When deciding to get a dog as a pet, some people base their decisions on popularity. They decide to get whatever breed is popular in their place or country. Some people might even be interested in getting a pet dog that is popular in different countries. That’s why today, we are going to talk about dog breeds in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is a popular travel destination for a lot of people, as it offers many great things. One of those is that many people here are dog lovers. If you are curious about what dog breeds you can commonly see in Britain, you’re in the right place. Today, we are giving you a list of the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom.
1. Miniature Schnauzer
This is a breed of small dog of the Schnauzer type that came from Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. They may have been developed from the smallest specimens of the Standard Schnauzer, or from crosses between the standard and one smaller breed like the Affenpinscher. They were originally bred as efficient ratting dogs. Miniature Schnauzers are described as energetic but aloof. They have good guarding tendencies without a predisposition to biting. They come in three colors, which are solid black, pepper and salt, and black and silver.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are very popular in the United Kingdom. They are large-sized gun dogs that retrieve shot waterfowl like upland game birds and ducks during bird hunting. Their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged is the reason why they were named as retrievers. They have an instinctive love of water, and they are very easy to train, as well.
They are also popular as disability assistance dogs as they can guide blind and deaf people. Aside from that, they are also trained to be a hunting dog, detection dog, and as well as search and rescue participant. It is a friendly dog breed that has a gentle temperament, which is not suitable as a guard dog.
3. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is another popular dog in the United Kingdom. This dog breed is a medium to a large working dog, and it originated in Germany. It was officially known as the Alsatian in Britain until 1977 when its name was changed to German Shepherd. Even though it has a primitive and wolf-like appearance, it is a relatively modern breed of dog. Its origin can be dated back to 1899.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a working and herding dog that is developed in the Scottish borders to herd livestock like sheep. It was bred specifically for obedience and intelligence. It is considered as a highly intelligent, energetic, and athletic dog breed. In fact, it is usually referred to as the most intelligent of all domestic dogs. No wonder it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom. Up until today, they are still being employed in their traditional work of herding livestock in many places all over the world.
5. Boxer
Another popular dog breed in the United Kingdom is the Boxer. It is a medium-sized, short-haired dog that is developed in Germany. It has a smooth coat that is tight-fitting. Its colors are fawn brindled or white, and it can either have white markings or none. It was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser. Boxers are energetic and playful dogs, and they are great with children. They are also patient and spirited, but protective at the same time, making them wonderful family pets.
6. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog, which is noteworthy for producing one of the most varied number of pups in a liter among all the dog breeds. They are called cocker because of the stem they use to hunt woodcock. This dog breed can have litters from anywhere between 3 to 12 puppies. It is a well-balanced dog that is intelligent and alert, making it a popular dog breed in the United Kingdom.
7. Springer Spaniel
This is another breed of gun dog in the Spaniel family. It is traditionally used for retrieving game. This dog breed is affectionate, and it has a lifespan of around twelve to fourteen years. They are similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed and originated from the Norfolk or Shropshire Spaniels of the mid-19th century.
8. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a large type of retrievergun dog. It is very popular in the United Kingdom and even in different countries all over the world. It is a great disability assistance breed. They are usually trained to aid the blind, those with autism, or to act as a therapy dog. They can also perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. Labrador Retrievers are also prized as sporting and hunting dogs.
The ancestors of the modern Labrador originated on the island of Newfoundland. The St. John’s water dog was the founding breed of the Labrador, which emerged through ad-hoc breeding by early settlers in the 16th century. Labrador Retrievers are excellent family dogs because they are an even-tempered breed.
9. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a mixed-breed dog that is a cross between Cock Spaniel breeds and a poodle. They are popular because they are outgoing and loving dogs. Aside from that, they also have low-shedding and low-dander qualities, making them perfect as pets at home. They can also be very agile, and they enjoy activities like swimming. However, they are frequently needy dogs. It means that you cannot leave them alone for long periods as they can suffer from separation anxiety.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom. It is also sometimes called Staffie. It is a short-haired dog that is small to medium in size. It was developed in Staffordshire, England, and northern parts of Birmingham. It originated by crossing the Black and Tan Terrier and the Bulldog. Over time, it evolved with the abundance of other breeds for modification of purpose whichin mid-19th century Victorian England, was varmint control and dogfighting.
This dog breed is loyal, devoted, persistent, and affectionate. It is a suitable dog breed around children, making them great as family pets.
There you have it, the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom. These are just a few of the many dog breeds that British people love. Among these dog breeds, which one would you like to have as a pet? Check out this top list of breeds in the UK from IlluminatingFacts.com:
