Although it is thought that the Portuguese Pointer might go back as far as the 14th Century, they are still one of the most popular dogs to be used for hunting in Portugal and Spain today. They are a medium-sized, balanced dog with a square head and a short, sleek coat. The coat on the body feels a little coarser than might be expected but the face and ears feel like velvet. They are normally yellow or tan in colour, with or without white markings. It is thought that they descended from the ancient Iberian hunting dogs and were used by royalty for hunting game birds, mainly Red-legged Partridge but later became popular with the poorer in society too. They are very affectionate, loyal, intelligent and eager to please. They love to work and if not working out in the field will respond enthusiastically to anything that occupies their body and brain. They make a good watchdog without being too vocal. They are good with children and other dogs but may be wary of strangers. They need a great deal of physical and mental exercise. They need more brushing and combing than might be expected for a short-haired breed and also need trimming fairly regularly. There are no known health problems.

There have been a number of famous Pugs throughout history. Josephine is reputed to have told Napoleon on their wedding night "If the Pug does not sleep in our bed, neither do I!" They are small but thick-set and stocky. For the size of the dog, their head is surprisingly large and surprisingly wrinkled and their muzzle is very short. Their tail is curled and carried over the back and their coat is short and smooth. They come in apricot, fawn, black and silver. They are one of the oldest known breeds and originate from somewhere in Asia, possibly China, where they were bred to be a companion, particularly to royalty, similar to the Pekingese. They are normally a happy little dog, loyal, loving, robust, spirited and full of fun. They are highly intelligent and good guard dogs without being yappy. Pugs generally get along very well with children, visitors, dogs and other pets. They enjoy exercise outside but can have breathing difficulties if over exerted - little and often is the key. They have difficulty coping with extreme weather conditions. The short coat is easy to maintain but care must be taken to ensure the creases on the face are cleaned regularly too. Apart from difficulties with hot and cold, they are prone to a number of health problems: allergies, breathing problems, skin problems, eye problems and Pug Dog Encephalitis. Puppies often have to be born by cesarean too.

This gentle giant is a natural guard dog who is normally affectionate toward their own family. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a very large well-proportioned dog with a large body and a great, thick weather-resistant double coat. The undercoat is soft and woolly and the top coat, coarse and flat. They also have a mane around the shoulders and neck. The coat is mainly white but can have small patches of badger, wolf-grey or pale yellow. Originally, they were used as a flock guard in the Pyrenees. They are very intelligent, independent and protective. Within their own family they are serious but can be affectionate with children, animals and people they know. Because it is in their nature to want to look after their family, they need to be socialised well with people, children and animals from outside. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs need a moderate amount of exercise so need a good daily walk if not being used as a working dog. The heavy coat needs regular brushing and combing, they shed continually but more so at certain times of the year. They can be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, bone cancer and kneecap problems.

The oily coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever means that wet rolls of it, quite literally, like water off a duck's back. They are a muscular dog with quite a broad head and amber/yellow eyes. They have webbed feet and a wavy but short coat. They come in shades of reds and browns. It is said that in the early 1800s two Newfoundland-type dogs were rescued from a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland and later bred with other local dogs to produce the best water-retrieving dog around. They are more independent than most retrievers and so less easy to train but they are brave, intelligent and keen, if a little slow, to learn. They can be affectionate, loving and friendly and good with children. They are normally OK with strangers and other dogs and should be fine with cats in the home but may chase other mammals. They are strong and energetic, they need plenty of exercise and opportunities to swim, if possible. Heat makes them uncomfortable but icy water presents no problem. They need regular brushing but should not be bathed too often as it removes the protective oils in the coat which give it a distinctive smell. They are prone to eye problems and hip dysplasia.

Although retaining a youthful enthusiasm for years, the Flat-Coated Retriever is very sound and friendly and particularly gentle with children. They come in two colours, black and liver. They're the raciest of the retriever breeds, with a well balanced body and nicely moulded one piece head. They also, as the name suggests, have a flat coat which lies close to the body. Flat-Coated Retrievers were bred to be a "picking up dog", a dog who goes to fetch game, particularly game birds, when they have been shot. Retrieving comes naturally, they always want to bring you something. Their deep bark makes them good as a guard dog but they are not a noisy breed. They are excellent swimmers and love water but this can also include muddy puddles! Intelligent and easy to train, they respond well to food rewards and toys. Excellent with people and children, this breed enjoys the company of other dogs and can be good with cats. They enjoy and require a good amount of exercise. Flat-Coated Retrievers need regular grooming to keep the coat matt free and shiny but don't need as much grooming as some breeds. Some health tests are recommended, including eye tests and hip scores and there is some history of cancer but this problem is being tackled and there are less instances of this now.

The popular Labrador Retriever has proved his worth in a huge range of roles, from gun-dog work to assistance work to competitive sports. There are actually two types of Labrador Retrievers: the American one is tall and slender while the English one is stockier. They have a broad head, close hanging ears and a short, smooth coat. The most popular colours are yellow and black but they also come in chocolate, 'fox red' and even silver. Their webbed feet and otter-like tail make them excellent swimmers. They originate from Newfoundland where they worked helping fishermen. They were brought to the UK in the 1800's where they were crossed with other breeds to improve their retrieving skills. They are naturally loyal, loving, patient and eager to please. Their trainability makes them a good choice for a family dog but also makes them excellent assistance dogs for a range of disabilities. They love to play, especially in water. Their natural tendency is to be reliably friendly to all: strangers, other animals and they are normally excellent with children. They love to work so are happiest when given a purpose. They also love exercise, and as they have a tendency to put on weight, a good daily walk is important. Their short coat is easy to maintain and they tend to shed little but regularly. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA, mast cell tumours and eye problems.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks, used in packs, are excellent at hunting lions with hunters on horseback so they are sometimes known as "African Lion Hound". They are a large, muscular hound with a flat, triangular head and, sometimes, a black tongue. Their short, smooth coat comes in shades of wheaten and red but their most noticeable feature is the ridge of hairs that grow the wrong way along their back. They originate from Zimbabwe where they worked as a retriever and guard dog but in Rhodesia they found a new use as a hunter of big game. An excellent hunter, they are loyal, protective and surprisingly calm in the home. They are trainable and will be good natured and well behaved if allowed sufficient opportunity to exercise. They are normally good with children although may be a little boisterous for small children and they can be wary of strangers. They also need to be trained to get along with other animals. They have a lot of energy and stamina and need plenty of opportunity to exercise. They can withstand extremes of temperature. The smooth, short hair is easy to groom. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally very hardy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, cysts and mast cell tumours.

Although bred to catch fugitives in the second world war, the Russian Black Terrier, although effective in his work, is not naturally aggressive. They are a largish, squarely-built dog rather like a Giant Schnauzer in shape with large, bear-like feet. They are powerful but seem to have a light tread and have a thick, coarse, black, wavy coat. They were developed in Russia in the 1940s by the Red Star army for use as a high spirited but stable working dog able to withstand extremes of temperature. They are intelligent and trainable and become very attached to their owner. A well trained Russian Black Terrier is confident, eager to please and very loyal. They have a strong protective instinct and are wary of strangers although tend to get on well with children and are tolerant of most other animals. They have plenty of stamina and always enjoy a long walk. They tend to like snow and water too. The weather-proof coat needs trimming regularly and may need stripping occasionally. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and can suffer with problems with their ears.

The graceful, athletic Saluki literally flies when it runs. At top speed, all four of its legs are in the air at the same time. They are a tall, slender, elegant dog that naturally carries their tail between their legs. They are like a long-haired Greyhound. Their coat comes in white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, black and tan tricolour or white. They are the royal dog of Egypt and go back to the time of the Pharaohs. They were never sold but offered as treasured gifts and were used to hunt gazelle. Like the Greyhound, they are a gentle, loving dog but can be very sensitive. They are also intelligent and will bore easily if left alone or given insufficient exercise. They are naturally people, children and dog friendly but great care must be taken around other animals as they have a strong prey drive. They have great speed and tremendous stamina but can be single minded when they spot something to chase. They need little grooming but their feathery ears need checking for signs of infection. They have no natural doggy odour. They are prone to eye problems and cancer and can get sunburnt.

In Flanders, where the Schipperke used to work on canal boats, the word "schip" means boat and they were frequently nicknamed "Little Captain" or "Little Skipper" because they often belonged to the captain. The name is pronounced 'skip-er-key'. They are a small, fox-like, spitz-type breed with a thick, double coat that has a ruff round the neck and shoulders. They normally come in black but can also come in tan or fawn. They were bred in Flanders by a canal boat captain named Renssens and were used as a guard dog on boats as well as for ratting. They are lively, intelligent, alert and very loyal. They are a good alert dog but do like the sound of their own bark and will howl too. They are very happy on boats. Schipperkes usually get on well with strangers, children and animals. They need regular exercise but are the sort of dog that is active indoors and out. Regular brushing and combing is needed to keep the coat looking good. At certain times of the year the coat "blows" - all the undercoat falls out over a period of days - and for a couple of weeks they look practically naked until the thick coat returns. They are prone to hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia slipped hip sockets, Legg Calves Perthes Disease, eye problems and a recently discovered disease called MPS 111B (Mucopolysaccharidosis).

Scottish Terriers have been described as a big dog in a small dog's body. They are game for anything and have great determination, earning them the nickname of "little diehard". They are a sturdy, short-legged little dog with a long, rectangular head and pricked-up ears. The hair is long on their eyebrows, muzzle and legs. Their coat is coarse with a soft undercoat and comes in black, brindle or wheaten. They were developed in Scotland in the 1700s for hunting den animals like foxes and badgers. Playful and full of character with the right upbringing, they need firm but gentle handling from an early age. They are intelligent with a stubborn streak, they are also very alert and make a good watchdog. Because they need to be treated with authority, they may not be suitable for a family with small children. They are an active breed indoors but enjoy a daily walk outside too. Regular brushing and combing of the coat is necessary and they need to be professionally trimmed about twice a year. They can be prone to Scotty Cramp (a movement problem), Von Willebrand's disease, flea allergic dermatitis, skin and jaw problems and mast cell tumours. They can also have difficulty with whelping.

Although very popular in their native Italy, the Segugio Italiano is rarely kept as a pet. They are primarily a hunting dog, capable of working alone or in packs. They are a medium-sized, squarish hound with a length equal to their height that comes in smooth and wire coated types. Their coat can be fawn coloured or black and tan. They were bred originally to hunt boar but are now used for hunting rabbits and hares. They work in a unique way, tracking and then herding the prey to bring it to the hunter. When excitedly on the trail, they make a distinctive high-pitched "ba, ba" noise. They are generally calm, intelligent and affectionate but need plenty of opportunity to exercise their body and brain. They are normally good with other dogs, children and people. They are very fast and have great stamina so need plenty of exercise but their prey drive will incline them to chase if they spot wildlife. Regular brushing and combing keeps the coat in good condition. They are usually very healthy.

The Shetland Sheepdog is smart, energetic and rather glamorous. They are a small dog that looks like a miniature Rough Coated Collie: fine featured with a long double coat that has a mane around the neck and chest. Their coat comes in blue merle, sable and black with varying amounts of white and/or tan. They were bred in the 1700s to guard and herd sheep in the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland. They are eager to please, affectionate and extremely intelligent. They are very trainable with plenty of energy and do particularly well at sports such as agility and obedience. They can be a little reserved around strangers but are generally fine with children and other dogs. Although active indoors, they are a breed with a good deal of energy that needs a daily walk too and they love to chase things. Regular brushing is important to keep the coat looking good and they are a seasonal heavy shedder. They can have malformed or diseased eyes and are prone to hypothyroidism and kneecap problems. They can also be allergic to certain medicines.

Noted for their great speed and ability to withstand extremes of cold, Siberian Huskies found great favour in 1925 in Alaska when there was a diptheria epidemic and they were used to transport medicine to people in remote areas. They are a strong, compact, spitz-type breed with a thick double coat for very cold temperatures. They also have hair between the pads on their paws to help them in the snow. They come in a variety of colours but the markings, particularly on the head, are clearly specified. There is a long-coated variety but it is not recognised by most kennel clubs. They were used by the Chukchi Tribe to pull sleds and herd reindeer in Eastern Siberia. They are highly intelligent with lots of energy so need plenty of outlets to exercise their body and brain. They can also be a little wilful and a bit of a handful but are naturally loving, loyal, enthusiastic and happy dogs. They are not watchdogs but enjoy howling. They are people and child friendly and particularly enjoy the company of other dogs although they may not be trustworthy around other animals. They are very active indoors but need a good deal of outdoor exercise too. They get bored very easily and can be destructive if not properly exercised. They often find warm weather difficult to cope with. Care needs to be taken when they are in a garden as they are excellent diggers. They prefer to live in packs. Grooming only needs to be intensive twice a year when they shed heavily. They are prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, PRA, and a skin problem known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which is treatable by giving zinc supplements.

Although very similar to Greyhounds in appearance, the main difference between Sloughis and Greyhounds is in the way they move. Sloughis do not hunch and extend as much as the Greyhound - their gait is smoother and seems effortless. They are squarer in shape than the Greyhound but with the same short, smooth coat. The most common colour is sandy with dark heads but they can come in other colours too such as brindle, white or even black and tan. They are an Arabian breed, originating from a region in the north Sahara and have been in existence since the 1300s. They were a treasured possession of chiefs and kings and used for hunting. Sloughis are not the easiest dog to obedience train but they can be very affectionate, gentle, and loyal to their owners. Indoors, they are happiest lying around on soft furnishings. They can be wary of strangers although get along well with children and other animals if they are raised with them but care needs to be taken around small mammals. They will be relaxed indoors but need a lot of exercise outside. They also have an urge to chase but are equally keen to return to their owner. They are easy to groom but need protection against cold and wet weather. They are a naturally clean dog with almost no doggy odour. They are generally very healthy although there have been reported cases of PRA, problems with their immune system, balance problems, haemophilia and sensitivity to anaesthetics.

The Small Munsterlander was originally bred to flush out prey for falcons to help falconers. As the sport became less popular, the Small Munsterlander's numbers dwindled too. They are a medium-sized, rather elegant, hunt-point-retrieve type dog, with a strong, balanced appearance. Their coat is medium-length and shiny with large patches of brown on a white or flecked background as opposed to the black and white of the Large Munsterlander. The breed is much older than many might realise, thought to be over 500 yrs old. They come from Munster in Germany. Although at one time few in number, the breed was rescued at the end of the 19th Century by Edmund Lons. They are lively, affectionate, very intelligent and highly trainable but they need to be given plenty of opportunity to exercise their body and brain. They are people and child friendly and normally happy around other dogs. They will normally be fine around animals they grow up with but have a strong prey drive so will be less accepting of small mammals in the wild. They need plenty of exercise and enjoy swimming. Their coat requires regular but not excessive brushing and combing. Since the breed was reestablished, breeders have gone out of their way to ensure the breed remains healthy so instances of genetic disease are very low.

The American Cocker Spaniel was bred as a gundog for flushing and retrieving game birds. The name "Cocker" comes from the bird named the "woodcock". They originate from the English Cocker Spaniel but were bred to be slightly smaller with rounder heads, eyes that face more to the front and shorter muzzles. Their body is shorter too and slopes slightly from front to back. Both the American and English Cocker Spaniels have a silky coat but whereas the English coat is of a similar length all over, the American coat is short on the head, longer on the body and very long on the legs and tummy. Both varieties can come in a wide range of colours. The American Kennel Club refers to American Cocker Spaniels as simply "Cocker Spaniels". They are a happy little dog as evidenced by their ever wagging tail. They enjoy working but are equally happy as a household pet as they are essentially sweet-natured and outgoing. They are normally sociable and friendly towards other animals, strangers and children. They have a fair amount of stamina and energy so need regular exercise. They shed but still need trimming as well as regular brushing. They also have a tendency to have weepy eyes so these may need wiping too. They are prone to quite a wide range of health problems, in particular: cataracts, glaucoma and patellar luxation. There have also been reported cases of IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) which strikes out of the blue and can prove fatal within a couple of days.

Clumber Spaniels are the heaviest of the Spaniels. The name comes from home of the Duke of Newcastle, Clumber Park where the breed was perfected. They are a medium-sized, heavy, thick-set dog, low to the ground and with a large head and deep muzzle. In fact, over the years, the breed standard has allowed them to become heavier. Their coat is soft, flat and short and mainly white with markings in orange or lemon. The breed was set in the 18th Century in England but may have come originally from France. They are a scenting gun dog, quite slow but quiet and with good stamina. They were used to hunt birds like pheasant. They are intelligent and trainable and possibly the most placid and steady of the Spaniels. They are affectionate, easy-going and polite and make a good family dog. They are normally sociable and friendly towards other animals, strangers and children. They need regular exercise of a decent duration. They also love to chew so need to be given something suitable to meet that need. They need regular brushing and occasional trimming but still shed quite heavily. They can be prone to entropion, cataracts, juvenile lameness, hip dysplasia, ear infections, dry eyes and skin and flea allergies. They tend to snore, wheeze and drool and have a tendency to put on weight easily. The breed is also prone to Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) which is a genetic syndrome where dogs show signs of muscle weakness, loss of coordination, severe marked increase in body temperature and life-threatening collapse when participating in strenuous exercise or activity. Affected dogs can cope with mild to moderate exercise, but just 5 to 20 minutes of strenuous activity, or even extreme excitement can induce weakness or collapse. New owners should also bear in mind the Inbreeding Coefficient (COI) as the breed is small in numbers so many breeders are working on introducing new bloodlines to keep the genetic pool as varied as possible.

The English Springer Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel came from the same litters hundreds of years ago. The smaller dogs were used for hunting woodcock and the larger for flushing out birds to make them "spring" up, hence the name. English Springer Spaniels now are a medium-sized, compact dog with a muzzle the same length as the head, hanging ears and a thick, silky coat that usually comes in white with black or liver markings. They are larger and leggier than the Cocker Spaniel. They were originally bred to hunt and retrieve game birds, both on land and in water. They are out-going, affectionate and sociable, very intelligent and eager to please. They are highly trainable and do well in competitions like agility and obedience. They are naturally friendly and sociable with other animals and strangers and excellent with children. They have a lot of energy and need a good deal of exercise which can include retrieving and swimming. Their high energy levels make them unsuitable for anyone who can't take them for a good walk every day. They need regular brushing and combing and occasional bathing. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, blood problems and epilepsy.

Irish Water Spaniels are the tallest of the Spaniels and have a curly rather than silky coat which is liver with a purple hue, unlike the colour of any other breed. They are quite a large dog with a long, square muzzle and large, dangling ears. Their curly coat has a thick undercoat to protect them against cold water and their feet are webbed. They were bred in Ireland by a Justin McCarthy for use as a land/water hunting dog and are likely to have Poodle in the mix. Irish Water Spaniels are very intelligent and loyal, confident, affectionate and eager to please and will be a happy family pet if given enough opportunity to exercise their body and brain. They generally get on well with other animals and children but may be a little wary of strangers. The breed generally has great energy and stamina and needs a good deal of exercise, preferably in the countryside with opportunities to swim. Their coat needs to be combed and trimmed regularly and has a tendency to matt. They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye entropion and ear infections. They may drool and slobber too.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is smaller, lighter, less racy and has a finer head than his English "cousin" the English Springer Spaniel. They are a medium-sized, compact dog with a domed head and a muzzle the same length as the skull. The ears hang low and their coat is silky and flat or wavy. They come in red and white in any pattern. They were developed as a more land based hunting dog. Their name comes from the action of "springing" at game. They are loyal, loving, eager to please and enjoy human companionship. They are normally good with other animals and children but can be a little timid around strangers. Although not quite as energetic as the English Springer Spaniel, they still have a lot of energy and stamina and need a good deal of exercise. They need regular brushing and combing and their ears need checking but they tend to stay cleaner in wet weather than their English counterpart. They are prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, epilepsy and entropion.

The Saint Bernard is famous as a search and rescue dog. They can detect a person under many feet of snow and have even been known to detect snow storms and avalanches. Early rescue dogs would go out in pairs so that one dog could lay next to the victim to keep them warm while the other went back for a rescue team. They are giant, strong and muscular with a massive, powerful head. Their dense coat can be rough or smooth and comes in red with white or mahogany brindle with white. They usually have black shading on the face and ears. They were bred by monks from the Saint Bernard Hospice to rescue travellers caught by avalanches in the Alps. Early Saint Bernards were a little smaller and had shorter hair because the long hair would fill with ice and weigh them down. Saint Bernards are gentle, friendly and patient. They are slow moving, extremely loyal and intelligent and easy to train. They are affectionate to other animals, people and children but need to be trained to be impeccably behaved due to their great size. They have good stamina so need a long daily walk but don't tolerate hot conditions well. They need to be brushed and combed fairly regularly and bathed only occasionally so that the coat is not stripped of its natural oils. Their eyes need to be checked, too, as they have a tendency to water. St Bernards are prone to "wobbler" syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, hip dysplasia, tumours, extropion and bloat. They also have a tendency to wheeze, snore and drool.

The Swedish Lapphund is a resilient well-rounded dog that can turn their paw to anything, be it herding, guarding, hunting or family pet. They are very rare but are the national dog of Sweden. They are a medium-sized spitz type breed with a typical spitz rectangular shape. Their weather-proof coat is thick with a soft dense undercoat and a harsher outer coat that stands out. They come in black, brown or a combination of the two with occasional small patches of white. They have a long history which goes back to when they were a hunting and guarding dog for ancient Scandinavian tribes, to being used to herd reindeer in the mid 18th Century. They are a highly intelligent and trainable dog but one that is capable of independent thought too. They enjoy human company and are brave, loyal and friendly. They are normally good with other animals, people and children but have a tendency to bark. They need regular physical and mental exercise but they do not tolerate heat well. Despite the thickness of their coat, they are relatively easy to brush and comb but they can shed heavily. They are prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

This is the most ancient of all dogs, possibly going back as far as 1100BC. They are a powerful, giant dog with a broad, strong head. Their great double coat is very thick with a mane around the neck and is usually black or black and tan. There are two types, although usually born in the same litter: the Tsang-khyi, which is taller and heavier boned with more wrinkles around the face, and the Do-khyi which is leaner with fewer wrinkles. They were used as a guard dog either for property, which could be as much as a whole village, or for sheep. When guarding property, they were normally confined during the day and let loose at night. Although an intelligent dog, their protective guarding instinct and wilful nature makes them more suitable for an experienced owner. They are often loving towards children and can be trained to get on well with other animals but are naturally very wary of strangers. They need a good daily walk as they are not very active indoors. The thick coat needs regular brushing and combing, especially during times of moulting. They are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, skin conditions and ear infections. They can also suffer from a genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN), which attacks puppies and is fatal.

The Tibetan Terrier is not actually in the Terrier group but was given the Terrier name by the first Europeans who encountered it. There is, however, a streak of Terrier wilfulness about them. They are a medium-sized, square looking dog with long hair on their face giving them the look of a beard, moustache and bushy eyebrows. The thick, double coat has a soft, woolly undercoat with a long, straight to wavy, top coat that comes in all colours. They were kept by monks about two thousand years ago as good luck charms and were helpful as watchdogs and herders. The monks refused to sell them but occasionally gave them as gifts. They are a gentle and affectionate dog, intelligent and loyal. They normally get along fine with other animals but may not be suitable for small children and can be a little wary of strangers. They have a lot of stamina and energy and need plenty of exercise. Their coat needs a good deal of brushing and combing and regular bathing. They can also be trimmed. They are prone to PRA and hip dysplasia and can also be sensitive to fleas.

Despite the name, the Portuguese Water Dog might originally have come from North Africa. They are a medium-sized, muscular dog, with long, hanging ears and a thick coat that is either curly or wavy. As their name suggests, they are excellent swimmers and this is aided by having webbed feet. The coat can come in black, white, various shades of brown, black and white or brown and white. They found favour in Portugal for many years, performing a multitude of tasks for the fishermen, including retrieving items from the water and carrying messages between ships. They are loyal, loving and extremely intelligent and can be great fun to have around, but they do have a stubborn streak and are quite capable of outsmarting their owner. Many also love to chew so would need to be given something suitable for this. Generally good with people, children and most pets, they may need careful introduction to cats. An active working type of dog that needs plenty of physical and mental exercise, they can be very good at sports like agility and, obviously, they love to swim too! Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little so their coat needs trimming, although less frequently than the poodle as the coat is slower to grow. They can be given an even trim all over or a "lion trim" - developed from their work in the water where the rear and muzzle were shaved to help with swimming but thick hair was left around their front to protect their vital organs and joints. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, PRA and GM-1 Storage Disease, a fatal disease that effects the nerves.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is calm and loyal to their own family but their natural tendency is to guard. They are a very large and powerful dog with a large head and a heavy, coarse, white coat with dark markings. The neck has loose folds of skin and a double dewlap. They are a Spanish mountain dog whose role was to guard sheep against attack from wolves and bears. They are very intelligent, independent and protective. Within their own family, they are even-tempered with children, animals and people they know. Because it is in their nature to want to look after their family, they need to be socialised well with people, children and animals from outside. They do not need a lot of exercise but outings need to be frequent and regular as they will become bored if cooped up. The fairly long coat needs regular brushing and combing and they are a seasonal heavy shedder. They are a generally very healthy breed although can suffer from digestive problems.

Although a sheepdog, many Pyrenean Sheepdogs are more like a Terrier in personality. They are a small-medium sized dog, very slender underneath their shaggy coat. The breed standard states that the ribs should be easy to feel. Their hairy face, little semi-pricked ears and rough coat leads many people to believe they are some kind of terrier mix than a purebred. They were bred to herd sheep in the French mountains. They are not the easiest dog to train, they are highly intelligent and knowing with a hint of mischief in their make up. Given an experienced dog-handler with the time to devote to their training, they can be an impressive dog but they are easily bored, love to bark and have a high prey drive. Care needs to be taken to properly socialise them in their early life as they can be wary of strangers. They also have a tendency to chase small mammals. They need a lot of physical and mental exercise, they are athletic and very fast. The long coat needs regular brushing and combing. They are a generally healthy and long lived breed but it's worth checking them for hip and elbow problems and eye and hearing problems.

The Curly Coated Retriever is very easy to identify from having a shiny, tightly-curled coat and yet smooth hair on their head. The coat on this large, hardy dog comes in liver or black. It is water-resistant and helps to protect against brambles. Black coated dogs have black or brown eyes but the liver coated can have amber eyes. They originate from eighteenth century England where they were bred for hunting, particularly for hunting duck and quail. They have great stamina and excellent scenting skills. They are trainable loyal and eager to please but can be a little wilful and do not fully mature until they are about three years old so are not a dog for everyone. They are generally good natured with children and animals and will be fine with strangers too if socialised from an early age. They are friendly but a natural guard dog too. They are a high energy very intelligent dog that needs plenty of opportunity to exercise their body and brain. They love swimming and can be good at agility and obedience. The coat should not be brushed except for when it is shedding although it may need occasional clipping. They are prone to eye problems, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds around today which is not surprising given their sweet natures and versatility. They are a sturdy, medium-size dog with a broad head, dark brown eyes and close hanging ears. Their coat is thick and can be wavy with long feathering. It comes in shades of cream through to rich gold. Golden Retrievers originate from Scotland in the 1800's where they were bred as a gun dog, specifically for water birds, but are widely used as assistance dogs in all kinds of roles now. They are loving, good natured and intelligent and very easy to train. Generally considered excellent family dogs, they are also good at hunting, obedience and agility. They are normally friendly toward all people and animals and are excellent with children. They enjoy a decent daily walk and love to retrieve and many are fond of water. The double coat is easy to groom but they shed constantly. They are prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease, heart and eye problems and skin allergies.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a lively, friendly little dog that gained his name from his job of using the waving white tip of his tail to lure ducks towards hunters and then retrieve them after they'd been shot. They look a little like a smaller version of the Golden Retriever with similar shape and colouring although they also usually have white markings on the feet, chest and tail. The double coat is water-repellent and their feet are webbed. They come from Canada where they were bred to help hunters with hunting water fowl. They are intelligent, easy to train and devoted to their family. They do well in active dog sports such as agility and make excellent companion dogs as long as they are given enough opportunity to exercise. They are normally friendly toward other animals and excellent with children although can be a little more reserved around strangers than the Golden Retriever. They have a lot of energy and enjoy good daily exercise and opportunities to swim. Their coat should be brushed and combed regularly but not bathed too often as it removes the coat's natural oils. They are prone to thyroid and auto-immune problems and there have been some reported cases of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

The Rottweiler is an imposing dog who is seemingly impervious to pain and as such has earned something of a bad press, but in the right hands they are calm and reliable. They are a large, muscular and powerful dog with a broad head. Their short, thick, glossy coat is normally largely black with distinctive tan markings although there is a red colour with brown markings. They are a mastiff-type dog bred in Germany for herding, guarding and carting. They are highly intelligent, naturally very protective and devoted to their family. They make an excellent guard dog and with the right upbringing will be peaceful and kind. They have proven to be a great asset to the police and armed forces. They are a natural guard dog so need to be taught to accept strangers but can be trained to be good with children and other animals. They have a lot of stamina and need plenty of exercise. The short coat is easy to groom. They are prone to hip dysplasia, eyelid problems and tend to snore, they also gain weight easily.

The Russian Toy has only been officially recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK since 2017. It's a dog similar in size and looks to the chihuahua and can have a smooth or long-haired coat which can be black and tan, blue and tan or red. They have 'pricked' ears with 'fringes' of hair which sometimes don't fully develop until they are around 3 years old. They were bred initially as watch dogs and rat-catchers. They are very loyal to their family and are often trained for agility and obedience. Both coat types shed but not overly. The long coated do need a comb occasionally to brush out any tangles. Puppies can suffer from tooth problems as their adult teeth come through, and as with many small dogs, they can suffer from patellar luxation (slipping kneecap). They can also have very delicate bones, simply due to their size.

Samoyeds are affectionate and playful with everyone even if they're not 100% reliable in doing as they're told. They are quite a large spitz-type breed with a huge, thick coat that has a ruff round the neck and shoulders. They normally come in white but can also come in biscuit, yellow or cream. They also have flat feet and hair between and under their pads to cope with very cold ground. The originate from Siberia where they were used to pull sleds, guard property and herd reindeer. They are gentle, loyal, loving and happy-go-lucky. They are very intelligent and can be trained but on the downside, have a tendency to bark and love to chew. Samoyeds usually get on well with strangers, children and most animals although they do have an instinct to hunt. They need regular exercise and find warmer temperatures harder to cope with because of their coat. The thick coat needs a good deal of brushing and combing and they can shed excessively at certain times of the year. They are prone to hip dysplasia, diabetes, skin allergies and PRA.

The Schnauzer or Standard Schnauzer sits between the Miniature and Giant in terms of size but is actually the oldest of the three Schnauzer types. They are a muscular, medium-sized, squarely built dog. Their head is rectangular with long whiskers, beard and eyebrows and their double coat has a wiry outer which comes in black and 'salt and pepper' which looks greyish. They originate from Germany where they were a general purpose farm dog but they have proved their worth in many areas and were used as messenger dogs in World War 1. They are an excellent guard dog, lively and enthusiastic and can be playful and affectionate but they are highly intelligent and not the easiest of dogs to train. They are normally good with children and can be trained to get on with strangers and animals but do have a high prey drive. They need a good deal of regular exercise. Their undercoat needs regular brushing and their outer coat needs trimming regularly. They can be prone to hip dysplasia and tumours.

Sealyham Terriers have been descried as "the most beautiful union between cheerfulness and courage." They are similar in shape and size to the Scottish Terrier: sturdy, small, short-legged, with long, double coat, wiry on the outer layer, and a bearded face. The differences are they have ears that fold forward and are normally mainly white. They were developed in Wales in the mid 1800s by Captain John Edwards who bred different terriers together to try to create the best one for hunting den animals. They can be quite difficult to train, but are an intelligent, fun, loving and brave little dog. They make good watchdogs and ratters. They can be reserved around strangers and are better with older children but are generally OK with other pets. Although they enjoy a daily walk, they are quite inactive indoors. They need brushing, combing, to be stripped occasionally and professionally trimmed. They are a generally healthy breed.

The Shar Pei is easy to recognise from his deeply wrinkled skin which gives the impression of a rather comical frown. Puppies have the most wrinkles and they gradually become less wrinkled as they age. They are a medium-sized dog with a large head and, like the Chow Chow, have a blueish-black tongue. They come in a wide variety of colours, in fact all Solid colours except white are acceptable. Shading is normal on the coat colours but "Flowered" or "Parti Colour" coat colours are considered faults. There are three coat types: horse-coat, brush-coat and a bear-coat (which is actually a fault in the breed caused by the addition of other breeds). The last of these is not recognised by some kennel clubs. The horse-coat has a very prickly feel whereas the brush coat is smoother. They go back many years to early China where they were used as an all-purpose farm dog although the name Shar Pei just means "sandy coat". They were also occasionally used in dog fighting where the prickly horse-coat was an advantage. They need clear obedience training but are intelligent, playful and affectionate and can form a very good bond with their family. They also make good guard dogs. They are normally good with people and will be with other dogs and children if socialised when young. They need a good deal of daily exercise although care must be taken in hot weather as they are very sensitive to heat. All coat types need regular brushing. They are prone to kidney failure and mast cell tumours. They are also prone to skin problems but this is not caused, as is commonly believed, by having wrinkles but is a hereditary problem. They can suffer from Shar Pei fever (FSF) which can result in renal and liver failure through accumulation of amyloid in those organs (amyloidosis). They can also suffer from entropion, but responsible breeders are working hard to health test their dogs before breeding to ensure the breed is as healthy as possible.

Although small in stature, the name Shih Tzu actually means "lion dog". They are similar to the Lhasa Apso but with shorter muzzles and a much more outgoing personality. They are a little, sturdy dog with an abundance of hair that comes in all colours. It flows down their hanging ears, in a long beard and moustache over their round, broad head, over their body and from a tail that curls over their back. The hair on their head is often tied back so that you can see their round, dark eyes and short muzzle. Chinese royals kept them as a prized companion dog for hundreds of years and refused to sell or give them away as gifts until the 1930s. They are an alert an busy little dog, gentle, loving, brave, and full of character. They make a good watchdog. They are naturally people, children and animal friendly and make a delightful companion, unless their cuteness encourages their owner to spoil them. They are quite an active dog indoors but enjoy a daily walk outside too. Their long coat needs a good deal of daily brushing and combing. They are prone to slipped stifle and spinal disc disease, ear infections and eye problems and tooth decay. Their short muzzle also makes them prone to respiratory problems. They gain weight easily, too.

The most famous Skye Terrier was "Greyfriar's Bobby" who guarded the grave of his master, Constable John Grey, for 14 years. The local people came to feed him until he died at the age of 16. There is a statue of him in Edinburgh today. These terriers are a long-bodied, low to the ground dog with a long, straight outer coat and soft undercoat. They are often black but can be other colours. The hair is long over their muzzle, face and ears which are normally erect but can be drop-style too. They originate from the 1600s after Maltese dogs from a Spanish ship wrecked off the Isle of Skye mated with local terriers. They became popular with local farmers as vermin hunters. Skye Terriers can be wilful but can also be good-natured and loving. They are courageous and playful and love attention, they also make a good watchdog. They can be wary of strangers and need to be well socialised around children and other dogs, caution may also need to be taken around non-canines. They are active indoors but enjoy a daily walk too. Their coat is prone to matting so needs a good deal of brushing and combing. They are generally a healthy breed.

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer is a member of the Hunt, Point, Retrieve (HPR) type of gun dogs and is considered, in common with the other HPR breeds, a high maintenance dog to own. They are a recently introduced breed to the UK Kennel Club, the result of a deliberate breeding programme in Czechoslovakia to create a dog with great stamina which would track, point and retrieve in water or on land and be suitable for a range of prey. They are a medium to large size generally with a harsh, wiry coat and moustache and look similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer. Their coat comes in shades of grey and their eyes are light brown to pale golden. There is however, a wide variation in coat, some are almost smooth whilst others are very hairy and there is no guarantee of the type of coat you may get. They are stable and very trainable but can not tolerate harsh handling. They can be good natured around strangers, children and other animals with proper socialisation from a very early age but have a high prey drive. Because they were bred to have plenty of energy and stamina, they need a good deal of regular exercise and opportunities to exercise their brain too. Slovaks excel at a number of activities as well as gun dog work, for example, agility, working trials and Cani-X. They are a loving and affectionate breed who enjoy being part of the family and are not suitable to be left alone for frequent periods of time in excess of four hours. Breed health is generally good but they can be accident prone so comprehensive pet insurance is essential.

There is a playful, puppy-like quality to the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier that remains with them throughout their lives. They are a medium-sized, generally square looking dog with a rectangular head. The coat is soft, quite long, wavy and obviously wheaten but comes in two coat types: American and Irish. The Irish is finer. They are one of the oldest of the Irish terriers and worked as a general farm dog herding sheep and hunting vermin. They are very intelligent, if a little stubborn, and if trained well, will be sweet natured and calm while retaining a happy and spirited side. They are people and child friendly and will get along well with dogs if well socialised with them. They have a terrier prey-drive instinct and may be inclined to chase cats and especially small mammals. They are strong and agile and enjoy a daily walk but do not need excessive exercise and don't tolerate heat well. Their coat should look wavy rather than fluffy so needs to be combed rather than brushed. They are prone to a protein wasting disease and flea allergies.

The American Water Spaniel, not surprisingly, is an excellent swimmer, capable of swimming in even choppy water. They use their well-feathered tail as a rudder. They are a fairly small, muscular and hardy dog with quite a long, broad head, square muzzle and long hanging ears with thick curls. Their shiny double coat is wavy or curly and comes in mainly solid colours of liver, brown and chocolate but they can have a little white on their chest and toes. They were bred in the Great Lakes area of America, round about the 18th century as a hunt, point and retrieve dog for water birds, actually working off small boats and retrieving from the water. They are very enthusiastic and intelligent which makes them very trainable. They make a loving, loyal and happy companion. They are normally sociable and friendly towards other animals, strangers and children. They need a lot of exercise and, ideally, opportunities to swim. They need regular brushing but should not be bathed too often as it robs their coat of it's natural oils which they need to protect them in water. The oils also give the coat a distinctive smell. They can be prone to skin problems and are inclined to snore and drool.

The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest and most popular breeds of Spaniel and from whom many of the other Spaniel-types developed. They are a medium-sized, compact dog with a muzzle the same length as the head, hanging ears and a silky coat that comes in a variety of colours. There are two types: show and field. Show types have longer coats and are sturdier and heavier. They were bred in England as an all-terrain gun dog for game birds. The name "Cocker" comes from the woodcock, a bird the dogs were known for flushing. They are an intelligent, sociable, happy and affectionate dog that is adaptable and easy to train. They make a good family pet but also do well at competitions like agility and obedience. They are naturally friendly and sociable with other animals and strangers and excellent with children. Both types are active and enjoy regular daily exercise although the field types will need more. They need regular brushing and combing and occasional bathing. Their long ears can pick up ticks and other foreign bodies easily so need regular checking for signs of infection.

Although quite similar to the Cocker Spaniel, the Field Spaniel as a breed has nearly disappeared on more than one occasion and remains very rare today. They are a medium-sized, compact dog with a back slightly longer than their height and a distinctive long, lean muzzle. Their ears hang low and their coat is very silky. They usually come in black, liver or roan with tan markings. They originate from England, a result of crossing different the old Sussex Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and were bred to hunt small game and birds from water and land. They are intelligent, steady, affectionate and playful. They can make a good family dog as long as given plenty of exercise but are happiest out on the hunt in the country. They are good with other dogs, animals and children although can be wary of strangers. They are essentially a working dog and need plenty of daily exercise. They like to roam, have a strong hunting instinct and prefer cooler climates. They need regular brushing and combing, occasional scissoring and their ears checking. They are prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections.

The Sussex Spaniel is very rare and probably the result of crossing Spaniels with Hounds which is likely to be the reason they're the only Spaniel to 'bay'. They are a heavily-built dog with a long, low body and quite a wide head and they move with a characteristic rolling gait. They have the typical Spaniel long hanging ears and silky, though flat, coat, which comes in a rich golden-liver colour. They are slow but have good stamina and scenting ability and were bred in England in the 1800s to accompany hunters on foot, flushing and retrieving game. They are not as out-going and playful as other Spaniels but are affectionate, gentle and loyal. With enough exercise they are stable and calm inside the home but they do have a tendency to bark. They are naturally friendly and sociable with other animals and strangers and excellent with children. They need more exercise than it might seem, especially as they have a tendency to gain weight. They need regular brushing and combing and their ears need checking. Their main health issue is that they are prone to ear infections. There have also been some reported cases of intervertebral disc syndrome, otitis exerna, heart murmur and enlarged heart.

Although an ancient breed and still a working dog in remote parts of Spain, the Spanish Water Dog was not officially recognised until the 1980s due to the efforts of breeder Antonio Garcia Perez who remembered them from his youth. They are a medium to smallish sized, balanced dog with a straight and powerful look and a strong head. Their coat is curly with a recommended show length of 3-15cms and begins to cord when long. They can come in a variety of solid and bi-colours. Their original home is unknown, possibly Turkey or Africa, and they came to Spain a thousand years ago. They have been used for a variety of tasks including herding and guarding but also hunting. They are very intelligent, trainable and versatile. Within the home, they can be loyal, attentive and affectionate but need plenty of opportunity to exercise their body and brain. They can be wary around strangers and need to be well socialised around other animals and children. They may a little too boisterous for small children. They have great stamina and energy and need a good deal of exercise. Their coat should not be brushed or combed and they should only be bathed occasionally. The coat length chosen depends on whether they are a working dog, a pet, or a show dog but it is not trimmed but sheared completely. The shorter the coat required, the more regularly they should be sheared. They are prone to hip dysplasia, PRA and ear infections. In addition, some people are allergic to their saliva and urine.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has come in for some bad press but a well trained Stafford can make a super companion. They are a compact dog, very muscular and strong with a broad, deep skull. Their short, smooth coat comes in red, fawn, white, black or blue or any of these colours with white, or any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or liver colours are highly undesirable. They were bred in the nineteenth century in England for the then popular sport of bull baiting. Staffords approach everything with undaunted enthusiasm. They are fearless, persistent, intelligent, love a challenge and are obedient, affectionate and love people. Some like to chew and will chew through practically everything so their chew toys need to be well chosen. Socialisation with other animals is important, but they are people-friendly and excellent with children. They have a lot of energy and stamina and enjoy their exercise. The short coat is easy to care for. It is imperative that breeding stock should be DNA tested or hereditarily clear of HC (Hereditary Cataract) and L-2-HGA (L-2 Hydroxyglutaric Acidurea) and should be clinically tested and unaffected by PHPV (Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous). These diseases, although not common, are known in the breed and with use of the DNA tests there is no need for Staffords to suffer from the conditions in future. Some Staffords can have skin problems, including demodex mange and allergies.

Swedish Vallhunds are busy little dogs who love human company and want to be involved with everything. They are small and low to the ground but strong and sturdy. Their head is quite long with erect, alert ears. Their coat, can be either 'silver' or 'red', both are a combination of dark hairs and lighter hairs, the silver has a cream undercoat whereas the red's undercoat is more tan. Their double coat is thick with a dense undercoat, slightly harsh outer and a slight mane. They can have patches of white but this is not desired. They may be distantly related to the Corgi and had a similar role as a cattle herding dog. "Vallhund" means "cattle dog" and as puppies, their natural tendency is to nip ankles but this can easily be trained out of them. They have a cheerful, affectionate, steady temperament and are highly intelligent and trainable. They also love the sound of their own bark. They are people, children and animal friendly. Although active indoors, they enjoy a daily walk too and have good stamina. Their coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing and combing and occasional bathing. There are no known health problems.

Tibetan Spaniels are often mistaken for Pekingese but as well having as a somewhat more relaxed outlook on life, the Spaniel does not have extra skin around the eyes, has a slightly longer face and their coat is less abundant. They are a small, compact dog with a body slightly longer than it is tall and a domed head. They have a double, silky coat, which is medium length on the body, a mane and a feathery tail which is carried over their back. The coat can come in all colours. They originated about two thousand years ago and were used by monks to turn a prayer wheel and as watchdogs. They are a playful and charming little dog: affectionate and curious, intelligent and trusting and although a good watchdog, they are not overly yappy. They normally get along fine with other animals and children but can be a little wary of strangers. They enjoy a daily opportunity for exercise. Their coat needs regular brushing and combing and comes out in clumps when they moult, once a year. They are prone to breathing problems and heatstroke.

The Kangal Dog is a favourite among Turks and has been declared the National Dog of Turkey. He is to be found not only guarding sheep and goats but on postage stamps and coins. They are a large, powerful, heavy-boned dog with a broad head and a tail that curls up and over the back. Their short, thick, double coat is fawn to grey with a black muzzle and often black ears. They are named after the Kangal district in Turkey from where they originate and have always been used as a flock guard. The Kangal Dog will bond closely with their family and be loyal and affectionate but their primary instinct is to guard. They will confront anything they perceive to be a threat but will only attack if necessary. They are a little more people-friendly than most flock guarding dogs and generally like children but they are naturally wary of strange dogs and strangers. They have great strength and speed and need a good deal of physical and mental exercise. They do not need a lot of grooming but will shed heavily at certain times of the year. There are no known health problems.