Britain’s reputation as a nation of dog-lovers is borne out with the huge number of different breeds that have come out of such a small island. The huge array of sizes, types and personalities of dogs that Britain has produced speaks volumes both for the dog’s versatility and their indispensability: it can appear as though if there was an activity that needed to be done in Britain, someone would breed a dog to assist in the endeavour – even if it was just for companionship and moral support.
Today, British dog breed standards are overseen by the UK Kennel Club, the world’s oldest, which in 2023 celebrates its 150th anniversary. Our list of British dog breeds may seem fairly exhaustive but bear in mind that there are inevitably existent breeds that we have missed, plus any number of breeds who fell from usefulness or favour and are now extinct.
The list that remains stands as a love letter from a country to its favourite animal.
Table of Contents
English Dog Breeds
Airedale
Size: Medium
Height: 56-61 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 16-23 kg (35-50 lbs)
Coat and Colour: broken coat; black saddle and tan head, ears and legs
Life Expectancy: 7-14 years
Type: Terrier
Personality
A working dog that can also be used as a hunting dog, Airedales are intelligent and loyal but can also be stubborn, independent and difficult to train. If they are properly trained they will generally be very good around children and other animals and will be an excellent choice as a family pet.
Beagle
Size: Small
Height: 33-41 cm (13-16 inches)
Weight: 9-11 kg (20-25 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Tricolour; white with black and tan or brown and tan patches
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
Beagles are generally very even-tempered and gentle. They are prone to bark at strange people or noises but are easily won over, making them exceptionally poor watchdogs. They are noted for their energy and stamina but are also one of the least intelligent breeds of dog. Beagles make excellent family pets, particularly as they are very good with children and other animals.
Bedlington Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 39-44 cm (15-18 inches)
Weight: 7-10 kg (17-23 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Wiry and curly; generally blue, liver or sandy, sometimes with tan points.
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Working terrier
Personality
Sharp, intelligent and feisty, Bedlingtons are noted for their tenacity in hunting vermin or other small mammals. They are known for their speed and endurance, both on the land and in water. Despite their energy outdoors, they are calm and quiet house dogs with a cheerful disposition. However, caution should be taken around other animals as they can be prone to fighting.
Border Collie
Size: Medium
Height: 46-60 cm (18-24 inches)
Weight: 12-25 kg (26-55 lb)
Coat and Colour: Smooth (sometimes rough) double coat; can be solid, bicoloured or tricolour in virtually any colour but are typically black and white.
Life Expectancy: 10-17 years, typically 12 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Border Collies – the iconic British sheepdog – are widely considered to be the most intelligent breed of dog and require unusually high amounts of mental stimulation, company and interaction otherwise they can become restless, frustrated or even distressed. They are also extremely energetic, playful and have seemingly endless stamina, requiring a large amount of regular exercise. As such, Collies can be a very demanding breed. However, they are also extremely friendly, endlessly loyal and even-tempered; in the right conditions they are absolutely outstanding family pets.
Border Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 28-40 cm (12-16 inches)
Weight: 5-7 kg (11-14 lb)
Coat and Colour: wiry, rough and dense; red, wheaten, grizzle or tan or sometimes blue and tan
Life Expectancy: 14 years
Personality
Even-tempered and unusually obedient for a terrier, Border Terriers are intelligent and easily trained. They are energetic, alert and fearless with relentless stamina. In the home they are extremely loyal and loving family pets.
Bull Terrier
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 44-55 cm (18-22 inches)
Weight: 22-38 kg (49-84 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and dense; normally white with black, red, fawn or brindle patches but may be tricolour or any other mixture of the above
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Personality
Independent, stubborn, obstinate and very strong, Bull Terriers are nevertheless excellent family pets due to their extremely friendly, gentle and fun-loving personalities. They are particularly good around children. Despite their placid temperament it is recommended that they are best for experienced dog owners on account of their size, strength and (completely undeserved) reputation.
Bulldog
Size: Medium
Height: 31-40 cm (12-16 inches)
Weight: 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth; either solid white or white with fawn, red, yellow or brindle patches
Life Expectancy: 3-12 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
In spite of their famously fierce facial characteristics, most bulldogs are friendly, calm, courageous and gentle. They are excellent family pets, particularly on account of their love of children. Unfortunately they are subject to a large number of health complaints which will frequently drastically shorten their lifespan: the median age of a bulldog at the time of their death is currently a little over 6 years.
Bullmastiff
Size: Very Large/Giant
Height: 61-69 cm (24-27 inches)
Weight: 41-59 kg (90-130 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short; in any shade of fawn, red or brindle
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
Bullmastiffs are generally docile, calm, friendly and courageous dogs who make excellent family pets. However, they can be extremely possessive and give strangers a serious fright. As such, they are recommended for experienced dog owners only due to their size, power and speed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: Small
Height: 30-33 cm (12-13 inches)
Weight: 5-8 kg (12-18 lb)
Coat and Colour: smooth, soft and long in one of four colours; black and tan, chestnut, white and chestnut or tricolour.
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Type: Toy spaniel
Personality
Cavaliers were bred as lap dogs and as such are extremely playful, friendly, patient and eager to please. They are generally happy to be thrust into any situation and are happy to meet strangers and other dogs of any size. However, they are also possessed of a very strong instinct to hunt and chase. As such, they ought to be carefully supervised around roads, small animals and birds.
Clumber Spaniel
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 43-51 cm (17-20 inches)
Weight: 25-39 kg (55-85 lbs)
Coat and Colour: smooth and predominantly white, with lemon or orange markings
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Spaniel
Personality
One of the shortest yet most sturdy of the spaniels, Clumbers are generally extremely docile; they are friendly, loyal and affectionate if sometimes a little aloof and distant with new people or dogs. They are notably sedentary and prefer to rest at home rather than go outside, although puppies are very energetic and playful. They have a very strong trophy instinct and will often be seen walking around proudly displaying items in their mouth.
Curly-coated Retriever
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 58-69 cm (23-27 inches)
Weight: 23-41 kg (51-90 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Tightly curled, in either black or liver
Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
Type: Retriever
Personality
Originally bred as a hunting dog, Curly-coated Retrievers are lively and energetic and require a lot of exercise. They can be difficult to train on account of their high intelligence, which makes them quickly bore of repetitive tasks. Nevertheless they are very friendly and playful dogs who are extremely loyal and affectionate with their families, if a little aloof with strange people and dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 36-43 cm (14-17 inches)
Weight: 12-16 kg (26-35 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth; solid or bicoloured in almost any colour
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Cockers are compassionate, determined, intelligent and alert dogs who dislike spending time on their own. They generally make excellent family pets and get along well with children and other animals. While they are easily stressed by loud noises or rough handling, a well-cared for cocker spaniel will reward its owners with a great deal of friendly affection.
Sadly, the breed is noted for a rare but incurable psychological illness called Rage Syndrome, which transforms a previously placid and friendly dog into an angry and very aggressive one. Unfortunately these dogs have to be destroyed.
English Foxhound
Size: Large
Height: 58-64 cm (23-25 inches)
Weight: 29-34 kg (64-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and white, with tan, red, black or tricolour markings.
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
Originally bred to hunt foxes in packs, the Foxhound is a very social breed and gets along happily with people and other animals (with the possible exception of foxes). Foxhounds have a very gentle and tolerant personality but are also possessed of huge amounts of energy and stamina and require a fair amount of exercise.
English Mastiff
Size: Giant
Height: at least 70-76 cm (27½-30 inches)
Weight: 54-104 kg (120-230 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and fine; in fawn, apricot-fawn, silver-fawn or dark-fawn brindle
Life Expectancy: 7-13 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
English Mastiffs are patient, loving guardians who are very loyal and protective of their family. This is just as well, as the English Mastiff is the largest living canine in terms of their mass (although females of the species tend to be significantly smaller than males). They require good training and capable handling as they are naturally wary of strangers.
English Setter
Size: Large
Height: 61-69 cm (23½-27 inches)
Weight: 29-36 kg (65-80 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Soft and silky with long fringes; white with flecks and patches of colour
Life Expectancy: 11-12 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
English Setters are gentle, mischievous and determined, with an outstanding sense of smell in addition to considerable athleticism and endurance. On the whole they are a placid house dog; gentle, affectionate and very good with children. While they are sensitive and alert, they are easily calmed by their owners.
English Springer Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 48-53 cm (19-21 inches)
Weight: 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium haired; in black or liver with white markings or the reverse.
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Friendly, intelligent and loyal, English Springer Spaniels will often have one favourite human and stick to them like glue. Due to its intelligence and energy levels, Springers require a moderate amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation or else they can become unruly and mischievous. While they can make excellent family pets, they are notoriously bad around cats.
Like Cocker Spaniels, in rare cases Springers can develop the psychological disorder known as Rage Syndrome.
English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
Size: Very small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 2.7-3.6kg (6-8 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth with black and tan colouring
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Toy terrier
Personality
Closely related and similar in appearance to the Manchester Terrier, this toy breed belies its tiny stature with its tenacious ability to hunt vermin. They are alert, friendly and affectionate dogs; lovers of exercise, lap time and barking in roughly equal measure. English Toy Terriers are one of the rarest dog breeds in the UK.
Field Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 40-48 cm (16-19 inches)
Weight: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth, with long fringes; in solid black, liver or roan
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Spaniel
Personality
Active, inquisitive and loyal, Field Spaniels are generally more docile than dogs of similar breeds. They are very affectionate and patient with children and love company, often growing restless and agitated if left alone. They are good with other dogs and particularly adept at both dog agility and hunting.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Size: Medium
Height: 56-62 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 25-36 kg (55-79 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and glossy; in solid black, liver or yellow.
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Active, confident and very friendly, Flatties make excellent – if occasionally a little boisterous – family pets. They are slow to develop and retain a puppyish enthusiasm throughout their adult lives. They are very energetic and require up to two hours of exercise and play every day.
Jack Russell Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)
Weight: 6-8 kg (14-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white with brown, black or bicolour patches
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Personality
Jack Russell Terriers retain much of their breeding as a working terrier, being inquisitive, energetic and fearless. Jack Russells have an exceptional amount of energy for a dog of their size and need an unusual amount of exercise for a dog of their stature. Jack Russells respond well to and will benefit from thorough training. They are intelligent and independent and will respond to any ill-treatment angrily. However, they are also extremely loving and loyal family pets.
King Charles Spaniel
Size: Small
Height: 23-28 cm (9-11 inches)
Weight: 3.6-6.4 kg (8-14 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth, long and glossy in one of four colours; black and tan (“King Charles”), white with black and tan patches (“Prince Charles”), white with red patches (“Blenheim”) or solid red (“Ruby”)
Life Expectancy: 10-16 years
Type: Toy spaniel
Personality
Friendly, tolerant and sedate, the King Charles Spaniel prefers to spend its time asleep in a lap rather than exercising. The King Charles is noted for being one of the quietest dog breeds, making it very suitable for small flats or houses. Its hunting dog heritage can make it dangerous to smaller animals and it should be supervised in such situations. However, it can be trained out of this rather antisocial trait.
Lakeland Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 34-38 cm (13-15 inches)
Weight: 7-8 kg (15-17 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Wiry with a smooth undercoat; in a variety of colours but typically including a dark saddle and head, legs and ears in a lighter colour.
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Terrier
Personality
Intelligent, friendly and single-minded, like most terriers Lakelands are very energetic and require daily play and exercise. They are easy to train, although will conveniently forget this if their interest in something is sufficiently piqued. Lakeland Terriers are one of the UK’s rarest dog breeds.
Lancashire Heeler
Size: Small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 6-8 kg (13-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and harsh with a soft undercoat; in black and tan or liver and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
One of the rarest breeds of dog in the UK, the Lancashire Heeler (sometimes known as an Ormskirk Terrier) is a diminutive corgi-type dog originally bred for herding cattle. Friendly, energetic and playful, they are also capable of considerable feats of strength for an animal of their size. Heelers are generally extremely amiable dogs although they can be aggressive if they feel their territory is under threat.
Lucas Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-33 cm (10-13 inches)
Weight: 6-8 kg (13-17 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Harsh and medium length; in tan or tan with white, black or badger.
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Toy Terrier
Personality
Bred as a companion animal rather than a working dog, Lucas Terriers are possessed of unusually calm and even temperaments for a terrier. They are equally friendly towards people or other animals and ought to exhibit no aggressive tendencies whatsoever, while retaining the best of the willingness, intelligence and energy of their breed.
Manchester Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 38-41 cm (15-16 inches)
Weight: 5-10 kg (11-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and silky; in black and tan
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Terrier
Personality
Originally bred for hunting rats, Manchester Terriers retain much of their feistiness, courage and energy. However, in spite of this ingrained toughness, Manchester Terriers are also friendly, loyal and very eager to please, which makes them an excellent companion. Like most terriers they require plenty of both mental and physical exercise.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-36 cm (10-14 inches)
Weight: 9-16 kg (20-35 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and harsh; in white, black, brindle, fawn, red or tricolour.
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Type: Toy Terrier
Personality
Mini Bulls are very like their conventionally-sized cousins: combining obstinate and headstrong traits with loving, playful and courageous personalities. Miniature Bull Terriers are bundles of energy and require plenty of regular play and exercise – in addition to good training – to be manageable. Once these needs are met, there are few better family pets, ideal even for people with limited space at home.
Norfolk Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 5-6 kg (11-13 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Wiry; in wheaten, red, grizzle or black and tan
Life Expectancy: 8-14 years
Personality
The smallest of the working terriers, Norfolks were originally bred to hunt farmyard vermin and retain much of the fearlessness and independence that this required. They have a feisty hunting streak and are also tenacious and alert watchdogs. However, they also have one of the softest temperaments in the terrier family; they are friendly, sociable creatures who love people and especially children. They are also generally happy to coexist with other family pets.
Norwich Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 24-25.5 cm (9-10 inches)
Weight: 5-5.5 kg (11-12 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Wiry with a soft undercoat; in wheaten, red, grizzle or black and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Toy Terrier
Personality
Closely related to the Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terriers can be distinguished by their slightly smaller size and their pointed ears: Norfolk Terriers have dropped ears. Norwich terriers have been bred for companionship rather than work and as such are a little more laid back than their vermin-hunting cousins, although they do retain some aspects of their feisty and headstrong tendencies. On the whole, they are a very loving, intelligent and active breed. Norwich Terriers love human company and can quickly become upset if they are left alone for extended periods. They are also noted for their strong desire to eat at any opportunity, which it is best to keep in check!
Old English Sheepdog
Size: Large/Very large
Height: at least 56-61 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 30-46 kg (66-101 lbs)
Coat and Colour: long, shaggy double coat; in grey, blue, grizzle or black with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
One of Britain’s most distinctive dog breeds, the shaggy-haired Old English Sheepdog is also one of the most beloved. Old English Sheepdogs are very intelligent, sociable and adaptable. They tend to enjoy living fairly sedentary lives compared with Border Collies (the “modern” English Sheepdog) but still retain some of their old herding instincts and are noted for gently bumping people and objects into line. They are charming, sweet and clownish dogs whose only real downsides are logistical: their large size and enormous fur coat can both present real challenges.
Otterhound
Size: Very large
Height: 61-69 cm (24-27 inches)
Weight: 36-52 kg (80-115 lbs)
Coat and Colour: harsh and oily outer coat with a soft, oily undercoat; in grizzle, wheaten, sandy, red or blue with lighter coloured extremities, or white with pied markings in any of the above colours.
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Scent hound
Personality
A large dog with a large personality, Otterhounds are a friendly, fun-loving and boisterous breed with energy to spare. Like many scent hounds, Otterhounds have an independent streak and tend to switch their ears off once they are on the trail of an interesting smell. They are generally very amiable and even-tempered dogs, best suited to active owners with plenty of space. Otterhounds are one of the rarest dog breeds in Britain and feature on the Kennel Club’s endangered list.
Parson Russell Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 33-36 cm (13-14 inches)
Weight: 6-8 kg (13-17 lbs)
Coat and Colour: smooth and short; in white with tan, black or tricolour patches
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Type: Terrier
Personality
A close relative of the Jack Russell Terrier – both were originated by the same breeder, Father John Russell, in the 19th Century – Parsons Terriers have many personality traits in common. Indeed, the two dogs are also very similar in appearance, although the Parsons will usually have longer legs. They are feisty, energetic and inquisitive dogs that require a lot of exercise for their size. Parsons Terriers particularly love to play ball games.
Patterdale Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-38 cm (10-15 inches)
Weight: 5-6 kg (11-13 lbs)
Coat and Colour: varies from smooth and short to longer and rougher, but all will be weatherproof and have a soft undercoat; in black, liver, red, bronze, black and tan or liver and tan.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Personality
Originally bred to hunt foxes, Patterdales are bold, confident, energetic and fearless. They are not recommended as a family pet, as their extremely high levels of energy and strong prey drive can make home life virtually impossible for everyone concerned. Patterdales are not recognised as a breed by the UK Kennel Club – they are considered to be a type of working dog – but they are acknowledged by the American Dog Breeders Association.
Pointer
Size: Medium
Height: 61-69 cm (24-27 inches)
Weight: 20-34 kg (45-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in white and lemon, white and orange, white and liver or white and black. Tricolour is not unknown.
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Adaptable, obedient and even-tempered with an independent streak that can border on aloof. Pointers are also extremely energetic and will happily run around outdoors all day, as their ancestors would have done as their owners hunted birds. Pointers are happy to be in packs but are also unusually content to spend extended periods on their own.
Smooth Fox Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 35.5-38 cm (14-15 inches)
Weight: 7-8.5 kg (15-19 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Flat and smooth; in predominantly white with black, tan or tricolour patches.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Personality
The Fox Terrier was one of the first terrier breeds recognised by the Kennel Club and has subsequently been used as the basis for many other breeds. As such, Fox Terriers possess the majority of the most classically “terrierish” traits: they are inquisitive, highly energetic, stubborn and very friendly. Fox Terriers can be something of a handful and are therefore not recommended for first-time owners. Particularly troublesome behaviours include their high prey drive and their tendency to bark loud and long.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Size: Medium
Height: 36-41 cm (14-16 inches)
Weight: 11-17 kg (24-37 lbs)
Coat and Colour: smooth and short; in white, black, fawn, blue, red or brindle. Bicolour and tricolour are also very common.
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Personality
Staffies suffer from a terrible reputation, thanks in no small part to the breed historically having been used as the basis for all sorts of fighting dogs and terrifying guard dogs. There is no denying that a dog of their impressive muscularity and pugnacious confidence can be a serious threat to life, limb and property. However, when properly cared for they are extremely charming and sweet dogs, possessed of calm, kind, friendly and patient temperaments that make them ideal family pets.
Sussex Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 38-41 cm (15-16 inches)
Weight: 20-23 kg (45-50 lbs)
Coat and Colour: smooth and glossy with long fringes; in characteristic golden liver (black, black and tan or golden liver and white variants are also possible)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Spaniel
Personality
Sussex Spaniels prefer life to be taken low and slow; they are fairly sedentary and calm dogs with friendly, stubborn and clownish personalities. Lovers of human company and particularly fond of children, Sussex Spaniels are one of the favoured therapy dog breeds as well as being an excellent family pet.
Whippet
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 44-51 cm (17½-20 inches)
Weight: 9-19 kg (20-42 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense, in virtually any colour.
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
Much like their larger cousins the greyhound, whippets are capable of extraordinary feats of speed but on the whole prefer a quieter life. They are quiet, gentle and reserved dogs who require plenty of regular exercise. They also need plenty of companionship: whippets are noted for suffering particularly badly from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. All of this makes them an ideal family pet, particularly for active households.
Wire Fox Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 33-41 cm (13-16 inches)
Weight: 7-8.5 kg (15-19 lbs)
Coat and Colour: rough and wiry; a broken coat which is predominantly white with tan, black or tricolour patches
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Personality
Wire Fox Terriers are inquisitive, energetic and intelligent, tending to become very difficult to deal with if both their bodies and brains are not regularly exercised. Bred to hunt foxes and badgers as well as smaller vermin, Wire Fox Terriers can be a real handful – particularly when one also factors in their famously stubborn and independent streak. However, with good training and a solid routine they can also be one of the best family dogs; friendly, enthusiastic, playful and always interesting.
Yorkshire Terrier
Size: Very small
Height: 20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
Weight: 2-3 kg (4-7 lbs)
Coat and Colour: straight, fine and silky; in grizzle, blue, black or liver with lighter extremities in silver, cream or fawn.
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Toy Terrier
Personality
Although often considered to be lap dogs, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be a little more feisty and independent than the ideal handbag pet. They are active, energetic, inquisitive and friendly dogs who love to give and receive attention. Yorkies are notorious for being a little yappy and nippy, but this is generally the result of some kind of frustration: when they are contented Yorkies tend to be quiet, calm and cuddly.
Scottish Dog Breeds
Bearded Collie
Size: Medium
Height: 51-56 cm (20-22 inches)
Weight: 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: long double coat; in black, blue, brown or fawn with white or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Bearded Collies were originally bred for herding sheep and as a result they are very energetic and possessed of a great deal of stamina. They are friendly, intelligent, bouncy and exuberant animals who are very loyal and entertaining to be around. They make wonderful family pets, as long as you are equal to their demands for play, exercise and regular grooming.
Cairn Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 23-33 cm (9-13 inches)
Weight: 4.5-7.5 kg (10-16 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Shaggy with a soft undercoat; in cream, apricot, red, light grey or black
Life Expectancy: 12-17 years
Personality
Originally bred to hunt rats on Scottish farms, Cairns are very strong, playful and energetic little dogs that require plenty of exercise and firm training to temper some of their more stubborn and independent urges. As with a lot of terriers, when their frustrations bubble over it is often accompanied by a hail of loud barking. Cairns are also very enthusiastic hole diggers. However, with care, they can be excellent family pets; intelligent, loyal, adaptable and good with children.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 20-28 cm (8-11 inches)
Weight: 8-11 kg (18-24 lbs)
Coat and Colour: rough, in pepper or mustard
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Toy terrier
Personality
Named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Guy Mannering, Dandie Dinmont Terriers are uncharacteristically docile and undemanding for terriers. While they are friendly and particularly fond of older children, they can also exhibit extremes of independence and feistiness: Dandies will happily dig very large holes or become involved in face-offs with cats or other, larger, dogs. They also need to be carefully watched when in the presence of small animals or birds.
Golden Retriever
Size: Large
Height: 51-61 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 25-34 kg (55-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Flat and wavy with a soft, dense undercoat; in any shade of gold or cream
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Intelligent, good-natured, calm and kind, Golden Retrievers are keen to please and easy to train. It is a combination that has made them one of the most popular family pets as well as one of the most successful working dogs, particularly as assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Their patient and loving nature also makes them particularly suitable to be around children of any age or other animals. Indeed, the only downside to owning a Golden Retriever may well be the amount of hair they shed.
Gordon Setter
Size: Large
Height: 58-69 cm (23-27 inches)
Weight: 20-36 kg (45-80 lbs)
Coat and Colour: soft and glossy; in black, black and tan, brown or fawn
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Gordon Setters are alert, confident and extremely energetic dogs who were bred to chase birds on the wing, and therefore require an hour or more of exercise every day. However, once this demand is met they are fine household dogs – although their natural boisterousness means they can be unsuited to being around young children. Gordons are friendly, considerate and patient dogs who make for excellent companions. They are one of the slowest-maturing dogs, not considered fully adult until they are 3 years old.
Rough Collie
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 51-66 cm (21-26 inches)
Weight: 16-34 kg (35-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: long double coat; in white with sable, mahogany, merle, or tricolour.
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Rough Collies are one of the most recognisable dog breeds, thanks to the success of the Lassie series in the 20th Century. Originally trained to herd livestock, Rough Collies are less energetic than many of their kin but often retain a certain amount of their ingrained herding instinct. They are calm, level-headed, intelligent and easy to train, as well as good with children and animals, making them a fine choice for a family pet.
Scottish Deerhound
Size: Very Large/Giant
Height: 76-81 cm (30-32 inches)
Weight: 34-50 kg (75-110 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Wiry; in sandy-red or blue-grey with black points.
Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
Docile, gentle and very friendly, Scottish Deerhounds are also unsurprisingly energetic and require plenty of exercise and space in which to do it – merely walking them on a lead will prove quite insufficient. If you have adequate space, Deerhounds make wonderful family pets. However, due to their size they ought to be supervised around small children and other animals.
Scottish Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-28 cm (10-11 inches)
Weight: 8-10 kg (18-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: wiry with a soft undercoat; in black, brindle or wheaten
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Highland Terrier
Personality
Also known as an Aberdeen Terrier or a Scottie Dog, Scottish Terriers are hardy, feisty and independent. They are particularly noted for their playfulness and seemingly endless determination. However, in spite of their stubbornness they are also friendly and extremely loyal and make good family dogs – although they are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners, small children unaccustomed to handling dogs or people who own smaller animals as pets.
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Size: Small
Height: 33-41 cm (13-16 inches)
Weight: 5-11 kg (11-24 lbs)
Coat and Colour: long double coat; in sable, mahogany, black, blue or tan with white, often bicolour or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Looking much like a miniature Rough Collie (despite not being directly related), Shelties are playful, affectionate and gentle dogs who make excellent family pets. They are extremely intelligent and, combined with their desire to please their owners, this makes them very easy to train. Coupled with their nimbleness, it also sees them generally excel at dog agility courses.
Skye Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
Weight: 12-18 kg (26½-39½ lbs)
Coat and Colour: long double coat; in fawn, blue, light grey or dark grey with black points
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Highland Terrier
Personality
One of the most endangered and rare breeds of dog in the UK, Skye Terriers are brave, good-natured and endlessly loyal. Originally bred to hunt badgers and foxes, Skyes also retain much of their fearlessness and independence. Thanks in no small part to the stubborn streak that is common to all Highland Terriers, Skyes can be very indifferent towards strangers and slow to befriend them. However, for their owners they will generally prove to be friendly, happy and cheery companions.
Smooth Collie
Size: Medium
Height: 51-61 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 18-30 kg (40-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: thick and soft undercoat with coarse guard hairs; in sable, blue merle or tricolour with white
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Smooth Collies are sociable, alert and energetic dogs who are rarely aggressive. They require regular exercise but thanks to their eagerness to please and their intelligence are easy to train. In addition to making outstanding competitors in dog agility and very adept assistance dogs, Smooth Collies are great family pets, getting along well with both children and other animals.
West Highland White Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 25-28 cm (10-11 inches)
Weight: 7-10 kg (15½-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: double coat in white only
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Highland Terrier
Personality
Independent, confident and jolly, West Highland Terriers can also be a real handful: enthusiastic hole diggers and spirited barkers, they are strong, determined and can be exceptionally stubborn, so early (in addition to regular top-up) training can prove very important. However, they are also friendly, inquisitive and clownish souls with a large personality who make great companions. Many Westies also love children, making them a good choice as a family pet. They tend to enjoy the company of other dogs (particularly dogs of their own breed) but are generally not keen on cats and may also hunt small animals and birds.
Welsh Dog Breeds
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Size: Small
Height: 25-33 cm (10-13 inches)
Weight: 11-17 kg (25-38 lbs)
Coat and Colour: double coat; in red, sable, black or blue merle with white
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Corgis have the appearance of a larger dog with sawn-off limbs – Corgi in Welsh literally translates as “dwarf dog” – and they display much of the energy and athleticism of a larger breed. Corgis are also intelligent, affectionate and extremely loyal to their owners, although this can prove to the detriment of anyone they perceive as being unfriendly towards them.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Size: Small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 11-14 kg (24-31 lbs)
Coat and Colour: thick, medium length double coat; in fawn and white, black and tan, red and white or sable and white
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Famously the favoured pet of Queen Elizabeth II, Pembroke Corgis are friendly, sociable and intelligent dogs who are keen to be with their owners and at the heart of the action at all times. Due to their intelligence, boredom can quickly descend into destructive antisocial behaviour or even aggression, so it is recommended that Corgis are well trained from an early age. They are energetic for their size and love to herd and chase anything that moves.
Sealyham Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
Weight: 8-9 kg (17½-20 lbs)
Coat and Colour: long double coat; in white with lemon, black, blue, brown or badger markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Terrier
Personality
Small but very sturdy, Sealyham Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin but are now largely kept as companion animals. They are very adaptable, happy to live in small homes in the town or the country and also content in their own company. Like most small terriers, Sealyhams can be vocal, stubborn and boisterous but are also loving and eager to please. They retain many of their ratting traits but can also be easily trained out of these behaviours.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 43-48 cm (17-19 inches)
Weight: 16-20 kg (35-45 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Soft and smooth with long fringes; in white and deep red only
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Welsh Springers are active, loyal and affectionate although can act aloof or even alarmed when strangers enter their territory. However, they are generally very accepting of anything within their household including children and other animals, making them a good family pet. Despite their natural stubborn and headstrong tendencies, Welsh Springers are easy to train but must be regularly exercised to avoid hyperactivity.
Welsh Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 36-39 cm (14-15½ inches)
Weight: 9-10 kg (20-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Dense, wiry and curly; with a black or grizzle saddle and a tan head and legs
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Personality: Welshies are typical terriers; lively, friendly, headstrong and inquisitive. Their stubbornness makes them difficult to train and many Welshies will need continual top-up training throughout their lives. They are also enthusiastic hole diggers and barkers. Welsh Terriers require plenty of regular exercise in open spaces, or else they can become destructive and mischievous. With good early socialisation however, they are excellent and characterful family dogs
Which Dogs are Banned in the UK?
There are currently four breeds of dog which are specifically banned in the United Kingdom. However, it is important to note that banned dogs are not simply decided on breed alone: if your dog shares a lot of characteristics with those of a banned type then they may also be classified as a banned type, regardless of their breed status.
In addition to owning one of these four types of dog, it is also illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed from them.
The four banned breeds in the UK are as follows:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
NB: sadly from 2024 the XL Bully breed will also be banned in the UK.
All four of these dogs are very large, muscular and extremely strong. They were all specifically bred either as guard dogs or for dog fighting and if they become aggressive present a clear danger to human life, particularly to those of children.
Many people argue very strongly against this type of dog-specific legislation, stating that dogs of any type can be either specifically bred or trained to be aggressive. Indeed, you will find several examples in our list of British dog breeds which are comparable in both size and musculature to the four banned types and could be considered just as dangerous. Under British law, in fact, they are: if your English Mastiff were found to be notably aggressive or a threat to public health and safety, they would fall foul of the banned dog legislation.
The sad truth is that these four (foreign) breeds are the poster children for the kind of dog that society – understandably enough – finds unacceptable. Whether the fact that our own large breeds receive a pass due to nationalistic fervour or jingoism is unlikely to make any real changes to legislation: legislation, remember, that also covers any dangerous or antisocial tendencies on their own behalf.
While it is undeniable that the majority of these dogs – much like “our” dogs – are actually perfectly amiable, caring and sweet animals, the bad apples have spoiled the whole bunch. Unfortunately, many of the bad apples in this case are the disreputable breeders or people who keep dogs for immoral or illegal purposes.
(More specific details about the characteristics and personalities of these banned dogs may be found on our dangerous, banned and controlled dogs guide)