Dog Breeds

Dog breeds were originally developed for specific types of work, from herding livestock and retrieving game to guarding homes and providing companionship. These histories still influence how many dogs behave today.

This directory explores breeds through behaviour, temperament, and everyday life with dogs. Each profile focuses on understanding the instincts and tendencies that have shaped the breed over time.

Breed descriptions can provide helpful context, but every dog remains an individual shaped by genetics, upbringing, and environment.

Explore breeds through history and behaviour

Use the filters below to browse breeds by group, size, energy, grooming, shedding, sensitivity, and trainability style.

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Adult Golden Retriever lying on grass touching noses with a Golden Retriever puppy in a peaceful sunlit park.

Golden Retriever

Living with a Golden Retriever often means having a sociable and affectionate companion who enjoys being involved in everyday life. They tend to feel most settled in homes where they have regular activity, close human interaction, and opportunities to use their natural enthusiasm for retrieving and play.

  • Size: Large
  • Energy: Moderate to high
Adult Goldendoodle lying on a bed beside a Goldendoodle puppy, both with curly apricot coats and relaxed, friendly expressions.

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles often bring a joyful presence into their homes. With their friendly nature and eagerness to be part of family activities, they frequently find themselves at the heart of household life. Many owners appreciate their adaptable spirit, which can make them a delightful companion in various settings.

  • Size: Medium
  • Energy: Moderate to high
Adult black-and-tan Gordon Setter standing beside a young puppy on a Scottish moorland track.

Gordon Setter

Living with a Gordon Setter often means sharing your space with a dog that exudes both elegance and enthusiasm. Their striking presence is matched by a spirited personality, making them a delightful companion for those who appreciate an active and engaging canine friend. Many owners find that a Gordon Setter thrives on interaction and enjoys being part of the family’s daily activities.

  • Size: Large
  • Energy: High
Adult Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen puppy standing together on a country path in rural France with rough coats, long ears, and traditional stone walls in the background.

Grand Basset Griffon VendéEn

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are cheerful and curious companions known for their expressive personalities and love of exploration. Bred to trail scents across the countryside of western France, they often enjoy opportunities to follow interesting smells and investigate their surroundings. Many owners appreciate the breed’s lively character combined with a relaxed and sociable presence at home.

  • Size: Medium
  • Energy: Moderate to high
A large Great Dane and a smaller puppy relax together in a peaceful outdoor setting, showcasing their bond and gentle nature in a natural environment.

Great Dane

“Living with a Great Dane is like sharing your home with a gentle giant. Despite their imposing size, they often exhibit a calm and affectionate nature, making them surprisingly great companions. Many owners find that their Great Dane enjoys being close, often curling up on the sofa despite their size, or following family members from room to room with a quiet, watchful presence.”

  • Size: Giant
  • Energy: Moderate
Adult white Great Pyrenees reclining beside a young puppy on a rocky Pyrenean mountain pasture.

Great Pyrenees

Living with a Great Pyrenees often means sharing your space with a gentle giant who is both independent and deeply loyal. These dogs are known for their calm presence, often observing the world around them with a watchful eye. Their protective nature is balanced by a serene demeanor, making them both guardians and companions in the home.

  • Size: Giant
  • Energy: Moderate
Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog with a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy standing in a Swiss alpine meadow with mountain scenery.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are calm, powerful companions known for their steady temperament and loyal nature. Bred as versatile farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, they often combine a relaxed presence at home with a willingness to join family activities outdoors. Many owners appreciate their dependable character and the quiet confidence they bring to family life.

  • Size: Giant
  • Energy: Moderate
Adult Greyhound standing tall on a countryside path with a puppy sitting beside it, showcasing the breed’s slender build and long legs in warm natural light

Greyhound

Living with a Greyhound often feels like having a gentle giant in the home. Despite their reputation for speed, many Greyhounds are surprisingly relaxed indoors, content to lounge on a comfy spot. Their sensitive nature means they form deep bonds with their families, often seeking quiet companionship over boisterous play.

  • Size: Large
  • Energy: Moderate
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