Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. This section will shed some light on how that happened and why, and look at some of the official breeds and their histories.
Understanding the history, purpose and controversies of UK and US dog breed groups
For as long as people have kept dogs, they have tried to make sense of the many shapes, sizes and temperaments by grouping them. In the modern world this has been formalised by kennel clubs, with the Kennel Club (KC) in the United Kingdom a…
History, purpose, grey areas, controversies, and the Toy group’s surprising breeds
What makes a Toy dog a Toy dog rather than simply a small dog? Toy dogs are a recognised breed group defined by their small size and long tradition of living closely with people. Most major kennel clubs use a Toy group to classify small bre…
History, purpose, grey areas, and modern debates across UK and US
What does the Working group include? Working dogs are the heavy lifters of the canine world. They were bred to protect property, move loads, guard livestock and people, and support rescue and emergency tasks. In both the UK and US you will …
A complete guide to one of the world’s most popular and family-friendly dog breeds
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most recognisable and well-loved dog breeds in the world... and for good reason! Known for its friendly nature, intelligence and versatility, it has earned a place in the hearts of families, working dog …
An elegant and rare sighthound with a rich history and distinctive appearance
The Afghan Hound is one of the most distinctive and elegant dog breeds in the world. Known for its long, flowing coat, refined features and aloof yet affectionate nature, it has been admired for centuries both as a skilled hunter and as a c…
Charming and pocket-sized, Miniature Dachshunds are full of personality despite their small stature
The Miniature Dachshund is a small dog with a long body, short legs and a big personality that often surprises those who meet it for the first time. Known affectionately as the sausage dog, it is a breed that combines charm, intelligence an…
A complete guide to the charming and compact French Bulldog, from history to health
The French Bulldog is one of the most recognisable small breeds in the world, known for its compact build, bat-like ears, expressive face and HUGE personality! The story of the French Bulldog begins in England during the 19th century. It wa…
A complete guide to the Cocker Spaniel, from origins and temperament to care needs and popularity
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most recognisable and well-loved breeds in Britain and America. Known for its gentle nature, expressive eyes and long silky ears, it has been a favourite both as a working gundog and as a family companion. I…
Loyal, distinctive and steeped in history, the Bulldog is a true British icon
The Bulldog is one of the most recognisable dog breeds in the world, with its stocky build, wrinkled face and distinctive pushed-in nose. Often known as the British Bulldog, it has become a national symbol, often associated with determinati…
The debate over where domestication began
The story of dog domestication is one of the most intriguing chapters in the shared history of humans and animals. For decades, researchers have tried to pinpoint where the first wolves began their transformation into dogs. The question see…