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Which Dog Breed Suits You?

2 years ago

Find your perfect pet match

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Our four-legged friends make fine companions, but you need to choose the right breed for you

There are 222 different and diverse dog breeds that come in all shapes and sizes, with different personalities and needs. Here, The Kennel Club shares ten suggested matches for different personality and lifestyle types.

Which Dog Breed Suits You?

These matches are simply suggestions, as any dog’s behaviour will depend on its training, socialisation and individual personality.

Hungarian Vizsla portrait in wear at autumn misty park

For the training enthusiast: The Hungarian Vizsla

The Hungarian Vizsla is an affectionate companion for owners who enjoy an active lifestyle and can provide lots of mental stimulation. They tend to be highly intelligent, obedient and athletic, with a willingness to learn, making them ideal for anyone interested in getting involved in canine activities like agility. They enjoy lots of play, require over two hours a day of exercise and will be happiest in a larger house and garden space.

For a lover of water: The Otterhound

The Otterhound is another of The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds. Otterhounds are large, majestic, and known for their friendly and patient character. Perhaps surprisingly, they have webbed feet, which combined with a rough weatherproof coat, means they are true water babies. They enjoy more than two hours of exercise a day, in any weather!

Golden retriever backlit

For a family favourite: The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever makes a loyal and friendly companion to many families. They are a large dog so need a bigger home and garden, with owners happy to take them on daily two-hour walks. Any prospective owners should be prepared that their gorgeous golden coat can be prone to shedding, so a good vacuum cleaner may be needed!

For those seeking an unsung hero: The Curly Coated Retriever

When hearing ‘retriever’, many of us instantly picture the highly popular Labrador or Golden Retriever, however, the lesser known Curly Coated Retriever is one of 28 Vulnerable Native Breeds monitored by The Kennel Club due to their low numbers meaning they’re at risk of disappearing. Despite being more unusual, they are actually the oldest of the Retriever breeds and are distinguished by their curly coat. They’re bold, friendly and reliable, and enjoy more than two hours walking a day, suiting a home with a large garden.

Small Jack Russell terrier sitting on meadow in spring, yellow dandelion flowers near.

For anyone that hates to sit still: The Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are known to have a great character. Their lively, alert and friendly nature means they can be a great choice for active families and owners. While they are small in size, they are very confident and enjoy at least an hour of outdoor walking every day.

For a glorious groomer: The Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is synonymous with an elegant trim, so they need an owner dedicated to daily grooming. They also tend to possess a happy nature, and their petite size makes them suited to a flat with a small garden, with up to an hour of exercise each day. Poodles also tend to be minimally shedding, so could be considered if there are allergies in your family.

Havana Silk Dog or Havanese Bichon Dog

For one seeking a close companion: The Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small, sweet dog ideal for companionship. Requiring around 30 minutes of exercise a day, they enjoy spending the rest of their time with their owners, and appreciate lots of love and affection. The Bolognese is very loyal around those they know, though sometimes more shy around strangers.

Afghan hound dog in studio

For a country home: The Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are dignified and sometimes aloof. They are a large breed so are better suited to those living in a house with plenty of space and with a big garden. Their long limbs mean they need around two hours of daily exercise, making them a perfect countryside companion. Daily grooming is required to keep their long and silky coat looking elegant.

Papillon Purebred Dog lying down on the armchair at home, resting, dreaming, sleeping. Concepts of lovely pets and beauty of animals. Suitable for postcards, greeting cards, banners. Close up image

For the city dweller: The Papillon

The Papillon is a small and friendly little dog. They are a great choice for those who might have less space, or are based in a city, due to their smaller size. Papillons require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and although small, they are lively and incredibly intelligent.

Springer Spaniel Dog Walking

For a lover of ‘walkies’: The English Springer Spaniel

If you are committed to getting your daily ten thousand steps, an English Springer Spaniel might be a good fit for you – they are friendly and happy characters that love activity! They need an owner with plenty of time for two hours of exercise a day and prefer a home with a large garden to burn off any excess energy.

Meeting your match

Meet your match at Discover Dogs, 15-16 October at London Excel, organised by The Kennel Club. Tickets cost £18 or £15 for concessions and under 8s go free; discoverdogs.org.uk

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Which Dog Breed Suits You?

For the training enthusiast: The Hungarian Vizsla

For a lover of water: The Otterhound

For a family favourite: The Golden Retriever

For those seeking an unsung hero: The Curly Coated Retriever

For anyone that hates to sit still: The Jack Russell Terrier

For a glorious groomer: The Toy Poodle

For one seeking a close companion: The Bolognese

For a country home: The Afghan Hound

For the city dweller: The Papillon

For a lover of ‘walkies’: The English Springer Spaniel

Meeting your match

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