Breeds
English Dog Breeds
English dog breeds make up more than 80% of the dog varieties that exist today — in other words, most of them originated in the United Kingdom. Despite that, they stand out for their variety: no two breeds are alike!
Thinking about adopting a dog, or just curious? Get to know several of them, with photos and characteristics, below!
Old English Sheepdog
This breed is also called the Bobtail and is considered a native English dog. It's a variety suited to country life, where it was historically bred to herd flocks.
Do you like fluffy dogs? This breed is an excellent choice for you! The Old English Sheepdog has a square, sturdy body, with a thick, shaggy coat in gray tones with white areas.
Border Collie
This is one of the medium-sized English breeds and another variety used for herding. With a sturdy, athletic body, the Border Collie has semi-drooping ears, a bushy tail, and a short muzzle.
The coat can be long or short, but always dense and soft, coming in various combinations. It stands out for being an intelligent, active, docile dog.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell was bred in England starting in 1800, meant to be used as a hunting dog. It's a small but strong, very active breed; before adopting one of these dogs, consider whether you have the time to meet its exercise needs.
The coat is short and coarse, mostly white with black or reddish patches. It has a friendly, playful personality.
English Bulldog
Records of the Bulldog date back to 1630, when it was used as a fighting dog. Today, it's among the favorite companion breeds.
The Bulldog's body is medium, short, and stocky, with a flat muzzle and semi-drooping ears. It shows muscle and strength. The coat is short, coarse, and straight, coming in brindle and fawn combinations.
Welsh Corgi
One of the small English dog breeds is the Welsh Corgi. It has an elongated body with short legs, a bushy tail, upright ears, and a short muzzle with a friendly expression. Its personality is active, ideal if you like taking walks.
The coat is short and coarse, coming in black, sable, brindle, or reddish combinations with white areas on the head, neck, and legs.
Beagle
The Beagle is one of the English hunting dogs, having been used as a hound. If you're after a spirited dog ready for physical activity, it's a good option for you. Its body is athletic, with thin, strong legs, a fine tail, drooping ears, and a square jaw.
The Beagle is curious and intelligent, and loves exploring and being outdoors. Its coat is short and thick, coming in a tricolor combination.
English Bull Terrier
You'll recognize the Bull Terrier by its distinctive egg-shaped head. It was bred in England starting in 1850, but wasn't recognized by international kennel clubs until almost a century later.
Another physical trait is its solid, muscular body, with well-defined legs and a thin tail. The Bull Terrier's coat is glossy and very short, a bit coarse; it comes in white, black, and reddish, either solid or with patches of other shades.
English Setter
Another UK dog breed is the Setter, a medium-sized, elegant pointing dog. It's known for its upright head, square jaw, and drooping ears. It's friendly and playful, a good breed if you have a family with children.
The Setter's coat is wavy on the ears and straight on the rest of the body. The coat comes in a combination of two colors — black and white, red and white, liver and white — or with three colors.
Greyhound
The Greyhound is the fastest English dog in the world, reaching 65 kilometers per hour. Its body is sleek, with a wide rib cage, long legs, and a small head.
Its personality is friendly, and it loves exercise. The coat is short and very fine, coming in red, black, gray, sand, or brindle combined with white.
Golden Retriever
The Golden is one of the best-known dogs in the world, popular for its gentle, affectionate personality. It's a large breed with strong legs, drooping ears, and a square jaw. It also stands out for its kind facial expression.
This breed's coat is a mix of smooth and wavy areas, always dense and thick. The coat comes in gold or cream, with a few almost imperceptible white hairs on the chest.
Other Breeds From the UK
Here are other dog varieties native to England:
- Bearded Collie
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Manchester Terrier
- English Toy Terrier
- English Pointer
- Gordon Setter
- King Charles Spaniel
- Otterhound
IMPORTANT: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, nutritional or behavioural advice. Every dog is different, and only your trusted vet can advise you on its specific needs.