Most Popular Dog Breeds

Coat & grooming — Short dense double coat; sheds seasonally and needs weekly brushing

Suits — Active families, children, first-time owners, working roles

Coat & grooming — Medium-length water-repellent double coat with feathering; sheds and needs regular brushing

Suits — Families, children, first-time owners, therapy and assistance work

Coat & grooming — Short smooth single coat; minimal shedding and low grooming needs

Suits — Apartment dwellers, city owners, families, companionship

Coat & grooming — Medium double coat; sheds heavily and needs regular brushing

Suits — Experienced owners, active families, working and protection roles

Coat & grooming — Dense curly low-shedding coat; needs regular clipping and grooming

Suits — Allergy-conscious owners, families, active and dog-sport homes

Coat & grooming — Short dense weatherproof coat; sheds moderately and is easy to groom

Suits — Families, children, active homes, multi-dog households

Coat & grooming — Comes in smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired varieties with varied grooming needs

Suits — Singles, families with older children, companionship-focused homes

Coat & grooming — Short smooth coat; minimal shedding but facial wrinkles need regular cleaning

Suits — Families, apartment dwellers, calmer households

Coat & grooming — Medium weatherproof double coat; sheds heavily and needs regular brushing

Suits — Active families, children, first-time owners willing to exercise

Coat & grooming — Thick double coat; sheds heavily, especially during seasonal blows

Suits — Active, experienced owners and homes with secure fenced yards

Coat & grooming — A short, dense double coat that is straight and coarse on top with a softer undercoat, always black with clearly defined rust or mahogany markings. Grooming is low-maintenance, but Rottweilers shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year, so weekly brushing (and more during seasonal moults) keeps loose hair down. Bathe only occasionally.

Suits — Best suited to experienced, confident owners who can commit to firm, reward-based training and thorough socialisation from puppyhood. They can be devoted, gentle family dogs with children they are raised alongside, but their size and strength mean supervision around small children is wise. They need a house with space and a secure garden rather than a small flat, daily vigorous exercise, and careful introductions to other dogs and pets.

Coat & grooming — A short, smooth, tight-fitting coat in fawn or brindle, often with white markings and a dark mask. Grooming is very easy: a weekly rub with a grooming mitt or soft brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat glossy. Boxers shed moderately and are fairly clean dogs that need only occasional bathing, though their short coat offers little protection in cold or wet weather.

Suits — An excellent choice for active families, including those with children, thanks to their patient, playful nature and strong bond with their people. They suit first-time owners willing to commit to training, as their exuberance and slow maturation need consistent guidance. They prefer a home with a garden over a small flat, need plenty of daily exercise, and generally get on well with other pets when socialised early.

Coat & grooming — A medium-length, weather-resistant double coat that is straight to slightly wavy, with feathering on the legs and a fuller mane and frill. Colours include blue merle, red merle, black and red, often with white and copper points. They shed steadily and heavily during seasonal moults, so brush two or three times a week (daily during a moult) to prevent matting and manage loose hair.

Suits — Best suited to active, experienced owners and families who can provide a job, plenty of exercise and ongoing mental stimulation. They are devoted and good with children they are raised with, though their strong herding instinct may lead them to nip at heels and gather running youngsters. They need space and ideally a garden rather than a small flat, get on well with other pets when socialised, and excel at agility, herding and obedience.

Coat & grooming — A long, fine, glossy single coat with a silky, almost human-hair-like texture in steel-blue and tan, with no thick undercoat. Yorkies shed very little, which suits some allergy sufferers, but a full-length show coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles. Many pet owners keep their dog in a shorter 'puppy clip' that needs only occasional trimming, plus regular bathing to keep the coat clean and shining.

Suits — Well suited to many homes, including flats and first-time owners, thanks to their small size and adaptability, though their boldness and fragility mean they often do better with older, gentle children than boisterous toddlers. They form intense bonds and can dislike being left alone for long. They need modest daily walks and play, and benefit from early socialisation so their feisty terrier streak does not become bossy with other dogs.

Coat & grooming — A moderately long, silky coat that is straight or slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, feet and tail. It comes in four recognised colours: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolour, black and tan, and ruby. Cavaliers shed moderately and need brushing several times a week to prevent the feathering from matting, with regular ear cleaning and occasional bathing; their coat needs little or no trimming.

Suits — An ideal choice for many homes, including families with children, first-time owners, older people and flat dwellers, thanks to their adaptable, easygoing nature. They are gentle and tolerant with children and usually friendly towards other dogs and pets. They form intense bonds and crave company, so they dislike being left alone for long. Their exercise needs are moderate, met by daily walks and play, though they happily enjoy more activity too.

Coat & grooming — Short, smooth, hard and close-lying with a glossy sheen and very little undercoat. Grooming is minimal: a weekly rub with a rubber mitt or bristle brush keeps shedding (which is light to moderate) in check, and baths are only needed occasionally. The thin coat offers little cold protection, so a coat is wise in winter.

Suits — Best suited to active, experienced owners who can commit to daily exercise, training and companionship; Dobermans crave being part of the household and dislike isolation. Well-bred, well-socialised dogs are gentle and protective with children, though their size suits homes with space rather than small flats. They need firm, fair guidance and benefit from early socialisation around other dogs and pets.

Coat & grooming — Double coat with a soft undercoat and a harsh, wiry topcoat, plus the breed's signature beard and leg furnishings. It sheds very little, but needs regular upkeep: brushing or combing two to three times a week to prevent matting, especially in the beard and legs, and clipping or hand-stripping every six to eight weeks. The beard tends to collect food and water and benefits from regular cleaning.

Suits — An excellent choice for first-time owners, families with children and people in flats, thanks to its manageable size, adaptability and affectionate temperament. Miniature Schnauzers are sociable and trainable, but their terrier heritage means they can be vocal and may chase small pets, so early socialisation helps. They enjoy moderate daily exercise and dislike being left alone for long periods.

Coat & grooming — Long, dense, flowing double coat that can reach the floor if kept full; the texture is soft and slightly wavy rather than curly. It needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and many owners keep the coat in a short 'puppy clip' for easier upkeep. Regular bathing, eye-area cleaning and grooming of the topknot are needed; shedding is low but loose hair stays in the coat.

Suits — Well suited to families, older owners, first-time owners and flat-dwellers, as the Shih Tzu is companionable, adaptable and needs only modest exercise. It is generally friendly with children and other pets, though its small size means play with young children should be supervised. Bred to be a constant companion, it dislikes long periods alone, so it suits households where someone is often home.

Coat & grooming — Short, smooth, fine and glossy single coat lying close to the body. Grooming is very easy: a weekly brush with a rubber mitt or soft bristle brush removes loose hair, and occasional baths keep the coat clean. Shedding is low to moderate, and the breed's facial wrinkles and prominent eyes benefit from gentle, regular wiping to stay clean and healthy.

Suits — An excellent all-rounder for first-time owners, families with children, older people and flat-dwellers, thanks to its friendly nature, convenient size and modest exercise needs. Bostons are typically sociable with people and other pets when socialised early. As a flat-faced breed they are sensitive to heat and over-exertion, so they suit owners who can keep activity moderate and avoid hot weather.

Coat & grooming — Long, soft, silky double coat that is light and slightly wavy, designed to insulate against Cuba's tropical heat. It needs daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles when kept long, though many pet owners opt for a shorter clip to reduce upkeep. The breed is very low-shedding, with loose hair staying in the coat, so regular grooming and occasional bathing are essential.

Suits — A superb companion for families, first-time owners, older people and flat-dwellers, thanks to its friendly, adaptable and people-focused temperament. Havanese are gentle with children and usually sociable with other dogs and pets when socialised early. Bred to be constant companions, they bond intensely and can suffer separation anxiety, so they suit households where they are not left alone for long stretches.

Coat & grooming — A dense double coat with a long, straight, harsh outer coat and a soft, tight undercoat, forming a profuse mane and frill around the neck. Shelties shed heavily, especially during seasonal moults, and need brushing two or three times weekly (more when blowing coat) to prevent matting behind the ears and on the legs. They should be bathed occasionally rather than clipped.

Suits — Excellent family dogs, gentle and patient with children they are raised alongside, though their herding instinct can prompt chasing and nipping at running youngsters. They suit active first-time owners willing to manage barking, and adapt to flats only with ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. Generally good with other dogs and pets; they need at least an hour of activity plus training games each day.

Coat & grooming — A thick, moderately long double coat that is slightly wavy or straight with a natural sheen, in the breed's signature black, rust and white tricolour. Bernese shed considerably, with heavy seasonal moults, and need brushing several times a week to prevent tangles around the ears, legs and tail. Occasional bathing keeps the coat clean; the breed copes far better with cold than heat.

Suits — A wonderful family dog, patient and gentle with children and typically sociable with other dogs and pets. Their calm temperament suits attentive first-time owners, though their size, strength and grooming and space needs should not be underestimated. They do best with a house and garden rather than a small flat, need moderate daily exercise, and crave close human company, disliking long periods alone.

Coat & grooming — A short, smooth, dense coat with a glossy finish, lying close to the body and coming in colours such as fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. Grooming is easy, needing only a weekly brush with a rubber mitt or bristle brush to manage moderate, steady shedding. They need only occasional bathing, though their size makes bath time a substantial undertaking.

Suits — Affectionate and patient, Great Danes can be excellent family dogs, but their enormous size means they can accidentally knock over small children, so supervision is wise. They generally get on well with other dogs and pets when socialised early. Surprisingly adaptable to homes with enough room to move and stretch out, they suit committed owners; first-timers should be ready for the costs, training and space a giant breed demands.

Coat & grooming — A single, long, silky white coat that hangs straight to the floor when grown out, with no woolly undercoat. The breed sheds minimally, but the fine hair tangles and mats easily, so pets need daily brushing or a shorter 'puppy clip' to stay comfortable. Regular bathing keeps the white coat bright, and the face needs frequent gentle cleaning to limit tear staining.

Suits — A devoted companion that suits flats, older owners and first-time owners well, thriving on close human contact and disliking long periods alone. Gentle and playful, the Maltese can be a lovely family pet, but its tiny, delicate build means it is better suited to households with calm, older children than boisterous toddlers. It generally gets on with other pets and needs only modest exercise alongside plenty of affection.

Coat & grooming — A soft, dense, curly double coat with a plush velvety texture, almost always pure white. The Bichon is low-shedding, as loose hair is caught in the curls rather than dropping, but this means it mats easily and needs daily brushing plus professional clipping and bathing every four to six weeks. The signature rounded 'powder-puff' trim is created by scissoring rather than nature.

Suits — An excellent, adaptable family pet, friendly with children, strangers and other animals, and well suited to flats given its small size and modest exercise needs. The affectionate, trainable Bichon is a fine choice for first-time owners, though grooming costs and time should be budgeted for. They bond strongly and dislike being left alone for long, so they suit households where they will have plenty of company.

Coat & grooming — Comes in two coat types: rough (medium-length, feathered) and smooth (shorter, coarser). Both are dense double coats that shed moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal moults. Brush two to three times weekly, more during shedding, with occasional baths; the coat is largely weatherproof and needs no clipping.

Suits — Best suited to active, experienced owners with time, space and an outlet such as agility, obedience or sheep work. Affectionate and good with children but may try to herd them by nipping heels if under-stimulated. Generally fine with other dogs; the strong herding drive means caution around small pets. Not a breed for flats or sedentary households.

Coat & grooming — Found in two varieties: smooth-coat (short, glossy, close-lying) and long-coat (soft, slightly wavy, with feathering on ears, legs and tail). Both shed modestly. Smooth coats need only a weekly wipe or brush; long coats benefit from brushing two to three times weekly. Bathe occasionally; the breed dislikes cold and often appreciates a jumper outdoors.

Suits — Suits owners in flats or houses alike, including first-time owners willing to socialise and train consistently. Devoted but can be wary or snappy, so best with older, gentle children rather than toddlers who might handle them roughly. Often bonds to one person and can be territorial with strange dogs. Exercise needs are modest but daily walks and mental engagement matter.

Coat & grooming — Medium-length, silky coat that is flat or slightly wavy, with abundant feathering on the ears, chest, legs and underside. Sheds moderately and is prone to matting, so it needs brushing several times a week and regular professional trimming or hand-stripping every six to eight weeks. The long ears must be kept clean and dry to avoid infections.

Suits — An excellent family dog, gentle and patient with children and generally sociable with other dogs and pets. Suits first-time owners who can meet its grooming and exercise needs, and adapts to flats if walked enough. Needs around an hour or more of daily exercise plus mental engagement, as it is a working gundog at heart and can develop attention-seeking habits if bored.

Coat & grooming — Short, dense, straight outer coat over a moderate undercoat, in fawn, apricot or brindle, always with a dark mask. Low maintenance but a steady year-round shedder. Weekly brushing with a rubber mitt or bristle brush suffices, with occasional baths. The facial wrinkles and any jowl folds should be wiped to stay clean and dry.

Suits — Best for experienced owners with space; the sheer size, strength and drooling rule out small flats for many. Affectionate and gentle with family and tolerant of children, though their bulk means supervision around toddlers to prevent accidental knocks. Naturally wary of strangers, so early socialisation is vital. Exercise needs are moderate, but careful, controlled growth in puppyhood is essential for joint health.

Coat & grooming — A thick double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a long, straight, harsh-textured outer coat that stands off the body, with a distinctive ruff around the neck. Sheds moderately year-round with heavier seasonal moults. Brush two to three times a week to prevent matting; avoid shaving, which can damage regrowth. Occasional baths and light tidying around the feet and rear keep it neat.

Suits — Well suited to flats and smaller homes, and to first-time owners willing to train and socialise consistently. Affectionate and playful but, being small and delicate, better with older children than toddlers. Can be bold or yappy with larger dogs, so supervision is sensible. Exercise needs are modest — daily short walks and play — but they are smart and enjoy trick training and games.

Coat & grooming — A double coat with a stiff, straight outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. It is naturally clean and needs only weekly brushing for most of the year, but sheds heavily twice annually during seasonal "blowing" of the undercoat, when daily brushing helps. Bathing is rarely needed.

Suits — Best suited to patient, experienced owners who respect an independent dog rather than first-time handlers expecting easy obedience. Shibas can live in flats if exercised daily but need secure fencing, as they are escape artists with a strong prey drive. They can be aloof with other dogs and unsafe around cats or small pets; early socialisation and a calm, consistent household suit them best.

Coat & grooming — A short, smooth, dense single coat with no undercoat, in shades of golden rust. Grooming is minimal: occasional brushing or a rubber mitt removes loose hair, and baths are needed only occasionally. The lack of undercoat means low odour but little insulation, so Vizslas feel the cold and may need a coat in winter.

Suits — A superb family dog for active, attentive households that can provide one to two hours of vigorous exercise daily. Vizslas suit owners who want a constant companion, not those out of the house for long hours, as they are prone to separation anxiety. They are gentle with children and usually sociable with other dogs. Better in homes with space and a garden than small flats, and well suited to runners, hikers and outdoor families.

Coat & grooming — Most Weimaraners have a short, smooth, sleek coat in distinctive shades of mouse-grey to silver-grey, needing only weekly brushing and occasional baths. A rarer long-haired variety exists, recognised in some countries, with feathering that requires more regular grooming. Shedding is moderate despite the short coat, and the breed feels the cold owing to its thin coat.

Suits — Best suited to experienced, active owners who can commit to two hours or more of daily exercise and plenty of mental work. Weimaraners need space, secure fencing and company, and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long. They can be loving family dogs with older children but are boisterous and strong. Their high prey drive makes them risky around cats and small pets, and they are not ideal for first-time owners or flats.

Coat & grooming — A short, dense, sleek and glossy coat in shades of wheaten, from pale to red. Grooming is very low-maintenance, needing only weekly brushing and occasional baths, and the breed is fairly clean with little doggy odour. Shedding is light to moderate. The defining feature is the ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction down the back.

Suits — Best suited to confident, experienced owners who can provide firm, kind leadership, early socialisation and around an hour or more of daily exercise. Ridgebacks are loyal and gentle with their own family, including older children, but are naturally aloof with strangers and protective, so socialisation is essential. They need space rather than small flats, and can live with other dogs if raised together, though their hound prey drive makes small-pet households more challenging.

Coat & grooming — A harsh, straight white outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat, designed to shed dirt and resist weather. Westies shed very little but need regular care: weekly brushing, and the harsh coat is traditionally hand-stripped or, more commonly for pets, clipped every few months. Occasional baths and routine attention to the face and feet keep the white coat looking its best.

Suits — A good choice for families, first-time owners and flat-dwellers alike, given its small size and adaptable, sociable nature. Westies are confident and friendly but retain a feisty terrier streak, so they need consistent training and early socialisation. They suit active owners who can provide a couple of brisk walks and play daily. Their strong prey drive can make them unreliable around small pets like rodents, and some are vocal, so a watchful approach to barking helps.

Coat & grooming — Short, dense, hard and weather-resistant coat that lies close to the body, usually in tricolour (black, tan and white) or lemon and white. Despite the short hair it sheds steadily year-round, so a weekly rub with a hound mitt or bristle brush keeps loose hair down. The long ears and deep facial folds need regular cleaning and drying to prevent infection, and the breed has a noticeably 'houndy' odour that occasional bathing manages.

Suits — A wonderfully patient, easy-going family dog that tolerates children and rubs along well with other dogs and pets, reflecting its pack-hound heritage. It suits relaxed households and even flats, provided it gets a daily walk, but its stubborn streak and nose-led independence make training slow, so first-time owners need patience and good humour. Off-lead recall is unreliable once a scent takes hold, and the deep bay can carry far.

Coat & grooming — Dense double coat with a soft, thick undercoat and a straight, harsh outer coat of medium length, though long-coated individuals occur. It is highly weatherproof and suits cold climates, but it sheds heavily, with two dramatic 'blow-outs' of the undercoat each year that demand daily brushing for weeks. Routine care means brushing a few times a week; the breed is naturally clean and odour-light, so baths are only occasional.

Suits — Best matched with experienced, confident owners who understand guardian breeds. An Akita can be devoted and gentle with its own family and older, respectful children, but it is naturally aloof with strangers and frequently intolerant of other dogs, especially same-sex pairings, and its high prey drive makes cats and small pets a real risk. It needs space, secure fencing and committed socialisation, and is not a suitable first dog or a casual flat companion.

Coat & grooming — Thick, coarse double coat with a dense, oily, woolly undercoat and a harsh outer coat, superbly insulating against Arctic cold. It is a heavy, year-round shedder that blows its undercoat completely twice a year, requiring daily brushing during those weeks and a couple of sessions weekly otherwise. The coat is naturally clean and odour-free, so bathing is infrequent, but regular grooming prevents matting, especially behind the ears and on the legs.

Suits — Suits active, experienced owners with space, a securely fenced garden and time for daily vigorous exercise. Malamutes are typically affectionate and good-natured with children and love being part of a busy family, but their size, strength and exuberance call for supervision with toddlers. High prey drive makes cats and small pets risky, and same-sex dog aggression is common. They are poorly suited to flats, hot climates or homes where they would be left alone, as boredom turns into digging and howling.

Coat & grooming — Short, fine, smooth and close-lying coat in almost any colour or pattern. It is exceptionally low-maintenance, needing only an occasional wipe or quick brush, and sheds very little. The trade-off is poor insulation: with little body fat and thin skin, Whippets feel the cold keenly and often need a coat in winter, while their delicate skin can tear or graze more easily than that of thicker-coated breeds.

Suits — An excellent all-round companion, including for first-time owners and flat-dwellers, thanks to its quiet, clean, undemanding nature indoors. Whippets are gentle and affectionate with children and usually friendly with other dogs, especially other sighthounds, though their strong prey drive means cats and small pets are safest only if the dog is raised with them. They need a daily chance to sprint safely off-lead in a secure space, but settle remarkably calmly once exercised.

Coat & grooming — Comes in two varieties: a short, dense smooth coat and a longer, slightly wavy rough coat, both with a thick undercoat in shades of red and white or brindle and white. Both shed heavily, with seasonal peaks, and need brushing several times a week, more for the longhaired type, to prevent matting and manage the considerable hair. The facial folds and droopy lower eyelids need regular cleaning, and the breed is a famously prolific drooler.

Suits — Ideally suited to families with space, a garden and time for grooming and supervised exercise. Saint Bernards are renowned for being gentle, patient and tolerant, earning a reputation as wonderful 'nanny' dogs with children, though their sheer size means careful supervision around small children to avoid accidental knocks. They are generally sociable with other pets when raised together. They are not flat dogs and cope poorly with heat, and their size means real costs in food, equipment and veterinary care.

Coat & grooming — A profuse double coat: a soft, dense, woolly undercoat beneath long, straight, weather-resistant guard hairs that stand off the body. It sheds heavily year-round with two major 'blow-outs' a year, so plan on brushing several times a week (daily during a moult). The harsh outer coat resists dirt and the white-to-biscuit colour stays surprisingly clean; bathe only occasionally and never clip the coat, which insulates against both cold and heat.

Suits — Excellent with children and other dogs, and generally too friendly to be a guard dog. Best suited to active households with time and space rather than first-time owners who underestimate the grooming and exercise. They need a good hour or more of daily activity, dislike being left alone for long (separation-related barking and digging are common), and cope far better in cool climates than hot ones.

Coat & grooming — A short, smooth, close-lying single coat that sits tight to the muscular body in colours such as red, fawn, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white. Grooming is minimal: a weekly rub-down with a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat glossy. They are low to moderate shedders, need only occasional baths, and the short coat offers little protection from cold, so many appreciate a coat in winter.

Suits — A genuinely people-focused family dog that typically adores children when socialised and supervised. Staffies suit committed owners, including capable first-timers, who will provide training, exercise and company; they hate being left alone for long. They can be dog-selective, so careful socialisation and management around other dogs matter. They adapt to flats if well exercised, needing around an hour of vigorous activity and play each day.

Coat & grooming — A single, long, fine, silky coat with no undercoat, lying flat with abundant feathering on the ears, chest, legs and a plumed tail; it is most often white with patches of any colour. Because there is no woolly undercoat, shedding is light and the coat is fairly easy to maintain with two or three brushings a week to prevent tangles behind the ears and on the trousers. No clipping is needed, and occasional baths keep the silky coat bright.

Suits — A lively, affectionate companion that suits families with considerate older children, singles, and flat-dwellers alike, as well as first-time owners willing to train. Being tiny and delicate, it is less ideal around very boisterous toddlers or large rough-playing dogs. Papillons are sociable with other pets when introduced well, and although small they are energetic and clever, needing daily walks, play and mental challenges to stay content.

Coat & grooming — A short, dense, fairly hard coat in black and tan, liver and tan, or red, with loose, wrinkled skin that hangs in characteristic folds around the head and neck. Grooming is straightforward, with a weekly brush to remove loose hair, but the skin folds and long, low-set ears trap moisture and need regular cleaning to prevent infection and odour. They shed moderately, drool considerably, and benefit from routine wrinkle and ear care.

Suits — A gentle, tolerant breed that is typically very good with children and other dogs, suiting patient families with space rather than first-time owners unprepared for size, drool and stubbornness. Bloodhounds need secure fencing and lead walks, because a caught scent overrides recall almost entirely. They require substantial daily exercise and sniffing opportunities, are not suited to small flats, and their baying voice and slobber are best matched to relaxed, rural-minded homes.

Coat & grooming — A short, flat, harsh, glossy coat that lies close to the skin, in pure white or coloured varieties such as brindle, red, fawn, black-brindle and tricolour, often with white markings. Grooming is very easy, needing only a weekly brush or rubber-mitt rub to remove loose hair and maintain the shine. They shed moderately, especially seasonally, and need only occasional baths; white-coated dogs can be prone to sun sensitivity on thin-haired areas.

Suits — A boisterous, affectionate family dog that bonds intensely with its people and is happiest fully included in daily life. The breed's strength, energy and stubbornness suit active, experienced owners who can provide consistent training and company; it dislikes being left alone and can be destructive if bored. With early socialisation it can be good with older children, but supervision is wise around small children and unfamiliar dogs, and it needs around an hour of daily exercise and play.

Coat & grooming — A harsh, dense, wiry double coat with a close undercoat and a naturally weatherproof, slightly loose-fitting hide. It sheds modestly and is low-maintenance day to day, needing a weekly brush, but the coat should be hand-stripped roughly twice a year rather than clipped to preserve its texture and colour. Bathe only occasionally, as the coat repels dirt well.

Suits — An excellent all-rounder for active families, including those with sensible older children, and manageable for capable first-time owners. It adapts to flats provided it gets a good hour or more of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Sociable with people and usually fine with dogs, but its strong prey drive means small pets and off-lead recall need care, and it can be a determined digger and escapist.

Coat & grooming — A medium-length, water-resistant double coat that lies close and flat or slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and underside. It is a moderate, steady shedder. Brush two or three times a week to prevent the feathering matting, with occasional trimming and tidying of the ears and feet; show coats need more grooming, while working dogs are often kept shorter.

Suits — A superb family companion for active, outdoorsy households, including those with children, and rewarding for committed owners. Its energy and need for stimulation make it less suited to sedentary or very small flats unless exercise needs are fully met. Sociable and generally good with other dogs and family pets, though its flushing instinct means small animals may be chased. It bonds closely and can dislike being left alone for long.

Coat & grooming — A dense, curly, single-layered coat with a wiry, woolly texture and very low shedding. Because it keeps growing and mats easily, it needs daily or near-daily brushing and professional clipping every four to six weeks. Many owners keep it in a practical short trim. The low-shed coat is often described as more tolerable for some allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Suits — A versatile choice for families, singles and older owners, and well-suited to flats given its size. Sensible older children are ideal, as the small frame can be injured by rough handling. Good with other dogs and pets when socialised. Manageable for first-time owners willing to commit to grooming and training, though its intelligence means it needs daily mental engagement to avoid boredom-driven mischief and barking.

Coat & grooming — A dense, curly, single coat of woolly texture that sheds very little but grows continuously and mats readily. It demands daily or frequent brushing and professional clipping every four to six weeks; show clips are elaborate while many owners choose a practical short cut. The low-shedding coat is often considered more suitable for some allergy sufferers, though no breed is genuinely hypoallergenic.

Suits — An excellent active-family dog, generally good with children and other pets when socialised, and large enough to be sturdy with sensible kids. It suits houses with space better than small flats, though it adapts if well exercised. Rewarding for first-time and experienced owners alike, given a commitment to training, grooming and daily stimulation. Its intelligence means it needs a job to do, or it may invent its own.

Coat & grooming — A short, close, glossy and stiff single coat that lies flat against the body. It is low-maintenance and a modest shedder, needing only a weekly brush with a rubber mitt or bristle brush to remove loose hair and keep it shining. Bathe occasionally as needed. The thin coat offers little protection from cold, so they appreciate warmth in winter.

Suits — Best suited to experienced, responsible owners who will invest in early socialisation, consistent training and supervision. With this, they are affectionate, people-loving family dogs, often gentle and patient with children they are raised with, though their strength means interactions should always be supervised. They can live in flats if well exercised. Same-sex dog tolerance and prey drive vary, so careful introductions to other animals are essential. Note that breed-specific legislation may apply in some areas.