Get to Know 9 British Dog Breeds

Every dog breed has a specific origin or birthplace in the world. Today, we'll look at the mots popular British dog breeds.
Get to Know 9 British Dog Breeds

Last update: 28 November, 2019

Between the Scottish, the Welsh, and the English, there are almost 50 different British dog breeds. That’s why we want to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the most famous and popular ones.

Throughout the history of Great Britain, many canine breeds have emerged that are still around today. Today, we’ll tell you about the most famous and popular breeds whose origins trace back to the United Kingdom.

1. English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is originally from Wales and was created for the purpose of chasing and catching redfish. Its ancestor is the Spaniel, originally from Spain, which was very popular among the aristocratic class. English Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of different colors, including brown, white with black or brown patches, etc. They have very large, long ears that hang down to the height of their noses.

A Cocker Spaniel looking at the water.

As for their temperament, these dogs are alert, determined, and very resistant. However, they don’t like being alone at all. They are likely to develop a very strong bond with one particular member of the family… usually whoever feeds them.

2. Collie

Another favorite among British dog breeds is the Collie, which traces back to Scotland and Northern England. There are several varieties, including short-haired, long-haired, Border Collies, and the Bearded Collie. In any case, these dogs have long bodies, brown eyes, small ears that point backward, a long snout, and a long furry tail. Collies are sweet in nature, respond well to training, and are smart and eager to please. They can develop a very strong attachment to their owners.

3. Beagle

Beagles are medium to small in size and are similar to the Foxhound. They have large ears and are excellent hunting dogs. The first modern Beagles emerged in Essex (England) in the year 1830, and have been extremely popular ever since.

While they come in a variety of colors, Beagles usually have a white chest and legs, and a brown coat and head. Together with the Bloodhound, these British canines are one of the breeds with the most developed sense of smell in the world. They are fairly gentle, happy, affectionate and not at all aggressive.

4. Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier is one of the oldest Terrier varieties that exist. They date back to 1760, when they were created to hunt badgers, rodents, and foxes. Many experts claim they were one of the first British dog breeds. They are short, have wide heads, black noses, and small eyes. They have two layers of fur, meaning they have a woolly undercoat and a harder protective overcoat.

These British pups are very outgoing, friendly, intelligent, energetic, and brave. They get along well with other dogs, as long as they aren’t smaller in size.

5. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is no doubt one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. These dogs are highly skilled when it comes to tracking and recovering prey and quickly gained popularity both in the city and the countryside. With long, golden-colored hair, these animals are very friendly and loving, easy to train, calm, and intelligent. And they make for the best nannies!

A Golden Retriever.

6. Jack Russell Terrier

This is another British dog breed that came into existence with the purpose of hunting small prey. They are small and have a coat that’s mostly white, with a few brown markings. The Jack Russell Terrier is the ideal pet for very active people. This is because they are very strong and resistant, alert, and intrepid. They require constant training in order to stimulate their intelligence–more than the average dog.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

This British dog breed emerged as the result of combining different Terriers from England and Scotland during the Industrial Revolution. More specifically, their ancestors came from Yorkshire and Lancashire and were very popular during the Victorian Era.

While they are small in size, Yorkshire Terriers can be very brave and daring. They love to be the center of attention, bark quite a lot and are very active. They can hunt rodents and are easy to train, especially if training starts when they are still young.

8. Bulldog

The last on our list of British dog breeds is the bulldog. The origin of this breed goes back to the horrible dog fights that, fortunately, no longer take place in this part of the world. Bulldogs have broad shoulders, large eyes, a hanging jowl, and straight hair. They are prone to suffer when temperatures are very high and can have respiratory problems.

Source of main image: Pleple2000


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.