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Some dogs have a natural instinct to protect their homes and family, and make excellent guard dogs. Guarding (or guardian) breeds tend to have the characteristics of being loyal, fearless, and strong. All dogs are protective of their owner and territory, but some are more protective than others, why? This is all down to years of breeding and socialisation. Guard dogs are dogs breeds that have strong character traits of loyalty, and are fearless as well as strong. These breeds can be counted on to be watchful over their territory as well as their families. Below is a list of guard dog breeds that will make sure you feel safe, no matter what! It’s important to know that due to the size of these breeds, they need proper training and socialisation and they’re often not ideal for inexperienced owners. Below are a select few of the best guard dog breeds for anyone who wants a powerful, brave, and loyal pup. Why do you need a guard dog? Guard dogs are wanted to many reasons, not as a fashion accessory, and nor should they be considered as one. Many people seek out the best guard dog breeds because they want personal protection, protection of property, or simply to know when someone comes to the door. There are many negative reputations associated with certain guard dog breeds, but it is their temperaments and ability to protect that make the such sought after breeds as guard dogs.

Discover some of the most beautiful pups out there with our top red dog breeds. From chestnut shades to rust and rich mahogany, here are the best companions with head-turning bright furs.

Back in 1991, the UK government brought in legislation aimed at tackling the issue of dangerous dogs after a spate of high-profile dog attacks. In the period 1990-1991, there had been 11 serious dog attacks, seven of which were on children. The resultant media-driven public outcry led to the then Home Secretary, Kenneth Baker pledging to “rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs” and rushing legislation through parliament with minimal debate in only six weeks. While many criticised it as knee-jerk, flawed legislation, Baker argued that the Act was necessary to protect the public from “specific inherently dangerous dogs” – and there is no doubt that there was an issue with social unrest resulting from recession, which gave rise to a fashion for irresponsibly-kept (and often criminally used) ‘macho breeds’, especially within inner cities. While only four of these attacks had involved Pit Bull Terriers, this is the breed that the media christened “devil dogs” and that bore the brunt of much of the resultant legislation. Part of this legislation, Sct 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, is known as breed specific legislation (BSL), which deems certain breeds illegal. This breed specific approach has been consistently questioned over the years and is often seen as one of the most controversial laws ever passed - and indeed in all the time this legislation has been in place, dog attacks have not decreased. Despite that, in 2023 the Government announced that a new breed/type would be added to the list of prohibited dogs – the XL Bully. So, what are the five prohibited breeds of dog in the UK and what does this mean for owners?

You’ve decided to Adopt Don’t Shop and are looking for the perfect rescue dog for you. Here’s what you need to know about adopting from the RSPCA.

Discover the most popular dog breeds in the UK and what makes them the charming companions we are all eager to welcome into the family. The nation’s favourite dogs have been compiled by Rover and the list is full of familiar names: from the tiny Chihuahua who makes us fall in love with their boisterous personality and diminutive looks to the mixed breeds that impress us with their smart and funny antics. Here are the top 10 dog breeds.

Having a dog will change your life in amazing ways. One of the new responsibilities will be making sure that your pup stays happy and safe while you’re in the house but is also comfortable and contented when you are away.

Looking for a small, fluffy pooch to add to the family? Get ready for cuteness overload. This article includes some of the most adorable small dogs with long hair. These little dogs come with lovely soft, long fur that makes them very eye-catching. However, these coats will need looking after! The long fur on these breeds requires daily brushing sessions and regular bathing to keep their luscious locks shiny and healthy, and prevent tangles and mats from developing. But that’s a small price to pay when – in return – you get to cuddle up with these lovely furballs.

There’s nothing more exciting than adding a new four-legged friend to your household. Whether you live alone, or have a big family, the companionship a dog brings is unlike any other and, for many, a home just isn’t complete without one. However, if you’ve never had a pup before, choosing the best dog breed to match your lifestyle, home and time requirements can be a bit of a minefield. Keep reading to find out our top 10 best dogs for first time owners and - who knows - maybe you’ll find your perfect match!

Just because you live in an apartment or small home, doesn’t mean you have to give up all hope of owning a four-legged friend! In fact, having dogs in apartments is more commonplace than you’d think, as there are thousands of small dog owners in cities throughout the world. Keeping a larger breed such as a St. Bernard or Great Dane in a flat may be a bit like having a bull in a china shop, and medium or large breed dogs probably won’t be particularly happy living in more limited spaces, but there are lots of smaller dogs who will be able to adapt to apartment or small home living fairly easily. You’ll need to bear a few things in mind though, such as ensuring you provide plenty of entertainment for them, making sure there’s plenty of green space nearby for walks, and thinking carefully about where your pup’s going to go to the toilet. It’s also important to make sure you or your dog-sitter have the time to take your pup out on a regular basis, as all dogs need access to light and fresh air and should have the opportunity to stretch their legs, run and sniff around as well as interact with other dogs. No one likes being cooped up all day, and that includes our dogs! With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best dogs for apartments.

Mountain dog breeds are truly a wonderous sight to behold. More often than not, these breeds are best recognised for their formidable size and extremely fluffy coats, specially developed for them to navigate the rough terrain and withstand the harrowing temperatures that comes with living and working at high altitudes. Often working as livestock guardians, most mountain dog breeds were originally employed to protect flocks of sheep, cattle and even horses and would frequently battle fearsome foes such as wolves and bears to protect their charges. To this day, mountain dog breeds can be found working as search and rescue dogs or herding in the treacherous ranges across the world.

Looking for the best female dog name ever? We put together a list of the ultimate dog names that will have you saying "this is the one". Find an unforgettable girl dog name that perfectly matches the awesome new pup in the house. There are plenty of amazing dog names to choose from below, so let's get to it!

White dog breeds look nothing short of magic. Their dazzling bright coats make them look like they’re fresh out of a fairy-tale but often, this magnificent hue also serves a purpose. Some white dog breeds have coats to match the crisp snow of the terrain of the country they hail from, whereas others are strategically that colour to keep them cooler in hot climates. However, there are also related health risks with white dog breeds, as they do have a slightly higher risk of being born deaf due to a hereditary pigmentation gene, and they also have a higher risk of skin problems and sunburn.