Dog breed guides

Our comprehensive dog breed guides are here to help you about different temperaments, personalities, and things to look out for before picking a pup or rescuing an older pooch.

It can be difficult to choose a new canine companion, especially when there are hundreds of different dog breeds in the world, all of which come in different shapes and sizes.

We have worked with our partners at Joii to provide handy guides about the heath problems and conditions common to some of the most popular breeds of dog.

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Labrador Retriever breed guide

Labradors are one of the most popular dogs in the world, known for their friendly behaviour and gentle

Labrador health problems

Learn how Labradors can suffer from bloat, genetic joint and eye problems, as well as ear health and obesity

Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed guide

The “nanny dogs” make wonderful family pets with a gentle demeanor, despite their misunderstood

Staffordshire Bull Terrier health problems

Staffies are a popular, hardy breed, but can be prone to joint issues, ear, skin and eye

Cocker Spaniel breed guide

Gun dogs with lots of energy, Cocker Spaniels are loved for their gentle and easy-going

Cocker Spaniel health problems

Find out how Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to eye problems, heart disease, bone and joint conditions, ear infections and

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed guide

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are smaller dogs, their sweet and affectionate nature making them perfect for

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health problems

Cavaliers are prone to heart disease, ear infections, bone and joint problems, skin issues, neurological problems to name a

The Jack Russell Terrier breed guide

The Jack Russell is a clever, independent, lively breed with lots of energy. Charming and adorable, they need lots of

Jack Russell Terrier health problems

Energetic Jack Russells can struggle with eye problems, dental disease, blood disorders, bone and joint conditions, mental health issues and

German Shepherd breed guide

Discover the stomach disorders, neurological issues, heart disease, eye problems and bone and joint conditions that German Shepherds can

German Shepherd health problems

Discover the stomach disorders, neurological issues, heart disease, eye problems and bone and joint conditions that German Shepherds can

Springer Spaniel breed guide

The Springer is the tallest spaniel, known for their lively and bouncy demeanour. Lovely family pets needing plenty of

Springer Spaniel health problems

This energetic Spaniel can suffer from joint, eye and ear issues, heart disease, neurological problems, skin diseases and other

Shih Tzu breed guide

Excellent family pets, Shih Tzus are happy little dogs that are instantly recognisable from their long distinctive

Shih Tzu health problems

Discover how Shih Tzu’s are prone to eye problems, joint and skin conditions, ear infections plus brachycephalic breathing

French Bulldog breed guide

One of the UK’s most popular breeds, French Bulldogs make amazing family pets due to their affectionate

French Bulldog health problems

Learn how French Bulldog suffer from brachycephalic breathing problems, skin issues, eye problems and often have trouble giving

West Highland Terrier breed guide

Bred in Scotland, Westies are small, intelligent, loyal dogs with big personalities making them fabulous

West Highland Terrier health problems

West Highland Terriers are susceptible to skin conditions, ear infections and eye problems, joint and hormone disorders, and the “westie

Border Collie health problems

Find out about the eye complaints, joint conditions, genetic problems and behavioural issues that Border Collies are prone

Golden Retriever breed guide

Known for their friendly disposition and gentle nature, Golden Retrievers are great with children and are popular family

Golden Retriever health problems

Golden Retrievers are genetically predisposed to joint, skin and eye problems, plus ear infections and heart

Boxer breed guide

With a reputation for being energetic and bouncy, Boxers are a medium-large breed needing plenty of exercise and

Boxer health problems

Boxers are predisposed to developing types of cancer, as well as having breathing issues, joint problems, heart conditions and

Pug breed guide

Pugs are recognisable with wrinkly, flattened faces and curly tails. Energetic and fun-loving, they make fabulous family

Pug health problems

Pugs size and breeding means they often have brachycephalic breathing issues, skin infections, eye-related problems and joint

Chihuahua breed guide

The smallest breed of dog, Chihuahuas develop a strong bond with their owners making them great

Chihuahua health problems

Learn how the Chihuahua’s small size can lead to eye problems, dental disease, breathing issues and difficulty giving birth to

Cockapoo breed guide

The cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Cockapoos are energetic, fun-loving, and friendly making great family

Cockapoo health problems

Cockapoos can encounter joint trouble, ear infections, hereditary eye problems, skin conditions and metabolism-related

Bichon Frise breed guide

Affectionate and playful, Bichon Frises are small, fluffy dog with snow-white coats with happy

bichon Frise health problems

Discover how Bichon Frises often suffer from skin, ear and eye conditions, and can also suffer from joint & hormone problems as they

Yorkshire Terrier breed guide

The lively Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest terrier breeds. Intelligent and devoted, they are popular companion

Yorkshire Terrier health problems

Find out how Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to dental disease, joint conditions, hormone problems and bladder

Greyhound breed guide

Best known from racing tracks, Greyhounds make fantastic family pets with their quiet, gentle nature and

Greyhound health problems

Learn about the dental disease, joint conditions and musculoskeletal injuries, bloat, cancer and eye problems that Greyhounds are susceptible

Daschund breed guide

Dachshunds are bold and adventurous little dogs who are very loyal and often form a close bond with one family

Dachshund health problems

The Dachshund’s unique bone structure leaves them vulnerable to back problems and joint conditions, as well as dental

Border Terrier breed guide

This small terrier breed is intelligent, with a fearless, affectionate personality! Border terriers have lots of energy and love to

Border Terrier health problems

Border Terriers can struggle with dental disease, bone and joint conditions, “cramping syndrome” and other neurological issues, and eye

Lhasa Apso breed guide

Cuddly, small dogs well known for their luxurious coats. Devoted, lively and affectionate, they can make great family

Lhasa Apso health problems

See how Lhasa Apsos can be affected by spine and eye problems, as well as joint conditions and skin

Labradoodle breed guide

The cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, their intelligence and playfulness make them great family

Labradoodle health problems

Discover how Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, skin allergies and joint problems as they

Lurcher breed guide

A Greyhound cross-breed, Lurchers are very energetic and need plenty of exercise but can make wonderful family

Lurcher health problems

Find out how Lurchers can suffer from bloat, joint problems, bone cancer and dental disease, and what you can do about

English Bulldog breed guide

Friendly and gentle, the distinctive Bulldog is known for its flattened nose, wrinkly face and stocky, bow-legged

English Bulldog health problems

Due to their breeding, Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs with respiratory issues, as well as multiple types of skin conditions and eye

Beagle breed guide

Bred to hunt, Beagles are known for their liveliness, and love to spend time outdoors - ideal for the energetic owner.

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Different dog breeds vary hugely in temperament, size, training and ownership requirements, and while choosing a dog is an exciting prospect, a crucial part of this decision is choosing the right breed that’s a perfect fit for both your desires and your circumstances.

We’ve put together some handy guides to some of the nation’s most popular dog breeds, providing information on their physical attributes and appearance, temperaments and breed history, plus things to watch out for including special care or considerations that different breeds might need over their lifetime.