A-Z on UK Dog Breeds

Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend due to their loyalty, abounding love and the sense of purpose they bring to those who care for them. 

The diversity of breeds is a testament to the rich tapestry of canine history. However, knowing what breed to choose when searching for a new four-legged friend can be challenging. 

Let's journey through the alphabet, exploring a popular dog breed for each letter and offering brief insights into their characteristics, health concerns, and care requirements. We hope this will aid you in making an informed decision when you feel the time is right.

*Disclaimer. Just because a common health issue is listed does not mean every dog of that breed will contract it. If you’re concerned about your dog's health, please contact your veterinarian, who will advise you on the next steps. 

*Where it is noted that the breed is ‘good with children’, please be aware that all dogs are different, and care should be taken when handling both children and dogs. 

 

A - Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, dignified breed known for its endurance and strength. Originally bred to haul heavy loads in cold climates, these dogs are known for their loyalty and friendly demeanour.

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism

Care Needs:

  • Exercise: Significant daily exercise is required for them to stay healthy and happy.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing is essential to manage their thick double coat.
  • Diet: A high-protein diet is recommended to support their active lifestyle.

B - Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs known for their excellent sense of smell and tracking ability. They are cheerful, friendly, and great with families.

Common Health Issues

  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Intervertebral Disk Disease

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Regular exercise to prevent obesity.
  • Grooming: Low-maintenance coat, but regular ear checks are necessary.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.

C - Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their silky coats and friendly disposition. They are active, intelligent, and excellent with children.

Common Health Issues

  • Ear Infections
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise is sufficient.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to prevent matting and ear cleaning to avoid infections.
  • Diet: Nutritious diet tailored to their activity level.

D - Dalmatian

Dalmatians, with their distinctive spotted coat, are known for their energy and playfulness. They are intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation.

Common Health Issues

  • Deafness
  • Urinary Stones
  • Allergies

Care Needs

  • Exercise: High energy levels require lots of exercise.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming is needed, but regular checks for ticks.
  • Diet: Special diet to prevent urinary issues.

E - English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are medium-sized, muscular dogs with a distinctive pushed-in nose. They are gentle, courageous, and good with children.

Common Health Issues

  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Skin Infections

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise; avoid overheating.
  • Grooming: Regular cleaning of skin folds.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to avoid obesity.

F - French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are small, muscular dogs with a smooth coat and distinctive "bat ears." They are known for their affectionate and playful nature.

Common Health Issues

  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Skin Allergies

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise, avoid excessive heat.
  • Grooming: Regular cleaning of skin folds and ears.
  • Diet: High-quality diet; watch for weight gain.

G - Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are large, friendly, intelligent dogs known for their golden coats and loving nature. They are great family pets and excellent service dogs.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Cancer

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing to maintain coat health.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their active lifestyle.

H - Havanese

Havanese are small, sturdy dogs with a long, silky coat. They are affectionate, playful, and excellent companions.

Common Health Issues

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise and playtime.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Diet: Balanced diet suitable for small breeds.

I - Irish Setter

Irish Setters are known for their stunning red coats and high energy levels. They are friendly, outgoing, and excellent with children.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Bloat

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Requires lots of exercise and space to run.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing to prevent tangles.
  • Diet: Nutritious diet to support their energy levels.

J - Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs known for their intelligence and hunting instincts. They are lively, fearless, and require a lot of stimulation.

Common Health Issues

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Deafness
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming is required.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their active nature.

K - King Charles Spaniel

Also known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, these small, elegant, and affectionate dogs are excellent companions and great with families.

Common Health Issues

  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Syringomyelia
  • Hip Dysplasia

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise and playtime.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to maintain coat health.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to prevent weight gain.

L - Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the UK. They are friendly, outgoing, and highly trainable, making them excellent family pets and service dogs.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Obesity

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing to maintain coat health.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to prevent obesity.

M - Mastiff

Mastiffs are large, powerful dogs known for their protective nature and gentle demeanour. They are excellent family protectors and very loyal.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Heart Conditions

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise to maintain health.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to prevent bloat and maintain health.

N - Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are large, gentle dogs known for their strength and swimming ability. They are very protective.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Heart Conditions
  • Cystinuria

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs regular exercise and often enjoys swimming.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to manage their thick coat.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their size and activity level.

O - Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are large, shaggy dogs known for their friendly and playful nature. They are excellent with families and very sociable.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Hypothyroidism

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs regular exercise to stay healthy.
  • Grooming: Frequent grooming to manage their long coat.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to maintain their energy levels.

P - Pug

Pugs are small, muscular dogs known for their wrinkled faces and playful nature. They are affectionate and sociable.

Common Health Issues

  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Skin Infections

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise; avoid overheating.
  • Grooming: Regular cleaning of skin folds.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to prevent obesity.

Q - Queensland Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)

Known for their intelligence and work ethic, Queensland Heelers are agile, alert, and loyal dogs. They thrive in active environments.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Deafness

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming is required.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their active lifestyle.

R - Rottweiler

Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs known for their strength and protective nature. They are loyal, confident, and excellent guard dogs.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Conditions

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Regular exercise is required to maintain health.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming is needed.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their muscle mass.

S - Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are medium-sized dogs known for their strength and affectionate nature. They are great with families, known as ‘nanny dogs’ and are very loyal.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Skin Allergies

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs regular exercise to stay healthy.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming is required.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to prevent obesity.

T - Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terriers are medium-sized dogs with long, flowing coats. They are affectionate, intelligent, and good with families.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Lens Luxation

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise to keep them healthy.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their health.

U - Utonagan

Utonagans are a relatively new breed resembling wolves, and they are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are very intelligent.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Allergies

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to manage their thick coat.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to maintain their health.

V - Vizsla

Vizslas are medium-sized dogs known for their athleticism and affectionate nature. They are intelligent, energetic, and excellent companions.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming is needed.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their active lifestyle.

W - Welsh Corgi

Welsh Corgis are small, sturdy dogs known for their short legs and long bodies. They are intelligent, affectionate, and great with families.

Common Health Issues

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Epilepsy

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs regular exercise to stay healthy.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing to manage shedding.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to prevent obesity.

X - Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

Xoloitzcuintlis, also known as Xolos, are hairless or coated dogs known for their unique appearance and loyal nature. They are intelligent and affectionate.

Common Health Issues

  • Skin Conditions
  • Dental Issues
  • Hip Dysplasia

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Grooming: Minimal grooming, but regular skin care for hairless varieties is required.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their health.

Y - Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with silky coats known for their lively and affectionate nature. They are excellent companions and get along well with families.

Common Health Issues

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Dental Issues
  • Hypoglycemia

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise and playtime.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to maintain coat health.
  • Diet: Balanced diet suitable for small breeds.

Z - Zuchon (Shichon)

Zuchons, also known as Shichons or Teddy Bear dogs, are small, fluffy dogs known for their affectionate and playful nature. They are a crossbreed between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu.

Common Health Issues

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Allergies

Care Needs

  • Exercise: Moderate exercise and playtime.
  • Grooming: Regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Diet: Balanced diet to support their health.

 

From the active Border Collie to the playful Zuchon, each breed has unique qualities that make them special. Understanding their health issues and care needs ensures these beloved companions live happy, healthy lives. Whether you’re looking for a loyal guard dog, a playful family pet, or a gentle lap dog, there’s a breed for everyone.

For more information, contact a team member on 01829 734 980.