World of Dog Breeds 🌍🐕

Welcome to the World of Dog Breeds

Your guide to finding, understanding and caring for the right dog

With hundreds of different dog breeds around the world, it's natural for each breed to have their own personality, typically influenced by the role it was originally bred to complete. From tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes, we can learn a lot from history and how it shapes a dogs behaviour and their needs.

From sheep herding, hunting or simply to provide comfort and company, all dogs deserve a loving environment and family to spend their time with. Whether you're looking for a new pup or just keen to learn some more about the one currently lying down beside you, our guides are ready to be read!

Why Breed Matters

What a breed can tell you about your dog

All dogs are unique! Even dogs within a breed can vary, but this serves as a strong starting point in learning about your pup. Our breed guides will always cover the following topics

• Temperament

  The general nature of a dog, some dogs are more independent and reserved whilst some are true social butterflies.

• Exercise

  Who want's to go on a walk? A dogs exercise needs can vary greatly, from a short slow walk to two or more hours of engaging activity daily.

• Grooming

  From short hairs to thick fluffy coats that need brushed several times a week. Every breed will different recommended grooming routine.

• Health

  Some dog breeds can be more prone to certain health conditions than others, this can help you know what to look out for and the right conversations to have with your vet.

Keep in mind: Dog breeds can only be used as a guide, there are many other factors which can contribute to a dogs nature and personality such as their upbringing, training and socialisation.

The Seven Breed Groups

How dog breeds are organised in the UK

Seven groups have been defined by The Royal Kennel Club, based on the role they were originally bred for, all sharing common characteristics:

What about mixed breeds?: Although not part of the seven listed categories, mixed breed dogs can share traits from both of their parent breeds. It is best to look at both parents breeds to know what to expect.

Choosing the Right Breed for You

Matching a dog to your home and lifestyle

Different breeds work for different people, finding the dog breed that is right for you means asking yourself how they will fit into your life, and how you can provide for their specific needs. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself as you decide.

• Your time

  How active are you?

  Dog breeds can naturally have higher or lower energies, requiring more or less exercise and enrichment to feel comfortable and settled. If a high energy breed is left to become bored, they can quickly become anxious or reactive.

• Your home

  How much space do you have?

  It is wise to consider the size of space and if you have access to a garden or greenery. Do you have any young children or other pets at home?

• Your experience

  Have you owned a dog before?

  Certain breeds, or if you are rescuing a pup can take additional care to ensure they feel safe and comfortable at home. Other breeds may be more independent or easy-going, this can influence the early stages when bringing your new furry friend home.

Remember long term: Most dogs are expected to live about 10-13 years on average, with this changing slightly depending on the breed. Remember to consider the increased costs including insurance, vet visits, and how your daily life may change over time.

What Our Breed Guides Cover

Everything you need to know, breed by breed

All of our breed guides in our World of Dog Breeds blog series will follow the same, easy to read format:

1. History and personality

   A dog breeds origins, the role they originally were brought up to do and how that has influenced them today.

2. The breed at a glance

   An easy to navigate, quick table that covers all of the basics from size, exercise, grooming and the type of home that suits them.

3. What to plan for

   What to expect from a dog breed, some of the more common health conditions, expected grooming routines and more specific training and enrichment needs.

4. Is this breed right for your home?

   Many households are more suited to some breeds than others, and that's okay! This serves as an honest look into some of the challenges that may be encountered with a breed.

5. Bringing them home

   A practical look into the first days, including vet checks, socialisation and how to ensure they settle in nicely.

6. Feeding, treats and toys

   An in-depth feeding guide measured by average weight of the breed, and some recommendations for the various treats, chews and toys they may be inclined to enjoy.

Feeding by Breed and Size

Why one portion size doesn't fit every dog

Dogs of all sizes will have largely varying needs, which will all impact feeding. Our feeding guide always starts with your dog's weight, age and activity level, and calculates the approximate amounts you should anticipate feeding your pup. For a general starting point, our feeding guides always focus on daily feeding as a percentage of a dog's body weight in kilograms:

• Puppies up to 8 months: around 4% of body weight
  
• Adults up to 15kg: around 2–3% of body weight
• Adults over 15kg: around 2–2.5% of body weight
  

Different dog breeds can influence the proteins a dog enjoys and their digestion. Many breeds can be more prone to sensitive tummies, whilst larger dog breeds see additional benefit from joint support as they grow up. Our fresh, high-quality recipes are a great place to start, it is also wise to consult with your vet early as intolerances to certain proteins can be common within dog breeds.

Please note: Our feeding guides serve as approximate guidelines only as a dog's needs can vary up to 50%, influenced by activity, age and metabolism. We always say to monitor your dogs weight and condition and adjust portions if necessary.

Explore Our Breed Guides

Find your breed and dive in

New guides will be added weekly, check out some of them below!