Breed groups explained
What they are, what they mean, and which breeds are in each
Ever wondered what breed groups or standards are all about? Wonder no more!
The standardisation of dog breeds
The first deliberate change from function to appearance
Throughout history, dogs had been bred for function rather than appearance, with interbreeding common, but the Industrial Revolution and rise of the middle class in Europe and North America …
Working group
A history and overview of the Working group
Working dogs are the heavy lifters of the canine world, and were bred to cover a surprising range of tasks. They were bred to protect property, move loads, guard livestock and people, and su…
Pastoral (UK)/Herding (US) group
The history, purpose and development of pastoral dogs
The pastoral group is one of the most distinctive and historically important categories of dogs, shaped by centuries of work alongside humans in the management of livestock. These are the he…
Hound group
Understanding these ancient dogs
The Hound group (or breed standard) is among the oldest categories of domestic dogs. They were bred primarily for hunting, and are divided into two main categories: Sighthounds, such as Grey…
Utility (UK)/Non-Sporting (US) group
The history (and surprising members) of the utility group
Ask a group of dog owners to describe the Utility group and you will often be met with puzzled looks. Unlike the Gundogs, Terriers or Hounds, the Utility dogs do not share a single, obvious …
Toy group
Much more than just 'small dogs'!
The term 'toy dog' conjures an image of a pampered lapdog, perhaps in the arms of royalty or nestled in a handbag. While this picture is certainly part of the story, the reality of the Toy b…
Terrier group
The history, purpose and diversity of the terrier group
The terrier is one of the most distinctive and enduring groups or "breed standards" of dogs, shaped by centuries of work, sport and companionship. The very name comes from the Lati…
Gundog (UK)/Sporting (US) group
Understanding the history and purpose of the Gundogs
Gundogs, known in the US as Sporting dogs, are bred to work with hunters in the field – finding, indicating, flushing or retrieving game cleanly and with control. The term Gundog has a pract…
Breed groups
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,…
Labrador Retriever
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 earn…
Afghan Hound
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…
Miniature Dachshund
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, …
French Bulldog
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 Bulldo…
Cocker Spaniel
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 bot…
Bulldog
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 …
Multiple Origins
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 bega…