65 British Dog Breeds

When it comes to dog origins, there are few places in the world that account for as many breeds as Britain.

In fact, there are over 60 different breeds of dog with origins that can be traced back to Britain.

Some of the most famous British Dog breeds include the: Golden Retriever, the Bulldog, and the Bull Terrier.

But the list doesn’t stop there.

Without further ado, let’s talk about the 65 different breeds of dog that were originally bred in Britain:

1. Airedale Terrier:

The Airedale Terrier is often referred to as the “King of Terriers” for their strength, spirit, athleticism, and hunting abilities.

The breed is friendly and clever in nature, and makes both an excellent working dog, as well as a great family companion.

This mid-size breed of dog is bold, confident, and has plenty of energy that they need to release. They are playful, loving, and do well with all members of the family, including children.

Just be sure to provide them with lots of opportunity to run and roam, or they can become destructive.

2. Beagle

Originally bred as scent hounds, Beagles have a keen sense of smell that helps them to track small prey like rabbits and hare.

In many countries they are still used for this purpose, though many people also keep them as family companions.

When introduced to the family the Beagle makes a fun and outgoing companion. With that being said, the breed is very energetic and requires an owner that can stay active with them.

Though the Beagle has a happy and outgoing personality, they can also have a stubborn streak and are among the more difficult breeds to train.

For this reason, they aren’t always suited for first time dog owners.

3. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a unique looking breed of dog with a crisp, curly coat, a sharp tail, tasseled ears, and an arched back.

They are an extremely graceful breed of dog that are said to walk with a slight “spring in their step”.

While they were originally bred for hunting purposes, today the Bedlington Terrier is mostly kept as a family companion, as well as for show.

When introduced to the family, the Bedlington Terrier is affectionate and playful. They love being the center of attention and are very protective of the ones they love.

This breed is said to have a keen intuition, so if they are not fond of a person or a situation it’s usually for a reason.

4. Bloodhound

Best known for their wrinkled faced and droopy ears, the Bloodhound has a personality that almost seems to contradict itself.

The breed is docile but stubborn, affectionate but shy, and gentle but active. The breed has a keen sense of smell, but because they love people so much they make terrible guard dogs.

This breed is extremely active and requires a great deal of physical activity. For this reason, they are not suited to apartment living.

Bloodhounds also tend to slobber and drool – a lot, and can be extremely stubborn and destructive as puppies.

For this reason, they require a strong owner that can provide them with firm, consistent training.

5. Border Collie

The Border Collie is an extremely intelligent breed of dog that is happiest when it has a job to do.

According to Stanley Coren,  a professor of canine psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver- Border collies are number one with regards to intelligence.

This breed is extremely athletic and thrives when it is herding or taking some form of obedience or agility training.

They also excel in sports like flyball, tracking, and flying disc.

The breed has unlimited energy and therefore requires an active owner that can keep up with them.

They are an extremely intelligent and independent breed.

For this reason, don’t expect the border collie to curl up on the couch and snuggle – they’d much rather be given a job to do.

6. Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a happy and affectionate breed of dog with a wiry coat of fur and longer legs than most Terriers.

At home, the breed is loving and loyal, but on the job they are often described as “hard as nails”.

Originally bred for hunting fox, the Border Terrier is an active breed of dog with the speed of a horse.

Border Terriers love playing outdoors and love playing with children even more. They adapt well to apartment life, as long as they have plenty of opportunities to release their energy outdoors.

If you can keep up with the Border Terrier, you will have a loving, compassionate, and well-natured friend for life.

7. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a unique looking breed of dog that is often defined as having a “rough and tough” exterior.

But despite their rugged outward appearance, the Bull Terrier is really a lover at heart.

Though they do have a tendency to be stubborn, Bull Terriers are loving and affectionate companions who love to be around their humans.

Sometimes referred to as “eggheads”, the Bull Terrier is often defined as a “clown” and has a tendency to get into a lot of mischief.

The breed packs in a lot of personality and will always keep their owners entertained.

8. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a breed that is known and loved around the world for its thick, muscular figure, it’s loose wrinkly skin, and its distinctive pushed-in snout.

Unfortunately, the English Bulldog’s adorable snout is what causes a syndrome known as Brachycephalic Syndrome.

This is commonly found in dogs with narrowed nostrils and elongated palates and leads to labored breathing and yes, loud snoring.

But if you can tolerate their loud breathing and snoring, the Bulldog makes a loving, friendly human companion.

Despite the fact that they can reach upwards of 50 pounds, this doesn’t stop the Bulldog from thinking he is a lapdog. The more time they can spend with you, the happier they will be.

 

9. Bullmastiff

A cross of a Bulldog and a Mastiff, the Bullmastiff is a gentle giant in the dog world.

Standing over 27 inches at the shoulder, the Bullmastiff can come off as quite an intimidating breed.

And though they do make a fearless guardian, the Bullmastiff is also extremely loving, gentle, and would hold someone down before they would ever bite them.

In fact, this is exactly what they were bred to do.

In the mid to late 19th century, the Bullmastiff was bred to guard estates and game preserves. But rather than being trained to attack and bite, they were trained to track and pin poachers so that they could be apprehended.

So while this breed could pack a lot of punch in their bite, they’re much more likely to kiss you to death.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Bred from Toy Spaniels, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the largest toy breeds.

Standing no more than 13 inches tall, this breed is often defined as both regal and graceful.

A favorite among European Royalty and British Aristocrats, this is one of the rare breeds of dog that were purely bred for companionship.

And though the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known as a consummate lap dog, they are also very sporty and do well in sports like agility training and flyball.

They are also known as the “comforter Spaniel” and are often used as therapy dogs.

11. Clumber Spaniel

 

Originally bred for bird hunting, the Clumber Spaniel is an active breed of dog that can be found competing in numerous dog sports including tracking, rallying, and obedience training.

They are also often found in the show ring. When not engaging in sports, the Clumber Spaniel makes an excellent family companion.

The breed is often described as sweet and gentle, and loves to be around their family. The Clumber Spaniel has an easy-going temperament and is a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Sadly, however, the breed is extremely rare, and is currently listed as a vulnerable breed.

12. Cumberland Sheepdog

An early relative of the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, the Cumberland Sheepdog is a now extinct breed.

Little is known about the breed’s history, though it is believed that they were originally used as working dogs.

Very little has been written about the breed except for the description of the dog being very intelligent with excellent herding abilities.

The breed began to lose its popularity by the late 19th century, and by the 20th century, any existing Cumberland Sheepdogs became known as Border Collies.

13. Curly Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever looks something like a cross between a Retriever and a Poodle, but is actually one of the oldest breeds of Retriever in the world.

Originally bred for retrieving game both on land and in water, this retriever breed is an excellent gundog and a great swimmer.

Like other retrievers, when they aren’t working the Curly Coated Retriever is each gentle, loving, and affectionate.

Unlike other retrievers, however, the Curly Coated Retriever is much more independent. They are also extremely intelligent, though they tend to take more time than other breeds to reach full maturity.

14. English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed that is admired for both its good looks and its cheerful personality.

In their beginning years, the Cocker Spaniel was originally used to hunt Woodcock and other birds, which is where they derived their name.

The breed is often described as being “well-balanced” with a sturdy body and even temperament.

The breed has a lot of stamina and energy, and loves to sniff and investigate new things.

The English Cocker Spaniel is very loving, affectionate, and wants nothing more than to be around their family. With the Cocker Spaniel, everyone is welcomed.

15. English Foxhound

The Foxhound is a beautiful, graceful, and gentle breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting.

They are still commonly used for this purpose today, and are also commonly found in Foxhound Performance Trials to assess their hunting skills.

Though the Foxhound is a loving, social, and affectionate breed, they are rarely found as human companions.

This is a working dog that loves the hunt. He is prized for his stamina and his ability to track with his excellent sense of smell.

For those who do decide to take him in as a pet, just know that this is not a lazy breed. English Foxhound requires lots of exercise and outdoor time. They are not suited to apartment living.

16. English Mastiff

 

Weighing up to 230 pounds, the English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world.

They are also one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world with their ancestors dating back to over 5000 years ago.

Back then, Mastiffs were ferocious dogs of war. But today, despite their intimidating size and appearance, the English Mastiff is really a gentle giant who is both docile and dignified.

Still, you don’t want to mess with the family of an English Mastiff.

Though they are gentle at heart, they won’t think twice to protect the ones they love. They make loving family companions and excellent guard dogs – if you can handle the massive amount of drool that they fling around!

17. English Setter

The English Setter is an extremely beautiful and elegant breed of dog.

They were named after the practice of “setting” which involved crouching down low when they found birds so that their hunters could catch them.

Today, the English Setter is known as the gentleman dog and makes an excellent choice for any type of pet owner – even beginners.

The breed is commonly known for their speckled coat (referred to as “belton”) that comes in liver, lemon, and orange colors that are unique to the breed.

They are very loving and affectionate, and also do well with children and pets.

18. English Springer Spaniel

Standing between 19-20 inches tall, the English Springer Spaniel is a sporty hunting dog that has long been bred to work beside humans.

The breed lives for the hunt but also does well in other sports like agility training, tracking, and obedience trials. They are a very active breed and require plenty of time outdoors.

Aside from the fact that the English Springer Spaniel makes an excellent hunting companion, they also make an excellent family companion. The breed is loving, mild-mannered, and enjoys spending time with the family.

They make an excellent choice for first-time dog owners because not only are they intelligent, they are also eager to please their owners. This makes them a breeze to train.

19. English Toy Terrier

The English Toy Terrier is a breed that bears a striking resemblance to the Miniature Pinscher.

And while they look very similar, they are actually two distinct breeds.

In fact, while the Miniature Pinscher is a pretty popular breed, it’s unlikely that you’ve ever even seen an English Toy Terrier.

This is a very rare and vulnerable breed, and a difficult one to find.

If you are lucky enough to find an English Toy Terrier, you will find a loyal and affectionate breed that is very intelligent.

English Toy Terriers make ideal family pets and love playing with children. With that being said, they do have a stubborn side too.

20. English Water Spaniel

The English Water Spaniel, not to be confused with the American Water Spaniel, is a breed of dog that has been extinct since the beginning of the 20th century.

The last known English Water Spaniel was seen in the 1930s and was described as having curly, white and tan hair. The white and tan pattern was common for this breed.

The breed was said to be excellent in the water, as well as a very skilled retriever. It was also described as very intelligent, easy to train, people-oriented, and affectionate.

21. English White Terrier

The English White Terrier is another extinct breed of dog that was believed to have existed in Great Britain since the late 18th century.

The breed was one of the first-ever to be bred purely for show. They were never used as a working dog.

Sadly, this breed was plagued with health problems, including deafness, and eventually died out at the beginning of the 20th century.

The breed was said to be very loving and affectionate but lacked intelligence and trainability.

 

22. Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel is a close cousin to the Cocker and Springer Spaniels.

Originally developed to retrieve game, the Field Spaniel is still known for its prized hunting abilities today.

But despite the fact that they still have the ability to hunt and retrieve, most field Spaniels are no longer used as working dogs and are rather seen as family companions or show dogs.

The Field Spaniel is described as being a “sensitive soul” with lots of love to give. They are affectionate, gentle, and docile breeds of dog that enjoy spending time with the entire family.

23. Flat-coated Retriever

Originally developed as a retrieving dog, the Flat-coat retriever is known as an excellent hunter both on land and in water.

Though you will find them in many family homes across the globe, they are still used for their retrieving abilities in many areas.

Inside the home, the Flat-coated Retriever is a happy-go-lucky companion that loves to run and play.

They are commonly found competing in obedience training, rallies, and agility sports, but are also prized as gentle therapy dogs.

24. Jack Russell Terrier

Originally bred to hunt fox, the Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless, courageous breed of dog that loves to work – and dig.

The breed got their name from the man that bred them, Parson John Russell, who went by the name “Jack”. Many people love the Jack Russell Terrier for his happy-go-lucky personality, enthusiasm, and determination.

Having said that, though the Jack Russell Terrier might at first come across as an excellent “beginners” dog, this breed should be left to the professionals.

Jack Russells can be very charming, but they are also very strong-willed, independent, and stubborn. They are among one of the more difficult breeds to train.

25. King Charles Spaniel

The King Charles Spaniel is often confused with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. And while the two do share many similarities, there are also some differences between them.

Both dogs share the same coat colors but the King Charles Spaniel has a heavier coat than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Cavalier Spaniels are also slightly larger than King Charles Spaniels and have longer muzzles with an upturned nose.

In terms of temperament, both breeds are very similar.

The King Charles Spaniel is loving, loyal, and affectionate. They are playful but don’t require large amounts of exercise. They are also extremely intelligent and easy to train.

26. Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terriers have long been bred to work in packs to hunt down foxes that prey on sheep.

In 1921 after the England Lakeland Terrier Association was formed, the breed started going by several different names including the Fell Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. They were soon not only used for working, but also for the show ring.

In terms of personality, the Lakeland Terrier is often described as a “large dog in a small package”. They are confident and bold, yet friendly and affectionate at the same time.

This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners as they will try to rule the house if they do not have a confident owner who can establish themselves as the leader of the pack.

27. Lancashire Heeler

 

The Lancashire Heeler is a breed that has long been used to work cattle but that also has a strong instinct for chasing rabbits and rats.

The breed bears a strong resemblance to their cousins, the Corgi, and are known for being stubborn and a little bit mischievous.

The breed is generally friendly towards humans but can be aggressive towards other dogs.

They are very intelligent but because of their stubbornness, they can also be difficult to train. They were listed as a vulnerable breed in 2003 but have since started to make a comeback in Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, and the US.

 

28. Lucas Terrier

The Lucas Terrier is a small breed of dog that comes in varieties of tan, white, or black and tan. The breed is full of energy and is always ready to attack life with enthusiasm.

The breed thrives when spending time with their family and enjoys anything from walks, to puzzles, to agility, and obedience training.

Sadly the Lucas Terrier is a very rare breed of dog, with numbers of less than 500 in the UK and even less in the United States.

They are not currently recognized by any breed organizations like the AKC or UKC.

29. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is named after the place in which it was originally bred, Manchester, England.

The breed was originally created to entertain men in the sports of rat killing and rabbit coursing. The breed is not to be confused with the Mini Doberman Pinscher, despite their very similar appearance.

Though the Manchester Terrier is a smaller breed of dog, it packs a lot of punch in its personality.

The breed is described as loyal, well-mannered and makes a very good guard dog.

They make excellent family companions but look out because this breed also has a very mischievous side that can get them into trouble.

 

30. Norfolk Spaniel

The Norfolk Spaniel is a now-extinct breed that, when alive, looked much like the modern-day Springer Spaniel. The breed was said to have medium length fur and was more stocky and larger boned than other Spaniel types.

The Norfolk Spaniel was originally used as a gun dog and was prized for its ability to flush birds.

The breed was very common in the 19th century and by the 1860’s it was one of the most popular breeds in England.

Soon, however, there were debates as to whether the Norfolk Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel were two distinct breeds, and they eventually merged into one single breed, the Springer Spaniel.

31. Norfolk Terrier

Another “big dog in a small package”, the Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest of all Terrier breeds.

But though their bodies may be small, their personalities do not match.

A little dog with a lot of personality, the Norfolk Terrier is a peppy, feisty, loving breed that is always up for an adventure.

The breed is very similar to their close cousins, the Norwich Terrier, and share many of the same physical traits.

The best way to tell them apart is by looking at their ears. While the Norwich Terrier has ears that stand erect, the ears of the Norfolk Terrier fold down.

32. North Country Beagle

The North Country Beagle is a now-extinct breed of dog that got its origins in England.

Records of the breed are limited so no one knows exactly what the breed looked like, except that it appeared much like the modern-day English Foxhound.

But the appearance of the Foxhound isn’t the only way these two breeds are connected.

The North Country Beagle was thought to be a very popular breed of dog up until the 1800s. That is, until the English Foxhound took over in popularity.

Some experts claim, however, that the North Country Beagle never actually went extinct. Rather, it was just heavily crossbred with other species like the Foxhound, eventually creating one breed.

33. Northern Inuit Dog

If you were to ever see a Northern Inuit Dog, you might accidentally mistake it for a wolf.

The breed bears a striking resemblance to wolves, though in reality, they share no real DNA.

Rather it is believed that the Northern Inuit Dog was created through the crossbreeding of Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds.

Others believe that they were created through the crossbreeding of Canadian Eskimo Dogs and Labrador Huskies.

Again, though they bear a striking resemblance to wolves, their personalities do not match.

The Northern Inuit Dog is a loyal, confident, and friendly breed that lacks aggression and bonds closely with its humans.

34. Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is often confused with their close cousins, the Norfolk Terrier. Though the two look very similar, there is one main distinction between them – their ears.

While the Norwich Terrier has ears that stand erect, the ears of the Norfolk Terrier fold down.

Today the breed stands no taller than 10 inches, but packs a lot of personality into a small body.

Don’t tell the Norwich Terrier that they are a small dog though because they won’t believe you. Originally bred as ratters, this breed is courageous, brave, and fearless.

35. Old English Bulldog

When people think of the Bulldog, it’s the modern-day English Bulldog that comes to mind.

But the modern-day English Bulldog is not to be confused with the Old English Bulldog which is now extinct. (image source)

The Old English Bulldog is also not to be confused with the Olde English Bulldogge which is still alive and well.

The Old English Bulldog was a medium-sized breed that was described as alert, courageous, and confident.

They were much like the Bulldog breeds of today with the same loyal, loving, and docile personalities.

It was believed that the Old English Bulldog was derived from ancient wardogs like the Mastiff and was commonly used in the sport of bull-baiting and dogfighting.

It was once these sports became illegal that the interest in the Old English Bulldog declined, eventually leading to their extinction.

36. Old English Sheepdog

Known for his shaggy hairdo, the Old English Sheepdog is an athletic breed of dog that has long been used for driving cattle on the farm.

The breed has gained the nickname “bobtail” for it’s docked tail and is commonly found in children’s Hollywood movies.

In fact, the Old English Sheepdog has a movie dedicated completely to the breed called “The Shaggy Dog”.

In the home, Old English Sheepdogs make loving companions. They are intelligent and protective, and are said to have an excellent sense of humor.

They are very well-natured and do well with all members of the family, including children.

37. Old English Terrier

Also referred to as the Black Terrier, the Old English Terrier can be divided into two specific types: the smooth-coated Terrier and the rough-coated Terrier.

The rough-coated Terrier was the first of the two types to be developed and was believed to have been established in the 17th century.

The smooth-coated Terrier was later developed by cross-breeding rough-coated Black Terriers and smooth-coated English breeds.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the personality or history of this breed. It has not been well documented in history.

38. Otterhound

The Otterhound is a beloved yet rare breed of dog that was originally bred in England for the purpose of otter hunting.

The breed was often kept by Kings and Squires to prevent the fish population from being eaten by the otters in the rivers and ponds.

This breed was so good at their job, however, that otters almost went extinct and the practice of otter hunting eventually became outlawed.

Sadly this breed is on the endangered dogs’ list with fewer than 1000 left worldwide.

Otterhounds that are still in existence are defined as being friendly, humorous, and clown-like. They make excellent family companions and are always up for an adventure.

39. Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier, not to be confused with their close cousin the Jack Russell Terrier, was originally bred in the 1800s for hunting foxes.

The breed was named after the man who created them, Reverend John “The Sporting Parson Russell”. They were officially named as their own distinct breed in 2003.

Despite the distinction between the Jack Russell and the Parson Russell, much of their personality characteristics are very similar.

The Parson Russell Terrier was intentionally created to be independent with an excellent capability to problem solve.

The breed is confident and strong-willed, and if not raised by a dominant owner they can quickly take over the household.

40. Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale Terrier is a relatively small breed of dog that was originally bred to hunt fox and vermin.

They are similar to other terriers in that they are lively, confident, and strong-willed. They have an abundance of energy and enjoy running, chasing, playing, fetching, and working.

Though the breed can make a great companion, they have a tendency to be stubborn and require an owner with a firm training style.

Early socialization is important to prevent aggression and regular exercise is required to prevent boredom.

41. English Pointer

The English Pointer is a breed of dog that gets its name from its ability to “point” out prey like birds and rabbits.

Their body is very resemblance of their name and makes them stand out from other breeds.

They have a long pointy head and a long pointy tail. The Pointer makes an excellent working dog as well as a great running companion.

When not working, the Pointer dog loves to spend time with family. They are even-tempered and fun-loving but also have an independent and stubborn side.

Pointers will not follow directions if they do not think that it is necessary or do not understand the reason behind it. For this reason, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

42. Russell Terrier

The Russell Terrier is a breed that often gets confused with its close cousins the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier.

Despite that they all have a very similar appearance these are actually three distinct breeds of dog.

While there’s a lot of similarities between them, the Russell Terrier is often defined as a smaller version of the Jack Russell. In some countries, the two breeds are seen as interchangeable.

In terms of personality, the Russell Terrier is energetic, playful, and humorous. They are extremely loyal and very smart.

The breed loves to hunt and is often found chasing after mice, rats, cats, or other smaller animals.

Though they are small, they don’t do well in apartments. This breed requires plenty of room to run or they can become destructive.

43. Smithfield

First introduced during colonial times, the Smithfield is a large breed of herding dog that is much like a collie.

They were originally used in England for driving cattle but were never popular enough to become known by any major kennel clubs. Today the breed is extinct.

When in existence the breed was larger and had the “shaggy” dog appearance.

In the home, they were described as friendly and protective but were happiest when they were given a job to do.

44. Smooth Fox Terrier

The Smooth Fox Terrier is very similar in comparison to their close cousins the Wire Fox Terrier.

The main difference between them is in the head, which is more V-shaped on the Smooth Fox Terrier than on the Wire Fox Terrier.

The Smooth Fox Terrier has a body that is small but athletic, and is a skilled fox huntsman.

The breed originated in the 18th century and was often used for hunting in conjunction with hounds.

The hounds would sniff out the fox, and then the Terrier would be used to go into the hole and flush them out.

Today the breed is affectionate, protective, and is best suited to families with an active lifestyle.

45. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a relatively large breed of dog but their body is compact and extremely muscular.

Many people are attracted to the breed for their rough and tough exterior but the personality does not match the appearance.

Though always ready to alert you when someone is nearby, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a real people person and is highly unlikely to ever be aggressive.The breed is very loving and affectionate, as well as very attentive towards people.

Though they may be aggressive towards other dogs, the Staffordshire Terrier does very well with children – so much so that they were given the nickname of “nanny dog”.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often defined as courageous, loyal, and playful.

46. Sussex Spaniel

The Sussex Spaniel is a breed of dog with a unique body shape that is long but sits very low to the ground.

The breed stands no more than 1 foot, 3 inches tall and weighs between 35-45 pounds. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Sussex Spaniel has a unique hunting style and seems to believe that slow and steady wins the race.

In the home, the Sussex Spaniel is friendly and even-tempered. They have a constant frown on their faces but their faces could be no more at odds with their real temperament.

The Sussex Spaniel is a happy-go-lucky breed that is cheerful, affectionate, and playful.

47. Talbot Hound

The Talbot Hound is a breed of dog that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Much of the origins of the breed have been lost in time, but it is thought that the breed originated in Normandy and was brought to England by William the Conqueror.

With that being said, the Talbot is now extinct and not much has been written about them in history.

In Medieval times, “Talbot” was a common word for an individual hound. It was not until the 17th century that we started to see references as Talbots as a distinct breed. It is thought to have disappeared somewhere around the 18th century.

48. Tweed Water Spaniel

The Tweed Water Spaniel is a now-extinct breed of dog that was believed to have been a cross between the St. John’s Water Dog and other water dogs of the time.

The breed was large in size and was well known for its excellent swimming abilities.

The breed was said to be very intelligent, loyal, and courageous. They were also said to make great companions and were affectionate and loving towards their humans.

Based on their history it is evident that the Tweed Water Spaniel was a very active breed of dog.

They not only enjoyed swimming but were also happy to accompany their owners on long walks or runs.

49. Whippet

The Whippet, commonly defined as the “poor man’s racehorse”, is an extremely fast yet very graceful breed of dog.

Like other sighthounds, they have a deep chest and a thin waist with a long neck. The breed has long been used in the sports of rabbit hunting and dog racing.

But just because this breed does well in dog racing doesn’t mean that they are an extremely active breed.

The Whippet enjoys intense spurts of running but when finished also enjoys lazing around the home for hours. The breed is described as being loving and gentle in nature with lots of personality to share.

50. Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is not to be confused with their close cousins the Smooth Fox Terrier. While the two are very similar in appearance, the main difference between them is their head shape.

More specifically, Smooth Fox Terriers have a more V-shaped head than the Wire Fox Terrier.

A small breed of dog, the Wire Fox Terrier is full of energy and is ready to put on a show at any given moment.

They are upbeat, happy-go-lucky, and friendly, and do well as household companions. While the Wire Fox Terrier is extremely intelligent, they are also very independent and feisty which can make them difficult to train.

51. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed of dog that is full of personality. The breed is commonly given the nickname the “Tomboy Toy” and is one of the most popular toy dog breeds in America.

One of the smallest types of Terrier, the Yorkshire is a breed that certainly doesn’t know it’s size.

Though it stands only 8-9 inches tall and weighs only 4-6 pounds, the Yorkie is courageous, adventurous, and always up for a little bit of mischief.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a good mixture of feisty yet affectionate, and will love to accompany you on an adventure or just sit and cuddle on your lap.

Because the Yorkshire Terrier is so delicate, they do better with older children.

52. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a gun dog and was bred to retrieve birds during hunting trips. They have a soft mouth so they can bring the birds back to the hunter unharmed.

Although bred for hunting, they also are wonderful support dogs for the disabled and work well in the law enforcement industry. Golden Retrievers also make great pets and are good with children.

This medium-large bred of dog has high energy levels and needs lots of exercise.

 

53. Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier hails from Wales and was first bred to hunt wildlife including fox and rodents.

These days it is mainly used as a show dog. At shows, they perform well, excel in fact, due to being easy to train and very smart.

The Welsh Terrier, affectionately known as a Welshie, has a very friendly nature and is full of energy.

This medium-sized pooch needs high-paced daily exercise. They are not suited to indoor living, but make great pets and are suitable for families with children.

The Welsh Terrier is a handsome breed with small brown eyes and cute floppy v-shaped ears.

 

54. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie, also known as the Beardie, is one of the oldest known herding breeds of dog.

Its history can be traced back to the 1500s.

It is widely believed it was bred from Polish lowland sheepdogs and Scottish herding dogs to form the bred of the Bearded Collie.

These days it is mainly used as a family dog and makes an ideal loving pet. The Beardie is a shaggy-haired dog with a trademark beard.

It is friendly and social and needs plenty of human interaction and exercise. It can handle all kinds of weather conditions.

55. Irish Red Terrier

The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of terriers and originated in Ireland.

It’s well-known for being full of courage and makes an excellent guard dog as well as a pet. Also, they can be trained to hunt or perform as show dogs.

The medium-sized dog demands a lot of attention, love and also exercise from its owner and pays it back by showing plenty of love and loyalty. 

56. Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier was named after it’s brilliant blue coat which is also curly and soft.

It was breed in Ireland for the purpose of hunting rabbits, rats, fox, otters and other pests but now is used mainly for herding cattle and sheep and also as a guard dog. 

The Kerry Blue Terrier is sometimes referred to as the Irish Blue Terrier.

While aggression was needed for the initial purpose of chasing vermin, modern breeders have tried to remove this trait from the dog while keeping the other popular traits it carries such as being energetic and loyal.

57. Glen of Imaal Terrier

This small dog originated from The Glen of Imaal which is an isolated valley in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains.

It was bred to hunt rats, badger and fox. This feisty hound would fearlessly take on animals bigger than itself and win.

It is often fondly described as a big dog on small legs. It doesn’t bark much and makes a great family pet.

It does love digging, as it was bred to do, so some garden space is recommended and perhaps training so it knows where it’s allowed to dig – not in the rose garden.

58. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This Irish-bred dog is a chilled out, friendly breed of terrier. It was bred to be used as a farm dog and now is well-suited to farm life or urban city living also.

Like all terriers, it does love to dig. It doesn’t need a lot of exercise but you need to put in regular grooming sessions to maintain a healthy coat.

Also, it’s very strong-minded so you need to initially train it well as a puppy and keep up training throughout its life to remind him who is the boss.

59. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier hails from the Scottish Highlands and was named after the area it worked in.

A Cairn is a pile of stones and was used to show travelers they were on the right track.

Farmers put the small terrier to good use on the harsh lands in varying weather conditions to chase many kinds of vermin.

It has a long history and is one of the oldest Scottish terriers and first working dogs in Scotland. These days it makes a great family pet and can happily live indoors or outdoors.

60. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

You can’t miss this little Scottish terrier with its long body, short legs and crown of fluffy fur on its head.  

This dog was bred to track animals including hunter and otter. The name, Dandie Dinmont, comes from a character in a book called Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott.

It is the only dog known to be named after a book character. There are many conflicting theories about how it was originally bred.

It doesn’t need too much rigorous exercise or too much grooming but likes to have companionship. 

61. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is an independent, smart and strong-minded terrier.

It was bred to hunt animals such as badger and fox which lead to an independent nature.

For this reason, obedience isn’t a strong point. But it is very smart and reacts well to praise, rather than scolding.

With its short legs, it will be happy with a short daily walk, and it won’t need to be too far. This brave and loyal dog will live up to the name of man’s best friend. 

62. Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is a rare Welsh breed that was a working dog designed to hunt otters, badgers and fox.

It was breed in the mid-to-late-19th century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire.

It is believed the breeding process was involved with the following breeds to produce the Sealyham Terrier: Cheshire terrier (extinct), Corgis, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Wire Haired Fox Terriers and Bull Terriers.

They are lovely pets suited well to indoor or outdoor living and very loyal to their owners. 

Pet owners will need to invest time into training and exercising this lovable dog to keep it happy and healthy.

63. Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is currently one of the most endangered dogs in the United Kingdom.

This medium-sized dog is from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Otter, fox and badgers were its prey and reason it was bred. Nowadays it is a loyal companion and pet.

This charming canine does well with early socialization so it grows up to be a healthy, adoptable dog.

64. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is also known simply as a Westie. This one is clearly a comical and confident canine who loves life to the fullest.

It has a habit of putting its head to one side and looking at its owner with an adorable expression. 

The West Highland White Terrier is a very versatile dog.

Since initially being bred as a hunting dog, it has over the years been put to use for many activities and jobs including tracking, competitions, search and rescue and of course a beloved pet. 

65. Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel was bred to be a hunting dog and looks similar to many other kinds of spaniels in the spaniel family. 

They originated in the United Kingdom and were later popular show dogs. They are adaptable and easy to train due to their obedient nature. 

With a personality to match its adorable appearance, it is an easy-going, calm dog that enjoys the company of children.

They are easy to train and very motivated by food as a reward for good behavior. Also, they respond to positive encouragement rather than scolding during training.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, there are dozens of different British dog breeds, most of which originated as working breeds.

Some of the breeds on this list are no longer around, while others are some of the most popular breeds in the world.

But regardless of their status or personalities, we can definitely be thankful for all of the love and happiness that these 65 breeds bring to our world.

You can find dogs from Britain in the links below:

You Can Find Other European Dog Breeds in The Links Below