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 temperament.

Labrador health problems

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

Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed guide

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

Staffordshire Bull Terrier health problems

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

Cocker Spaniel breed guide

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

Cocker Spaniel health problems

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

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed guide

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

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 few.

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 exercise.

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 more.

German Shepherd breed guide

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

German Shepherd health problems

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

Springer Spaniel breed guide

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

Springer Spaniel health problems

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

Shih Tzu breed guide

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

Shih Tzu health problems

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

French Bulldog breed guide

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

French Bulldog health problems

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

West Highland Terrier breed guide

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

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 jaw”..

Border Collie Breed Guide

Learn all about Border Collies, the supremely intelligent dog bred to help guard and herd sheep

Border Collie health problems

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

Golden Retriever breed guide

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

Golden Retriever health problems

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

Boxer breed guide

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

Boxer health problems

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

Pug breed guide

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

Pug health problems

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

Chihuahua breed guide

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

Chihuahua health problems

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

Cockapoo breed guide

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

Cockapoo health problems

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

Bichon Frise breed guide

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

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 age.

Yorkshire Terrier breed guide

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

Yorkshire Terrier health problems

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

Greyhound breed guide

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

Greyhound health problems

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

Daschund breed guide

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

Dachshund health problems

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

Border Terrier breed guide

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

Border Terrier health problems

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

Lhasa Apso breed guide

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

Lhasa Apso health problems

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

Labradoodle breed guide

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

Labradoodle health problems

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

Lurcher breed guide

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

Lurcher health problems

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

English Bulldog breed guide

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

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 problems.

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.