There's over 30 dog breeds that come from the United Kingdom, including some extremely famous breeds that may surprise you! Find out our top 11 British Dog Breeds including everything from Terriers to Spaniels. England is most widely known as the land of afternoon tea and Shakespeare, but did you know that it's also responsible for over 30 British dog breeds? These breeds include some of the most famous ones on the planet, including the Queen's favoured Corgis and the highly intelligent Border Collie. At Purina, we've picked out 11 of the top English dog breeds, including some which may surprise you! 1. Airedale Terrier Hailed as the 'king of terriers', the Airedale Terrier originated in Airedale in Yorkshire and is the largest terrier breed. Bred to catch otters and rats, this British dog breed is incredibly intelligent, making it excellent at agility and obedience competitions. Airedale Terriers also make perfect family dogs as they usually get on well with children and are known to possess a playful, puppy-like temperament even when they get older. 2. Clumber Spaniel The Clumber Spaniel originally got its name from the Duke of Newcastle, as it was named after his residence Clumber Park. They're the largest of all the Spaniel breeds and are known for their excellent hunting skills, and according to history they were once renowned throughout England for their success and were highly sought after by noblemen. This English dog breed is a great family pet because of their loyal and loving natures. They're also the ideal choice for first time dog owners due to their intelligence and willingness to be trained. 3. Beagles Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds throughout the world. With their, big, affectionate eyes and happy disposition, it's easy to see why this British dog breed has captured the hearts of so many households. But did you know that they're also fantastic working dogs? Their noses have around 220 million scent receptors (nearly as many as a Bloodhound), which makes them extremely good at picking up scents. Their superpowered nose paired with their friendly faces has earned them positions at airports working with security, as they can accurately sniff out any contraband, yet their cute looks make them less intimidating to those who are frightened of dogs. 4. Shetland Sheepdog Hailing from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog was bred as a herding dog and to protect farmers' land against birds and other possible threats. Also known as Shelties, they're one of the smartest dog breeds and excel at obedience and agility competitions due to their eagerness to learn and high intelligence. Shelties also possess a strong herding instinct and have been known to try to herd squirrels and rabbits when out on their daily walks, and in some cases, they may even attempt to gently herd children.

Dogs and children can be the best of friends when raised together and can offer a number of benefits to each other, including everything from increased playtime to happier mindsets. Read on to find out more about the advantages of dogs and children growing up together. Most children love dogs. They're cute, cuddly, and oh-so-friendly. But did you know that growing up with a dog can actually benefit a child's physical and psychological development? Here are some of the many benefits of dogs being in children's lives. 1. Constant companionship Although childhood isn't always easy, having a pet provides constant companionship through the ups and downs. Dogs can be a great source of comfort for kids - even when they're coming to grips with difficult life lessons. Whenever kids feel sad, angry, or afraid, they can always turn to their pet. Petting and cuddling dogs has also been shown to relieve stress and help people relax. 2. A more active lifestyle Caring for a dog also encourages a more active lifestyle. Children with dogs exercise eleven minutes a day more than their non-dog owning peers. That might not sound like a lot, but over a week or month, it really adds up. Many dogs require daily walks or runs and plenty of play time. Those adorable puppy eyes they give you are sure to motivate you - even when you're not feeling up to it. Here are a few fun dog exercise ideas that will keep all the family moving. 3. Learning responsibility Having a pet is a great way to teach responsibility to kids. Making sure that the family dog has food and water gives children a first glimpse of accountability and obligation. Children also learn empathy and compassion by caring for their pet, while developing a higher level of self-esteem by taking care of their pet-owning responsibilities. 4. Health is wealth Studies have found that babies raised in close contact with a pet get sick less often in their first year of life, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to pet dander and the microbes that pets carry into the home from the outdoors is suggested to improve babies' developing immune systems. Research has also found that children who grow up with dogs experience a reduced risk of allergies. 5. Learning unconditional love Kids are the center of attention in any family and they quickly learn that the world revolves around them. This is why it's important to expose them to concepts such as unconditional love or loyalty. What better teacher than our canine companions?

Boasting cute, shaggy appearances that warm the hearts of people all around the globe, wire-haired dogs are nothing short of special. If you're looking for a bristly companion to bring into your life, take a look at our list of the best wire-haired dog breeds. Wire-haired dogs possess strong, robust coats which are a bit bristly to the touch. Aside from their unusual texture, these wire coats were mostly designed to protect them against the elements and kept them free from harm whilst running through the underbrush as the dense wire is much harder to penetrate than smoother coats. If you want to bring one of these endearingly shaggy dog types into your life, you'll likely be wondering what wire-haired dog breeds are out there, which is why we've created this list to show you our favourites. Keep reading to discover everything from fearless terriers to lively hounds! 1. Wire Fox Terrier This wire-haired terrier breed was originally bred to flush foxes out and their tough, intelligent coat meant they were less prone to injury whilst out hunting. Today, Wire Fox Terriers make great companions due to their brave and smart personalities but they'll need to be groomed regularly in order to keep their coat in tip top condition.

The perfect companion might be a small fluffy joy of a dog that can't wait for you to come home so you can cuddle together for the rest of the evening. If you're eager to welcome a small pup into the family, we've rounded up some of the most popular small dog breeds. If you've always wanted a nice little dog that draws smiles everywhere you go, this is your chance to get familiar with the cutest small companions ever. We've put together some of the best small dogs you could wish for. From tiny fluffy pooches to the ones ready to charm you with their bold looks and adventurous spirits, these small dog breeds are a delight to have in your life. The best small dogs 1. The cute Bichon Frise Imagine the perfect small dog breed and you'll probably come close to the Bichon Frise's baby-doll face, plush coat and always-happy personality. They are lively and love to learn new tricks, but the Bichon is equally happy all curled up on your lap in the evening. They love people so much that they'll make friends for life with any human that stops to pet their snow-white fluffy coat. And thanks to their cotton ball looks and sparkling big black eyes, there will be plenty of them, from family and friends to complete strangers. The downside of all this affection they show is that they need it back in return. Bichon Frise dogs don't like being by themselves and can go through bouts of separation anxiety if left home alone. If you can arrange for constant human presence, this is one of the cutest small dog breeds to welcome to the family.

Germany is responsible for producing over 50 of the worlds most popular dog breeds. But do you know what these breeds are beyond the well-loved German Shepherd? When we say 'German dog breed', it's likely you'll think of the iconic German Shepherd, but did you know that over 50 dog breeds originated in Germany? The land of beer and fairytale-esque castles is currently ranked number three in the world for producing the highest number of dog breeds, which includes some of our all-time favourites. There are so many wonderful breeds to choose from, but we've done the impossible and picked just nine of our favourites. Keep reading to find out our top 9 German dog breeds, ranging from playful little terriers to big hunting dogs. German dog breeds Consistently scoring high on popular breed lists, people from all over the world have fallen in love with German dogs. Their popularity just keeps on growing and unsurprisingly, Germany now has one of the biggest dog export markets. 1. Dachshund The Dachshund's short legs and long body gives them an adorable appearance, but their disproportionate body was actually bred for a specific purpose. In German, their name literally translates to 'badger dog' and they were created to crawl into badger and rabbit dens. Today, this gorgeous German dog makes an excellent companion and watchdog - but because they're a hound you'll have to expect a bit of barking!

Black and tan dogs are truly stunning and their unique colouring has made them popular as show dogs and companions. At Purina, we think black and tan dog breeds are simply wonderful, that's why we've created this list of our top 9 favourites. Black and brown (or tan) is among one of the most striking colour combinations found in dogs. The two colours offer a stunning contrast which gives them a regal and smart appearance and once you see a dog of this hue, it's sure to make an impact. From elegant Dobermans to fearless Miniature Pinchers, we've created this list of black and tan dog breeds which are as wonderful in personality as they are in looks. 1. Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a strong and compelling black and tan dog that was originally bred to herd cattle to market. Due to their strength, they were also used to pull carts for butchers and farmers! Despite their often-fearsome reputation, this breed is very kind, loving and adores their people. Black and tan is the only hue you'll find this dog in. 2. Doberman Perhaps one of the most iconic black and tan dog breeds on this list, the Doberman is a striking and elegant dog from Germany that has roots in guarding. Highly intelligent and very active, these dogs are extremely gentle and are always at their happiest when they're part of a family. Aside from stunning black and tan they can also be blue and tan, fawn and tan and red and tan.

Big fluffy dog breeds are made for cuddling. There's nothing more comforting than wrapping your arms around them and burying your fingers in their impressive coats, but these coats present an additional challenge - lots and lots of grooming! There's nothing better than a cuddle from a big, fluffy dog breed. Their wonderfully large size coupled with their oversized coats make them the perfect snuggle companions. But you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your home (and sofa) for one and plenty of time to dedicate to a regular grooming schedule! If you love pups which are larger than life and have plenty of coat to run your fingers through, these big fluffy dog breeds are sure to be just what you're looking for. You'll be delighted to know that most have the teddy bear personalities to match too and the biggest hearts you could wish for! 1. Pyrenees Mountain Dog This large and gentle dog breed has roots dating back as far as 3000 B. C. and was originally bred for guarding sheep and livestock. Unforgettable with their beautiful, big white coats, the Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an excellent guard dog with exceptional hearing that's capable of hearing you approach from a serious distance. They're known to be very vocal and will use their impressively loud bark to protect your home. But you'll need to ensure they're well socialised so they don't mistake visiting family or friends to be intruders.

Making the decision to grow your household by four paws is extremely exciting for all involved, but if you have children it can be difficult to find a suitable breed. We've created this guide to tell you all about the best dog breeds for families to help you to choose which best suits you. Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to exercise and appreciate the outdoors, whilst also helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. When thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the household, parents often worry about the specific dog breeds, as there are some which are a little less predisposed to tolerate the attentions of children. To help you ensure you find the best match for your family, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families. Keep reading for helpful advice and to learn which breeds are more predisposed to love family life. What characteristics makes a good family dog? First and foremost, it's generally less about the breed of your dog and more about their individual personality. If you're looking to share your home with both pup and child, your chosen dog should possess the following characteristics: • A calm and even temperament: your new dog should be calm and patient enough to be able to cope with the excitement of kids and eventually grow into a great friend for them. • An appropriate size: on average, very small dog breeds may be more excitable, and they could also be more fragile - as a parent you'll know that kids aren't always the gentlest. Large dog breeds on the other hand tend to be more docile, but they can run the risk of accidentally knocking small children over whilst playing. • Energy levels: this will largely depend on how active your family is. If you choose a high-energy dog, you'll need to make sure you have the time to take them for regular walks and playtime. Also, if you have young children who run around a lot, you shouldn't choose a low energy dog that may become frustrated by the constant excitement. It's not just about choosing the best dog breed for kids, but it's also about teaching your children to be kind to dogs, this will go a long way in ensuring you have a harmonious household. Best dog breeds for families Now you know about the characteristics that make a good family pet, it's time to look at dog breeds that generally have these traits. It's important to note that just because many owners have good experiences with these dog breeds and they are usually well-behaved around children, each dog is an individual, so there's always the risk that this won't be the case for every single dog.

You may be more used to seeing dogs with fur, but did you know there's a wealth of dogs without the fluff too? Hairless dogs are adorable in their own right and offer perfect cuddles thanks to their soft skin and warm bodies. Find out more about hairless dog breeds, here. If you're looking for a unique pup that'll turn heads everywhere you go, a hairless dog breed may be just what you're after. Where these canines lack the typical fur that's commonly depicted on our four-legged friends, they're just as adorable or playful as their fluffy counterparts! In fact, hairless dogs are super silky, often very warm to the touch and are known to radiate warmth, so they make the most perfect snuggle companions! Keep reading to find out more about which hairless dog breeds are out there and the special requirements that come with caring for a pup without the fluff. Caring for hairless dog breeds Some owners may consider getting a hairless dog thinking that they require far less attention on the grooming front, but this is not always true. Where they do have a lot less fur to brush (if any), their skin still requires plenty of care. Interestingly, the skin of hairless dogs needs similar care to humans and will need regular baths to keep the skin clean and free of dirt, moisturising creams to prevent dryness and sun creams to prevent sunburn. Hairless dog breeds can even develop dog acne too! But don't put any creams recommended for human use on your dog as these may contain chemicals which will irritate their skin or they may be toxic. Speak to your veterinarian for advice on the best creams to use for your hairless dog. It's also important to note that dogs without hair are very sensitive to the cold and wet so you'll need to ensure that you get them a good wardrobe full of raincoats and dog coats to keep them warm and dry during walks. Now you know how to care for them, here's our round up of our top 5 hairless dog breeds:

Having puppies is both exciting and exhausting for you and your pet. Whilst it’s wonderful to welcome adorable bundles of fur into your home, it’s hard work for a new mum to grow, deliver and look after a mischievous litter! Therefore it’s more important than ever for you to make sure your dog is getting everything theyneed from theirfood. Eating right will make sure that both mum and her puppies are happy and healthy. Although adult-formula food is great for everyday use, your dog will need an extra boost of nutrients when pregnant, especially if they'reexpecting a large litter. Mums-to-be can get the higher amount of energy and protein that dogs need from a high quality puppy food. Feeding your pregnant dog a puppy formula will help to support your pet during and after pregnancy. Your dog’s body condition (and any other medical requirements) can affect what nutritional demands your petwill have when expecting. You can find out more about your dog’s body condition with our body conditioning tool.