As a nation that loves dogs, it is unsurprising that Great Britain has produced some of the most popular breeds today. Many of these breeds originate from working dogs used for special purposes and as such, have retained their functionality even in modern times. They still work and serve alongside humans and continue to provide so much happiness and joy. Here we list 12 of the most popular breeds that originated in Great Britain today.
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium to large-sized dog breed that originated in the England/Scotland border region. They are known for their high energy, intelligence, and trainability. They typically weigh between 30 and 55 pounds and stand about 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick, double coat that can come in a variety of colors such as black and white, sable, and red. They were originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, but today they are known for being highly trainable and excelling in a variety of activities such as obedience, agility, and flyball. They are also known for their strong herding instincts and require regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Border Collie’s are highly affectionate and loyal to their owners, but can be reserved or aloof with strangers.
2. Bulldog
The Bulldog, also known as the English Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England. They are known for their distinctive wrinkled face, sturdy, compact build, and pushed-in nose. They typically weigh between 40 and 50 pounds and stand about 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as white, fawn and brindle. Bulldogs were originally bred for bull baiting, but today they are known for being great companion dogs with calm and relaxed personalities. They are not as energetic as other breeds and are content with a moderate amount of exercise. They are also great with children and very affectionate with their owners. Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, such as breathing problems, due to their short muzzle and pushed-in nose, so proper care and attention is necessary to keep them healthy.
3. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England. They are known for their friendly, outgoing and energetic personalities. They typically weigh between 40 and 55 pounds and stand about 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a medium-length, wavy coat that can come in a variety of colors such as black and white, liver and white, and black and white with tan points. They were originally bred for hunting and flushing out game birds such as quail and grouse, but today are known for being great family pets and are also used as service and therapy dogs. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions, and are renowned for their strong retrieving instincts. They are very affectionate and loyal to their owners and can be quite vocal. They require regular exercise and activities to stay happy and healthy.
4. English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a large, athletic dog breed that originated in England. They are part of the Foxhound family of breeds, which were developed to hunt foxes. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and stand about 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, hard coat that comes in a variety of colors, such as black, white, and tan. They are known for their endurance, strength, and speed, which makes them ideal for hunting and field trials. They are also known for their sweet and friendly temperament, which makes them great family pets. They are not as commonly kept as household pets as compared to other breeds, but they have a great sense of smell and can be used in hunting and tracking activities. They can be stubborn at times, so early training and socialization is important.
5. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a large dog breed that originated in England/Scotland in the 19th century. They are known for their friendly, outgoing and kind nature. They are medium to large in size and typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. They stand about 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick, wavy coat that is usually a rich golden color, hence the name. They were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game such as waterfowl, but today they are known for being great family pets and are also used as therapy and service dogs. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions, they are also known for their ability to learn quickly and their eagerness to please, which makes them a popular choice for many dog owners.
6. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England in the 19th century. They have a distinct, egg-shaped head and a strong, muscular body. They typically weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and stand about 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. They come in two varieties, the standard and the miniature. The standard variety is the larger of the two and the miniature variety stands up to 14 inches at the shoulder. They were originally bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, but today they are known as playful and affectionate pets. They are known for being highly trainable and are often used in obedience and agility competitions.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is a small dog breed that originated in the Yorkshire, England. They typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds and have a compact, muscular body. Their coat is long, silky and typically steel blue and tan in color. They are a popular companion dog breed due to their small size and affectionate nature. They were originally bred to catch rats and other small vermin in mills and factories, but have since become popular as a lap dog and show dog.
8. Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that originated in England. They were originally bred for hunting small game such as hares, and are known for their keen sense of smell and energy. They are a small breed, with males standing at 13-15 inches tall and weighing between 20-30 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing at 13-15 inches tall and weighing between 20-25 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors such as tri-color, lemon, and red and white. Beagles are known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great family pets. They are also known for being curious and independent, and have a strong desire to follow their nose. They are highly trainable, but can be stubborn if not properly trained and socialized. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are well known for their distinctive vocalizations, the Beagle has a baying bark that is unique to the breed.
9. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small breed that was originally bred to hunt foxes in their burrows. They are named after the border country between England and Scotland, an area of land where they were mainly used for hunting. The Border Terrier is a small breed of dog that originated in the border region between England and Scotland. They were originally bred to assist farmers in tasks such as herding and hunting small game. They are a compact and sturdy breed, with males standing at 11-12 inches tall and weighing between 11-15 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing at 10-11 inches tall and weighing between 11-14 pounds. They have a thick, wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors such as red, blue, wheaten, and grizzle. The Border Terrier is known for being a lively and energetic breed with a strong prey drive, making them great for hunting and agility. They are also known for being affectionate and good-natured, making them great family pets. They are quite independent and stubborn, but with proper training and socialization, they are highly trainable. They are generally adaptable and can live in both rural and urban environments.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also known as the “Staffie” is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in England in the 19th century. They were originally bred for bull baiting, and later for dog fighting, but today they are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are a sturdy and muscular breed, with males standing at 14-16 inches tall and weighing between 24-38 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing at 13-15 inches tall and weighing between 22-36 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as blue, black, brindle, red, fawn and white. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for being an energetic and playful breed, but can also be stubborn if not properly trained and socialized. They are generally good with children and other pets if they are raised with them and have proper socialization. They have a strong desire to please their owners and can excel in obedience and agility training.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small and energetic breed of dog that originated in England in the 19th century. They were originally bred for fox hunting and are known for their intelligence, energy, and tenacity. They are a small breed, with males standing at 10-15 inches tall and weighing between 13-17 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing at 9-15 inches tall and weighing between 11-16 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors such as white, black, brown or a combination of these colors. They are known for being lively, playful and affectionate, making them great companions for active families. They are highly trainable, but can be stubborn if not properly trained and socialized. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
12. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound, also known as the St. Hubert Hound, is a large breed of dog that originated in England, France and Belgium. They are known for their keen sense of smell and were traditionally used for hunting and tracking. Bloodhounds are known for their distinctive droopy ears and wrinkles on their face. They are a large breed, with males standing at 25-27 inches tall and weighing between 80-110 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing at 23-25 inches tall and weighing between 60-90 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors such as black, liver, and tan. Bloodhounds are known for being gentle, affectionate and good-natured. They are also known for being independent and stubborn, but with proper training and socialization, they are great family pets.
