1. Labrador:
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.
Size: Large.
Maintenance:
Labradors are generally very active, energetic dogs who require daily exercise. They are intelligent dogs who are eager to please so they are relatively easy to train. They don’t require much grooming as they have very short coats, but they do shed seasonally so they may not be suitable for people with allergies.
Qualities:
- Agile
- Keen
- Good with children
- Good tempered
- Adaptable
- Devoted companions
- Biddable
- Sociable
- Kindly nature
Drawbacks:
- They have a tendency to chew especially if they are neglected
- Need attention and companionship
Health problems:
Labradors can have problems with their hips and eyes.
2. Cocker Spaniel:
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Size: Small
Maintenance:
These are sporting dogs which are active so require lots of daily exercise. They are intelligent and responsive making them quite easy to train. Also they need to be groomed every few days and have their coats clipped every few months to keep it in good condition. They also shed hairs so they may be unsuitable for people with allergies.
Qualities:
- Good with children if they have been raised with them
- Sturdy
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Sociable
- Enthusiastic
Drawbacks:
- Can become over dedicated and clingy.
- Demanding and require a lot of time and attention
- Protective, this may cause them to bark which can be a problem.
Health Problems:
The show-type, single coloured Cocker Spaniel can suffer from a hereditary condition called Fits and Rage Syndrome which causes the animal to bite its owner or other normally trusted person.
3. English Springer Spaniel:
Life expectancy: 12 years
Size: Medium
Maintenance:
This is a highly energetic, active dog which needs rigorous, daily exercise. They are intelligent dogs and quick learners making them relatively easy to train. However, they do need grooming several times a week and their coat needs to be clipped every few months to keep it in good condition. They are also seasonal shedders so may be unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
Qualities:
- Good with children once they are raised.
- Friendly
- Biddable
- Strong
- Sociable
- Faithful
- Devoted
- Loyal
- Good companion
Drawbacks:
- Can be overly boisterous
- Can become dependent
- Have a protective streak so my bark, but this makes them effective watchdogs.
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier:
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Medium
Maintenance:
They are active dogs and need daily exercise. However, although they are very intelligent they can be difficult to train and are better suited for an experienced dog owner, who is assertive and confident, to provide consistent, firm training. Early socialising is essential to promote stable, even temperament.
Qualities:
- They are ok with older, gentler children.
- Strong
- Indomitable courage
- Affectionate
- Tenacious
- Fearless
- Agile
- Bold
- Devoted
- Loyal
- Alert
- Protective
- Reliable
Drawbacks:
- Has strong impulses
- Headstrong
- Digger
- Jumps high so needs to be contained.
- Chews
- Fighting instincts: they are strong and challenge other dogs
5. Alsatian:
Life expectancy: 12 years
Size: Large
Maintenance:
Alsatians are energetic so require daily exercise. They don’t need much grooming but they do shed so they are unsuitable for allergy sufferers. They are intelligent dogs so they are relatively easy to train and are often used by the police. However, they can be dominant and are better suited to more experienced owners and need to be properly socialised as they can be aggressive with other dogs.
Qualities:
- Versatile, working dogs
- Good with children
- Attentive
- Alert
- Tireless
- Keen scent ability
- Steady nerve
- Confident
- Self assured
- Courageous
- Resilient
- Loyal
- Independent
Drawbacks:
- They are protective which may cause them to bark or attack (they are often used as guard dogs)
- Aloof
- Serious
- Dominant
- Sharp
- May chase smaller animals
- May be aggressive or dominant towards other dogs
- Can whine a lot
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Size: Small
Maintenance:
Again these are active dogs that require daily exercise. They are ok to train and can be quite obedient. They don’t need much grooming and shed a little.
Qualities:
- They are good with older, more considerate children
- Affectionate
- Graceful
- Fearless
- Sporting
- Friendly
- Sociable
- Devoted
- Loyal
- Playful
Health problems:
They can be prone to heart problems.
7. Golden Retriever:
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Size: Large
Maintenance:
Golden retrievers are active dogs that require daily exercise. They are an intelligent, obedient, fast learner which makes them easy to train. Also they are very stable dogs which make them popular for use as guide dogs for the blind. However, they need grooming twice a week and shed heavily making them unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
Qualities:
- Powerful
- Good with children and families
- Confident
- Kind
- Biddable
- Friendly
- Stable
- Gentle
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Responsive
- Sociable
- Trusting
- Sweet-natured and loving
- Love company
Drawbacks:
- They tend to chew
- They make poor watchdogs as they are too sociable.
- Demand attention
Health problems:
They are prone to obesity because they love food and will eat everything and as much as possible.
8. Border Terrier:
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Small
Maintenance:
These dogs need daily exercise. They are relatively easy to train but they are better suited to more experienced owners. They don’t shed very much so they are suitable for people who are allergic but they need grooming weekly, with their coats being clipped every few months.
Qualities:
- Good with children
- Spirited
- Keen
- Friendly
- Alert
- Enthusiastic
- Determined
- Sensible
- Lots of stamina
- Curious
- Responsive
- Effective watchdogs
Drawbacks:
- They can bark a lot, especially at strange noises
- They tend to chase and hunt smaller animals so aren’t suitable if you have other pets such as hamsters.
9. West Highland Terrier:
Life expectancy: 11-14 years
Size: Small
Maintenance:
Again these dogs are active and energetic requiring daily exercise. Although they are intelligent they can be difficult to train so are more suited to an experienced dog owner. They need grooming twice a week and their coats need to be clipped every few months to keep it in good condition. They also need monthly bathing, but they don’t shed very much.
Qualities:
- Strong
- Ok with older, more gentle children
- Hardy
- Friendly
- Alert
- Self-reliant
- Adaptable
- Confident
- Courageous
- Inquisitive
- Protective, causing them to bark, they make effective watchdogs.
Drawbacks:
- Arrogant
- Stubborn
- Demanding
- Need attention, interaction and company
- Dig
- Can be possessive
- Doesn’t like cats
- Dominant with other dogs
- Chase smaller animals so unsuitable if you have other pets such as hamsters.
10. Boxer:
Life expectancy: 8-12 years
Size: Large
Maintenance:
Boxers require daily exercise. They are quite obedient and easy to train. They don’t need much grooming, but they shed seasonally so might not be suitable for people who are allergic.
Qualities:
- Lively
- Good with children
- Strong
- Loyal
- Fearless
- Self-assured
- Devoted
- Friendly
- Playful
- Dignified
- Steady
- Protective, so they make good watchdogs
Drawbacks:
- Distrustful of strangers
- Guarding instincts can make them bark or attack
- Crave and demand attention
- Headstrong
- Can be dominant and aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex
Health problems:
Strenuous exercise can add to respiratory problems as they have a short muzzle. They also have short hair so they require shade and are not good in extreme temperatures.
11. Miniature Schnauzer:
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Small
Maintenance:
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and easy to train. They require daily exercise as they are quite energetic. Their coats need to be groomed several times a week and stripped or clipped every 3 months; their beards have to be cleaned daily.
Qualities:
- Robust
- Good with children if they have been raised with them
- Alert
- Reliable
- Adaptable
- A good companion dog
- Loyal
- Protective: this makes them a good watchdog
- Devoted
- Friendly
- Sociable
- Versatile
Drawbacks:
- Headstrong
- Stubborn
- Barks a lot
12. Shih Tzu:
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Size: Small
Maintenance:
These dogs do not need much exercise: only occasional walks. However, they aren’t very easy to train. They need frequent grooming: 3 or 4 times a week, while their coats need clipping every month or two.
Qualities:
- Intelligent
- Ok with older, gentler children
- Active
- Alert
- Friendly
- Independent
- Confident
- They make good watchdogs as they are very protective
- Gentle
- Responsive
- Trusting
- Elegant
Drawbacks:
- Proud
- Stubborn
- Arrogant
- Fragile, so they aren’t good with young or boisterous children
- Haughty
- Can bark a lot due to protectiveness
Health problems:
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13. Lhasa Apso: Life expectancy: 12-14 years Size: Small Maintenance: These dogs are not very active and only need occasional walks. They can be difficult to train so are better suited to more experienced dog owners. They require daily grooming and their coats need to clipped every couple of months. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
14. Rottweilers: Life expectancy: 9-10 years Size: Large Maintenance: These are energetic dogs that require daily exercise. They are intelligent and ok to train as long as you are assertive and use firm discipline and consistent training so are better suited to more experienced dog owners. They need grooming on a weekly basis and shed hairs so they are unsuitable for those who suffer from allergies. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
Health problems: They can suffer from heart problems. 15. Bulldog: Life expectancy: 8-10 years Size: Medium Maintenance: Bulldogs can be active dogs that require daily exercise. They don’t need much grooming and they don’t really shed hairs so they are suitable for people who suffer from allergies. However, you will need to clean the folds on their face to prevent infection. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
Health problems: They are short-haired dogs so they don’t cope well in extreme temperatures. Also they can have breathing problems due to their short muzzle. 16. Yorkshire Terrier: Life expectancy: 12-15 years Size: Small Maintenance: Although these are energetic dogs they only require occasional walks. They are intelligent and quick to learn which makes them quite good to train. They need to be groomed a few times a week to keep their coat in good condition. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
17. Pug: Life expectancy: 12-13 years. Size: Small Maintenance: Pugs are not particularly active dogs and so only require occasional walks. They are not too difficult to train either. They do require daily grooming and their wrinkles need to be cleaned to prevent infection. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
Health problems: Their prominent eyes are prone to injury and infection. They are also heat sensitive due to their short muzzle and coat. 18. Whippet: Life expectancy: 12-15 years Size: Medium Maintenance: These dogs need daily exercise and are relatively easy to train. They don’t require much grooming either, but they may need a jacket in cold weather. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
Health problems: They have thin skin which can easily be damaged and makes them sensitive to the cold 19. Bull Terrier: Life expectancy: 11-14 years Size: Medium Maintenance: They are active and energetic needing daily exercise. They are not easy to train so are more suitable for more experienced dog owners. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
20. Bichon Frise Life expectancy: 14 years Size: Small Maintenance: These are curly lap dogs. They don’t need much exercise only the occasional walk, but they still need plenty of attention. They need to be groomed daily and their coat needs clipping every couple of months. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
21. Weimaraner: Life expectancy: 10-12 years Size: Large Maintenance: These dogs are also known as the Silver Ghost. They are energetic and need daily exercise. They also need regular grooming but they don’t shed much hair. They are better suited to the more experienced dog owner. Qualities:
Drawbacks:
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