As we all know, dogs are truly amazing. Each and every one of them possess unique traits, characteristics and abilities that most of us humans would be envious of!
From scent receptors to the ability to see ultraviolet light, we’re sure you’ll agree that all pooches are pretty special.
For a little fun, we thought we would test your dog breed group knowledge! So, we’ve compiled the need-to-knows about breed groups and doggy characteristics to look out for when you’re on your next dog walk.
Dog breeds
There are a staggering 221 dog breeds recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK. Each of these breeds boast individual personality traits, behaviours and characteristics.
These 221 breeds have been classified into seven different categories.
Breed groups
As we mentioned above, there are seven breed groups recognised in the UK, these are:
• Gundog
• Hound
• Pastoral
• Terrier
• Toy
• Utility
• Working
We describe each in more detail below.
Gundog
Originally bred to retrieve live game, gundogs are highly active, work well with people and are very intelligent. While they are energetic, they are also calm and have a level-headed nature.
Other gundog traits include:
• Affectionate
• Cooperative
• Friendly and social
• Not easily upset
Do you know your gundogs?
So, you think you know which breeds fall into the gundog category? They include:
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Irish Setter
• English Cocker Spaniel
• English Pointer
Hound
These energetic little beauties were originally bred for their impeccable sense of sight (Sight Hound) or smell (Scent Hound). Driven to chase, hounds are highly energetic and love nothing more than a good sniff and explore!
Other hound traits include:
• Independent
• Intelligent
• Affectionate
Do you know your hounds?
So, you think you know which breeds fall into the hound category? They include:
• Beagle
• Whippet
• Dachshund
• Bloodhound
• Greyhound
Pastoral
Originally bred for herding and working with livestock on farms, these energetic and hard-working dogs are at their happiest when they have a job to do. They are eager to please, are highly independent and love to learn a new task.
Other pastoral dog traits include:
• Easy to train
• Alert
• Loyal
• Independent
• Confident
Do you know your Pastoral dogs?
So, you think you know which dogs fall into the Pastoral breed group? They include:
• Border Collie
• German Shepherd
• Collie
• Old English Sheepdog
• Welsh Corgi
• Bloodhound
Terrier
This popular group was originally bred for pest control and their impressive ability to hunt vermin. Highly energetic and fearless, terriers are renowned for their strong personalities.
Other terrier traits include:
• Persistent
• Independent
• Playful
• Predatory with small animals
Do you know your Terriers?
So, you think you know which dogs fall into the Terrier breed group? They include:
• Jack Russell
• Border Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Scottish Terrier
Toy
This popular group have been bred specifically to be friendly companion dogs. Smaller than dogs in other breed groups, they don’t require as much exercise as larger dogs and can adapt to any environment of any size.
Other Toy breed traits include:
• Affectionate
• Fearless
• Adaptable
• Friendly
• Sociable
Do you know your Toy breed dogs?
So, you think you know which dogs fall into the Toy breed group? They include:
• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Utility
With lots of variation and no set criteria, dogs will find themselves in this group if they don’t fit into any of the other dog breed groups.
Utility dogs have a broad mix of behaviours and temperaments but some can include:
• Smart
• Curious
• Loyal
• Eager
• Playful
Do you know your Utility dogs?
So, you think you know which dogs fall into the Utility breed group? They include:
• Shar-pei
• Dalmatian
• Miniature Schnauzer
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
Working
Commonly bred to be guard dogs or search and rescue dogs, this breed group is always ready to work and boasts lots of stamina. These large but obedient dogs make for perfect police dogs and are superb watchdogs.
Other Working dog group traits include:
• Strong
• Courageous
• Loyal
• Affectionate
• Strong natural instincts
• Active
• Enjoy being given a task
Do you know your Working breed dogs?
So, you think you know which dogs fall into the Working breed group? They include:
• Great Dane
• Rottweiler
• Siberian Husky
• Boxer
• Bullmastiff
Find out more
At Barks ‘n Bubbles, we’re head over heels about every single pooch breed from each group. If you are thinking of becoming a pooch parent and need advice or are the proud owner of a dog and need some help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
We’re all dog owners ourselves as well as groomers and are on hand to help in any way we can.
Photo by James Haworth on Unsplash.
