The Foxhound is a large, powerful dog with a short, hard wearing and weatherproof coat. They have drop ears, a deep chest and muscular build with the strong tail held high. This playful dog is extremely affectionate and loyal, making Foxhounds amazing members of the family.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

The French Bulldog is an enchanting looking little dog who looks like a miniaturised but bat-eared Bulldog, and has the same flat face, short tail and smooth, short coat – but in a much smaller package. While small, they are muscular with a heavy bone-structure and strong legs.

Sadly, the breed’s popularity has led them to be irresponsibly bred so prospective owners should make sure they buy their puppies from a reliable source.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Small 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
• May require training to live with kids

An elegant, strong, muscular dog, the German Pinscher has a short smooth coat that comes in red, fawn, black and tan, and blue and tan. Adults stand at 43-48cm and weigh approximately 11-16kg.

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
• Medium dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non 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

One of the most easily recognised breeds in the world, the German Shepherd Dog is a muscular, alert dog with a noble, regal attitude. Agile and well balanced and carrying themselves with pride, the ‘GSD’ is a big dog with a big presence. Coats may be short or long but should not be excessively fluffy.

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 daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very 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 short-haired German Pointer is a large, muscular, noble-looking dog. Energetic and affectionate, these dogs might be difficult to handle for first-time owners, but they’re a joy to be around and will make a lovely companion.

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
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

The German Spitz Klein is a small, compact, long-coated dog with a typical spitzy head and tail curled over the back. They can be seen in all colours and variations. It should be obvious of the dog's sex – with males being masculine in appearance and females feminine. Adult German Spitz Klein stand at 23-29cm and weigh 8-10kg.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Small dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non 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

Medium-sized and compact, the German Spitz (Mittel) has the attractive foxy face and curled tail typical of spitz breeds. They have an abundant long coat, particularly around the neck where it forms a frill of profuse hair. Hair on the face is short and smooth, pricked ears are covered with soft short hair and the limbs are well feathered. Tail should be profusely covered in long, spreading hair.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Very vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-large hunting dog, slightly longer than they are tall and with a harsh wire coat that protects the body. They come with distinctive eyebrows and a distinguished-looking beard. These dogs are full of stamina, so they like to be kept active with lots of walks and games.

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
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

Strong, imposing, and business-like, the Giant Schnauzer is a powerfully built, square framed dog with a coat that is harsh and protective in texture. This working dog is an affectionate and loyal companion, but they’re also full of energy and stamina. If you don’t mind play sessions several times a day, this is the dog for you.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• 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

A tall and majestic dog, the Gordon Setter combines powerful size and elegance with a sturdy, athletic frame. Wearing a glossy black and tan coat, heavily feathered on legs, chest, stomach, ears and with a magnificently flagged tail, this is a strong dog able to hunt for long hours.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours 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
• Great family dog

Large and impressive, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a long, noble head with pendulous ears, a muscular neck and powerful body. Somewhat like a bloodhound but lacking the excessive skin, this is an athletic scent hound built to go all day. Named for their size and distinctive blue colour, created by mottled black hair on a white background.

The need-to-know
 

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

The Great Dane truly deserves the nickname “gentle giant”. These dogs are indeed giant, muscular and strong, but they have a friendly expression and a genuine desire to please everyone around them, humans or pets. They can be easily recognised due to their large stature as well as their long, rectangular head. Their short, sleek coat comes in a range of colours.

The need-to-know
 

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Giant 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