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Working dog breeds are canines on a mission. They love nothing more than a job to do and will work tirelessly to get it done. Here is what you can expect if you decide to bring a working dog home. Working breeds are dogs with a job to do and a body ready to work hard at it. But they show off plenty of different characteristics across the group: from agile guarding dogs, to gentle giants and sled dog, also known as the long-distance runners of the canine world. Here is everything you need to know about these beloved dog breeds. A working dog's job description Working dog breeds come from all over the world and are, as their name suggests, hard-working breeds specifically developed to excel in specialist, non-herding jobs. This is primarily guarding and protection for people, livestock or property - but they also include sledging, draught work and rescue. Many of these dogs could historically also turn their paw to other working roles where needed. Sizes and coat types for working dog breeds These dogs are all large or giant breeds, and have a variety of coat types depending on the country they called home and the jobs they were called upon to do. Larger breeds usually come from colder climates and this is the case with the majority of this group. The natural instincts of working dog breeds Like all the different breeds, working dogs utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that humans have developed them to do. Their instincts have been honed to perfection by successive breeding to watch for intruders and then take the necessary action. Working breeds vary in how they use these instincts. Guarding dog breeds are extremely watchful and always on the alert for intruders or anything that could threaten their charges. Once an intruder or danger is spotted, they vary in their response as to whether they stalk it and then chase, or if they just chase. Once they have caught up to their target, they might grab-bite to stop them or bite far harder to disable them (or in the case of the Bullmastiff, pull them to the ground and sit on them!). But not all of the working breeds guard. Some (Bernese and Newfoundland as examples) are known as the gentle giants of the dog world even though they are equally hard-workers. While others, such as the sled dogs, are the long-distance runners of the dog world. Bear in mind that the predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for working dog breeds, which means they will need an outlet for these hard-wired instincts to manifest. However, don't think you need a country estate for your dog to protect or an arctic wasteland to sledge over, but it does mean that you need to be aware of these natural instincts and work hard to make sure your dog is fulfilled, happy and is a safe member of canine society. Working dog breeds' behaviour and personality In order to do their job successfully, working breeds have particular skills and characteristics. Strong and determined Many working breeds would be expected to confront any threat to their charges and so most are fully able to walk the walk and not just bark the bark! Others may be called upon to pull sledges or heavy carts which needs both strength and stamina. But whether sledging or seeing off intruders, working breeds are the 'never give up' members of t

Utility dog breeds are a somewhat miscellaneous category, created to group together dogs that don't fit into other dog groups. Here is why they don't belong to a particular group and how to discover the personality traits of a utility dog. Some of the most loved and well-recognised dogs sit in this category, so chances are this is where you'll find your perfect companion. A utility dog's job description This is the group that consists of all the breeds that don't fit anywhere else! Usually they are the 'ultra-specialists' that have been developed in a very specific geographical area, situation or to work within a unique profession. As such, there aren't breed characteristics and so owners have to look at their individual jobs to find out what these dogs are going to be like to live with. Utility dog breeds include dogs with jobs as diverse as running alongside fire engines and the carriages of nobility, attracting ducks, an early warning system for barge owners and monks, companions, fighting, and being an emergency Sunday dinner or fur coat!

Your dog is unique and they deserve a moniker just as special. We've put together the list so just go and find that unusual and unique dog name you're after. You're getting a new puppy - congratulations! Now on to the fun task of finding the perfect name for your new best friend. But you don't want something obvious - your dog is as unique as you are. To help, we've done the research and put together some of the best unusual dog names out there. Here is a list of unique dog names you wish you had come up with yourself: Male unusual dog names 1. Brooklyn Is your dog's personality cool, tough and unapologetic? Brooklyn might be the unusual dog name you are after. It's a great fit for a dog matching this famous New York neighbourhood's vibe, but it can also be a truly clever tongue-in-cheek nickname for a pup that is the total opposite, a sweet and innocent blob of fur. However you choose to play the naming game, Brooklyn is a great name with a nice ring to it and you won't mind saying it again and again, even when your Brooklyn pup is giving you some attitude. 2. Brian This is as unusual as dog names can get. No dog looks like a Brian and this is exactly the point. Just tell your friends they must meet Brian and the last thing they'll expect is a tail-wagging quadruped walking through the door. It also works great as a tribute to the vastly intelligent dog in Family Guy - Brian Griffin. So if you're a fan of his dry humour, this is the unusual dog name you're looking for. 3. Truffle Rare, precious and very sought after, the valuable truffles can give you the inspiration you are after to find the perfect unique dog name. Plus, once you start saying it out loud a few times, it starts to really make sense as a pup name. Give it a go! Female unusual dog names 4. Fifi What a great name for a posh, elegant dog that oozes classy vibes. It's one of the most affectionate names out there and it suits perfectly a small or medium-sized pup with some personality. Fifi is definitely the one to keep in mind if you prefer the cute unusual dog names. 5. Ruby This unusual dog name takes inspiration from a famous precious gem and is bound to give your treasured dog one of the most sophisticated names out there. Take a look at your dog and you'll instantly know if they are a Ruby. 6. Vesper Vesper is an elegant and classy name you perhaps heard for the first time in the James Bond movie Casino Royale. For all the pup owners that love a good meaning behind their dog's name, this might be the one. Vesper means "evening star" in Latin and it's particularly suited to give a dark pup an extra aura of mystery and sophistication. Plus, it just sounds great whenever you say it out loud. Famous unusual dog names 7. Einstein Yes, we all think our canine friends are smart and nothing short of genius. The way they understand what we're saying and sometimes even how we're feeling can easily surpass some of our human peers' abilities. If that fits your new furball, your dog's unusual name should be Einstein. 8. Churchill If you've got a serious, stately pup on your hands you should take a chance on Churchill. To try it out, call your dog by saying 'Churchill' out loud a few times. If you're getting their attention, chances are this is the winner. 9. Pollock Jackson Pollock is the famous American painter known for creating his art by pouring and splashing paint onto his horizontal canvass. If you just brought your new puppy home and the first thing they do is find a pool of mud, dive right into it and then splash your pristine carpets and furniture with full enthusiasm, no need to look any further for that unique dog name. Cute unusual dog names 10. Arrow Is your new canine friend a dog on a mission, always going after their target even when fences or people are in their way? What better dog name than Arrow? Short and sweet, your dog will learn it's them you're shouting after in no time. It might not always stop an enthusiastic dog chasing their target, but this unique dog name will definitely match their dedication to get whatever they are after. 11. Happy Does your tail-wagging companion need a name to match the good mood they bring into the room? Why not go straight for the feeling you had when you first held them into your arms? Happy is one of the sweetest monikers a pet can have - we say that's a winner. 12. Salty Some dogs become easily agitated over the smallest things. For those dogs there is a perfect pet moniker. If your new dog is fussy and always putting on a show when things don't go their way, Salty is the unusual dog name to go for. 13. Bestie Your new dog will definitely become your new bestie. It's just what dogs are for, right? So why not state the obvious? Bestie is short, cute and tells the whole world you're happy you found each other. Colourful unusual dog names 14. Coconut Coconut is the perfect name for those white and fluffy dogs, but you can also turn it into an unusual dog name and choose it for pups with dark fur too. Plus, you can always shorten it to the sweet nickname "Coco" whenever your dog deserves a good-deed petting. 15. Ivory Ivory might seem a strange idea at first, but after all, you are looking for unique dog names. Take inspiration from the creamy-white material found in fine art or jewellery and give your dog a name worthy of their good looks. Plus, you can always shorten it to Ivy when you want to show your affection with a cute term of endearment.

Dogs are forever loyal to their people and always willing to help us in times of need. This fierce loyalty and love to please means they make great assistance dogs for those with disabilities, impairments or mental health disorders. Read our guide to find out more about the different types of service dogs and the incredible jobs they do. Dogs are truly amazing. They're our faithful companions and provide us with companionship and love, all throughout their lives. This impressive loyalty and love of humans also means that they make wonderful aids to those with special needs and disabilities, as they're always willing to lend a helping paw to those who need it. Service and assistance dogs are often a lifeline to their handlers, offering more freedom and a boost to overall wellbeing. Keep reading to find out more about the types of service dogs and the amazing jobs they do.

Toy dog breeds are the ultimate companions in the canine world. But there is more to them than their tiny demeanour. If you're considering adding a toy dog to the family, here is what you need to know. Toy dog breeds have the unique ability to make us fall in love with them at first sight. They're tiny, never too far behind their owner and with a resolute determination to spend hours in their lap if given the chance. They're the perfect companion by nature, but there are a few things to know before adding them as a new member to the family. A toy dog's job description Unlike most of the other groups, toy breeds were not generally bred to work. While dogs such as the pastoral breeds or the gundogs were developed by utilising their natural canine hunting/scavenging behaviours to do various jobs, this group was developed from the natural social needs of the dog - especially their ability to bond closely to humans. This group is formed of small to tiny dogs from around the world who have been bred as companions - even if a few may have come from originally working ancestors. In most cases they were companions to wealthy ladies or royalty (or in some instances, religious orders). Toy dog sizes and coat types Given their cute name, there is no surprise that toy dogs are rather small companions. They come in various coat types - from the long and flowing like the silky Maltese to the wiry and unkempt Bichon with just about everything in-between. Toy dog breeds natural instincts Toy breeds were not expected to work in any other capacity than as companions (and in a few cases as an early warning system) and so generally have a fairly weak predatory instinct, being happy instead to be close companions. Those that were developed from working dogs (in some cases terriers) may however still retain these instincts.

Dogs are super intelligent animals, they can learn a huge amount of human language and can even understand your moods! But did you know that some dog breeds are smarter than others? Keep reading to find out what the top 5 smartest dog breeds are. Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals. Not only can our dogs learn and react to a wealth of human language, they also seem to be able to understand our moods. But did you know that some breeds are smarter than others? When it comes to deciding which dogs are smart and which are bottom of the class, it isn't as simple as you'd think. Dog IQ tests are mostly based on a dog's desire to get treats or toys, so the results are often coloured by how treat-driven the dog is. Over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years, dogs have been bred to be specialists at doing certain jobs, so some breeds excel at certain skills more than others. For example, Bloodhounds can follow a week-old scent for over 100 miles, while Border Collies are incredibly talented when it comes to showing off their tricks and agility. However, some dog breeds are particularly good at learning new things, including tricks and commands. So, we've put together a list of the top five smartest dog breeds from around the world.

Intelligent, strong but obedient, these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds will be happy to become part of the family. Find out more about their personalities and what it takes to be their owner. Wolves are majestic creatures that never cease to fascinate us. Perhaps because we've always had them in our homes, wrapped in the myth and mystery of our bedtime stories, art and film, we want wolf-dog breeds physically in our lives too. After all, they are the wild alter-ego of a pet pooch - powerful and fearless. The good news is that you don't need to be Little Red Riding Hood to have a wolf in your home, with these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds. There are many dogs that look like wolves, with long pointed muzzles, thick fur and bushy tails. And the good news is that they make great family pets. They're quite energetic and love long walks and playing games with their owners. Dog breeds that look like wolves 1. Siberian Husky The striking looks of Siberian Huskies have made them one of the most recognisable canines out there. Their stunning eyes, compact bodies and upright ears remind us of their wolf ancestors, but their playful and friendly personality helps them make fast friends with anyone. Siberian Huskies are athletic, full of energy and love to have a job to do. That's no surprise considering they used to be reliable sleigh dogs. So before taking a Husky home, make sure you have a solid plan for daily exercise, fun games and brain-teasing challenges to keep them occupied. 2. Alaskan Malamute Another strong-headed dog that looks like a wolf, the Alaskan Malamute is just as handsome as the Husky. Bigger and slightly fluffier, Alaskans will also know their way around a sled. But if you don't have one, they will be happy to spend their energy doing plenty of running, hiking and exploring all the world has to offer. Their double coat might seem an unstoppable fur machine, but these wolf dogs are such friendly and joyful pets that you will quickly forgive them for the extra house work. Their muscular build makes them very strong. After all, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull heavy weights for long distances. Keep this in mind when you walk them on a leash or they will end up pulling you along instead of the other way around.

We love all the different names people give their dogs. So here's our fun and entirely unscientific guide to the characters of some of the most popular ones.

Have you ever wondered what breed you'd be if you were a dog? Well now you can find out! Take our quiz to discover which dog breed matches your personality here. Everyone has a favourite breed of dog, one that they've dreamt of owning for as long as they can remember. But have you ever wondered what dog breed you would be? All dog breeds are unique and possess characteristics that make them just as individual as different people. Want to find out what dog breed you are? Take our dog breed quiz below to find out which dog breed most closely matches your personality! Simply add up your answers and find out what dog breed you are at the end. Good luck! 1. What's your favourite way to spend your free time? a) Playing Frisbee in the park with friends. b) Treating myself to a spa day. c) Chilling out at home. d) Volunteering at a local charity. e) Planning my next big adventure.

If you are thinking of getting a medium-sized breed, but aren’t sure which one will suit you and your family- you’ve come to the right place. Somewhere between the tiny pups and the gentle giants of the canine world sit the most beloved medium-sized dogs. Discover them here. Small dogs are cute but they can be quite feisty at times. Large dogs are protective but can be a handful and may just drive you crazy with their love for fetching games. Sometimes the best of both worlds is somewhere in the middle. These are the popular medium-sized dog breeds. Not too big, and not too small - they're just right! The breeds on this list are all a similar size, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Here are some of the most lovable and friendly medium dog breeds. Best medium-sized short haired dogs Beagle – everyone’s buddy If you want a medium-sized short haired dog who’s a friend to everyone in the family, a Beagle’s the perfect choice for you. Happy and outgoing, these cute dogs love their people, but they are prone to becoming destructive if they’re not entertained, so always be sure to provide adequate exercise and entertainment. An important thing to note about the Beagle is that they’re scent hounds and have super powered noses, which can land them into a spot of trouble if you haven’t taught a reliable recall! Their impressive snouts have also seen them employed at airports across the USA sniffing out contraband, as their friendlier appearance makes them less intimidating than breeds such as German Shepherds!

Some dog breeds are happy with only moderate amounts of grooming and exercise, but don't think they'll show you less affection for it. Discover some of the most charming low-maintenance dogs. Low-maintenance dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Although some think that tiny breeds will make a dog owner's life a bit easier, some of the most undemanding canines are actually on the larger side of dog breeds. There is no such thing as a zero-maintenance dog, so expect walking, feeding, grooming and playing to still be part of the routine. But there are a few canines able to match hectic schedules better than the rest. These are the low-maintenance dog breeds. Discover some of the most popular ones, big and small, below. Low-maintenance dog breeds: the usual suspects Some dogs are just meant for busy owners. Whether it's their minuscule size that can make the most of a small garden, their coat that barely sheds or the minimal grooming requirements, the toy breeds are the obvious undemanding companions. Here are some of the loveliest small low-maintenance dogs you can have in your life.