The Bergamasco breed's coat is the most striking feature of this dog. It is greasy, long, abundant and hangs down in loose mats. Coat colours include grey, black, Isabella (pale/dappled fawn) or light fawn. Large and powerful, dogs stand at 58-62cm when fully grown and females at 54-58cm. Adult dogs weigh 32-38kg and females 26-32kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Strikingly aristocratic, Bernese Mountain dogs are one of the most attractive of the Swiss working dogs. Boasting a strong and sturdy build, friendly disposition and a soft and silky coat with a thick underlay, this dog breed is cherished for being large and lovable.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Giant dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

Well-balanced dogs with smart appearances, Bichons are small and solid. Their jet black eyes and noses contrast against their snow-white coats and their tails are like plumes which are curved and carried over their backs. Their silky coats, which consist of spirally formed hair, give them the appearance of powder puffs. Adult males and females measure 23-28cm and weigh approximately 3-6kg.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

Easily recognisable because of their noble, wrinkly heads, droopy lower eyelids and long, pendulous ears, Bloodhound’s have powerful bodies and limbs, and are truly big dogs!

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A small but sturdy little dog, the Bolognese has a white coat that is described as ‘flocked’, never curly but distinctly ruffled looking and long. These amazing furballs are known to be affectionate but a bit stubborn at times. Bolognese are very loyal to their human families, but also tend to come with a personality twice their size.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

The ultimate herder, the Border Collie is a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog that is easily recognisable whether working or competing in dog sports. Known for their tireless energy, stamina and working drive, this breed is one of the most active and always wanting to please.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

One of the most popular terrier breeds, Border Terriers are small to medium-sized terriers with characteristic otter-like heads. Originally bred to help Foxhounds with hunting, these dogs are fast, love to dig and have a high prey drive.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Borzoi is the undisputed aristocrat of the canine world and with their elegant yet haughty demeanour, silky coat and long narrow head, they are instantly recognizable. The Borzoi’s coat comes in any colour other than merle, and is of medium length with a slight wave, and heavier feathering on the legs, undercarriage and tail.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A small dog with a short, square muzzle and erect ears, the Boston Terrier is strong and well-muscled with eyes which are fairly large, round and wide apart. Originally bred as fighting dogs, this unusual looking breed soon found its place in the hearts and homes of people across the world.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

Powerful and compact, the Bouvier des Flandres has a rugged and somewhat unkempt appearance, with a long, rough, matt coat, heavy eyebrows, beard, and moustache. Under the incredibly thick coat, there is a muscular dog with a short-coupled powerful build.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Boxer dog is medium-sized, very muscular, sturdy and deep-chested. They have a short muzzle and a slightly upturned chin.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Bracco Italiano is a large-sized, strong, muscular, active dog with a fine, short coat. They have distinctively shaped head, long ears, and well-developed jowls. They can be orange and white, orange roan, chestnut and white or chestnut roan in colour. Adult males are 58-67cm and females should ideally measure 55-62cm. Weight ranges between 25-40kg, in proportion to the height of the dog.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog