Dogs are a long-term commitment, and can change your life dramatically, for better or for worse. The most common problems stem from not choosing the best type of dog to suit your circumstances, so do not be influenced by looks or size alone!

Consider what job your intended breed was designed to do, and whether you can cope with the innate behaviour that will accompany it. Do you want an energetic dog or a quieter one that was bred for companionship?

Breeding and background are hugely important so time spent researching, choosing and sourcing the right puppy will save you time, money and tears in the long run. 

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Advantages of pedigree dogs

• Hound Group
• Gundog Group
• Terrier Group
• Utility Group
• Working Group
• Pastoral Group
• Toy Group

What is a Breed Standard?

The Kennel Club sets a Breed Standard for each breed which is the prescribed blueprint of the particular breed of dog.

What is a suitable dog?

This depends on what you want from your dog and your home circumstances. Different breeds were developed to fulfil specific roles and (generally speaking) will have a strong predisposition to certain behaviour.

The Kennel Club recognises 209 breeds which are divided into seven Breed Groups.

In addition to the pedigree dogs there are also Crossbreeds to consider. These dogs often display a mixture of their ancestors traits. So it is important to take this into account. If you know the mix of breeds this may help but otherwise find out what you can about the parents.

Vulnerable Native Breeds

The Kennel Club is particularly concerned with protecting some breeds of dog which are of British origin and are considered to be vulnerable i.e. those whose numbers are declining and whose status within the world of dogs has diminished over a number of years.

Non moulting breeds of dog

For those owners who wish to obtain a dog which SUPPOSEDLY does not shed its coat, one of these listed breeds may be a suitable choice.

It would be advisable for you contact the relevant breed club secretary in advance of obtaining the dog who should be able to provide you with expert advice on that particular breed. Telephone contacts can be obtained from our Customer Services Department on 0870 6066750.

Gundog Group

• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog

Working Group

• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier

Pastoral Group

• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor

Toy Group

• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier

Utility Group 

• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier

Terrier Group

• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Asthmatics and allergy sufferers

If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. Studies have shown that dog hair or dog skin can induce asthma attacks and other related respiratory problems as well as certain allergies, and indeed the advice of Asthma UK is that it is probably better not to have a dog at all.

Further information may be obtained from: Asthma UK, Providence House, Providence Place, London N1 0NT.  Tel: 020 7226 2260 or email www.asthma.org.uk.

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Suitable dog types 

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