and a long, silky coat. They are the only Setter to come in black and tan. Originating from Scotland, this Setter would accompany hunters when shooting birds: pointing out the location of a fallen bird and retrieving it. The breed fell out of favour because, although they have an excellent sense of smell, they are not as fast as Pointers. Gordon Setters are steady, loyal, affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. They generally get on well with all people and animals, although some can be a little wary of strangers at first but it is not in their nature to be aggressive. The breed is quite inactive indoors so needs a good daily walk and has the stamina to take as much exercise as you can give. Their silky coat needs regular grooming. They are generally healthy but some are prone to hip dysplasia, eye diseases and bloat.

The Great Dane is so enormous, their behaviour has to be impeccable. Fortunately, they are naturally a very gentle giant. They are huge and powerful with a squarish body and a large, rectangular head. Their stance is tall and straight and their coat is short and thick and comes in a variety of colours, including Fawn, Brindle, Blue (greyish), Black, Harlequin (white with irregular black patches) and Mantle (black with white muzzle, neck, chest and parts of legs). They are the national dog of Germany but dogs like this have been seen in pictures since before Christ. They were used for tracking, as guard dogs and for pulling carts. Despite their size, they make a surprisingly good house dog. They are brave, loyal and affectionate, they bark little but are a good watchdog. They are tolerant of other animals, fond of people and affectionate to children. Great Danes need plenty of exercise but jogging is not recommended until they are one year old because of the strain it puts on their joints. The short coat is easy to maintain with regular grooming. They are not a long-living breed and are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease and tail injuries.

The Greenland dog can bond with an owner but is predominantly an independent working dog. They are very much a tough dog for cold conditions: very thick coat, robust head with powerful jaws and a large, bushy tail. They rarely make it out of Greenland and were used as an all-purpose dog but mainly for pulling sleds etc. They need firm and consistent training. They are good natured and loyal but can also be wilful and boisterous. Greenland Dogs are normally quiet but enjoy a good howl with their pack. They get on well enough with people but are very independent with strong hunting skills. This is a dog that can't sit around indoors all day. They can cope with extremes of cold but not heat and they have the energy and stamina for a lot of exercise. They need regular grooming of their thick coat. They are normally very healthy.

The Griffon Bruxellois may have been nicknamed "monkey-face" and "street urchin", but he makes a delightful companion. This little dog's cute face is said to be reminiscent of the Ewok from the Star Wars film with their rounded head, bulging eyes, short nose, beard and shaggy eyebrows. They come in two coat types, smooth and rough. Smooth coats are short and glossy and rough coats are dense and wiry. They hail from Belgium. Their ancestors were vermin catchers but the Griffon Bruxellois was more popular as a pet. Intelligent, happy, lively, curious and good at learning tricks, the Griffon Bruxellois is fearless,fun and, unlike some small dogs, not yappy. They make a good companion for people and get on well with animals such as dogs and cats. They are an active little dog indoors but enjoy a walk outdoors too. The smooth coats are easy to maintain, the rough coats need stripping. They can be prone to eye and respiratory problems and are sensitive to the heat.

The Hamiltonstovare is a very easy going hound but they love to work. They are very like a slender version of the English Foxhound, in overall shape, colour and coat and were, in fact, bred from combining the English Foxhound with German hounds. They were bred by Count Hamilton in the late 1800s in Sweden who wanted to produce a hound that would hunt foxes and hares singly rather than in a pack. They are affectionate and trainable but can be stubborn. They tend to be good with people and children but have a strong prey drive so may not be trustworthy around small animals. They have a lot of energy and stamina so must be given the opportunity for long walks outside but they also have a great urge to run off after a scent. They need little grooming and shed very little. They are a very healthy breed. There have been cases of hip dysplasia and epilepsy but the instances are very low.

Although strong-willed, the Hovawart makes a loyal and good tempered companion. They look like a shaggier-coated version of the Golden Retriever. They are an ancient herding breed from Germany but have also been used as a watchdog and for tracking and search and rescue. They are an affectionate, calm, intelligent and obedient dog, very trainable; a first class watchdog with an excellent sense of smell. They are wary of strangers at first but will accept people once given the go-ahead and they are excellent with children. They can be trained to get on with other animals. They need a decent amount of outdoor exercise and prefer cooler climates. Their coat needs regular brushing but is not as difficult to maintain as it might look. This is generally a very healthy breed but they have been known to suffer from hip dysplasia and a under active thyroids.

Underneath their striking coat, the Hungarian Puli is a likeable and very capable dog. The most noticeable thing about this medium-sized, compact dog is the huge, corded coat. Because it completely covers their head and covers a tail that curls up and over the body, it's almost difficult to tell which end is which. The coat can reach the ground and can come in a range of colours. They have been used for many years in Hungary as a sheep dog. The shepherds preferred the darkest colours, probably because they were easier to spot amongst the sheep. They are lively, cheerful and highly intelligent and make a good family pet as long as children are not rough with them. Their trainability means they do well in sports like obedience and even agility. They may be a little wary of strangers but as long as people adhere to general rule of 'let the puli come to you' they are usually friendly. They will bark enthusiastically but are unlikely to be aggressive. Pulis are an active dog and need regular daily walks outside. Surprisingly, the coat seems to be able to protect them equally well against hot as well as cold conditions. Although Pulis are bathed, they are not brushed as this would ruin the coat, instead the coat has to be hand separated into strands of the correct thickness, about the width of a pencil. The coat takes a lot of work to create the cords to begin with, and then weekly maintenance. Reputable breeders will test for hip dysplasia and eye problems (mainly Retinal Dysplasia), but in general this breed is very hardy.

The Hungarian Vizsla makes an outstanding gun dog and a good family pet as long as their body and brain are given plenty to do. They are a long-legged, medium sized hunting dog, lean and muscular with a short, smooth, rust-coloured coat. There are two main coat types, the Hungarian Vizsla has a short, smooth coat whereas the Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla has a longer harsh coat. There is also a long-haired version but they are extremely rare and not registered anywhere in the world. The wire-haireds, with their tough coat and bushy eyebrows, are making something of a comeback. They originate from Hungary where they have been used as a hunting dog for many years, for prey like game-birds and rabbits. The word "Vizsla" means "pointer". They are affectionate, highly trainable and highly intelligent. They have great scenting ability, too, and are happy to work in all weather but they need to be kept occupied and have a tendency to chew. They are people friendly and would be good for older children with lots of energy but may be too much for small children. They get along well with other dogs and can be trained to accept family cats but may not be trustworthy around wildlife and small mammals. They are a breed with enormous mental and physical energy and stamina and need plenty of opportunity to expend this. The short coat is easy to maintain, the wire-haireds would need stripping. They are generally healthy but are prone to hip dysplasia.

The Irish Red and White Setter is one of the earliest Irish Gundogs. They are energetic and intelligent and work well over any kind of terrain. They are similar to, and possibly even the predecessor of, the Irish setter but have a slightly heavier build and a broader head. Their coat is finely textured and white with red patches. Irish Red and White Setters were originally bred to accompany hunters out on shoots. They are affectionate, high spirited and very trainable without a strong guarding instinct but they need plenty of outlets for their energy. They are naturally friendly and get along with other animals, children and strangers and need a long, daily, brisk walk or run. A regular short brush keeps their coat looking good and free from tangles. Through careful breeding the Irish Red and White setters are generally a healthy breed and can live a long life without any problems at all. Previously Von Willebrand and CLAD were found in the breed but over time has become very rare.

The famously tiny Chihuahua is the epitome of cuteness. Their tiny body is slightly longer than it is tall. Their head is very round with large round eyes and large erect ears. There are two types - Long Coated and Smooth Coated, they come in all colours. They come from Mexico and were bred to be a pet that was prized for its size. They are full of energy and cheerful. They are willful but intelligent so perfectly trainable but their size inclines people to let them get away with things they would not allow a larger dog to do. Loyal to their owner, they need to be trained to accept strangers and children in particular. They need to be taught to tolerate other animals. Although very active indoors, they need the opportunity for outdoors exercise too but the smooth coated types will need a coat in cold weather. Neither coat type needs undue brushing. They are prone to rheumatism, gum and eye problems. They are born with a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which usually closes but remains open in some dogs making them more susceptible to injury.

The large, stocky Chow Chow may look like a big teddy bear but is no pushover. They have quite a stiff, short gait because their hind legs are nearly straight. They also have a large head with a ruff behind and a famously blueish-black tongue. Their coat is thick and furry and often red although can come in shades of black and blue. There is a soft smooth-coated variety and a coarser rough-coat. They are one of the oldest of the breeds from China and were used for herding, guarding and pulling carts. They are naturally protective and can be willful so close attention needs to be paid to their training. Loyal to their owner, they need to be trained to accept other people, they may have a tendency to want to be pushy around other animals. They tend to be sedentary indoors so need a good walk outdoors every day. The thick coat needs regular brushing and they moult heavily at certain times. They are prone to an eyelid abnormality called entropion where the eyelid turns inwards. This can usually be corrected with surgery. They can also suffer from hip dysplasia, stomach cancer and ear infections.

This highly intelligent dog has many talents as showcased by the famous Lassie. The Collie is large and strong but lean. The ears are distinctive: they are partly upright but the ends fold forward. There are two coat types, the rough and the smooth. Rough Collies have long, straight hair all over their bodies with a magnificent mane down their neck and chest. They both can come in a large variety of colours including the blue merle. They were originally bred to herd and protect sheep in Scotland but have also been successfully used in search and rescue and acting as guide dogs for the blind. They are very intelligent and highly trainable. Although loyal and naturally protective of their family, they are good natured and normally get on well with people and other animals. They need plenty of opportunities to exercise their body and brain. Both coat types need grooming but the rough coat needs substantially more. They are generally healthy but can be prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems. Some of them also carry the MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to some drugs.

The little Coton De Tulear is always eager to please. The French word "coton" means cotton and these dogs look like a little ball of fluffy cotton. They do come in a variety of colours but the preferred one for show dogs is white. The Coton De Tulear is the official dog of Madagascar and was originally bred as a companion. They are friendly, lively and sociable and very people-centred and they naturally tend to get on well with people and other animals. They are active indoors but enjoy physical exercise outdoors too, including swimming, and do well at agility. Their long hair needs a good deal of grooming. There are no known health problems.

The striking Dalmatian is a playful companion as long as he has an outlet for his enormous energy. They are large, strong and muscular with a short white coat with distinctive spots. The spots can come in a variety of colours but the preferred colours are black or liver. The puppies are born white and the spots appear later. There is some disagreement about their country of origin although they were certainly popular in the 1800s as a carriage dog: looking distinctive following the carriage and then guarding it when the master was away unoccupied. They have a lot of stamina and energy but are not particularly good at independent thought. As a result, they need clear leadership and something to do. With the right training they can be good with strangers, and other pets but may be a little too excitable for small children. Dalmatians need a lot of opportunity to exercise and may become destructive if not allowed to do so. They shed all year so regular grooming is needed to help to keep that in check. There is quite a high proportion of deafness in this breed. They are also prone to urinary stones and skin allergies.

The gentle deerhound makes a dignified and affectionate companion. At first glance, the Deerhound looks like a rough-coated Greyhound but they are larger and slightly heavier in build. They can come in a variety of colours but mainly black, blue-black or grey. They tend to carry their tail low, almost between their back legs. They were bred in Scotland to help to track deer so the harsh coat is for protection against the cold. They almost became extinct, their numbers fell because, at one time, only the nobility were allowed to own one. They are particularly good at tracking and are a well-mannered and loyal dog but can be rather slow to follow commands. They enjoy the company of people and are very good with children, they normally get on well with other dogs but have to be trained to tolerate non-canine animals. They need plenty of outdoor exercise as they tend to be sedentary indoors. Their harsh coat needs trimming and stripping. They are prone to bloat but are otherwise generally healthy.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is extremely loyal and a natural guard. The Dogue de Bordeaux is also called the French Mastiff and has the typical mastiff look of being stocky with a huge wrinkled head. These mastiffs are quite short legged and have loose-fitting skin. Their coats are short and reddish and they occasionally have white markings on the chest and feet. They were originally bred as a guard dog, both of people and animals such as sheep and cattle but have been used in baiting and hunting too. They are naturally protective of their family and often good with children but they are essentially a guard dog and need firm training to learn tolerance towards others. The Dogue de Bordeaux tends to snore and drool too. They can be trained to tolerate strangers and other animals. They are inclined to be inactive indoors so need a good daily walk outside. They are also surprisingly agile and can jump quite well. Little grooming is needed. They are generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia and the dams often have to have cesareans when giving birth.

The English Toy Terrier is the oldest of the terrier breeds and is full of energy. They are a small, slender but muscular dog with a long, narrow head and pointed, erect ears. Their smooth coat is black and tan. They were bred to kill vermin and are said to be the best terrier for this task. They are highly intelligent, alert, eager to please and powerful. This makes them excellent at sports like agility but their body and brain must be kept exercised. They generally get along well with people and are usually good natured with other dogs but may not be trustworthy around small mammals. They are very active indoors but need plenty of exercise outside too. Their short, shiny coat is easy to care for with minimal grooming. They can be prone to problems with their blood.

The Estrela is good if you want a substantial dog with a commanding voice. This is a large, strong and sturdy dog. They come in two coat types: long and short. The long has a slightly coarse, thick top coat and dense undercoat. The short is similar but the outer coat is shorter. They can come in a variety of colours. They are Portuguese and were bred to fight wolves and protect sheep. Their urge to guard is strong and they are devoted to their family but can be suspicious of strangers. They are strong-willed but intelligent and trainable. They can be taught to get on well with strangers and other animals. They need good daily exercise outside and often favour being outside because of their thick coats. They're also agile and capable of jumping substantial heights. They are relatively easy to groom despite the thick coat. There are no known health problems.

The Finnish Lapphund is a friendly, family dog that loves people and is eager to please. A little less than medium-sized and fairly broad in body and head with a curly tail, they are often tricolour with brown 'eye-brow' markings. Their double coat is long and very thick, consisting of a longer outer coat and a thick, wooly undercoat to enable them to survive in extreme cold conditions in their native Finland. They were originally used by the Sami people for herding reindeer so they enjoy being outdoors and will often choose to stay outside. Like many other spitz breeds, they can be vocal. They are very good with people and children and generally fine with other dogs but have a tendency to chase wildlife. They are full of energy and need quite a bit of exercise and many breeders will require new owners to have a good sized garden. Their coat doesn't matt easily but grooming can be quite time consuming as there is so much coat, a good groom once a week should be fine. They can moult periodically quite dramatically and require regular combing during this time to remove loose hair. Health testing is done for PRA (night blindness). There are also problems with hereditary cataracts but the gene has not yet been found for this and they should be hip scored before breeding.

Fox Terriers make a great little family dog if you can keep up with them. The Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog, quite trim but with a rather muscular neck and v-shaped ears that drop forwards. They come in two coat types: smooth and wiry, but both are white with black or brown markings. The smooth coated has a short and flat coat. The wiry coated has a dense undercoat and an outer one that is also dense and twisted, similar to the hair on a coconut. The Fox Terrier is one of the oldest Terrier breeds in Britain. They were bred to help farmers to get rid of vermin, either by killing rats etc themselves or by harassing them out of hiding for the farmer to kill. They are fearless, friendly and full of energy. They are also highly intelligent and especially good at learning tricks. They like people and are very good with children but they do have a very strong hunting urge so cannot be trusted around non-canine animals. Although they are an active dog indoors, they need plenty to exercise their body and brain. Care must be taken outdoors as their natural terrier instinct makes them inclined to run off to chase something. The short coat of the smooth coated Fox Terrier is easy to maintain but the wire coated will need stripping. On the plus side, the wire haireds shed very little hair. Fox Terriers that are largely white are more prone to deafness and may also be prone to Mast Cell Tumours. Wire haireds are also prone to epilepsy.

This mini version of the Bulldog loves to play the clown. They are a sturdy, compact little dog with quite a large head and mouth and slightly rounded 'bat' ears that stand straight up. The eyes are prominent too. Their short, smooth coat comes in a wide range of colours including brindle and spotted. They actually originate from England when lacemakers wanted a miniature bulldog as a lapdog but the lacemakers moved to France in the industrial revolution and took their dogs with them where they were renamed. They are easy-going, playful and affectionate. They are game for anything and intelligent but not noisy or demanding. They generally get along well with people and other animals although they do like to catch mice. They are quite active indoors but enjoy a daily walk too. Care needs to be taken in hot weather as they are prone to heatstroke and around water as most of them cannot swim. Little grooming is needed. They are prone to quite a range of problems so vet bills can be high. Typically affected areas are joints, spine, heart and eyes and they often suffer from respiratory problems. Pups are normally delivered via cesarean section.

For a country-living family with a healthy outdoor life, especially if they love to go hunting, the German Pointer is hard to beat. They are a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog. The German Pointer actually comes in three coat types, the shorthaired, the longhaired and the wirehaired. All coat types come in combinations of liver, white and black. Shorthaireds are the smallest. Their coat is short, thick and slightly rough. The Longhaired is the largest, their coat is a little longer and wavy but is firm rather than silky. They were bred in Germany for hunting so had to be good at tracking, pointing and retrieving across both land and water, but they were also bred to be a family pet and watchdog. Affectionate, intelligent and eager to learn, they are very trainable and excel at gundog work but also at obedience and in the show ring. They are happiest when they have a job to do and are normally good natured with all people and animals. Both coat types are extremely energetic and need plenty of opportunity to run and swim on a regular basis. The short coat is easy to groom, the longhaireds need a little more attention especially in the winter and spring months when grass seeds, mud and or snow can ball up between their feet. Teasels and other weeds can collect in the hair around their ears and in their longer coat causing it to matt and tangle. Both breeds are reasonably healthy and that is because breeders are encouraged to have breeding stock hip scored and eye tested. When looking for a puppy the questions about health testing should be asked of the breeder.

Given consistent, firm training, the German Shepherd Dog, or GSD, can turn his paw to pretty much anything. They are balanced, muscular and very strong with long, pointed ears and a bushy tail. There are three coat types, the most common double coat, the plush coat, and the longhaired coat. All of these coat types appear fairly frequently, they come in degrees of thickness but all are quite soft and come in shades of black and tan, black, white and sable. The name tells us everything about this dog's history: originally a working farm dog from Germany, but they have proved invaluable in police work, the armed forces and many other fields. German Shepherds are fearless, loyal, eager to learn, very intelligent and have a steady temperament. They are highly skilled as a working dog and can be trained for a huge range of jobs as well as activities such as obedience and flyball. They bond closely with a family but can be wary of strangers, they can be trained to get on well with other animals. They need lots of opportunities for physical and mental exercise. They need regular grooming but are likely to shed constantly despite this. There are some known hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, bloat, epilepsy, eczema, keratitis, dwarfism and flea allergies.

The German Spitz breed loves to be the centre of attention and will "dance" for it, standing on their hind legs. They have the typical spitz look: thick undercoat with a harsher long top coat, curled tail over their back and a slightly wolf-like face; but their eyes are larger than most spitz breeds and they come in a wider variety of colours. There are two sizes recognised by the kennel club: Klein (small) and Mittel (medium-sized) but they have the same overall shape and character. The medium-sized German Spitz was used as a herding dog but the small variety is more of a companion breed, similar to the Pomeranian. They are a busy and inquisitive dog and are happy to please as long they have firm leadership, they make a good companion for an older person. They love human attention and can be trained to get on well with strangers, children and animals. Although quite active indoors, they enjoy regular daily walks. They need regular brushing to prevent matting but there are no known health problems.

Although calm and gentle with their family indoors, the Glen of Imaal Terrier makes a determined hunter outside. They are a short-legged, wire-coated terrier that comes in a wheaten (all shades), brindle and blue. Their top size is 14" and they weigh in at 35lbs, but they must give the impression of maximum strength for the dog's size. The Glen is an earth dog, not a digging dog. Originating from Ireland and used for hunting, they were sent into the sett or burrow to pull out vermin such as foxes and badgers. Their fronts are slightly bowed with the feet turning out slightly at the pasterns, which is needed to brace themselves whilst pulling. There is also some anecdotal descriptions of turnspit dogs that could very well fit the description of a Glen, with the dogs keeping a roasting spit going by walking on a treadmill for hours. They are good family dogs and in the main travel well. They are not a trouble maker but will they will not back down in a confrontation. They are normally friendly around people and good with children, but must be properly socialised so they mix with other animals. They are fairly active indoors but surprisingly active on walks too. Glen of Imaal Terriers are easy to groom but will need stripping at least twice a year. They are prone to skin allergies, CRD3 (Cone rod deficiency) which can descent into blindness in old age. There is a gene test for this condition and it is recommended that parents should be tested and that at least one parent should have tested clear.

The Grand Bleu De Gascogne loves to hunt, sounding their pleasure with a deep, ringing howl. They are a large, impressive dog with a lean and muscular frame, slightly domed head, drooping ears and with a droop at the sides of their mouths. The short coat is white with black mottling giving the blue look overall. They were bred in France to hunt deer, wild boar and even wolves and have excellent scenting skills. They are sociable, intelligent, confident and capable of independent thought but bore easily and can be rather stubborn. They are normally friendly towards adults, children and domestic pets but their hound nature may make them inclined to chase wildlife. They need plenty of opportunities to exercise their body and brain. The short coat is easy to maintain. They are generally healthy but can suffer from hip dysplasia, a blood clotting disorder eyelid problems, sensitivity to anaesthesia and bloat.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog makes a fine large family dog. These dogs are large, sturdy and muscular. They have a thick but short double coat and specific tricolour markings of brown, white and black. They are similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog but with a shorter coat. They originate from Switzerland where they were used to herd cattle and pull milk carts which led to them being nicknamed "the poor man's horse". They are eager to please, calm and good natured. They make a very good watchdog and will bark if they suspect anything untoward. Although they like to chase, they warm to people. They are great with children, not dog aggressive and generally good with other pets. They need a good long daily walk. They are easy to groom. They are prone to bloat, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, digestive problems and excess eyelashes.

The Greyhound is the fastest dog in the world, capable of reaching speeds of over forty miles per hour. They are sighthounds, hunting by sight scanning for movement rather than following a scent. Everything about the Greyhound is long and slender. They have slender bodies with deep chests, a long narrow head, long legs and even a long, thin tail. Their coat is short and fine and comes in all colours. There are two types of Greyhound - show dogs and racing dogs. The show dogs are taller, heavier and not as fast. With greyhound type dogs appearing in hieroglyphics it is believed they may have come originally from Egypt. Greyhounds are the only breed mentioned in the Bible. Hundreds of years ago, they were used in England to hunt wild boar, deer and foxes, but over more recent years have been used for racing. They are a gentle, quiet, affectionate breed but can be very sensitive. They can be reserved around strangers and would not welcome rough play from children. Many can be taught to live happily with other animals but a strong urge to chase combined with the speed to catch what they are chasing means they must be managed responsibly. Built for speed they are very much couch potatoes indoors and enjoy regular short exercise opportunities (two 20 minute walks each day is usually recommended depending on the needs of individual dogs). Lead walking is great to tone their muscles and a secure area where they can let off short bursts of speed can be particularly enjoyed. They will need a coat in winter. The short hair is easy to maintain. They have a unique physiology to enable them to reach their high speeds including a proportionately larger heart compared to other breeds, and a greater proportion of red blood cells within their blood. They are prone to bloat and hypothyroidism and can also be sensitive to drugs including insecticides.

The Griffon Fauve De Bretagne, or Griffon Fauve for short, is one of the oldest French hunting dogs. They date back to the 13th Century and for many years were used in pairs to hunt wolves. As the wolf started to decline, so did the numbers of Griffon Fauves and when the wolf was wiped out the breed nearly became extinct. Fortunately they were revived in the 1940s. They are still a popular hunting dog today, for game and wild boar, showing determination and courage for their work and loyalty and affection for their family. They are a hardy, medium-sized dog with a distinctive shaggy coat in shades of fawn from golden to red, which is easy to maintain.

The Havanese is the National Dog of Cuba. They are a little, sturdy dog with a bouncy stride and a lot of hair which covers their entire body. The coat may be wavy or curly but the most striking kind is the corded where the coat hangs in long strands. This can come in many colours. They are one of the "Bichon" breeds, the French word for bearded, and were popular in Cuba as a lap-dog. They are a natural companion dog: playful, affectionate, intelligent, easy to train for obedience and tricks and generally quiet. They are naturally sociable with other animals and people and are happy with moderate exercise. If just wanted as a pet, the coats can be clipped to make grooming easier but a corded coat requires special care. They are a healthy, long-lived breed but can suffer from some age-related problems eventually.

The Hungarian Kuvasz has very strong guarding instincts and while this may be an asset for working, they would need careful training to make a suitable family dog. They are a large, thick-coated dog that comes in white or cream. In the show ring, the head is thought to be the most attractive part of the dog, this is well proportioned with a large mane around the neck and down to the chest. They originate from Tibet but have been known in Hungary for hundreds of years as sheep guardians. They have a very strong urge to protect, are intelligent and think for themselves, so need well considered training. They can form a close bond with the pets and people of their family but need to be taught to accept those outside. They need plenty of regular exercise and prefer to be outside in cooler weather. This is a breed that needs to be brushed regularly but not bathed too often as the natural oils in the coat help it to shed dirt. They are generally healthy but may suffer from hip dysplasia and are inclined to drool and slobber.

The distinctive appearance of the Hungarian Pumi is likely the result of his origins as a cross between the Hungarian Puli and German and French prick-eared sheepdogs. However, there is probably a good deal of terrier in the breed too, as they have a very terrier-like personality. They are quite a small dog with an elongated muzzle and a medium-length, curled coat that has to be trimmed regularly like that of the Poodle to avoid it matting. However, also like the Poodle, they have little to no shedding. Their colouring is normally anything from black to light grey but always one solid colour. They were bred as a farm dog to guard and drive cattle and to clear vermin. As a result, they are energetic, spirited and intelligent so need plenty of mental and physical exercise. The Pumi is loyal and very trainable, if a little noisy, but needs to be well socialised to strangers and other animals from an early age. Pumis are generally a very healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-14 years.

The Ibizan Hound is an extremely energetic hunting dog. They are slim and athletic, with large upright ears and amber coloured eyes. Their coats, a combination of whites, reds and tans are most commonly smooth-haired, but can be wire-haired, or, less often, long-haired. They were bred in the Spanish islands for hunting rabbits, either alone or in packs. Most garden fences would not present much of a challenge to such a breed that so loves to run, and, especially, chase. They can be a little cautious with strangers, but once they get to know them, the Ibizan Hounds are very good with adults and children. They are generally good with other pets that are raised in the household, but cats, rabbits, rodents and other small animals outside the home are likely to be hunted, and if caught, might be killed. This breed needs a great deal of very energetic exercise. If the Ibizan Hound chases off, following a scent, it can be very difficult to retrieve! The only grooming required is an occasional brushing or sponging. The coat of the Ibizan Hound is not very protective in particularly cold weather. This breed enjoys generally good health with very few hereditary issues, but some suffer from allergies, and others might have occasional seizures.

The Irish Setter, with its glossy red coat, is the glamorous descendent of the Irish Red and White Setter. They are similar to the Irish Red and White Setter but have a more slender, racier look to them and a finer head. Their coat is finely textured and comes in shades of glossy red with the occasional white patch on the chest. Irish Setters were bred from a mixture of other hunting dogs to produce an all-purpose hunting dog for finding and retrieving game birds and are very swift with an excellent sense of smell. This is an affectionate, intelligent and independent breed. Although high spirited, they are very trainable without a strong guarding instinct. They need plenty of outlets for their energy and are good at competitive obedience and agility. Most are naturally friendly and get along other animals, children and strangers. A daily short brush keeps their coat looking good and free from tangles. They are prone to bloat, epilepsy, skin allergies, elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eye problems.